Vintage Suitcase Metamorphosis

Being the vintage suitcase addict that I am, I thought this idea was brilliant!  To me, this chest of drawers is the perfect example of up-cycling done right - taking old items and breathing new life into them in a way that suits their original form.  My husband would argue that it's sacrilege to destroy the authenticity of anything so beautiful, no matter how clever the innovation... he hates "messing with imperfection", preferring the honesty of purity.  What do you think?  Do we risk the annihilation of time-worn character when we seek to improve on the old?

Image from here

Humble Touch

We really don't need much in this life... a roof over our heads, food on the table and people to love.  Lately, I've been really taken with the idea of the 'humble home'.  The economic doom of recent times has arrived on our doorstep carrying an unexpected gift... the realisation that a beautiful environment has everything to do with surrounding ourselves with things we find unique and special - our family and friends included - and nothing to do with expensive trappings.  

I love the interior above - it might be simple, practical and humble, but these things render it quite beautiful in its own right.  It is an interior that is totally comfortable in its own skin - it doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is.  I'm sure there's a lesson in there somewhere x

Image from here  

Designer Profile: Kelly Hoppen

I'm seeing a client next week who has described her aesthetic as 'Kelly Hoppen warmed up'.  It got me thinking about the elements that make Kelly Hoppen's signature style so striking.  I've decided it's the monochromatic colour schemes, the symmetry of compositions, the avid use of tactile materials and the pared back elegance that is not the least bit understated.  Kelly's use of proportion and space is spot on.  I can't wait to infuse a bit of Ms Hoppen's grand glamour into my client's home.

Tall, Dark & Handsome

This little wallpapered space is so stunning and stylish and sophisticated that I'm quite besotted with it.  The colour and pattern of the paper is so masculine... against the white trim, it is simply dapper darling!

Image from here

Angela Steyn Interiors

I feel like I've been having an affair... obsessing over a new love... sneaking behind your backs!  Actually, I've just been busy creating a new online portfolio for my interior design business, but it's taken so much thought, time and energy that I have neglected you all this week, for which I am very, very sorry.

BUT the exciting thing about this new development is that I finally get to compartmentalise my life a little.  I have always struggled with the idea of Wicker & Stitch being a platform for my professional self... I love that it is personal and quirky and totally focused on gathering joy and whimsy.  It is a place to soothe my soul where I can dream and write poetry and share the everyday goings-on of a creative little family.  So this morning, as I sit here in my PJ's with the Monkey chewing a power cord at my feet and a dramatic stormy sky filling up the windows, I am happy... and that is a thing to be treasured x  

Colour Scheme: Yellow, Grey & White

The combination of yellow, grey and white is the epitome of carefree, off-beat glamour... the scheme is sunny and casual while retaining an air of masculine elegance.  The studded headboard and Louis Ghost chair are perfect accompaniments... very sophisticated don't you think?

Images from here

200 Reasons To Be Happy

My hair is behaving.  Andre is cooking a roast for lunch.  The Monkey gave me kisses and cuddles.  The weather is amazing.  It's clean sheet Sunday.  We just mopped the floor... no more sticky feet.  The Magnolias are out in bloom.  I meditated and felt my soul fill with sun.  It's Master Chef Grand Final tonight.  I'm drinking my third cup of tea for the day... in my pink and white stripe cup (I'll skip to the end, shall I?).  I HAVE 200 FOLLOWERS!!!!!!!!

Lordy, Lordy me, I really can't believe it!  Thank you ALL for joining me on my journey... collecting bits and pieces of beauty and uncovering gems of whimsy and joy is so much more fun when I can share it with you.  I feel so blessed to be part of your world.

Here are some more reasons to be happy... colour, pattern, originality:

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5 Quirky Decorating Ideas

As you know, I love clever design and unusual uses of materials... here are some really quirky decorating ideas that are creative and easy to achieve:

1. Glass Bottle Chandelier

2. World Map Triptych

3. Cubby Hole Work Space

4. City Map Matt Board

5. Vintage Frame Tray

Images from here

Photo Trail

It all started with a hummingbird...

which led naturally to succulents...

which took me to a sun peep show...

I love photo trails!

x

Images from here