For the fun of it

Daleen Stewart's home is an eccentric mix of antique furniture and playful décor that reflects an artistic style and a good sense of humour.

- By Haidee Muller-Isaacs

I am fascinated by old things in every shape and size: castles, dark paintings, ornate mirrors - even stuffed animals! The older, the more beautiful, says Daleen, throwing back her head and roaring with laughter.

Indeed. Her Bishopscourt home boasts a distinctive collection of animals, as paintings and statues as well as living, and lustrous elements. And when you notice a selection of round mirrors on a wall that contorts your head and face when you look at them, it literally puts you in the picture: Daleen is someone who doesn't take herself or her décor too seriously.

Her style is all over the place and somewhat quirky, “ explains this former make-up artist. “I buy what I love and then see where it will fit.

In Daleen and her husband Andrew's house, the nesting tables seem to multiply because she cannot resist them either. They are so lovely. Wherever I go, I buy a set. But then I get 1 home and some have to go straight to the garage; there's simply no more space here.

That's why the garage has become her furniture store with barely any room for filmmaker Andrew's car. Daleen just giggles about this. It's clear that Andrew understands all her eccentricities. He leaves me to my own devices, but he also loves antiques, she explains. However, the other day I was told to stop accumulating stuff. The house is getting too small...

Right at home

In fact, Daleen could live quite comfortably on a farm.

Why, oh why, can't we live on a farm? she asks. One with space for large rugs and lots of animals. I would be in my element with all the old stuff, large stoeps and a spacious farm kitchen.