Delaire Graff Estate, South Africa

While planning my upcoming trip to South Africa, I came across this marvelous resort built by Laurence Graff (founder of Graff diamonds) and decorated by David Collins Studio from London.  I am sure they have a fabulous jewelry vault somewhere in this luxurious resort overlooking the Helshootge Mountain Pass...maybe I'll get to take a peek while I am there!

The Delaire Graff Resort is one of the leading restaurant and boutique hotels anywhere in the world.  It has ten lodges and a spa set within a larger wine estate property in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

While staying at the resort, you have the priviledge of spending time with an acclaimed collection of South African paintings and sculptures by Sydney Kumalo, Dylan Lewis, Fred Schimmel, Durant Sihlali, Deborah Bell, Anton Smit, and a couple of Kentridge's.

Each lodge is decorated with custom designed furniture pieces exclusively made by David Collins Studio for the Delaire.

The view from your bedroom.

Each lodge has its own private plunge pool.

The views overlooking the Mountain Pass and vineyards are breathtaking.  Find some time to start planning your getaway here!

Walls for Drawing

Recently I worked on a project in which my client has one large empty wall in her Kitchen with a family to juggle.  So, I decided to paint her wall with chalkboard paint in frames so that she could quickly leave a message up or draw a calendar for her nanny.  Meanwhile, her little one just loves using his creative skills on the lower half of the wall with colored chalk.

Stop by your local Home Depot or Lowe's and pick up a jar or two of Rust-Oleum Chalkboard paint and make this your summer fun project.

Tape off the area that you want to paint first with blue painters tape or masking tape.

I created picture frames with borders with the tape first.

Lastly, I had the ceiling painted a light blue, hung the lights, and then filled in the framed out tape with the chalkboard paint. 

The final outcome was fun for all to enjoy! 

Other fun ideas to do with chalkboard paint:

Paint and label your own wine bottles...choose whatever year you like.

Organize your month with various shades of grey each day.

Jazz up those plain old Crate and Barrel white jars with labels.

Give your kids plenty freedom to eat and draw on their own special coffee table.  No worries of messing up your nice one!  Visit Ikea for the base.

No more searching through cabinets...the info is on the door!

...And if you are really talented, create your own Cy Twombly and hang it in your Living Room.  Good luck painting!



Summer's End

As we quickly approach the month of September, I can't think of a better place to spend the last few days of summer than on the Seine.  Enjoy your weekend!