Category Archives: Places & Spaces
Quirky Eclectic Industrial Home
This quirky, eclectic-industrial home was featured in House and Leisure Magazine a few years ago. Back then, it was probably a little bit ahead of it’s time – now Industrial Style (not to mention Eclecticism) has become a powerful global trend. Located on a small holding on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth, the house is owned by sculptor Wehrner Lemmer and his wife, Annette. The house interior boast with a bold and interesting mix of industrial, mid-century modern and other vintage elements along with a striking use of colour – the couples personal style and interests are evident through out the interior and décor.
“A study of contrasts, it is, essentially, two quite distinctive and complete units, designed by different architects - Adrian Beyleveld of Hix Architects, and then later Quinsley Sale of Kiü Architects. One is all raw concrete, exposed brick and gleaming glass, from floor to clerestory windows; the other, quite literally, a balau-clad box. ‘We love concrete, glass and wood,’ says Annette. ‘But the most important element was for it to blend in with the natural surroundings,’ adds Wehrner.” - House and Leisure
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- Get This Look – Mid-Century Modern Lounge (thedesigntabloid.com)
- TrendHome : Eclectic Industrial Style (trendland.com)
- 20 Beautifully Curated Spaces for an Eclectic Collector Look (apartmenttherapy.com)
Retro Pampering At Petticoat Parlour
Rose and I have been running around like headless chickens this past two weeks – all in preparation for the Hotel Investment Conference Africa (HICA fo’ short) that started this Wednesday in Durbs. One of the sessions will focus largely on sustainable development, green architecture, and future trends within the hospitality design sector. Rose is one of the speakers – along with a handful of (mostly) architects – and should actually, by my watch, be “hitting the stage” shortly. She will hopefully give you a little feedback on the conference once she returns next week.
Anyhoo, so that is the reason for our radio silence the past week… It is also the reason why my Mother’s Day arrangements has, once again, bit the dust. The only solace - the knowledge that my mum loves me unconditionally and quickly (and often) forgives my slacker ways.
I have however, endeavoured to make it up to her in some way – I’m thinking Mani / Pedis – and I know just the place…
Petticoat Parlour in Green Point has gotten a lot of airtime (ie. various blog posts and mag articles features) since their grand opening last year – and rightly so. This place is extraordinarily cool, as in James-Dean-in-a-leather-jacket cool. The little beauty parlour is a retro dream, 50s-inspired from the black & white chequered floor to the Pop Art pin-ups on the walls (I really didn’t mean for that to rhyme).
The funky day spa offers a wide range of treatments for you ladies looking to refine and unwind. AND some awesome pampering for the gentleman as well (seriously guys, get with the times). I can imagine that Petticoat would also be the perfect place to host a bridal shower or entertain a gaggle of teenage girls!
Who wouldn’t want to sit back with an old fashioned milkshake while someone is buffing you nails to a lustre?! Some vintage tunes on diner jukebox, having a good ole “skinner” (that means “gossip” for those of you who are Afrikaans-challenged). Sitting in those blue 50s diner chairs you are sure to feel like Olivia Newton-John in Grease.
So, this is definitely on my bucket list – might even drag one or two girlfriends with and score some serious brownie points.
Be sure to check out Petticoat Parlour’s website: here for all the necessary details or their Facebook page for the latest specials. I believe the month of May is their birthday month so there is bound to be some awesome birthday and Mother’s Day specials.
Beautiful Petits Fours
Bloubergstrand by Ryan Hasselbach
A visit to the Bloubergstrand beachfront is such a pleasure. The coastline with its magnificent view of Table Mountain and the City is so rich and striking. The evening sunsets are typically African beachside – long and calming, inviting many of the locals to take the evening beachside stroll.
In winter the seas are typcially rough with waves lashing and crashing on the beach. I find that equally as stimulating. I would don my warm togs and go sit on a bench to watch the wild sea.
That is why I like the Petits Fours Deli in Bloubergstrand. It is situated a few metres from the beach, with only a tar road between it and the ocean. The inviting, relaxed and somewhat ‘earthy/natural’ interiors with a distinctive rustic french flair beckons you to a relaxing meet-and-greet time with friends. The big windows facing onto the beach just create that seamless interaction with the coastal natural elements, that keep you totally connected to Cape Town and the sea whether the sun is sunning or the wind is ripping outside. Love it.
I am one of those folk that cannot sit in a ‘bad interiors’ restaurant. It’s all about the ambience and experience for me. I tend to take the lead for the food from the interiors, as crazy as that may sound. But for me it is yardstick to measure the food experience by. Naturally there have been times when the good interiors belies the bad food.
But not in the case of Petits Fours. I am no foodie or food critic. But I enjoy their light meals and could recommend this venue anytime.
Plus – they also retail lovely décor accessories and carry a range of embroided bedlinen. I just simply love this whole concept of combining retail with a coffee shop. It has an “Olde Worlde” feel about it.
Another of my very favourite and regular beachfront eateries in Bloubergstrand is Ons Huisie. But more of that some time in the future.
Check out Petits Fours website: here. And some awesome news for you not residing in Cape Town – Petits Fours has “branches” in Durban and Joburg. Each deli has it unique “look” and the original flagship store is in Verdi Shopping Centre. If you have been to any of the other Petits Fours let us know what you thought!
Images 3, 4 & 6, 7 sourced via Petits Fours. All other images are property of The Design Tabloid.
Related articles
- Yellow Pride: Cape Town for World Design Capital 2014 (thedesigntabloid.com)
Passion & Poison
Thankfully we are surrounded by colourful, interesting and adventurous people each day. In the years of being in this interiors trade, I have had the privilege of meeting many such colourful characters. Today’s guest, Riaan from Passion & Poison is one of them.
I first encountered the Passion & Poison shop a few years ago. It was fun and interesting then, as it is now. As you will learn from Riaan’s interview he sources his stock from Turkey. Stepping into this shop, is like stepping into a Turkish market – full of eastern style surprises, transporting you to that part of the world and its culture.
He has all sorts of fascinating goodies, from furniture, lamps, accessories and scatters, beds, bags, fabrics – too many to mention. I would rather encourage you to go see for yourself. Plus he is very involved in the design of his scatters, bed linen and fabrics.
Q: What lead you to open Passion & Poison?
A: Passion & Poison was never planned, in the sense that we ever thought of opening an interior shop, focusing on Turkish textiles and antiques.
We were in Egypt at the time, busy sourcing high-end men’s fashion suppliers with the idea of opening a small upmarket men’s clothing shop.
During our stay, my partner suggested that we should consider going to Turkey, as the flight was short.
I will never forget the next morning waking up in Istanbul, seeing the people, buildings and culture. We fell in love with this dynamic country immediately and our little clothing shop was canned! It all happened so naturally. We were like hungry foxes going through alleys and markets. Within 4 days, the foundation was set for our future shop.
Turkey is a very under estimated country with wonderful history and culture. After all the years it still feels like the morning of your birthday when you were a kid, filled with excitement for what you might get.
Q: Why the name Passion & Poison?
A: The name has no real meaning but it boils down to that one man’s passion might be another’s poison……..
Q: What do you enjoy most about your ‘job’?
A: SOURCING! I love going to all the villages, markets and suppliers – sourcing wonderful new concepts and ideas. The creative side of the textiles is another love. The whole manufacturing process from basic idea to the final item is just like one huge roller coaster ride.
Q: What type of product do you source mostly?
A: Textiles remain the number one item. From custom woven Hamam towels, to upmarket upholstery and curtain fabrics. Silk scarves and scatter cushions. Fabric, fabric and yet more fabric. Old ornamental pieces like fountains, pots and carpets also remains in the front line.
Q: Your five-year plan?
A: Unfortunately with the world economy as it is now and the political tension in South Africa, I can only hope and pray that the shop will still be in existence! It sounds harsh but it is a fact. Only hard work and remaining focused could carry one through. So in short I am focussing on excellent client service, breathtaking stock and a lot of blood sweat and tears.
Q: A bit more personal – what is your favourite past –time when not in the shop?
A: I love to paint. It is my escape from reality. Otherwise I love music, cooking Turkish food and once in a navy blue moon I will watch a movie.
Q: Do you have a colour that you favour most and why?
A: That is an extremely unfair question! I don’t have one. I have a couple. So please bear with me. Fuscia pink, red, acid green, orange and Turquoise.
Q: Tell us five things on your Bucket List?
1. I want to go and stay in Turkey.
2. I want to learn how to make sculptures
3. I want to have a huge art exhibition
4. I want to settle down with that “special person”.
5. I want to visit Russia.
Q: What do you have on your bedside table?
A: I am reading a book for the second time called “Call me by your name”. A rosary (which I collect), and hand cream. That’s it!
You will find Passion & Poison at the very top of Strand Street where it meets Hudson Street in Cape Town– left hand side going up in the Hudson Building Showroom 2, De Waterkant . Should you wish to call him, their shop number is: 021-4193840.
