(Weekend) Morning Java

Loving a well organized kitchen!! 

How is this drawer for a perfect coffee and tea stop??

Have a wonderful weekend,

Natasha

Image via Pinterest (Sorry, I missed the link)

Designer at home.

First of all... let's just establish the fact that I am incredibly nosy when it comes to the way designers live at home, I just have to see! However, I am not so sure I would be equally as excited if someone was to look into my own digs.... :) That would just be intimidating!!

Well, I came across these images of tableware designer Peri Wolfman and her husband, still life photographer, Charles Gold's home in Southampton. Peri has just finished designing the brand new tableware collection for RH. Classic design, beautifully finished, cool colors (besides the all white she is known for). Sneak a peek here.

Nothing like open shelves to force you to be organized, it just does not work if you are not into the art of beautiful displays, even when it comes to every day objects!!

Besides the interesting light fixture above the island, I am all for maximizing storage, and by doubling up the cabinets below, there is a place for everything, and everything in it's place...

When your home looks like this, downsizing does not feel so bad, right?? Both the camel back sofa and the wingback chairs can be found at RH.

Flea market finds mingle well! When color and texture is considered, this vintage miniature church becomes a sculpture. 

... you just know you are in a home of a very meticulous person, when even the matches are artfully displayed :)

In the all white guest bath, the straight lines are broken by the round iron mirror. The pale braided rope makes for a casual vibe and lends great texture. PS. I love this Kohler pedestal sink, it happens to be in my guest bath as well, can't go wrong with the clean lines!!

A slightly different look in the master bedroom... cool grey, reflective finishes, silk taffeta drapes, along with a cozy corner.

Keeping everyday objects on display, makes for easy access, and function becomes more than just that... here twine, rope and yarn fills a beautiful clean lined bowl.

Hope you enjoyed this peak into Tableware designer Peri Wolfman's new home.

She very much lives with the clean lines she designs, the natural tones she applies to the Dinnerware and has a wonderful eye for texture, selecting beautiful materials for the RH flatware collection!

Natasha

All images via the New York Times, Great Homes and Destination Section.

First spotted here.

Kitchen Love!

In the last few days I have been looking at design ideas of kitchens... You would think that after having completed two in the past six months, that I have had enough for a while, right? (If you would like to see a detail from one of my just finished kitchens, check here) 

Kitchens are not really my specialty, but it just so happens that two lovely clients were looking to completely gut and redo, now a third client is looking to give her large kitchen an overhaul... and you know what? Secretly I LOVE looking through all the options out there! Taking a little from this one, a little from that one, a dash of want, a pinch of need and a large portion of WOW, mixing it all up and creating something functional and beautiful at the same time. 

Drawn to the soft cream color of this monochromatic kitchen, the warm wood floor mixed with the coolness of the waterfall island clad in marble, LOVE!

Oh, and cooking in there, wouldn't be too bad either!! ... the natural light, can we talk about the natural light in this space?

Natasha

Image via 

Kitchen on my mind...

Just showing you this kitchen 'cause since I came across it, it's been on my mind :)

Love the all white, that's a given, but the blue accents speak to me as well! However, I am not entirely sure I would be able to live with the funky Missoin-inspired backsplash, how about you? Another thing that caught my eye is the super cool table base, you like??

Kitchens are on my mind lately :)

Natasha

Image via Pinterest

Rise & Shine People :)

It's Sunday... what better way to start the day than in this bright and cheerful nook?!

I know, some of you were probably expecting the Sunday Flowers post, but I decided on this image today, and look.... it does have flowers too :)

Would you dare to paint a Yellow this bright in your home??
Not me, I can tell you that, I'm not that adventures, LOL!!

Have fun today :)
Natasha

Image unknown

(Friday) Morning Java

So yes, I have been going a little country lately, I know :) I hope you don't mind?

As we "speak" this ironstone pitcher is filled with yellow and orange roses, but they are on their last day, so no picture today, however, this pretty image will have to do as you enjoy your Morning Java.

Again, I am encouraging you to style up your everyday cups and plates, adding fresh flowers and leaving out your fresh fruit, not only for visual, but for easy access :) Wouldn't it be wonderful to start your day in a spot like this? Little bit of melon, an english muffin, beautiful fresh eggs (I'm thinking Martha Stewart would be proud of this bowl of soft hued farm eggs :) ) and the piece de resistance... French Press coffee maker!

- I have a confession to make. For our wedding we were given a French Press coffee maker, and every time I try to use it, the coffee is either too strong or not strong enough... really frustrating!! Do any of you have any tips for me??

Natasha

Image via Pinterest

Kitchen Confindetial

I totally adore this kitchen!

The subway tiles in their soothing colors are fantastic and obviously set the tone for the rest of the design, selections of finishes etc. I can only guess that they are handmade, hence the different shades in the glaze.

This weekend I am actually working with two clients, selecting counter top materials for their kitchens. One will be Absolute Black Granite - and nothing like this - we are just selecting sink, faucets and hardware.

The other client.... I'm not sure yet, perhaps a marble, time will tell.
Sometimes it's hard to commit to a counter :)

Both kitchens are much smaller than this, no room for an island in either, but that's all right.

What kind of counter surface do you have in your kitchen?? Do you have an island? Does the island have the same material on top as your other counters?  I have a very small kitchen, no room for an island. My counters are black granite, very shiny and totally cool!! LOVE them!
... even if their are kitty paw prints on them constantly :)

Natasha

Images via tumblr.
(Sorry, I failed to write down the designers name! If you know, please let me know and I will give credit where credit is due!)

It's the Weekend...

Found this great bohemian looking kitchen via Porchlight Interiors... I really like the mix of the all white space and the black shiny counters. All the pops of color are pulled from the tablecloth, and I think it looks fantastic! The chairs are so great in this space, both warms it up and gives visual interest, same with the small runner...

Want to join me for a hot cup of tea and a good talk here??

Natasha

Image British House & Garden via Porchlight Interiors

I spy...

... a beautiful dusty green!
How soothing is this pretty bedroom, not to mention the beautiful view just outside the open door!

I really like the pretty dusty green of the headboard against the soft gray walls! Notice the pattern in the quilt has the same sage color. Makes you wonder what came first, the bed spread or the painted headboard?? Hmmm....

Well, I think the answer is the fabric came first, and then the paint was mixed (now that you see the color in the kitchen as well), am I right?? Then again, they could just have been lucky with the fabric....
Isn't this a wonderful country kitchen? Love the color of the bench, not a fan of Spanish tile, never was, but they work in this house, grounding the space. Considering this is probably a vacation home, they are super easy to clean, so why not....

Did you notice the tiny little touch of pink in the chandelier?

Natasha

Images via Nuevo Estilo

Cafe au lait?

How about this collection of Cafe Au Lait Bows? How fantastic!! I know someone - Hi P - who also likes vintage bowls like these, though the collection is not this extensive.... yet!
This image makes me so happy!! The wonderfully colored bowls, in order by color, the yellow shade, fun carpet and bright yellow Tolix stool, tons of good light in the kitchen, what more could you ask for?  .... oh, perhaps someone to make the Cafe au lait??  ;)

Probably many of you have seen this image before, BUT I felt a need to share it again (not that I have re-posted an image here on NL, God forbid!!)....

Have a cup of cafe au lait today, I'm drinking mine "as we speak".

Natasha

Image via MSL

Brownie points!

How to do Brown in your home without it looking heavy and old....
Here are a few suggestions for different rooms in your home, let me know which one is your favorite!

Entryway; Some hallway table.... plenty of room for the keys and the mail! Check out the beautifully carved legs, they give life to the table, and moves your eye from the floor to the top of the ornate mirror. You do not even notice that there is a lot "going on"....

Bedroom; Tufting the headboard adds visual interest to the bed. A plain brown headboard would have been borring!! The openwork in the nightstand and the delicate print on the awning, keeps the feeling light. This is layering at it's best, from the wood floor, to the rug, the bed linens...

This bedroom reads cozy to me, and not at all heavy!!

Is this one of the fanciest dog beds you have ever seen?

I say "go for it" if you have the space!!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Bathroom; What initially got me to look at this image was the floor tiles! So interesting!! (I am not familiar with the rest of the property, where this image came from, so I don't know if they are original to the house.... They could be, I guess!) The vanity is quite a heavy piece of furniture, and the thickness of the mirror frame suggests that this is a large room. I think the vanity balances out the pattern in the tile, and neither element takes over the room.
 

Kitchen: Earthy tones in an otherwise white kitchen, looks great to me! Love the texture of the chairs, and also the pendant lamp.... The darker brown color grounds this light and airy kitchen very well!!

Food: And while we are in the kitchen, why not stick to the theme? How absolutely delicious does this espresso and ice cream dessert look? Heck, I would have it for breakfast....

So tell me, is Brown a Go, or a No-Go?

Have a yummy day,

Natasha

Image #1 & #3 via Flourish Design+Style, Image #2 ?, Image #4 via Flickr, Image #5 here, Image #6 Karen Modechai for MSL

It's the weekend...

... and I just received a teaser email from Lonny magazine!

Oh, how I wish the issue was out already, so I could really dive in this weekend.... I guess I will just have to sit tight ;)

Just a few smart a.. comments on the cover;

Outdoor entertaining;

Well, here in Florida it was 96 degrees F yesterday, so that idea goes straight out the window (will have to save for the cooler months)!

Sell that house;

Are you kidding me? I just lived thru a kitchen renovation, and a Library wall installation, I am not going anywhere..... But there is always dreaming! (I am dreaming of a clean office and bedroom, now that things are, for the most part, in order downstairs...)

Summer at last;

OH YES!!! Not only is it super hot and humid, but I can't wait to go to the beach, have not been there for 117 years, which is really sad, considering people come from all over the world to enjoy what I live only 10 minutes from..... shame on me.

Image;

How fresh and pretty, so Summer and Crisp! Really looking forward to reading this issue in my newly, cleaned up office..... a girl can dream, can't she?

Have a fun weekend!

Natasha

Image via Lonny

Kitchen Countdown

I have been looking at cabinets, knobs, counters, colors, appliances, lighting etc, etc, etc for what seem like an eternity. And now our new kitchen is only a week away from being started! YEAH!

The inspiration for our kitchen is the image above. Our kitchen is small, there will be no room for a farmhouse sink.... I am not 100% on the knobs yet either; while I like these old (?) knobs used in this kitchen, I am not sure about the oxidized brass knobs with the chrome faucet. I do not think I am brave enough to install brass fixtures, while my eye is getting used to the warmth of brass, so far I have only been able to find a new brass fixture, and I am afraid of it looking too "shine-y gold" meets disco meets.... you get the picture!



We are also the proud owners of a bay window, while very small, it lets in a lot of light, and the cats love sitting in the window, watching the world (of lizards) go by.... I have decided to install a window seat, for them and for me ;) + the extra storage is needed!



...I have 1/10 of the space of this window seat, but it's nice to dream!

I keep telling myself to stay calm, as I know it will be bad before it will be beautiful!
Right? Right??

Natasha

Image #1 from my files, Image #2 Marley&Lockyer, Image #3 Coastal Living

Front Page News

Danish designer and business women, Tine K. made the March 2010 cover with her light filled home.

This is the private residence of Tine K, she and her husband (also her business partner in Tine K Home) lives here along with their children.

While I am a big fan of white painted floors, I must say these shiny dark brown - almost black -

floors are FANTASTIC!!!

A few years back, when visiting Denmark, I picked up one of these silver trays, only in a smaller version, since it had to fit in my suitcase. I have been longing for the large one, and a friend of mine found one for my birthday last year, YEAH! (tx amd)

Texture is what makes this image work for me; the silver tray, the wood shakers, the ceramic containers holding the Asian utensils. Look how beautiful the hole pattern is....

On that same trip back I also picked up six of these soft lavender and white bowls, fortunately they all arrived in one piece!!

What a pretty way to keep everyday items displayed; functional yet beautiful.

Upstairs the floors have been painted white, and a mirror displayed to catch the light.

Great natural light in the bedroom, I could easily sit there writing this blog....

The birdcage has been featured in product shots for the Tine K Home collection, and I guess she couldn't give it up..... never has a feather duster looked so cool!

If you would like to read more, use this link, or perhaps pick up this months Elle Decoration.

Natasha

Image #1 here,

Image #2 -9 are from my files, some are from the TKH website.

Who inspires you?

…What inspires you? I have asked that question so many times, I get a different answer each time! Some people are inspired by travel, some by books, and others by simply taking a walk. Recently I have come across quite a few people answering that question with; Cooking!

Perhaps a sign of the times (we cook more at home), perhaps the holiday season (cooking for friends and family), perhaps……

Just to clarify…. I am not the cook at home! I leave that to the professionals, but recently I too have been inspired by food. – No, I did not yet see the Julie & Julia movie, but I hear it is good.

A few Sundays ago, I came across Ina Garten on TV. She was going “back to basics” and I watched her cook chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, sun dried tomato and fresh basil….. I attempted this without a recipe, after all, how hard could “basic” be? Surprise! It turned out wonderful and I am inspired to try something different!

Today I picked up “Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics” by Ina Garten and I am so looking forward to leaning more from her! Mustard-roasted fish anyone?



(I know this book has been blogged about 117 times, but I was just so happy and inspired!!!)



By the way...
Don't you just love her kitchen? I am in the beginning stages of redesigning our small kitchen, but that will be part of another blog entry, perhaps even a few entries!

Have fun cooking!
Natasha