Cubist II sofa, R13900; Open Cube side table, R2500; Waitress coffee table, R1800 (all prices incl VAT)

So proud of our E-TV unit in white MDF, R5600 (incl VAT)

Another view of the window set up to show our Caravaggio pendant lights, POA. These beauties are available on order in different sizes and colours.

Our Tapered Leg server in white MDF & oak, R6800 (incl VAT)

And finally, our fabulous Miami sofa promotion is about to draw to a close. We have capacity for another 5 of these best-sellers and the orders must be in by the end of the week. The sofa will be upholstered in your choice of fabric from the Davos range by Hertex, please pop in if you want to take advantage of this fantastic offer.

Miami daybed in Davos (Colour: Slate), R11995 (incl VAT)

Love, Marianna X

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The shape of the Juuyo-Koi pendant lamp by Lorenza Bozzoli for Moooi (above) is based on a kind of chignon, a traditional geisha hairstyle. I love the japanese iconography depicted on the inside of the lamps – cherry blossoms are my Prozac – and I’d easily find a place in my home for these beauties. Converse just released their new Spring 2013 line, and I’m coveting these babies in a variety of Marimekko prints, (above). Check out the link which’ll take you to the Marimekko online store (the women’s apparel is great) and see how long you can hold yourself back from loading up uncle Visa.

 I love Rina Menardi ceramics and her bowls, vessels and platters would take pride of place if I ever opened a ceramic store. I’ve seen her pieces in a couple of shops in Milan and have always admired her handmade stoneware; the colours, shapes and textures are understated and so elegant. Google her exhibition at this year’s Salone del Mobile, in Milan. Really inspiring work.

How hot is this? The Mayor sofa was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1939 but never went into production for some reason. The good news (if you live in Denmark or elsewhere in Europe) is that Danish design company &tradition have decided to reproduce the sofa. Also looks damn fine in grey, see below…

I am extremely picky when it comes to rugs and any kind of floor covering. I’d rather have shabby floorboards or cement than live with tiles (urgh, except in bathrooms and the kitchen), a grotty carpet or some other bland and boring covering. For now, I’m very happy living with the white Nguni hide carpet that Jarome made for me, but in the future I hope to invest in a Nanimarquina carpet or three. I’ve loved this Spanish company’s designs for such a long time and these works of art below would pair well with my mostly white and cool blue and grey home – this palette with white floorboards and these massive bursts of colour (or contrast) are a match made in heaven.

Later, Julia

PS. Contact Klooftique for more information about Jarome’s bespoke Nguni hide carpets.

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So Lo daybed, R15995; coffee table in oak, R4800; Minima lights from R1150 and Bamaleke stools from R2200. All prices include VAT.

Lighting is key in winter and updating your fittings or shades can make such a difference to a room and won’t dent the bank account too much. We’ve just ordered some fab square lampshades (see below) which should be arriving in the next couple of weeks, and we are stockists for a wide range of imported lighting solutions, such as Cecilie Manz’ fabulous Caravaggio series (also below). Please pop in or give us a call for more information on the exclusive and coveted brands available in store.

Square lampshade, R450 (incl VAT). Caravaggio pendant, POA

Caravaggio pendants, POA

Caravaggion pendants in situ, POA

Another great winter deal is a brand new design of ours, the Sahara sofa. It’s roomy (2300 wide) and comfy and on introductory offer at R11995 (incl VAT).

Our Sahara sofa, R11995 (incl VAT)

And finally, we’re still mad about the Jump from Paper bags and we’ve only got a couple of these stunners left, so grab ‘em before they go….

Jump from Paper bags, from R350 (incl VAT)

Love,
Marianna X

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Vintage Market Trays from Love Warriors (©HannahLemholt)

It’s been one of those Mondays, I’m afraid. One of those days you should have stayed in bed with a cup of tea and the phone off the hook and the laptop uncharged, y’know? My mood is pretty much reflected in the images posted today which appealed to me in their stripped down, back-to-basics kind of feeling, and most of all their unadorned simplicity. Black and white is always a good starting point and is the kind of palette I always go back to when I’m confused and unsure of which way to turn, especially when it comes to interiors which is what this blog is all about. There’s a not-so-hidden metaphor in there as well, I think! Anyway, I found this amazing online shop which sells some seriously stylish stuff and these 3 images give a hint of the cool industrial chic they stock at Love warriors. I’m holding thumbs that they deliver to South Africa…

Fine Art Prints by Hannah Lemholt from Love Warriors (©HannahLemholt)

Another print by Hannah Lemholt from Love Warriors (©HannahLemholt)

And then whilst travelling deeper into the monochrome universe I stumbled upon the home of Swedish art director/typographer Therese Sennerholt whose home is a reflection of her work which is predominantly in black and white. There’s something very soothing and peaceful about the space that she lives in and the earthy textures and patterns take the edge of what can be an incredibly cold and sterile look. It’s so easy to get black and white wrong but she gets it so right. (Photography: Kristofer Johnsson via Design Studio 210)

Later, Julia

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Loving this low-slung coffee table in kiaat, perfect for quiet fireside suppers a deux or a spot of Scrabble.... R4820 (incl VAT)

Library chair in leather, R7500 (incl VAT)

Minima Lights by Jacques Cronje (can't keep up with the demand for these best-sellers!), from R1150 (incl VAT)

The Sahara sofa is a brand new design. It gets full marks for comfort and style and is the perfect place for an afternoon nap or cuddle. R12900 (incl VAT)

Miami Daybed, R11900 (incl VAT)

Love, Marianna X

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The Moooi exhibition at via Savona 56 (image courtesy of Moooi)

I’d have loved to have seen the Moooi exhibition. Wide empty spaces were transformed into colourfully dressed living quarters furnished with items from the current Moooi collection as well as creations by Marcel Wanders, Studio Job and Joost van Bleiswijk, amongst others. Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf’s powerful images formed an amazing backdrop to the interior environments, hence the exhibition’s title Celebrating a Legendary Friendship with Erwin Olaf.

The Moooi exhibition at via Savona 56 (image courtesy of Moooi) 2

The Moooi exhibition at via Savona 56 (image courtesy of Moooi) 3

The Moooi exhibition at via Savona 56 (image courtesy of Moooi) 4

And check out some of the gorgeous lighting on exhibit elsewhere at the Fair….

French designer Inga Sempe's cheeky aluminum and cast iron pendant lamps for Wästberg

‘Lit’ by Rodolfo Dordoni for Flos

'Circular' lamp by Studio WM at Ventura Lambrate

The 'Gem' collection by Tom Dixon

And some wonderful seating….

‘Allure’ by Matteo Nunziati for Molteni & C

'T 904' by Gastone Rinaldi for Poltrona Frau

Love this 'SW Daybed' by OeO for Stellar Works

‘Oursin’ pouffes by Hella Jongerius for Vitra

There is so much more mind-blowing stuff that I could post – Paola Lenti’s colour bursts of outdoor furniture, Nendo for Lasvit glassware (OMG), Danish Chromatism, Front for Porro, Seletti (soon to be able at Klooftique) – I could go on and on. But I’ll leave you with a couple of images courtesy of Vogue Living taken at the Missoni stand which was awash with impossibly beautiful daisies and trademark zig-zags. Swoon.

Missoni lounge

Missoni armchair

Missoni – perfection

Later, Julia

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We’ve just received the most stunning order of African artifacts and Nilfah has worked her magic and placed them artfully around the showroom floor. Do pop in over the weekend and take a look – these pieces fly out of the shop and it’s a constant struggle to keep up with the demand. Here’s a sneak peek….

Love, Marianna x

Malawian cane chair in cool grey, R2500 (incl VAT)

Mirror in pressed ceiling frame, POA

Makenge baskets on stands (also available in grey), POA

Cacti balls, R750 each (incl VAT)

Assorted wooden platters from Swaziland, POA

Carved waterbuck head from Swaziland, POA

Kuba cloth from Zaire, POA

A new version of the Miami daybed, from R11 000

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I love the whole shabby chic look but it’s tricky to get it right – too much of it can look twee and on the grubby side of vintage – but the owner of this home really gets it, just adding a touch of it here and there to create an interior that is stylish yet modern with just the right touch of whimsy. White, light gray and light pastel shades are used as the foundation colours with a mix of graphic and floral prints, old and new. A selection of toys, prints and furniture work well in every room, this is such a playful, joyful home to live in. Do visit the owner Nana’s blog at ‘Så fint Jag vill’ (‘As nice as I want’) and all pics here courtesy of lovelylife.se…

The living room features a fantastic art wall, great idea for fledgeling collectors

Lovely mix of fabrication and prints

My kind of mag storage

View from the kitchen into the living area. Stunning William Morris wallpaper...

Lovely patterns and textures, all living well together

Kitchen detail 1

Kitchen detail 2

Main bedroom – I see I'm not alone in my pom-pom obsession

So relate to this – rooming with the newborn....

Home office tucked into a corner of the main bedroom

My son loves this kids' bedroom, especially the colours

Hours of playtime, guaranteed

Kids' bedroom detail – the owner has such a good eye...

Later, Julia

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The Vipp table in gloss white

I stumbled upon this amazing table by Danish company Vipp. Made from untreated and recycled teak planks and popped onto a sturdy, powder-coated aluminium frame, this table has the raw, industrial look that I love and it would look so good in my living space. I wonder if they deliver to South Africa? Visit them online at vipp.com and take a look at their super cool range of homeware, especially their bins, which is how they got started…

Vipp table in matte black

The Vipp pedal bin (Marianna, this is for you)

I don’t usually blog about fabric but I am so in love with comedian and now textile designer Amy Sedaris’ collection for Windham fabrics which I saw on the fab Anthology blog a while ago anthologymag.com. The collection is called ‘I Like You’ and it’s as exuberant, kooky and fun as I imagine her to be and reminds me so much of the some of the clothes I wore as a yank tank kid – something about that Sedaris family… (Photo of Amy Sedaris by Todd Oldham for Anthology Magazine. Swatches from Windham Fabrics.)

Amy Sedaris

From the 'I Like You' collection for Windham Fabrics

Also from the 'I Like You' collection for Windham Fabrics (love this)

I’m a sucker for knots and the Knotty plaited floor cushion by Prague-based company Kumeko is just the kind of seating option I like. Inspired by traditional weaving and basket-making techniques, Knotty is made from soft jersey tubes stuffed with foam and I’m thinking of all kinds of applications right now. Hmmm.

Knotty by Kumeko

Knotty by Kumeko, aerial view

Also, take a look at their ‘Snug’ chair. Soft and pillowy, it becomes a cozy shell that envelops you, and you can even adjust it into a variety of positions by using the integrated belt on the top of the sleeve. How great is this? Visit kumeko.com for more…

The 'Snug' chair by Kumeko

The 'Snug' chair, close up. See the adjustable, integrated belt? Want!

Later, Julia

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Making summer last a little longer with a scoop of the prettiest pink

We’re enjoying a bit of an indian summer in the Cape right now and I’m loving the cool misty mornings that hint at autumn lurking just around the corner. I’m a winter girl at heart, so being drawn to pastels right now has nothing to do with winter denialism. In fact, it has everything to do with wanting to add colour to a predominantly white home without ruining the airy, contemporary, dreamy feel that I love. And what better way to do that than play around with touches of soft, yummy pastels?
I do think simplicity is key when you’re playing with this palette, unless you’re after the ‘shabby chic’ look, which I’m not. For me it’s no frills, no fuss – a very modern take. Take a look at some of the eye candy below…

Pastels on charcoal – a fabulous combination (image via Bodie & Fou)

Retro pastels, so much better than retro brights

I love the 'Nerd' chair by David Geckeler for Muuto

Subtle pastel shades add warmth without dominating a neutral arrangement

Frilly, but so pretty...

Even the more intense pastel relatives get me hot and bothered

I think those chairs look amazing in the soft pink and peach

More furniture by Muuto (am loving this Danish brand)

Later, Julia

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