A historic country home done up in a modern way

I'm writing you guys from Chicago today, where I'm visiting a friend before heading over to Spain to visit my boyfriend for a month. I saw this house in Elle Decor and thought it was really nice - and worth a share. What do you think?

Looovvee those weathered leathered chairs, the oversize ottoman/coffee table, and the hydrangea arrangement.




I would never think to paint my bedroom such a dark brown, but it's actually looks quite relaxing.

via Elle Decor

Coffee Tables on Casters

A recent post about tables on casters on Desire to Inspire had me all gung-ho about a possible new DIY project.  I love the look of these tables, and they're so easy to push out of the way, which in our case is important because our living room is also our workout room and the coffee table moves often (okay, maybe not as often as it should, as we're not working out as often as we should). 

 Well, after pondering this DIY project, guess what?  I found the perfect table on KSL!  

This used Room & Board (I've always wanted to own something from Room & Board!) coffee table is perfect.  It matches our style perfectly, and does everything I wanted a coffee table to do (moves easily, cleans easily, and allows some display without cluttering the top of the table). 

So another DIY project gets crossed off the list. (Is it cheating if I bought the table rather than making it?)

Gorgeous reclaimed wood - do you have some?

I was introduced to Forest Dickey's work the other day and it's just stunning. He uses reclaimed barn wood -of which I've always been a fan. The unique thing is that with this historic medium he creates contemporary furniture! I particularly love his benches -



*gulp*

gorgeous walnut

via Forest's studio Varian


Cabinetry in reclaimed wood if you the substance and look of a rustic kitchen
via Gurniture


A special attribute of reclaimed wood is that it means your piece will be completely unique. I can think of a space for this hutch in every room (of my dream house, that is.)
Cottage Home Maine

ohhh. I seriously want one of these vintage factory carts as a coffee table...one day...
via Restoration Hardware

see!
via Marie Claire Maison

via James Merrel

Of course, most furniture in reclaimed wood will probably be made one of a kind by craftsmen, which equals big bucks (and rightfully so), but you can find more accessible furniture - like these shelves made from old railroad tracks at vivaterra.
via vivaterra

Do any of you have furniture (or anything) made from reclaimed wood? I'd love to hear about it - what it is and how you like it.

Sweet Scandinavian Style for a sweet price (and a few steps up from Ikea)

I'm starting to like CB2 more and more these days. They seem to be offering more versatile furniture and accessories, instead of all cold steel modern furnishings. Here are some things I'd love to have from their first look 09 catalog.

I *love* this Platform coffee table - it has two drawers (hello storage), and I love the modern retro design. I also love the $399 price tag. The Dane table lamp - only $99, and oh so pretty. I'm not usually one for wall decals and wall "sculpture," but I thought these rubber decor forms were sort of pretty. They'd look nice down a hallway wall.

Those cute and simple tea light sconces are only $2.50! One also can't have enough simple cylindrical vases in various sizes. Sadly mine broke last time I moved, and I've been meaning to get more. They're a great option for people who only get flowers occasionally, because in between bouquets you can fit all sorts of interesting objets d'art. The Darjeeling dining table is a favorite of mine, the wood grain is gorgeous. Rare saal wood is reclaimed from old Indian railroad ties, restored, and pieced in a natural plank mosaic.

via CB2

Image background swatch from Scandinavian Design Center

House Beautiful Potpurri

I've had a few House Beautiful scans I've been meaning to share with you guys, some are from this past month's issue, and some are older. Enjoy!

I love the coffee table with natural objects, wooden bowls, and books.


Love this humble cozy bedroom

If anyone knows where I can get a blue striped rug like this please do tell!

An artist's easel as a flat-screen TV mount. Genius!

A cozy nook to read the morning paper and have a cup of coffee

Industrial style furniture

I love Pottery Barn's new Benchwright Dining Table, as I'm a sucker for furniture designers who "appreciate wood's character." The table is lovely, however there is nothing like the real thing. My parents' home is almost fully furnished in pieces passed down, and even though a lot of them are reproductions, they're beautiful because it was life that rewarded them with character, not some strategically placed dents and dings. On the flip side, at $5,800 for the real thing, Pottery Barn's industrial-style dining seems affordable!

Pottery Barn's Table--


Get Back's table--
It extends at each end

*Love*

Some other cool offerings from Get Back

Spend more time in your living room

I spend most of my time in either the kitchen cleaning and working, or in my bedroom sleeping. But recently I've noticed I'm most relaxed in my living room - probably because I'm not often doing work there, but simply relaxing with a book or magazine. It's a real luxury that we could all use more of, and I hope these living rooms encourage you to spend a little more time in the living room!


so jealous of the great light in this room!






...love what they've done with the mantle here






I'd love an old rolling palette on wheels as a coffee table

All images via Marie Claire Maison