Question: You said there was a
 ROMANTIC style that should be
  discussed. How many styles
 are there?

Ferdi: Infinite styles! I thought it suitable to discuss the Romantic style, seeing as it is so often found in South African homes. The fact that it was previously the style of the wealthy middle classes, and that the Romantic era only ended an hundred years ago, means that there are still many of its style elements around, and it will probably be with us for quite some time. In the Romantic era, the Western civilisation saw themselves as being a lot more tolerant, advanced and relaxed than in the Baroque-type eras that perceded it. This was at the height of colonialism, and a lot of new ideas were imported from the rest of the world. The result was a greater variety in the decor. The general mood

was one of elitist self-confidence, before the outbreak of the two world wars placed a cynical damper on the mood of Europe. The style is therefore light and playful. So, one reason for the success of this style is the fact that it is relatively recent, we can still sort of remember it. The craftsmen of the era still took pride in their work, as can clearly be seen in the quality of the furniture and objects made at the time. This means that the style is also strong and self-assured, and not just frilly and feminine (as many people seem to believe).

Question: What does a Romantic house look like? What style elements would you use to create it?

Ferdi: I would use soft lighting, beautiful fabrics, deep chairs, big cushions, tassels, poufs, silk curtains, several small tables, screens, crystal vases filled with flowers, oil landscapes on the walls in heavy gilt frames, family photos and lots of keepsakes. A formal European garden with roses is of course always an asset to a Romantic house, but any nice garden, also indigenous will do. A great advantage of the Romantic style is the fact that many houses in South Africa don't lend themselves to any other style, unless you are prepared to demolish it and start over. In such a case, you could rather give the Romantic in you a chance.

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