Showing posts with label French style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label French style. Show all posts

Sunday, September 14, 2014




I am working on my next alphabet post but stumbled upon this house that I just had to post about. I am probably a bit slow on the uptake and you have already seen it, but I just couldn't take the chance in case you hadn't!
Situated on the oceanfront at The Strand, Dana Point, California, it features everything that I love.... French style, beautiful antiques, pared down simplicity, muted colours, light, wood, linen, wicker and best of all, a pool table and giant TV's so my boys would be happy here too. They don't really mind about any of the other stuff!


European style architecture and a beautifully manicured garden against the ocean backdrop set the scene.

 

Beautiful light fixtures and artwork are evident throughout the house.


The living room opens up to let the ocean in and nothing competes with the magnificent setting.




The ceiling makes a statement in the dining room.


The kitchen is magnificent....I would cook up a storm in here.

 

 The inviting breakfast area off the kitchen.


Just love this!


A more formal sitting area. I especially love the fireplace and the wooden floors.


A pretty arrangement in white. 


 Gorgeous staircase.


A lovely tablescape on the landing.


 Beautiful furniture, flagstone floors and aged woodwork - one could be in a chateau in France.



The bathrooms are all beautiful. Sadly I couldn't find any pictures of the bedrooms but can imagine what they would look like.





And finally, this is where my husband and sons would mostly be hanging out.


You would probably find me hanging out here too, but I would be gazing at the view, not the TV!


I wonder how my family would feel about relocating to California?

Till next time


Sharon x

A Beautiful Beach House!

Sunday, January 12, 2014




You would be forgiven for thinking this home is somewhere in France with its unmistakably French style, but it is actually situated in London.
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I love the puddled curtains, the beautiful hanging lantern and the urns filled with dried hydrangeas
 
 

Mirrored panels have been placed on either side of the fireplace which make the room seem larger than it is.






The living room leads through the study area with its beautiful Swedish antique secretaire and then through to the kitchen, which was a later addition to the property.


The open plan kitchen dining area is filled with light and leads onto a gorgeous courtyard garden which you will see pictures of later.


The chandelier is the perfect antidote to the stark whiteness of the room.


The French settee is perfectly positioned to have a cup of tea or a glass of wine while chatting to the cook!


I love this table with its oversized chairs at either end.

 




The main bedroom is gorgeous and luxurious with its own fireplace and bay window. The half shutters are a good idea is privacy is required without blocking too much light.


I love the mirror above the mantle and the fabric lined cupboards on either side.


 
Many beautiful details.


This bedroom has a pretty French bed upholstered in a brown check.


 






The courtyard garden is beautifully manicured.


The built in seating is a clever use of space. Cute pug!


Love this!
 
 
 
I hope you enjoyed this little tour and wishing you a happy week ahead. Sadly the school holidays have come to an end and it is back to the grindstone for all of us. Thank goodness for the escapism that blogging provides - my daily therapy!
 
Till next time
 
Sharon x
 
Image source: Here
 
 
 

Perfectly pale and pretty

Sunday, December 1, 2013

 
It's hard to believe that this gorgeous home was previously a school with lot's of pokey rooms and small windows. The owners, self confessed Francophiles of note, needed space to accommodate their treasured collection of furniture and accessories and undertook a two year long renovation to create the home of their dreams.
 
 
A beautiful armoire topped with confit pots from a Paris flea-market and an antique leather chair create a welcoming feel in the entrance hall.
 
 
An antique coat rack, old kist and wicker basket housing sports equipment create a casual and lived in atmosphere.
 
 
Antique shutters from France are placed on either side of the fireplace in the living room.  Wood and wicker create a casual feel.
 
 
Two identical hunting tables from a chateau in Burgundy, are placed side by side in the dining room, perfect for entertaining large numbers of friends and family. I love the idea of the blackboard for menus or fun messages!
 

The marble topped kitchen island has a distressed paint effect which  adds character.


A dutch door with the top part open allows light to flood through into the kitchen.


An old kitchen scale and antique baguette baskets create an interesting display.


The main bedroom is calm and peaceful with it's soothing colour scheme. I love the vintage linen dressing the bed.



The neutral theme extends into the bathroom which is simply furnished. 


In contrast, the daughter's bedroom has a riot of colour on the vintage wrought-iron bed.

 
Colourful accessories and vintage furniture create an stimulating space for  a young girl.


I love the classical lines of the front of the house with the black shutters and slate tiles.
 
 
A collection of earthenware on a baker's rack, huge carafes in wicker baskets, kudu horns and statement cushions on the veranda, a popular gathering place.


 
The garden has a Mediterranean feel with it's olive trees and low walls.


I hope you enjoyed a tour of another beautiful South African home. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
 
Till next time
 
Sharon x

Source: Here

French Charm in Cape Town