6 minute read
Simply Christmas
The Winter Fashion Issue '21
Written by: MANDY ALLEN/BUREAUX
Simply Christmas
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
This is Cape Town-based Stephanie Wolhuter Inggs’ serene and sensible philosophy to surviving the silly season. No pressure, no expectations, no disappointment.
The interiors in Stephanie’s beautiful heritage home are reflective of her fashion choices, which she describes as “plain and understated but with unexpected cuts or proportions.” It is filled to bursting with stylish ideas, personalised elements, and reams of character.
A large, twiggy branch found on a forest walk has been appropriated as an eco-friendly, sculptural Christmas tree. Strung with twinkling rice lights and hand-carved bird figurines used as ornaments, the tree has an enigmatic fairytale quality to it. Place a similar branch into a wooden basket and secure it in place using kindling or firewood to emphasize the natural woodland theme.
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
A sense of the super (natural) things to come begins in the hallway. An often overlooked area in the home, it takes only a few basic elements to create a welcoming landing zone. Think pieces such as a second-hand hallway table or butler’s tray, a mirror, baskets, a few framed prints, and a personalized display of objects, books, figurines, and found treasures.
Carved bird figurines that have been painted white are a whimsical addition to a rustic wreath and are in keeping with the avian theme. Draw the eye inside with lights.
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
In keeping with the humble simplicity of the greater decorative scheme, gifts have been wrapped in white butcher paper and tissue paper. Haberdashery ribbon in shades of cocoa and vanilla, as well as string, add the finishing touches. Apply matte brown spray paint to fine twigs and use these as decoration on gifts for a back-to-nature touch.
Hand-printed gift tags have been made using the linocut method. Visit a specialist art shop for linocut equipment or make your own tags using beautiful store-bought stamps and fine-quality ink.
Break with tradition and move gifts from underneath the Christmas tree and onto a hallway table or butler’s tray as a sweet take-away surprise for lunch or dinner guests.
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
The bird theme has beaten its way into this tranquil bedroom. Although stripped of high definition colour, the palette is still rich and inviting, a balanced composition of neutrals such as whites and greys anchored by deep, delicious browns and accents of black. Several nests, found on walks in the forest, add a sense of natural curiosity and organic texture to a bedroom setting.
A scientific reference book, framed illustrations of birds, as well as linocut-printed cards, reinforce the themes of nature and objects that have been crafted by hand.
The well-worn patina of the bedside table is a reminder that there is much beauty and character to be found in aged, imperfect objects. The solemn color palette and simplicity of the furnishings have a pleasingly austere aesthetic, enhancing the sense of serenity.
Though aesthetically pared-down, flourishes of luxury are to be found in the form of French linen bedding, scented candles, and a hot glass of herbal tea.
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
This wreath was made by hand using found twigs and fynbos (wild heath). Craft your own rustic wreath from bendy twigs such as willow or weeping/ silver birch using secateurs to cut lengths, scissors for trimming, and natural twine for binding into shape.
As it turns out, Stephanie has a special affinity for our finefeathered friends and has made birds the central theme of her Christmas decor in the form of embroidered napkins and decorative cushions, handcarved wooden figurines and ornaments, as well as printed place and gift cards. These have been set alongside simply wrapped gifts, found bird nests, a vintage tablecloth, and beautiful vintage
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
Cozy and atmospheric, this inviting area of the living room illustrates that a largely monochromatic interior can be warm, engaging, and characterful thanks to the inclusion of vintage, organic, and rustic elements.
Floating shelves are a styling dream—here a nod is given to Christmas with the subtle inclusion of a white-painted twig wreath amongst the framed images. One of Stephanie and daughter Alice’s embroidered cushions takes pride of place on an armchair. Next to the chair on the rustic side table is an embroidery work in progress.
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
Stephanie Wolhuter Inggs preparing her Christmas table.
Take a note from Stephanie and approach decorating your table with an editor’s eye: think about layering, textures, and your colour palette. The vintage tablecloth, though pretty, is in keeping with the timeless aesthetic and wholesome, muted colours. Layering crockery is a tried-and-tested stylist’s trick and results in a visually interesting table setting.
There is an appealing aesthetic tension between the matte finish of the handmade crockery and the polished silver flatware.
Hand-embroidered linen napkins with bird motifs convey a folksy aesthetic!
PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX
A fireplace mantlepiece offers myriad styling opportunities and can be easily transformed for seasonal decorating. One of the home’s original and most beloved features, the owner has forfeited traditional baubles and stockings for a woodland-inspired fantasy.
Read more at https://issuu.com/rareluxuryliving/docs/winter_fashion_issue_2021_full_pages/72
