Simple fine art of dining

[gallery ids="21427,21428,21429,21431"] RHODES University fine arts professor Ruth Simbao opened her home which she shares with adopted baby son, Quba, in Grahamstown to La Femme and shared her favourite room. Her chosen space – a dining area – used to be three separate horse stables and now with its blue and brown colour scheme, has a long dining table seating up to 15 people. Simbao's renovated home is furnished with an eclectic mix of refurbished furniture. There is now a built-in fire place with shelves on each side. These shelves carry baskets filled with Quba's toys. Simbao chose this as her favourite room saying it's a "wonderful social pit". My style in five words: warm, earthy, refurbished, natural, and connected (to people, places and travel). On my decor wish list: outdoor courtyard bathroom. Best colour: steel blue Pet decor peeve: fake wood My decor indulgence: A-frame skylight above the shower. Favourite character in a movie or book: Orlando (played by Tilda Swinton) in Sally Potter's movie Orlando, based on Virginia Woolf's book. -