This morning, I’m struggling to return to reality after my quick little weekend away over the mountains. When we got over the pass the cool, but sunny temps had turned to full-blown summer with 80-degree sunshine hitting our faces and beautiful vistas greeting us around every bend… Not to mention little luxuries like waking to [...]
While I’m usually an all-white kinda girl, if I’m going to do color on the walls, it’s nice to have it feel as serene and enveloping as this… This dining nook feels so peaceful, with natural light streaming in from the window, and the green extending from indoors to out. The simple color scheme is incredibly calming, [...]
Regine It is calming!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures That’s the color of my kitchen, love it!
Jessica I’m looking to paint my kitchen this color. Would you mind sharing the paint colors name that you used?
Franki Perfection! franki
Amy Peltier I am participating in a showhouse this fall. My room inspiration is Audrey Hepburn. These shades of green and turquoise are such a modern take on the traditional, expected ‘Tiffany’s Blue” you often associate with Audrey Hepburn. Love it and thanks for sparking the idea!
So, I’ve been thinking about little details in the office lately, and we’ve been considering using my pedistal desk (from Ikea) as a mini dining table or entry table for the space. The problem is, once you add in chairs it gets a bit crowded as an entry piece. Without chairs, of course, it’s only [...]
Chloe @Ergo-Blog Oooo!! How different?!? I like the cushioned stools in the 2nd picture! =) I feel like they would be the comfiest & you could totally have fun picking out the cushion designs & colors!!
Ryan Di Salvo Love it! As we settle into our new space starved Seattle nest this seems like the perfect solution for our kitchen. West Elm has some great adjustable industrial stools that could also serve double duty as a counter stools if need be. Thanks for sharing 
Acanthus Nichole The wood stools around the dining table in that first image are perfection. I love how modern it feels, but with the natural touch of the wood. lovelovelove
Krysta I love your site! You always happen to bring up topics I am currently struggling with. My fiancé and I were talking yesterday about new bar stools. This post was wonderful, thank you. xo
Meredith Mills We’ve actually used stools a few times recently for a more relaxed look around the dining table! These are all great examples of how to pull it off in a sophisticated way!
Molly {Dreams in HD} love the cushioned stools from the second photo, such a gorgeous fabric!
Rose I think they’re a great option-especially because they’re easy to paint & move around as you need to!
xx
Rose
Blonde in this City
Brittney I’ve been thinking about benches and bar stools lately. They look so great, and they’re so practical, but – just like you’ve pointed out – they don’t work as well for long dinner parties/extending sitting of any kind. I don’t know. TBD. These picks have definitely made me give bar stools another chance.
Deana Love this idea! I was just thinking of getting a high stool for my bedroom to pull up to my dresser when applying my makeup. The stools in the second picture, just a little higher would be perfect!
I am obsessed with the table in the last picture!
Deana
TesoriBelle.com
Lately I’ve been dreaming of relocating to a new apartment… something with a little more space and character, and above all, some higher ceilings! And when I do, I have a feeling these details may get incorporated… I have a mild obsession with sheer window panels. I love the way they filter sunlight (when we [...]
Ali Mackin These places are wonderful and love the idea of the sheer panels. Yes one can dream ; ) Check out my post tomorrow. I am sure you will find it very inspiring.
Ali of
jamie@[kreyv] I am dying over the curtains in the hallway…gorgeous!
Sara Silver Love this post; particularly the sheer window panels. They look beautiful breaking up the space in the long hall and I’ve seen them hung on either side of the bed to create a cozy feeling. Beautiful.
Franki I’m a fan of the harlequin pattern…planning to stain our deck this way…AS SOON AS THE WEATHER PERMITS! Come ON Spring! franki
Molly {Dreams in HD} i hear you girl! our apartment right now is totally temporary and has absolutely zero character. i cannot wait to relocate to a more permanent place {preferably with wood floors, original crown molding, multiple fireplaces, tall ceilings, and lots of windows}.
I’m always impressed with spaces that manage to make the most of a tight situation, but these two bring a whole new definition to the term ‘breakfast nook’… I love the sunlit corner at the end of this kitchen. The fact that it’s carpeted makes it extra cozy, (although I’m curious if it extends through the [...]
Mary Beth I love the first option from tobi tobin. Love the table and chairs. I also really like the shelves installed over the windows!
blair @ design that inspires The first option for sure. I think I like it most because it’s so high in the sky and feels like a tree fort. I could totally curl up with a cup of coffee and just look out the window for hours!
Yana I really prefer the first one. It seems like more of a nook space versus an addition to the kitchen like the second one. They’re both really nice. The first one has awesome natural light, perfect for making you feel alive. I love that about light.
Maria @ Inspiration Affirmation That is a tough choice, but I prefer the top kitchen nook. There’s something really quaint and sweet about it but at the same time I would feel pretty fancy eating my eggs and toast in one of those gorgeous armchairs.
Margaret The first set up would be dangerous for me… a stack of books and I would never leave.
The second set up would be convenient, one would not need dish ware, from the table you can reach into the pan with a fork!
Mabiel I am so very in love with the first, that view for breakfast is
rcwillman i prefer the first nook but I wonder if the second kitchen table is on wheels? therefore the tablel and chairs could be moved back against the banquette when the cook is alone and working?
Cecilia I like the first one more too!
Franki Definitely the second one…small & dramatic!! I have a small kitchen and this works! franki
Molly {Dreams in HD} i prefer the first, much more cosy. i can totally picture myself sitting tea in my pajamas while reading the paper in that nook
Chichi Furniture The first option definitely gets my vote, I love it and the extra counter. Its beautifully designed with a perfect balance of colour and texture. The dark table and window seat covers contrast against the ‘all’ white room and then the baskets and 2 stunning chairs soften up the mix and add real character and charm. I could sit there all day drinking coffee :O)
LA Daly I blogged about Michelle Armas yesterday, I love her paintings! They are like melted candy on a canvas!
http://www.overthemoonbyla.blogspot.com
Miro - Dose of Dash Having my morning coffee in that first, sunlit nook would start the day right! I’m in love!
Lisa | Happy By Although the design in the second case is spotless and perfect, I fell in love with the first one immediately. The light from the corner big windows and the shelf above make it a dream space.
Today’s room is serving dual purpose as a fantastical space, and part of a little announcement… Although the room is certainly worthy of the title for its stunning statement-making chandelier (oh, and larger than life giraffe), what I really wanted to share with you all is that… I’M GOING TO AFRICA!! Yep. In just [...]
Erika ~TiptoeButterfly~ this is BEYOND me – anyone who knows me would say “yup Erika room”
Claire Gutschow I lived in Cape Town for 9 years before I moved to LA. Check out Salt, Azure, Bizerca Bistro and La Colombe restaurants. Franschoek is the best winelands town – beautiful! The penguins at Boulders Beach are cute. And for interiors, visit the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. Also Greenmarket square for original African “fleamarkety” stuff. And of course the cable car to the top of Table Mountain! Let me know if you need any more help!
coolvanity AMAZING!. Kisses.
Claire Gutschow Hey there Cassandra. I lived in Cape Town for 9 years before moving to LA. Check out Bizerca Bistro, La Colombe, Azure and Salt restaurants. Clifton 4th is the best beach. La Franschoek is a gorgeous winelands town. The penguins at Boulders Beach are super cute. The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is great for design stuff. And Greenmarket square is great for “fleamarkety” shopping. And of course the cable car up Table Mountain is a must! Have a great trip and give me a shout if you need any more advice.
Cassandra LaValle Post author thank you so so much!! will check out all of these and add them to our list!! xx
hailey I can’t imagine this NOT being the room of the week, ya know, with the giraffe and all!
Have a wonderful time in Africa! How exciting is that?!
Chloe Moon Oh my! What an adventure!!! I would love to have a giraffe peek over my shoulder, but I hope it wouldn’t sneeze! hehe =)
Emma I really want to go! How did you plan your trip? Are you going on an organized Safari or planning it on your own? HAVE FUN!
mikky OOooooo lucky you! You’ll have a blast! That is one of my dream destinations.
Love the giraffe, this is the second time I see a home decorated with one- think it’s the coolest thing, hopefully it’s a fake one thought, hate for some sweet giraffe to be put down for the sake of decor!
Have an awesome trip. Can’t wait to see all the amazing pics you’ll take.
Best,
mikky
http://www.todaloos.com
marta almiñana wooowwww ….. great!
Nicole M. YEA! My sister and I went to S. Africa last April, and it was absolutely amazing! First, we went on a safari for a week and then headed to Cape Town (which reminded me of San Fran). If you don’t have a place to stay, definitely stay at Blackheath Lodge. It was such a great boutique bed and breakfast in a convenient location…and the staff makes your stay a joy! In Cape Town we took a neighborhood tour, which is a must to learn about the history…saw Bo-Kapp (so colorful), shanty towns, visited schools, etc. We also took a tour around the peninsula, saw Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, etc…gorgeous! Weather permitting, you have to go to the top of Table Mountain. The views and flora are fantastic! Lastly, we went to Robben Island…a former prisoner takes you on the tour, so you recieve first-hand knowledge about the pain and victory that took place. There are endless things to do and fantastic people! Enjoy and have fun! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions
Bianca Hi Cassandra, I currently live in Cape Town. If you need any additional advice I’d be happy to help. Claire’s suggestions are great but are admittedly a little pricey.
For burgers and milkshakes you have to visit Royale eatery in Long Street. Long Street is a filled with vintage stores, antique shops, quirky boutiques and nightclubs so it’s worth spending some time there. I highly recommend Mungo and Jemima for locally made clothing and Chandler House for Cape Dutch-style homewares.
Royale’s sister restaurant is a great Mexican place right down the road from me called El Burro. It has a great view of the Green Point Stadium and is walking distance to the new Green point Biodiversity park.
Coffees are best served at Origin Coffee in the De Waterkant. De Waterkant is a more upmarket area which is great for window shopping. The quaint houses and cobbled streets show some of the area’s heritage.
The Old Biscuit Mill is almost always packed with Hipsters so a drive out to Hout Bay to the Bay Harbour Market is a great morning excursion. It offers all the similar food stalls and crafts with the added allure of being along one of Cape Town’s picturesque harbours.
And a last little recommendation… if the queues are too long at table Mountain, take a gentle hike up Lions Head instead. It’s for free and you still get some sweeping views of the city. It’s also one of the most popular hikes for locals.
But really there is too much to share so hope you enjoy discovering it yourself
Bianca I live in Cape Town and these are my favourite spots and tips:
Royale Eatery in Long Street: Best Burgers and Milkshakes in town. Long Street has some great vintage and antique stores as well as a bunch of quirky boutiques. For lovely locally made dresses go to Mungo and Jemima and for Cape Dutch homewares go to Chandler House in Church Street (just off Long).
El Burro in Green Point: This wonderful restaurant is Royale’s sister restaurant and is just one block away from me. The balcony has a nice view of the Green Point Stadium and its walking distance to the Biodiveristy Park.
Origin Coffee in the De Waterkant: Delicious coffee within a great luxury shopping area. Quaint cobbled streets and houses make it a charming place to wander.
Other eating places of note downtown are Clarkes, Skinny Legs and All and the Eastern Food Bazaar for a great selection of Indian cuisine.
Cape Town is swarming with weekend markets so skip the over-crowded Old Biscuit Mill and try one of the others instead. The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay is a short drive along the beautiful coast and is setup in the heart of the picturesque Hout Bay Harbour.
I take the new MyCiti Bus system to work downtown everyday and love it. So if you are looking for transport between the Waterfront, Green Point and the inner city, it’s an affordable way to get around. You can pick up a card for R23 at the Civic Centre. You’ll need to buy credits (R5,30 each) for a one way ride as they don’t accept cash on the bus.
Finally, while I’m not a huge wine-lover, a visit to Waterford Estate for their wine and chocolate tasting and JC le Roux for their Sparkling Wine and Nougat tasting are some of my favourite wine route stops. Franschhoek is also a great little town to visit just outside of Cape Town. It has a strong French heritage (owing to the Huguenot settlers) and an impressive selection of wine estates and restaurants.
I hope you get a chance to try some of these places and more during your stay If you need any more advice I’m happy to help!
Isabel I was in Cape Town in November and I absolutely loved it. I used the Hg2 guide online to find restaurants and shops. Here are just a few things I liked.
It sounds a bit corny but if you have time the hop on hop off bus is a great and easy way to see the city.
Kloof St – a bit calmer than Long St and lots of nice shops. Check out Skermunkil jewellery at Take Care.
Old Biscuit Mill – fun to see trendy Capetonians on Sat morning. Also check out Kat Von Duinen and the Test Kitchen (if you can get a table).
Haas – a really nice coffee shop in Bo Kaap
Waterkant – next to Bo Kaap with some nice shops and cute little houses
In the winelands, we stayed at Babylonstoren which is a beautiful organic garden with a restaurant, cafe and guest houses. We also drove through Franschoek and I have to say it didnt really look like anything special (although the landscape is beautiful).
I am quite jealous. I am sure you will have an amazing time!
Kelly Golightly Dream come true! Not sure if it’s by where you are going, but Giraffe Manor is on my life list:
http://kellygolightly.com/i-want-to-go-to-there/
Have a blast! Oh, and be sure you’ve gotten those pesky shots. 
Cassandra LaValle Post author shots – done and done. i WISH we were going to giraffe manor!!! it’s in kenya, and i will be in zambia. so close, yet so far! it looks absolutely amazing and has been on my wishlist forever too!
Lexi Wow.. this is unique and different
Cecilia Hello giraffe! What a fun room!
Franki Yay! “We’re going to SOUTH AFRICA”…vicariously, of course…can’t wait!! Luv giraffe! franki
Desiree {CHIC COASTAL LIVING} Have fun in Africa! My dad lives there for work in Kenya. Such a beautiful place!
Daughter Earth That is from outside Marrakesh, Morocco at Harem – a women’s retreat: http://www.harem-escape.com/
Sandra Shoemake Zwollo Don’t know how you got the picture but this is the house I use for my women’s only retreats, called Harem in Marrakech, Morocco. The giraffe is sculpted by the owner/artist of the estate called Jean-Francois Fourtou…
Cassandra LaValle Post author sandra, thank you SO much for leaving a comment so we could all know where this stunning room came from. i will update the post with a link to your site! it sounds absolutely amazing… i’d love to visit someday. the concept is so lovely, and something many of us ladies could use a dose of in our lives! my best to you.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures OMG that is sooo crazy, but I love it!
Catherine I visited Capetown on my honeymoon. A day trip to the Cape of Good Hope is a must. And try this restaurants: L”Aubergine http://www.aubergine.co.za. Delicious, and not too touristy.
Sylvia Veranda (Feb. issue) has a great spread on Cape Town!! You should take a look if you haven’t already! Looks incredible…have fun!!!
Roxi Hi!
I live in Cape Town and I must say, a week is too short!
You will have an amazing stay in our beautiful city.
We welcome you to Africa!
Tea Collection We definitely recommend going to Old Biscuit Mill on any given Saturday in Cape Town. We went there on our recent inspiration trip for our South African collection of children’s clothes. http://www.teacollection.com/ Hope you have a blast!
Kecia Have an amazing time! It’s impossible not to! Africa is by far my favorite place on earth! Post all about it when you get back!
xx
I’m a little too excited about this room. And for good reason… I have been sitting on this image for a while now, but couldn’t find it large enough to make it worth blogging… until today. Have you used the Google Image Toolbar where you can drag and drop an image in and search for [...]
Sal Oh my heavens those chairs! I am a big fan of incorporating horns or “trophies” into your home decor if that sort of thing is up your alley (which it is mine.) This room has the perfect balance and a formal feel that’s so lovely =) xx Sallie
http://www.bluebonnetsforsal.com
Bluebonnets for Sal
Cara so glamourous!!
Kate Davis Love it! The chairs are fantastic but not fan of that deer on the wall
Alexa Wow. It is perfect. I can’t figure out what is my favorite part. The chairs, the candlesticks, the mirrors. I guess it’s probably the combo of everything all together.
Carolyn Rebuffel Flannery I love the push/pull in the space of soft and rough! This style will make both the lady and the man of the house live HAPPILY ever after…
Plum Pretty Sugar Loungerie Soooooooo pretty and chic!
xo
Franki Smitten! franki (especially those mirrors…and that vase…and…)
Jamie Herzlinger I love those mirrors! Amazing! Mirror is my favorite material to use. It is the perfect solution in most cases! Great post!
Love, Jamie Herzlinger
Zena I love the raw wood finish of the chairs and the sumptuous-ness of the the black velvet. Fabulous!
life is in the details. style accordingly.
Mondays are so rough… ugh. Hope yours gets going. XO
Sounds simply lovely – that fixture over the table is fabulous!
These photos are beautiful, makes me want to stay in a bed & breakfast just to take gorgeous photos!
that sounds like a lovely getaway!!!
My Monday was horrendous, I was feeling like I could fall asleep any second. Besides, the April showers after 30ºC sunny days gave me the worst headache! It sounds like a lovely getaway though. X
http://www.mybougeotte.com
WOW! What a place!! Luv that bed, etc. franki