{"id":12916,"date":"2021-12-18T20:07:27","date_gmt":"2021-12-19T04:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/?p=12916"},"modified":"2025-06-24T08:34:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T15:34:22","slug":"silent-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/silent-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Silent Night"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Unwrap the new year with us.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Enjoy our premium, unique selections from TrooRa marketplace<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSHOP NOW<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHome Design\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Silent Night\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Written by: Mandy Allen<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Algria Ferreira-Watling Christmas scheme<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Matt textures, layered tablescapes, and whispers of earthy colour provided by nature make for a serene Christmas setting in Algria Ferreira-Watling\u2019s Cape Town home\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A bleached-out palette, raw finishes, and an aesthetic that borders on the monastic are the hallmarks of this captivating home in Cape Town\u2019s central and historic Tamboerksloof neighbourhood. What makes this sanctuary-like habitat even more remarkable\u2014given the complete absence of bright colours or lustrous textures\u2014is that its owner, Algria Ferreira-Watling, is one of South Africa\u2019s most in-demand make-up artists whose portfolio of clients includes Solange Knowles and Charlize Theron.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It would be fair to assume that someone in the business of \u201cpainting faces,\u201d as Algria refers to her artistry, would have a predilection for colour as well as materials and objects underpinned by a glamorous artifice. But Algria has always had a rebellious spirit, manifesting not only in her professional signature typified by a look that is pared-down, fresh, and innately edgy, but also her instinctive rejection of trends, mass consumerism, and aspirational yearnings. <\/span>
<\/span>Bare walls in bone and grey hues, original wooden features that have been sanded down and left unvarnished, a limited but meaningful selection of personal effects and decorative objects displayed in thoughtful vignettes, as well as low-key luxuries in the form of candles that perfume the air with notes of amber and gently worn pure linen throws, all culminate in a whole that is effortlessly layered and emotionally affecting. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Algria\u2019s aesthetic bathroom <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Algria\u2019s minimalist nature of the bedroom and the gentle filtered light.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Algria\u2019s aesthetic bathroom <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Algria\u2019s minimalist nature of the bedroom and the gentle filtered light.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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freestanding staircase leads to son Dax\u2019s bedroom<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The source of Algria\u2019s inspiration can be traced to her childhood, \u201cI come from a poor background. We didn\u2019t have material possessions, but there was always so much love,\u201d she explains. \u201cI work in an industry founded largely on traditional notions of beauty and consumption, but I\u2019ve never desired \u2018things\u2019. My dream was only ever to live with my family in a modest house that had a feeling of tranquillity. Why would I desire a palace when what I have is perfect?\u201d<\/p>

While Algria purposely keeps the house in a state of visual consistency throughout the year, Christmas brings with it the occasion to create a seasonal atmosphere for her husband, Derek, son, Dax, and close friends and family\u2014a mood that is festive while staying true to her serene aesthetic. No flashy store-bought trinkets or tinsel here; no pine or fir in the corner of the living room; no table centrepieces composed of roses, poinsettias, or hydrangeas.\u00a0<\/p>

Instead, the customary tones and accouterment are substituted by the muted greens and otherworldly forms of fynbos (indigenous shrub and heath) and woody herbs displayed as free-form wreaths, floating in repurposed clear glass bottles holding elegant taper candles, and as aromatic flourishes on gifts that have been wrapped simply in white or brown Kraft paper and finished with twine.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Algria Ferreira-Watling<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Traces of shimmer\u2014this is Christmas, after all\u2014serve to highlight rather than overwhelm and bring to mind the flash of a dragonfly wing. You can find this flash in a fine dusting of edible copper glitter on a \u2018naked\u2019 cake; in the gold craft wire binding hand-made fynbos garlands left hanging from doorknobs; in the dried Protea flowers and seed pods from the blue gum tree, spray-painted in antique gold; and in the vintage King\u2019s Pattern cutlery, polished only slightly so as to retain the charm of its mottled patina. And instead of a tree, an agave plant with its sculptural form has been given a single coating of gold spray paint and \u2018planted\u2019 in a clear glass vase filled with beach sand.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThings found in nature, objects that have had many lives already, the soft wrinkle in a piece of linen\u2026 this is a constant source of inspiration for me,\u201d says Algria. \u201cChristmas calls for luxury, but there\u2019s no right or wrong interpretation of what that means. Faded and evocative or full-on and festive, as long as what you see makes you happy.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The dining area<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The dining area<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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clear glass wine and cordial bottles of varying sizes have been filled with water to hold taper candles and to display sprigs of fynbos<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Gifts are displayed on an African daybed used as a low-level table. <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Gifts are displayed on an African daybed used as a low-level table. <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Various wine and cordial bottles have been filled with water and fynbos springs<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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1. Fill clear white wine and cordial bottles with boiled or distilled water (to stop the water from clouding too soon) and place sprigs of fybos, heather, or woody herbs inside. Use as holders for elegant taper candles on your tablescape or wherever you want atmospheric lighting.<\/em><\/p>

2. Source fynbos and create whimsical free-form wreaths and garlands. Use gold and copper craft wire and black leather cord for contrast and a hint of shine.<\/em><\/p>

3. Spray paint is an easy way to indulge your creativity. Coat found objects from nature such as seed pods and dried flowers in antique gold and copper for an understated glow. Fynbos, spray-painted black, is an edgy interpretation of the idea. Apply the same technique in creating the garlands using gold and copper craft wire.<\/em><\/p>

4. Keep gift-wrapping simple and rustic. Crinkle brown Kraft paper and plain newsprint into tight balls and then spread out for use. You\u2019ll be left with an organic, crushed linen look. Give each present its own unique treatment: experiment with white and brown twine and use fynbos \u2013 plain or spray painted \u2013 as well as spray-painted seed pods as embellishment. Wrap the twine casually so as to have a more informal appearance.<\/em><\/p>

5. Strings of fairy lights are a Christmas essential: left in vases, in the fireplace, draped over the mantle, around door frames, or hanging from the ceiling in the corner of a room. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>

6. Approach a monochromatic table setting like a fashion designer focusing on layering and texture. Think: shades of chalk, grey, charcoal, and bone. Anchor the scheme with a beautiful linen tablecloth; set places with vintage silver-plated cutlery, rough-edged linen napkins tied with hemp string, and handmade crockery (black adds drama); arrange a mix-and-match assortment of upcycled glassware for sprigs of fynbos and candles. And add final flourish in the form of gold and copper spray painted seed pods.<\/em><\/p>

7. Serve your guests a deconstructed \u2018naked\u2019 cake. Make two classic sponges (one large, one medium) and trim them into circular shapes. Layer only the tops of each cake with buttercream frosting (hence the term \u2018naked\u2019) and sprinkle on a fine layer of edible glitter. Embellish with springs of fynbos or woody herbs. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>

8. Wrap thick pillar candles of varying sizes with gold or copper craft wire for a personalised style flourish. \"\"<\/span><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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TrooRa Magazine<\/p>\n

Words<\/p>\n

Mandy Allen\n<\/p>\n

California, USA<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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SHOP<\/span><\/BR> \nTrooRa\nMarketplace<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Baroque Pearl Earrings<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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$80.00 usd<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Archer Bag Copper Metallic<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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$265.00 usd<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Mini Trio Candle<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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$50.00 usd<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Archer Bag Blue Steel Metallic<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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$265.00 usd<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSHOP NOW<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Matt textures, layered tablescapes, and whispers of earthy colour provided by nature make for a serene Christmas setting in Algria Ferreira-Watling\u2019s Cape Town home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":363,"featured_media":41464,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[172],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-design"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/363"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12916"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41619,"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12916\/revisions\/41619"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41464"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/troora.com\/team\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}