SOUTH AFRICA DAY 1:: CAPE TOWN | BO-KAAP | TABLE MOUNTAIN | CAMPS BAY

THE MOST COLORFUL VACATION IN CAPE TOWN

Some of you followed my vacation to South Africa on instagram & facebook this September. (Thank you for all the excitement as I journeyed there!) It was truly such an amazing experience! I decided to break apart the adventure into different segments, so you can see more details (and tips!) of my time spent there.

Up first, Bo-kaap.

So here is the deal. I got to Cape Town late Saturday night, if I can recommend anything to you, do it that way - arrive late and get to bed ASAP! If you can get the first night of sleep in, I think you will be set on your trip and beat jet lag. So I did just that, got in a full night of sleep (yay!)

When I woke up Sunday morning, I just really couldn’t believe I was actually in South Africa. My heart was fluttering with excitement for what my first day would hold.

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It wasn’t a 27 hour dream - I was actually spending Sunday morning in South Africa!

My hotel Protea Mowbray, was just outside of downtown Cape Town, which I really loved. It was quiet and calm and not overwhelming at all. It was a really great place to rest and rejuvenate and the staff was incredibly lovely. When I walked out of my room to start my adventure, this was the first view of my day. Quickly, I was smitten.

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View just outside of room, looking over toward Table Mountain

I will definitely do another blog entry on the actual hotel, the design was the best. For now, I want to focus on other areas of the day!

So, after some coffee, off I went to the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap. I knew I was in for a colorful treat, thanks to some trusty instagram sneak peeks, but I had no idea it would be this colorful! Every corner I turned there was some kind of magical color blocking moment happening - and bonus points, even some funky vintage cars that just completed the whole vibe.

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If Lisa were to have a house in Bo-Kaap. It would certainly be the green one!

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All you need is love.

After exploring all the colorful eye candy and walking the streets of Bo-Kaap, I found my way to the cutest and most delish little cafe for a bite to eat and a latte.

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My heart skipped a beat when I walked into this vibrant but airy space. It had so many natural elements and the plant life suspended from the ceiling - genius! I am definitely remembering that for an upcoming project!

And, can we just talk about this glorious little hand painted moment? Swoon.

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After my lovely stop at Batavia Cafe, I headed over to Table Mountain, in hopes of some great views. Well. It didn’t work out in my favor. While the view up was amazing, the very top was completely covered in clouds! Still, it was a fun experience.

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I ended my first day over in the Camps Bay area. It was truly breathtaking. The waterfront views, the teal blue water, stunning architecture and an eery view of the clouds rolling in. It had this very moody feel to it, that I couldn’t get enough of. To top it off, quite the array of restaurants to choose from as well!

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So there you have, day one in South Africa. Stay tuned as I share more elements from this amazing trip!

DESIGN CHAT: BLACK & WHITE COLOR PALETTE

As much as we love color here at Lisa Gilmore Design.  We also LOVE a black & white palette. There is something timeless, classic yet versatile about the opposite attraction of black & white.  Whether it’s tile or drapery or vintage zebra print chairs, we have done it all and will continue to. The key to a black & white palette is texture and to not be afraid to go BOLD. 

Texture and Mixed Metals can make an amazing palette! 

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Living Room Vignette by Lisa Gilmore Design 

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Contemporary black and white master bedroom by Lisa Gilmore Design

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Black and white formal living room by Lisa Gilmore Design 

DESIGN CHAT:: KID ART GALLERY WALLS

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR BUDDING ARTISTS' MASTERPIECS

As parents, we all think our children's artwork is amazing and has the potential of being world famous some day.  We are bombarded with handprints, scribbles, sweet holiday sentiments, and everything in between.  We love our children and their budding talents but what can we do with ALL the art that is sent home?  My answer is... MAKE A GALLERY WALL!!  Gallery walls are fun, sentimental, and a great way to have your children get involved in personalizing your home.  

Lisa Gilmore Design has recently installed two family homes incorporating kid art gallery walls.

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Lisa Gilmore Design New England Family Home Project

We changed up the frames with this design.  We chose mixed metals, white, and black frames to highlight the children's art.  We added some structural, non-kid design elements to break up the wall a bit.  The art is hung in a balanced yet, whimsical way.  

Lisa Gilmore Design Bold, Vibrant, Chic Project

For this project, we hugged a corner and varied the size of frames and artwork size significantly.  The bright colors of this growing Picasso flows into the bold, chicness of the home's design. 

To add a kid art gallery wall in your home, please remember these few tips: keep it fun & creative, leave room for additions, and be prepared to feel random sentimentality when you look on your wall. 

Happy Hanging! 

DESIGN PROJECT:: MODERN BOHEMIAN COLORFUL FAMILY LIVING

Last week, we shared Part I of this property with you. If you missed it, don't fret, you can see it right here.   

As promised, here is the second half. The family room and kitchen nook areas are much lighter and airier than the more "formal" areas of the house. 

We incorporated and super cozy velvety sectional sofa (I see your eye rolls, YES, this fabric IS super kid friendly and durable.) A few custom built ins and window seats provide ample storage for books and kids toys. Their son has actually dubbed this as his "car garage" for his toys, go on kid, load it up! Floating floor poufs combined with all the seating, make for many great seating options throughout the room.

KITCHEN NOOK

Moving over to the kitchen nook, we had a lot of fun there. This needed to be a practical space for everyday eating, homework and daily life. We had our carpenter build a custom "L" shaped built in, complete with hidden storage in a pull out drawer. That's right, no more piles of shoes at the back door! *Can we get a high five?!* 

We really enjoyed framing all this really fantastic art created by their son, it really took the whimsy of the space to the next level, top it off with a glam chandelier and you've got a pretty fun space for kids and adults. 

Also, I must say, their 4 year old son was over the moon with happiness to see his art on the walls. He was full of so many stories to tell me about each piece. I definitely encourage you to showcase your children's works if possible, it's so good for their little souls and pride! 

We really adored working with this family on their home. We hope to continue to be in their lives for many years to come! Hopefully you enjoyed this residential property as much as we did designing it. 

Could you see yourself living in this super chic but family friendly space?!