A Passion For Proteas

Until quite recently, I wasn't a big fan of proteas. I felt that they were a bit fuddy duddy, not as cool as lillies or as pretty as roses. (Probably a bit unpatriotic since they are South Africa's national flower!) But all that has changed....I'm not sure if proteas have become more trendy or if I have become more fuddy duddy, but I can't get enough of them now.

When I decided that I need a light and bright painting to liven up this dark corner of my south facing dining room - an extra large king protea seemed the way to go. It then seemed appropriate to put some gorgeous king proteas in vases to seal the deal. What do you think?

I decided to do some searching on the web to see what others ways I could introduce proteas into my home if I was so inclined. This is what I found.

      

Protea fabric from Hertex....

Handpainted proteas on curtains by African Sketchbook...

Beautiful protea bowl by Mud Ceramics....

Embroidered napkins via My Pretty Things.... 

Exquisite bronze sculpture by Nic Bladen...

Table linen featuring pincushion proteas by Fynbos Finesse....

Ceramic protea candle holders via O.live....

Decorative metal protea via Mooi Goete....

Wooden Proteas via Millk...

Ceramic proteas by Michael Haigh....

Protea fabric via Constantia Fabric....

Brown paper hanging light via Hello Pretty...

Beautiful protea painting by Alma Horn

By way of atoning for my previous dislike of our national flower, I'm pleased to say that all these items featured above are proudly South African made!

Staying on the subject of proteas, one of the reasons they great make such a great cut flower to have in your home, is the versatility in arranging them. Have a look at these ideas...

A rustic arrangement in a wooden box...

Casually placed in a bowl....

A sculptural arrangement with echeveria and orchids....

Single blooms placed in urns....

Or in a simple glass jar...

In an antique wooden bucket...

A contemporary arrangement in an oblong vase...

A beautiful arrangement featuring a few different types of proteas... love this!

My favourite - a simple basket full of proteas.....

And finally, they can even be used in a christmas wreath.

So much to love about proteas.

Till next time

Sharon x

Protea

Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in Protea

A Passion For Proteas

Day 6: Love and Christmas

There is a lot to love about this time of year, and the magic of big city Christmas trees is up there on the list.  We took a little design field trip this weekend to celebrate the holiday season and stock up on some goodies.  Stay tuned for some of our finds.  In the meantime, here's a little Christmas decorating, Philadelphia style.

Thanks for the good times Philly!

Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in

Day 6: Love and Christmas

Day 5: Advent Calendars for Adults

We sort of thought our design countdown was the coolest advent calendar around for adults, but then we ran across this clever idea....

DIY Instructions @ Instructables

DIY Instructions @ Instructables

This would also make a fine hostess gift for the beer lover.  Hint, hint.

Don't like beer?  No problem, the wine lovers are covered:

Source

And here's one that is very adapatable...

Rethink Crafts

It may be 5 days into the season but not to worry -- you can invite your friends over this weekend to help you catch up on your countdown.

TGIF!

P.S.  If you are still looking for a "better late than never" advent calendar for your kids, Makezine has some great ideas all rounded up for you.

Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in

Day 5: Advent Calendars for Adults

Day 4: Alternatives Wreaths

Last year we had some fun with alternatives to the traditional Christmas tree.  We have nothing against greenery -- who doesn't love that delicious pine scent?  But if you want to skip the sprinkling of needles every time you open your front door, there are some lovely green-less wreath options to consider:

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

via House Beautiful

West Elm

BHG

House & Home

Smith & Hawken dried birch wreath from Target
Styled by Emily Henderson

This is Angie's Target wreath!

CB2

DIY via Design Milk

DIY via House & Home

And this one is for the birds:

Terrain

Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in

Day 4: Alternatives Wreaths

Day 3: Cozy, Glam Christmas

It does not have to be all about the red and the green this holiday season...

Luxurious textiles and touches of sparkle are glamorous ways to make your living space feel festive and cozy.

Z Gallerie

Anthropologie

Restoration Hardware

Pottery Barn

Anthropologie 

Anthropologie

West Elm

Pottery Barn 

West Elm

Anthropologie

Restoration Hardware

Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in

Day 3: Cozy, Glam Christmas

Day 2: #GivingTuesday

In honor of "Giving Tuesday", we share a charitable notion dear to all who cherish home:

Habitat for Humanity International

or

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia

And to donate unused building materials or home goods:  Restore

Here's to helping everyone enjoy the comforts of home during the holiday season (and beyond).

Happy #givingtuesday!

Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in

Day 2: #GivingTuesday

Countdown to Christmas: Day 1

It's become a Whittington Design Studio tradition to count down the days to Christmas with some of our favorite holiday decor.

This year we have some fun new things in store (including a design field trip to a favorite retailer), so be sure to check back every day this December for inspiring ideas to make your holiday house spectacular.

Terrain

We hope you can join us for this countdown to Christmas, Whittington Design Style.

Here's to a happy and stylish holiday season!

Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in

Countdown to Christmas: Day 1