If you have ever found yourself meandering down Kloof street in Cape Town, you have probably noticed one of the most elegant showrooms around. I first stumbled past this gem 12 years ago and have found myself, nose pressed against the store front window longingly admiring the exquisite furniture on many occasions over the years. Sometimes I have even managed to drag my partner inside to oooh and ahhhh over all the stylish decor hoping that I might luck out and score a luxurious throw or lamp.

Finally, the time had come for me to order one of their immaculate couches as the centrepiece to my home.

If you haven't yet realised, I'm talking about the amazing Klooftique. It is a design marvel and a place where you can have custom furniture made that will last you a lifetime.

Klooftique was founded in 1973 and has been a successful furniture design company ever since. With its roots in antique Cape Dutch furniture and a love of restoration of these pieces, it seems fitting that the very building that homes Klooftique itself is over 100 years old and forms part of one of Cape Town's heritage buildings.

I think what I love the most about this showroom floor (aside from the gorgeous furniture) is that when you walk in... it feels like home. With a fireplace going in winter, Klooftique invites you in, beckons you to take a seat on a couch or occasional chair and truly gain a feel for how beautiful their pieces are.

The team at Klooftique are highly knowledgeable and no matter the request, are there to guide you with your options from design, fabric, to sizing. Something that is glaringly absent from all the cookie-cutter furniture stores.

Whether you need custom-made scatter cushions, a bespoke coffee, console or occasional table, or a couch... anything is possible. There is something to be said for enduring craftsmanship at a time where overwhelming demand for instant gratification is satisfied by a plethora of cheap imitations.

After discussing my needs with the team, and consulting with them on my available lounge floor space, I decided to go for the NuYork couch with a couple of custom tweaks to make sure it's the perfect fit for my home.

I decided to go for Zambezi leather as I have two very cheeky dogs and I know that this choice of material will last me a lifetime. You can choose from a variety of fabrics if that is to your taste and know that no matter the selection you will be guided by the team to make sure you are investing in a piece that will not only fit your home perfectly and will probably outlast some of your lesser-known extended relatives.

I love supporting local businesses and buying local. Klooftique has been in the business for so long and that longevity means that it's a company you can trust. Sure, you're buying furniture, but you're also buying 48 years experience and expertise with every purchase. Something that I feel in today's day and age is important. To know that I am engaging with a company that has had clientele close to 40 years is just incredible.

Not only is the service and quality a five-star experience but Klooftique offers shipping across South Africa and Internationally. This means no matter where you are in the world you can have this incredible handmade furniture in your space.

If you want to get the inside scoop of this incredible company, then come and find me on Instagram and watch my IGTV with Marianna the owner of this amazing business.

Now all that's left to do is decorate my space and make sure it all compliments my perfect couch. Already I'm dreaming up complimentary items of furniture that will continue to elevate the space and I know that I will forever be knocking on Klooftique's doors to help me realise whatever design dream that needs fulfilling.

The entire experience from start to finish was utterly seamless and an absolute pleasure.

-Melissa

If you follow the blog or know me personally you will know that I am all about the dinner party and a fabulous brunch. These are soul-filling events for me because I get to spend time with the people I love the most. Cooking up a storm and entertaining come naturally for me. That’s not to say that I don’t however enjoy the perfect night in taking time to recharge.

I thought I would give you a peek into what I cook for myself. I am a huge fan of a one-pot wonder when I am alone as it leaves me with less dishes and I can pop it in the fridge to nibble off.

Sometimes I just need to switch off and cuddle up with a great series or book and the country road knitted blankets are the softest cuddle buddies (insert cuddle puddle here). With winter having arrived with aplomb I couldn't wait to share my recent collaboration with Country Road and their beautiful cozy knits. I thought I would show you not only my #countryroadstyle but also a recipe which I love to make.
It is a butternut soup that freezes really well. You can portion it, then just pop it on the stove when you are ready.
It's hearty with a fiery little spice kick (depending on how warm you want to keep.)

All homeware and knits are available at Country Road. Cat not included.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons coconut oil.
1 large onion, chopped.
3 garlic gloves, chopped.
1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and chopped.
1 red chilli, chopped (you can add less or more)
2 cups celery, chopped.
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped.
1 large sweet potato washed and chopped.
1 kg butternut, peeled and diced.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 liters vegetable stock.
1 tin coconut milk.
1 bunch of coriander.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

Fill your kettle and boil.
Add your coconut oil and onions to a large pot over a medium heat and sweat them down.
Add your garlic, ginger and chilli. Keep stirring.
Add your celery and stir until it starts to soften.
Add your carrots, sweet potato and butternut.
Add a sprinkling of cayenne pepper if you want to turn up the heat!
Once all your vegetables are mixed fill your pot 90% of the way with your vegetable stock. Let boil over a medium to high heat for at least an hour. If you see the water level is running low, top it up with your stock.
I let my soup cook for as long as possible, sometimes up to two hours. It is however ready after an hour.

Once all your veggies are soft using a stick blender or a normal blender blend the soup until it reaches a thick consistency. Add it back to your pot and let simmer further.
Add your tin of coconut milk and stir through.

Serve hot with croutons and freshly chopped coriander!

After dinner I have become obsessed with peppermint tea. Its great for the digestive system and will keep you warm and cozy!

-Melissa

*This blog post is sponsored by country road which I would gladly have a cuddle puddle with.