Category: rustic

Traditional kitchens, stunning and white, from architect John B. Murray

Below are some jaw-dropping traditional kitchens from the John B. Murray Architect. I’ve featured their work before, as I’m a big fan of the mix of modern efficiencies with the character and novelty of more traditional interior design principles.

My kitchen is nowhere near the size of these. In fact, I only have 4 drawers, but it is streamlined and efficient, so until we move or plan a massive remodel, which is NOT in the cards, I’ll be happy with my little kitchen having all cooking utensils such as good quality kitchen knives and simply admire these.

A huge island is a no-brainer when it comes to adding prep space, and the extra storage below can double your storage space. I love the plank ceiling and the matching pendants over the island.

Loving all of the windows here and the rustic wide plank hardwood floors are beautiful.

I guess this kitchen is more modern than traditional, but I thought it was worth sharing. In a narrow space the more light you can get the better. I love the sleek marble slab backsplash.

Love the classic use of subway tile as a backsplash in this elegant modern kitchen.

This kitchen may be large, but the tile backsplash, wood hutch, and country table and chairs keep it cozy.

I don’t know if this is from a kitchen, but this shot was so pretty I thought it worth sharing. The cabinetry and wood paneling is gorgeous!

via John B. Murray Architect

June 26, 2019
Modern Rustic Inspiration

Growing up on a farm, I feel at home in a rustic interior. That being said, I also like interiors that are uncluttered and have very clean lines. One doesn’t easily find a straight line in nature, so in my eyes blending straight, clean lines with natural organic elements is an art form. Here are some interiors that I think perfectly blend modern with rustic.

Yes. Dark hardwood floors. Tons of natural light. Textured wide wood plank ceilings. Sliding barn doors. YES.

via Pinterest via Tidbits and Twine

I think this is Meg Ryan’s kitchen. Love all of the white and wooden beams.
via DecorPad

You can also successfully incorporate bright colors in a neutral palette. I’d personally use the brights as accents or pops of color.
via Home Adore

Man oh man. I’d be getting dirty A LOT just to spend more time in this bathroom. Pepple tile on the floor, copper tub, wide wood plank walls, exposed brick….!!
via Pinterest via BlogLovin

This bedroom is styled to the hilt but I’m a sucker for a pretty bed. The headboard brings in texture and an organic sensibility, while the window casings and moldings create a tailored look.

via Pinterest via HomeEdit

Are my stables just outside to the right? That’s what I’d expect if this were my foyer. Exposed wood beams, stone floors, a mirrored wall..that amazing neutral and monochrome oriental rug!!
via DecorPad

Tired of the same old wainscoting and paint and wallpaper? Consider shiplap or wood plank walls for a unique and rustic look. The straight diagonals, verticals, and horizontals keep this hall and staircase crisp and clean.
via Pinterest via Decoist

April 22, 2019
California Beach Cottage – White and serene

An oldie but a goodie — and from 2012 – I think it holds up pretty well!

I will be off to the beach in two weeks, so I’m not sure how often I’ll be posting. Since I will be at the beach, what’s more fitting than a beach cottage house tour?

this kitchen is nice and bright – it might help me wake up in the morning.

The TV is hidden behind this vintage map – how cool is that?

Stunning

Read and see more at House Beautiful

August 30, 2018
Does Your House Have Dry Rot Damage – How to Spot It and What to Do About It

Your home is often your pride and joy. You put a lot of work into making sure it is maintained, beautiful, and works for your needs. Over time, issues will arise that need attention, and it’s up to you as a homeowner to identify these possible problems and know how to respond to them.

One issue that can happen to homes, especially as they age, is dry rot. Because so much of your home is made from wood, it can be prone to dry rot, which will, in turn, affect the structural integrity and strength of the property if serious enough. Knowing how to identify dry rot and understanding the steps you need to take to remedy the situation as quickly as possible will help ensure that your home stays strong.

Here we’ll take a look at what dry rot is, how to identify it, and what to do about it.

What Exactly is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is an issue that affects wood; it is progressive. Dry rot is actually a fungus that spreads through the wood, rotting it as it goes. As the wood rots, it becomes weak, crumbles, and even breaks, which is why it will affect the structural integrity of your home if the damage is extensive. You cannot reverse the process.

The reason dry rot occurs is because moisture has somehow gotten into the wood. As the moisture spreads through the wood, the rot is able to continue damaging more and more of the structure as it goes.

What Does Dry Rot Look Like?

So, how can you tell if you have dry rot? It’s actually pretty easy to detect to the naked eye. Typically, there is no need to have a professional come out and determine whether or not you’ve got dry rot.

MC513

The red flags you want to look for are areas of timber that look damaged. The damaged area turns brown and has broken and crumbled pieces around it. There may also be grey strands on the timber and even spore dust that is brown or orange in color. Not to worry, the dust is typically harmless.

What to Do About Dry Rot?

Fixing dry rot should actually be a two-step process. You want to fix the area that is damaged and replace the compromised wood, plus you want to take preventative measures to ensure the moisture no longer seeps into the wood, therefore, stopping dry rot from happening again. This means eliminating or at least reducing excess moisture.

Often it can be best to call in a professional to assess the damage and then make the necessary repairs. This ensures the job is done correctly, the house keeps its structural integrity, and further issues with moisture are remedied.

Don’t Let It Go

When it comes to dry rot, it should be taken as a serious issue. Leaving it unresolved will allow the dry rot to progress and in serious cases, affect the structural integrity of your home making it unsafe to live in.

Thanks to Sacramento Handyman for partnering with us on this post

February 20, 2018
Rustic minimal kitchens

Rustic Minimal from deVOL

Rustic minimal is a blend that speaks to my heart. I was born and raised in the country so I have a deep affection for rustic style, and I hate visual clutter, so minimalism and clean lines makes my heart skip a beat. This is why some of my favorite kitchens and cabinetry come from deVOL. I was lucky enough to get an email from the awesome folks at deVOL sharing pictures of their beautiful headquarters.

As you can see their designs also pay homage to true shaker style – thoughtfully made with attention paid to form and proportion – NOT to ornamentation.

The amazing spaces above are all in their headquarters:

“You may have heard of Cotes Mill, a fabulous 16th century water mill that deVOL now calls home, but when you visit our headquarters in Leicestershire, you can expect to be a little surprised by the diversity of what you find. We have lots of beautiful furniture on display from our four kitchen ranges, but there is so much more. We always want to give our customers something special and once we moved to Cotes Mill we had the space to do a lot more than just make kitchens.

From our selection of unique gifts and antiques from all over the world to our workshops and design studios to the incredible wildlife you meet wandering around our 12 acres of breathtaking meadows and river banks. Cotes Mill has become an extraordinary place both inside and out and a must-visit for anyone looking for more than just a kitchen showroom.” – deVOL team

Being that I live in DC, I don’t see my self going to Leicestershire anytime soon, but when I finally get to the UK I will try to make visiting it a priority!

So, what do you think of deVOL’s headquarters?

November 16, 2017
5 Awesome Epsom Salt Bath Benefits

There’s nothing like a hot, refreshing bath to relieve some stress after a long, strenuous day. The only thing better than a typical bath is an epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is a substance which carries with a number of useful benefits. These benefits range from the physical, to the mental, the spiritual. Here are 5 awesome Epsom salt bath benefits.

via andallshallbewell.tumblr.com

1. Improves Circulation

One of the huge health benefits of Epsom salts is improved blood circulation. Epsom salt, when absorbed into the pores, works to promote arterial elasticity, promoting more even and consistent blood flow.

By improving circulation, it also helps to stave off stroke and heart disease. In addition to this, Epsom salt baths also help to prevent blood clots. This greatly reduces the risk of sudden heart attack.

via homedit.com

2. Relieves Pain

Perhaps the most well-known benefit of Epsom salts is pain relief. Epsom salts promote pain relief in several different ways. Not only does it reduce the pain associated with migraine headaches, it also reduces inflammation, heals cuts, and relieves overall joint and muscle soreness. Do you know which neurotransmitter is the body’s own natural pain reliever?

To take advantage of the pain relief components of Epsom salt, mix about a cup of it into a tub filled with hot water. Sitting in this tub for 15 to 30 minutes will go a long ways in taking away any pain and soreness present in your body.

via outsideonline.com

3. Exfoliates Skin

If you’re looking to make your skin as smooth and pure as possible, an Epsom salt bath can benefit you. Epsom salt helps to exfoliate the skin by removing any existing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.

It works especially well on feet, which are the most prone body part when it comes to dead, hardened skin. If you know how to make bath bombs, you can place some Epsom salt into the bomb with other oils so that they can all work together to treat your skin.

via frommoontomoon.blogspot.com

4. Reduces Stress

Another huge benefit of Epsom salts is stress relief. Because it’s filled with magnesium, and because magnesium promotes serotonin, Epsom salt works to neurologically heighten your mood.

Taking Epsom salt baths at least three times a week can go a long way in improving your overall mental health and stress levels.

via pinterest

5. Influence Insulin Effectiveness

Insulin is the chemical in your body which staves off high blood sugar and diabetes. While there are a number of things you can do to keep your insulin levels regular, Epsom salts can help.

Epsom salt helps because it’s filled with magnesium and sulfate which promote adequate levels of insulin production. Essentially, taking salt baths regularly will reduce the chance of diabetes.

*disclosure: this post syndicated by Maykke

September 6, 2017
Transitional Rooms: Fresh mixes of the classics

Transitional Rooms

If I had to describe my style I’d say it was transitional. I like clean, nothing over the top, soft colors with occasional accents, and just a little twist of the eclectic. Some of these rooms might employ more of one style than another, but they all incorporate mixing styles. All these images come from one of those overprices magazines you find at the grocery register. These are from Easy Decorating Summer 2012. 5 years old, but all of these rooms you could see in a magazine today.

What really, really caught my eye in this entry way is the antique Oriental rug. The colors are completely unexpected but warm up the space so much – I would never think to mix it with that curtain fabric – or a tie dye pillow. But I love it.

The desk and chair in this office are hardcore industrial – but look ho romantic the armchairs are! Another unexpected mix that really works.

This staircase takes the idea of a gallery wall all the way. You could probably do this on the cheap too. At a flea market or used book store, find a book of illustrations that you really love, remove the illustrations, and frame them in simple frames from a place like ikea. The uniformity of size and frames keeps the gallery clean but still full of impact.

I would never assume this room was a bathroom were it not for a little peek we get of the vanity. The worn sofa and freestanding storage are extremely unexpected next to the modern vanity. And that antique Oushak rug….drool.

I don’t need to say much about this bedroom. Gorgeous, gorgeous – the sweater throw, the chair, the mirror…perfection.

Rustic can be transitional! The materials in this room scream rustic – like the weathered wood paneling on the walls. But the clean lines of the furnishings keep it clean and unfussy.

What do you think?

August 11, 2017
Out East: Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons

Book Review: Out East Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons

I have the pleasure today of reviewing Out East Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons by Jennifer Ash Rudick and photographs by Tria Giovan. Though I lived in NYC for many years I never made it out to the Hamptons. Obviously I’d heard of it and knew it as a summer retreat for many New Yorkers. Aside from being personally invited to the over 30 distinctive houses and gardens featured in this book, I can’t imagine a more comprehensive and beautiful way to really get to know the Hamptons than this robust, beautifully printed book.

Here’s a great summary from the publisher, Vendome:

“Cool breezes, miles of pristine beaches, and vast, open farmland have long attracted visitors to Long Island’s South Fork, known worldwide as “The Hamptons.” Residents in picturesque seaside communities from Southampton to Montauk are calling upon world-class designers to fine-tune their visions, giving rise to a fresh design vernacular: homes that are testaments to what can be achieved when inspired by the natural beauty of a unique locale—and when imagination is one’s only limitation.

Out East captures the enduring appeal of shingled houses, modernist oceanfront designs, artists’ compounds, and Montauk surf shacks. Jennifer Ash Rudick, a long-time Southampton resident, leads an insider’s tour of more than 25 houses, cottages, and pool houses. Tria Giovan, a Sag Harbor–based photographer, captures extraordinary gardens, verandas, lakeside pavilions, farmhouses, and converted barns.” via

Below are some of my favorite photos from the book.

“Despite the bold-faced names who have made their mark, a surprising thread of rusticity and relaxation runs through many of the Hamptons’ most appealing properties—which is precisely what makes the collection presented in the book so intriguing.”

VOGUE.com

The room above is the family home of one of my favorite designers, Tom Scheerer.

If you are looking to treat yourself or a friend, this book is a no-brainer. For me it’s an escape on a warm afternoon after putting my son down for a nap! It can be purchased anywhere books are sold.

*disclosure: I received this book as a sample.

July 10, 2017
Home Decor Ideas with Provincial Furniture
Home Decor Provincial Style

Home décor is becoming a passion for everyone, especially women, these days. Everyone wants to be unique in his/her own manner. One wants its home to be classy, elegant and set in a pure decent style. To set up a dream house for themselves, people are following latest trends and fashions. Provincial Furniture is in trend from 17^th and 18^th century. It is elegant, shapely, textured, detailed and boasting an old world charm. These are the characteristics of the beautiful provincial look. Don’t mistake it for an overwhelming, heavily ornamental style. It is not. The genuine Provincial style is all about refinement, diversity and harmony and used as a way to enhance your home décor can make your guests say “oh wow” even in today’s modern era.

via hudsonfurniture.com/au

Here I would present some unique ideas to decorate your home with provincial furniture.
- Focus on Details
Do not mess up your décor with detailed fittings and fixtures either. A few eye-catching, accurate ones suit a Provincial style much better than having your home look as ragged out from an historic residence.
- Keep it Simple and classy
One or two antiquities or distressed painted furniture items used as feature pieces make for a great way to style your home in Provincial charm. The catch is to mix the old with the new and keep it simple not gaudy. An antique provincial Victoria table or chest of drawers next to a modern lounger or a fashionable metal bed is one way of adding appeal without going loud and extravagant.

via
- Rustic Touch
If you love the rustic look, it’s easy to add in stuffs made from candid rustic materials into a Provincial-inspired décor. They sit well with the imperfection and quaint nature of this style as it provides room for a little vision if you love a rustic or country impact. Things such as stone, metal and timber can all be introduced. This light fitting, for example, adds colors to the décor without stealing the show. Distressed painted furniture can also make an appearance without causing offense.

via
- Pastel and soft colors
When it comes to finding the right colors for your provincial interior, choose a neutral background palette and add splashes of simple, faded colors. Taupe, ivory, sage, grey and other calm descriptions are the way to go. Such a refined color palette is set off beautifully with an ostentatious chandelier is welcome in any room of the house. They will provide relax and calm air to your home. Provincial interiors look best with pastel colors such as peach, lavender, old rose, lilac or periwinkle.

via
- Lightings and Accessories
Satisfactory lighting elements are the final touch desired to give provincial feeling to your home. You can use wrought iron brackets, table and wall lamps made of brass or other fleecy metals, crowned with glass or fabrics lampshades. Just as it is the case with colors, simplicity and old romanticism should be highlighted at all time.

via

To keep a provincial touch in your home, it is necessary to think all do’s and don’ts to keep your home chic, decent and modish.

This post in partnership with Hudson Furniture
June 21, 2017
Gorgeous farmhouse tour from Ohio…

A gorgeous farmhouse 2012 throw back! This house’s style as stood the test of time. Well, 5 years at least.

This Ohio farmhouse is chock full of second hand, vintage, and antique furnishings and accessories, which simply make it really fun to tour. More than the house though, I love the grounds…

I love this shot…so peaceful

I adore this birdcage as decor, but I’m not really a fan of caging birds…

They scored the four poster bed on ebay.

This chicken coup used to be a cupola.

A shed is used as guest quarters. I would probably use this as a painting studio though….

The sink is an old soapstone basin.

what do you think of the house and grounds?

via Country Living

March 31, 2017