A Rustic-Inspired Apartment Filled With Travel Finds

Nothing beats the feeling of coming home—whether you've been away for a long time or you simply got back from work—there's a feeling of peace and calmness the moment you step into your space. For personal chef Paula Nel, home is in the midst of Cape Town's busy shopping and business district. Though very different from her demanding schedule of going from one country to another, going back to South Africa, in a place that she worked so hard to make her own, is something she is committed to.

“It was nice, but it really wasn’t me.” Paula made the space her own by whitewashing the brick walls, exposing the original epoxy floors, and adding vintage-looking lighting fixtures. She also added an outdoor terrace with wooden plantation-style shutters, a detail that really adds to the feeling that one is cocooned and far from the madding crowd.

The decorative details followed in time—giving her the opportunity to showcase artwork and the numerous treasures she has collected over the years. “Treasure hunting can be hard work but it’s worth it to surround yourself with these amazing items that each tell a story—theirs and your own,” she says.

Images from www.bureaux.co.za.