Lights, lighting and shadows

As promised I am showing all the wonderful 'colonial' touches where we stayed in Kruger National Park.

I loved the bathroom most of all.  On the first night we arrived, a candlelit bath awaited when we arrived back in the room.  Romantic? Yes...But.  With two little boys in tow, they took one look in each adjoining room and decided the two baths were for two boys and so that was that!  But it did mean that we had a good half hours peace while they happily played!

The colonial style was so far from what I am used to - it really made me feel like we'd gone somewhere different!

I did love the silver touches everywhere - it really did feel like the family heirlooms had been packed and we were now playing house in the wilds of Africa!

I loved all the silver touches in the rooms and especially in the bathrooms, it made it feel so intimate and special.

Our rooms had outdoor showers (in a very private arbour covered courtyard) which were such a visual delight outside the bathroom.  I didn't try it, but the boys did and think it's the best bathroom they've ever used!

I just loved how the privacy of the courtyard allowed for a large glass window to let in so much light and the wonderful shadows it played on the lime rendered walls.  Just magic!

And speaking of lighting, so many vintage styles of kerosene burners, new and old, gave a wonderful ambience to the campsites when the sun went down.

Each evening safari was finished off with 'sundowners' - a drink of your choice, wherever you were in the bush, to watch the African sunset.

Although most of my photos of the stunning bush camp by candle light are blurred - try to take 'serious shots' after a round of sundowners! - I think you get the idea just how magical the dinners were.

I have used the silver touches and sunset drinks, as inspiration for my 're-design' of our living room at home.  I have found a silvered tray in a middle-eastern homewares store, and teamed with some lovely decanters I had 'put away', they are now just waiting for the week-end when we can again enjoy a drink and watch the sunset from our living room!

Have you taken some inspiration from your travels, and instilled it into your home?  I'd love you to share the details!

Jennifer.
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