luxurious bungalow

Could you even imagaine turning a brothel into a beautiful family home? Well, that's exactly what Kate Mofatt and her talented husband, David, did. With the ability to envision how they wanted to transform the Fifties-style bungalow, they bought the Cape Town property and began construction.

The couple decided to demolish and knock down walls to make a six room house into an open living space. This made the entire living area a perfect for the entire family to relax. One of my favorite additions is the mirrored wall in the dining area. It creates an illusion of twice the space. The use of warm tones, soft palettes and neutrals make this bungalow warm and inviting.

To embrace the open living space even more, they built a wrap around deck outside. French doors leading from the living room onto the deck create a seamless transition into their outside sanctuary. This is somewhere I'd love to spend my summer evenings.

{photos: Living Etc.}

Checking My List

Since I went up to Portland for an unexpected trip, I'm a wee bite behind on my Christmas decorating. I've decided the best way to make sure I get everything done is to make a list and of course check it twice. I've got some tree trimming to do, shopping must be done and decorating is in order!

Also, I want to thank all of you for your kind words over the weekend, it meant a lot.

xo, Caitlin

{photo courtesy of livingetc}

Style + Interior: Cozy Caramels

Since temperatures are lowering all I want to do is surround myself in warm, cozy colors (and sweaters).  Caramels have always represented warmth for me. When I got the November J.Crew catalog in the mail I instantly tore out this image. First of all I loved the crinkled chiffon dress with a warm cashmere sweater. Plus, the wallpaper is to die for. In the room on the right I loved the ivory tones with the caramel brown and orange ascents. It instantly reminded me of the image from J.Crew. I love when fashion and interior collide like this.

{photo's courtesy of J.Crew and Living Etc.}

Transport Me Here, Please!

I scour the internet every day for inspirational photos, but only a few make me want to fly to wherever that room may be. This is one of them. There are different aspects of this living room that I absolutely love. First of all, it embodies my personal design which involves mixing together both antique and modern furniture. The fact that the room is decorated in the two colors that I typically use in my own house makes me love this room even more. I love the soothing feeling of white mixed with green. There is something peaceful about decorating with those two colors. Although in my house I tend to add a bit more chocolate brown.

One of the many other elements I love about this room is the fact that there are two separate living rooms in one large room. It makes the room feel bigger than it already is because it creates the illusion of one room being divided.

Oh, I could just see myself sitting on that Barcelona chair right now reading my latest issue of Living Etc. magazine and drinking a glass of Mariage Freres French breakfast tea.

{photo courtesy of Living Etc.}

House Envy: Jenna Lyon's Brooklyn Townhouse

Livingetc is one of my new favorite home decorating magazine. In their September issue they feature J. Crew's creative director Jenna Lyon's simple, elegant and chic Brooklyn townhouse. After two years of renovations and decorating Jenna and husband, Vincent Mazeu now have their dream home. One of my favorite lines in the article is how Jenna approaching interior design. She explains, "My trick has been to approach each area like putting together an outfit. You might start with an old pair of jeans, a cashmere cardigan, or a floral belt, and work around that central fashion statement." I never thought about interior design in that way but now it totally makes sense. 

The George Sherlock sofa is outstanding. It adds the pop of color that people often don't have in their home or are too afraid to use. Another favorite of mine is the chandelier. Not only is it beautiful by itself but with the reflection in the mirror it adds even more impact to the room. Oh, I forgot to mention Jenna's outfit. If only I could work a J. Crew. Sigh.

What can I say. I wish I had windows that opened up like these. Plus, look at the beautiful trees. 

I'm usually not a big fan of black walls but in Jenna's house they work so well. I love the way the fireplace pops out of the wall because of the drastic contrast between the fireplace and walls. 

I've always been a fan of bedrooms and bathrooms being attached in this was. To me, it would make me feel like I had my own little abode in my very own house. Plus, the fact that if doesn't have a shower curtain. Oh la la!

This is my FAVORITE part of every apartment, especially this one. I mean why wouldn't it be. Plus, the fact that it's filled with everything J. Crew is truly divine. She's changed her closet since her apartment was photographed in Domino. I love the fact that everything is exposed. I would kill to have a rolling rack of clothes and to have shelves for my shoes like Jenna does. One thing that is unique about Jenna and Vincent's dressing room is that it's decorated like another room in their apartment. If I had a dressing room, I would do the same.

Don't miss of out of picking up the September issue of Livingetc. I promise it's worth it!

{photo's courtesy of Livingetc}