A South African Beauty



Will of Bright Bazaar sent me the September issue of Elle Decoration (UK) this past week and I had to show you this mountainside home of South African architect Lari Levy. Incorporating recycled materials, the mother of two radically revamped a 1930s house in the suburb of Fresnaye near Cape Town. Layering with different textures (reclaimed wood, bricks, cement) Levy has created interest and something not too showy or contrived into her design. A perfect mix if you ask me. I'm especially drawn to the reclaimed wood she has used for paneling and shelving throughout the spaces and in particular the shelves mixed with the white kitchen cabinets (top photo). (Pictures, Elsa Young; Styling, Luanne Toms/Frank Features). Thank you SO much Will!






Jan Halvarson

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Elle Decoration UK is one of my favorite mags. The feature on the this house is reclaimed dreaminess - and yes, the perfect mix of textures. Thanks for sharing - a great post!

The pale observer said...

What they didn't show was the amazing view this house no doubt has, being that it's nestled halfway up Lion's Head mountain in Cape Town, overlooking Table Bay... wow.

emma ::emmas designblogg:: said...

Yeah, this is a super cool house! There are more and better pics on the Frank Feature site though.

blackdahliadesigns said...

If one didn't know better and the location was never stated, you'd think this could be somewhere like New York or LA. I'm absolutely IN LOVE with the teacups displayed on the shelves. What a gorgeous way to display a collection!

Pinecone Camp said...

Yup. That's a great looking issue! Will have to pick it up. I love Will at Bright Bazaar too!

Jan Halvarson said...

Janis - i'll bring it to you next time we meet up.

Jan Halvarson said...

Thanks Emma - I'll take a look. Sadly my scanner broke - so i had to photograph them - and the lighting and my focus is a little out.

Cari Byers said...

Simply fab and even better its green!!!

Will @ Bright.Bazaar said...

The perfect pick from the issue, Jan! So glad you liked it.

Unknown said...

Oh my, that wood shelving in the first image is just divine. I love the thick chunkiness of it paired with the teacups.

Victoria Bennett Beyer said...

Great design! I particularly love the teacups on the wooden shelves. It takes a collection that might be dainty and makes it feel more modern and fun.

Rachel Bassett said...

amazing, i'm so glad you brought this to my (our) attention!

lesley [smidgebox] said...

gorgeous!! i especially love the mix of modern + rustic inside and out. the last photo of the deck + exterior is so stunning.

Hi, I'm Madeline said...

I love drinking tea, and that first pic is a like a dream.

Treadgold said...

The recycled timber and those tiny delicate cups on the bare timber shelves is superb. You can just see that mountain view creeping into the background. Wouldn't we all love to spend a month there!

kyaphe said...

Love the reclaimed wood shelves in the kitchen - very clever detail. Oh, and I'd take the rest of the house any day as well!