Let's Talk: Lanalou Style

I'm so excited about today's Let's Talk guest Lana from the blog Lanalou Style. Back in October I blogged about discovering her blog and how much I loved it (see here) and months later I still can't get enough! Lanalou Style feeds that need within me for beautiful spaces, lots of color, and unique interiors and she treats her readers to an insiders view of many spaces throughout Cape Town and the surrounding areas. This is especially cool as many of the places she features don't always have a strong web presence and so her site allows you a sneak peak you wouldn't get without actually having to buy the plane ticket and see it for yourself. But I'm going to step back and let Lana tell you bit about herself, her inspirations and her city:

What are the first five words that come to mind when you think about Africa?

Vibrant, warm, texture, soul, history

Many design blogs focus on interiors and designers from the U.S. or Europe, yet I'm constantly amazing at the beautiful interiors I see from South Africa. What do you think make these designs and interiors unique?

I think South Africa is finally starting to embrace it’s own design, we are focusing less on copying European designs and choosing local styles that incorporate their surroundings, be it the sea, mountains, local vegetation or even urban city. Comfort, unfussy, relaxed are keywords as well as a new awareness of craft and the handmade.

Anyone reading your blog can see your love for design, interiors, textiles, colors and more - how are you able to incorporate this love into other aspects of your work and/or life?

I work at an interiors shop in Cape Town so am constantly surrounded by beautiful things and creative people. Out of work, I’m always trying to go to interesting, beautiful places and taking photos to share on my blog, so that keeps me inspired and creative. When I have the time I try to do a few creative projects for myself. I recently got some cushions made for our house using Design Team fabrics, which is just the best local fabric ever!

Many people who have not been to South Africa either have no idea what South Africa is like or have a lot of preconceived ideas about the country, what is one thing that you think someone would be surprised to learn or see in Cape Town or other parts of South Africa?

Wow, there’s so much to see and do here that it’s difficult to pick one thing!, I think one of the best attractions in the Western Cape are all our vineyards and wine estates that we have here. Most of them have amazing views of the surrounding countryside, with their own fantastic restaurants or delis. It’s the perfect daytrip. A true Cape Town speciality is a trip to the Old Biscuit Mill on a Saturday, where they have the Neighbour Goods Market, which is a fantastic market featuring speciality traders of fine foods, organic merchants, original clothing, jewellery and arts, it's the place to be on a Saturday morning! It gets so full you can hardly move, you have to get there early!

If you could go to any other country on the continent right now, which would it be and why?

I’d love to go to Morocco! For all the markets, architecture and décor!

When you are not writing your blog, what do you like to do?

I love going for walks on the mountain and discovering new little shops and cafes.

Where is your favorite hang out spot?

That’s difficult, I think that one of my all time fave places is the Daily Deli, it’s a small unassuming café/deli tucked away on a quiet street in Tamboerskloof, which is a beautiful neighbourhood. There are little tables with sun umbrellas out on the pavement and it’s quiet and peaceful, I love sitting there, in the sun, enjoying a capucino and reading a new magazine, bliss!

What is your personal musical soundtrack of the moment?

Anything by Feist

Who or what has been your greatest inspiration?

Travelling through Europe by myself and experiencing different languages, cultures and architecture. I came home so inspired and with many ideas.

What has been your proudest achievement?

I think my most recent achievement that I’m really proud of has been to start my blog and persist with it! Through the beginning when I didn’t have many readers and comments were few, through those days when I wondered what all this work was for, to where it is today with a whole community of friends from all over the world! It’s just the best thing getting a positive email saying how much my blog inspires someone! It makes me want to work harder and dream bigger.

What is the best lesson you've learned so far?

To be true to oneself

What dream do you still want to fulfill?

I’d like to achieve a lot more with my blog, I hope to one day blog full-time and of course I want to travel, so since one can blog from anywhere in the world, there’s hope for both!

What book and/or magazine are your reading right now?

You’ll be envious (see this post), Hot Afro is currently on my desk, an early birthday present from a good friend! It’s full of beautiful, inspiring SA homes.

How fun was that?!? So many of her responses ring true especially about being proud of starting and persisting with a blog. As another blog writer, I definitely know what those early days felt like and the various questions that creep into your mind about why exactly you are doing this whole blogging business and yet the joy that comes in really building a community of readers. The fact that she has my must-have book on her desk is serious icing on the cake! Finally, I love the various tips about her city and region. It so makes me want to just take some time (right around now when it's their summer instead of my winter) and slowly go exploring, taking pictures, visiting the little boutiques and more!

Thanks so much to Lana for taking the time to talk with us!!

{Photos: Lanalou Style}