When you have a taste for unique things, you find it difficult to fill things to your taste’s desire. This is why I love these Friday posts. These inspirations inspire me to make my home a place that is uniquely mine. Many people purchase a bed, and don’t see the point to fuss about improving their headboards that was either an hand-me-down or horrid tastes from their ignorant youth. It is understandable to a certain extent, as headboards can make a dent in the bank. Here are a few cost effective ideas to love your headboard again.

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I absolutely love this idea. as simple as printing prints on a large canvas board. The image printed on the idea above looks absolutely devine in this kind of space.

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The idea of using wooden planks has also crossed my mind. These images have also reinforced my love for industrial side lamps. The wooden shabby chic doors make a beautiful statement too. For those living in Cape Town, these doors are abundant in Woodstock. Have you found you inspiration?

Roland Bello is an extremely talented photographer. His portfolio consists of a stunning range of images that are set in more unique spaces. The pictures of this home really described the mood for MIKU – nothing out of the ordinary.

This space has that scandinavian touch to it. The owner of this apartment has a stunning array of colours and shapes that I admire.

For those out there that love colourful places, I would highly recommend this post as an inspiration. The owner has invested in colourful pieces, yet toned the additional pieces around the brights to make it easy on the eye.

MIKU has a range of products that could help you achieve this kind of mood. The images below is just a snap shot of what is available. You can enjoy a quick browse through the full collection here.

I love hanging things – Eco-friendly grocery bags, umbrellas, shoes with laces tied to hooks. I feel that those items bring character to the home. I love my collection of every day items. They are either perfectly colour co-ordinated or beautifully mismatched. These items become great decor additions for the snuggly house. Here are some ideas on how to get hooked on hooks

These hooks below would be a great idea for hanging tiny clothes for tiny people. It’s perfect for a nursery.

Every bride-to-be takes a sneak peek at Vera Wang’s couture range for wedding gown inspirations. The elegance that flaunts in her designs are classic. There ins’t really any way to describe her dresses but just “simply gorgeous”. I always like to define the Vera style to be for the kind of girl that prefers pearls over diamonds. I have this terrible illness of curiosity – always wondering about the homes of the people I admire, what do they look like? what is the decor like?….. hence, welcome to Vera’s home!

She has recently purchased an ultra modern home in Beverly Hills. The glass house provides a breathtaking city view, and the decor of her home reflects her design in garments. Simple, clean and elegant.

Personally, I feel the decor lacks character. It feels like a luxury penthouse or a rented furnished space. However, it was quite intriguing to see Vera’s personal taste for her home. I’m quite a fan of her designs, and did use her style as an inspiration for my own wedding gown. One aspect of this house that I admire is the architecture. Isn’t it gorgeous?

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This past Tuesday, due to my unwired personality I had forgotten an important accessory that people use to keep pieces of paper that have printed animals on them. Those pieces of paper are commonly known as the South African currency of Rand notes, that one could potentially use to barter for a cup of hot coffee and lunch on a unexpected cold day! I called in a favour, and dashed to a friends office by Harrington street and while finding parking nearby there was an art installation unravelling on an awkward gate situated between two buildings.

Intrigued by the installation. I met with the artist, and asked him about the project. He told me that it was an installation project for Cape Town’s Creative Week, and kindly asked me to join his crew while he explained the project to me.

He introduced himself as Heath. I took out out my notebook and started jotting notes, only to find that it was Heath Nash in person. I’ve always admired his works, followed his blog, and I felt a rush of my cheeks brightening up with excitement when the Nash word came to play during the informal interview. He has made amazing pieces, and contributed immensely back to society, and all of which is achieved through his gentle and friendly persona. See his website here.

He had previously done a similar project in a Cape Town township, Khayelitsha using just white pieces which can be seen here. Heath brought a stash of his recycled plastic bits from his studio, and with those bits, he’d initiate in creating windmill like contraptions on the grids of the gate. I later noticed that there was no crew! Everyone assisting were by-passers, students, homeless, anyone and everyone. It was a community-driven project.

Putting the pieces together was incredibly fun. However, it was quite challenging to get them to spin when the wind blew.

After my few unsuccessful designs, the strangers that soon felt like friends encouraged, and gave a few tips and tricks. Heath sat down patiently, and showed what he had discovered to work best for this particular design. I finally managed to make one that spun with the wind. That little windmill reinforced the idea of “Simple, and yet functional”

The rain started to pour, and the few left there were still happily creating more pieces. Eventually, the weather wiped the operation to a halt. Nevertheless it still looked beautiful!

One of the volunteers was so inspired while beautifying Cape Town that day, and has organized for the project to continue today from 10am-12pm. It would be really worth your time to add your bit of love into the streets of Cape Town. It’s at the corner of Harrington & Barrack Street, directly next to The Bank offices.

Why was this an unexpected love affair? I left that day feeling as if I were falling in love again for the first time. Falling in Love in with Cape Town! A place where spontaneous sparks are just around the corner on any odd given day.

Valentina is a London based designer. Coming from a Mexican heritage she has fascinated the world by her Prickly Pear Chair design by fusing the aristocratic heritage of luxury with colours and shapes of the flamboyant aspects of the beautiful Mexican culture.

She has recently had an online interview with Design Gallerist. See the interview here and get to know more about Valentina here.

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On the same year of press releasing this design, she also released the “Ghost of a Chair”. The concept of this design was to bring out the shape of the classic Louis XV chair if it were to be draped over by a piece of fabric. The chairs have different genders. The ones with an arm are males, and the ones without the arms are females.

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These collectors chair designs are made to order with options to customize colours. Each Chair has unique draping folds due to the process of creating this piece. See Valentina’s site for contact details here.

I met Lorenzo at the beginning of this year when I shared my hopes and dreams for MIKU. Lorenzo gave me such kind words of encouragement, and together we shared a passionate vision to see success and growth amongst the talented South African artists and designers.

[Below is an original biography for his press release sent to MIKU]

“The work of architect Lorenzo Nassimbeni is unique in it’s focus upon the area where the disciplines of architecture and fine art meet. The experience of studying in Venice [IUAV 1999] was significant in marking the beginning of what has become an accomplished career in the visual arts. The practical methodology which he employs is powerful, describing the essence of ‘urban landscape.’ Black line, white background, distillation. Nassimbeni’s portfolio has been the subject of wide acclaim, in South Africa, Australia, Europe and the United states.”

Lorenzo is exhibiting his most recent artworks at Salon91 Contemporary Art Collection, the REALM…an urban enquiry exhibition in collaboration with fine arts artist Gabrielle Raaff. I went to the opening this past Wednesday, and I was blown away by Lorenzo’s concept! His consistency in excellence is portrayed through every single piece. His technique is becoming a signature materpiece that is already recognized internationally. He has posted a very interesting blog post about his preparations for exhibition which can be read here.

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A visit to the gallery is really worth your time. Let your own eyes translate the beauty of his artworks! This artist is already beyond up and coming, securing his original pieces at this point of his growing career would be a fabulous investment!

MIKU’s online platform has his beautiful Cushion designs. Click here to view his products. His designs create a strong urban statement to any interior space, and uniquely presents itself as a collectable piece of the unusual home.

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Lorenzo is exhibiting in Europe soon, and I wish him the best of luck. I’m certain that his creations will be appreciated in all corners of the world! I strongly recommend his blog, you can find it here.

Living in Cape Town, the month of September means Spring! The air in spring triggers our minds to start craving for colours. I repainted my nails to a bright coral pink, pulled out all my floral printed dresses and spent the day with a peculiar happy Spring mood.

When it comes to interiors, I don’t go as wild. I love hints of colours in very specific places. This kitchen is the perfect inspiration of using colours in petite ways.

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Photographed by Johanna Ekmark

Isn’t it just gorgeous?!?!

I had previously written a post on a DIY timepiece idea which can be viewed here. Yesterday Cape Town had its first Spring day. I had big ambitions to do some replanting outdoors, but that plan was washed away by sprouts of our Spring rain after a few pots were completed.

Feeling agitated from a “half-done” project, I dug around looking for previous treasures that I had kept aside, and found my piece of wood that I had been saving for the timepiece. I spent some time  putting the pieces together, and I was very happy with the outcome. What do you think?

This mini project was such a simple project. Hope it inspires you to make your limited edition timepiece. I literally enjoyed every second of this “tick tocking” project!