Lamp hunt

We recently reconfigured our home office. There is only so much Cat in the Hat I can take when Little Guy decides to watch his one show per day - it is a rare moment (about 30 minutes to be exact) when he sits still, and a quiet, nearby place to relax has been a bit elusive. So - we swapped one of the desks in our office for a loveseat. I don't know why we didn't do it sooner. The space is so much more cozy and welcoming. Ever since Husband got his Surface, he works anywhere BUT at a desk - kitchen island, couch, etc. The thing is so brilliantly portable. The table lamp we've used for the past decade (!) is feeling a bit formal and blocks too much window in its new location. So, the hunt is on for a new one. Not aggressively I should say - I strongly feel that the perfect piece often finds you so we will be patient. However I did a quick scouring and came up with these. The first one (my current fave) is called Rex, from Crate & Barrel.

This one is great, but pricey. And, doesn't ship to the US. Two strikes. 

Sometimes you can find great stuff in the teen section - like this Darby task lamp from RH Teen.

Another from RH Teen, the Putnam in cream. Stocky fellow.

From West Elem, the Scoop is delicate and not visually obtrusive.

And this one, sadly also from England. Oh, and sold out. Love the design, though.

Yellow fixation

I don't know what's come over me but I've recently become fixated on yellow. Not pale, subtle yellow - bold, golden yellow. The husband is not sure what to make of it. He is giving me concerned looks. Have you ever felt more cheerful when you wear yellow? I think it's a real thing. So maybe it's stemming from that... a desire for sunshine and all-around good cheer. I think it can make a great pop of bold color in an otherwise clean and simple Modern Cottage. I'm not talking walls of it. Just a few hits. Like these pendant lights from West Elm. Hello! Such a steal on sale. I feel dangerously like stockpiling them for future projects. Speaking of hello ... this hello sign is exceptionally cheery as well.

On Saturday I came across a Winston Churchill quote ... to me it's a great sentiment to live in the moment and appreciate and enjoy what is happening in our lives now. So I (cheerfully) printed it out in sunshine yellow. Then I framed it. I'm not making this up. Here's the proof:

I'm planning to create a fun art grouping in our office and thought he could join in. Ah, but I didn't stop there. Nope, I also picked a can of golden-yellow spray paint. I figured if I could get a little hit of yellow I could work my way out of  Anxious Design Mode (that's when one's brain works overtime designing and re-designing in one's head, with inspiration and ideas jostling around willy-nilly in mass chaos). I have some ideas about where I might use it (husband is worried) and when I figure that out I'll report back. Who knows, it may be a fleeting fixation... but a $5 can of spray paint never hurt anyone. Here's hoping your week is filled with sunshine, too!

Christmas tree perfection

Every year we set out to find a tree that's nice and tall but not too wide. Unfortunately, they don't seem to exist since generally the taller they are, the wider they are at the base. This year however, we found the exception. Our tree caught my eye from across the tree lot. It was leaning against the trailer with a few of its brethren. I loved it immediately. It had a very quirky, Dr. Seuss vibe. It's about 8 feet tall yet only 38" wide at its widest. Hooray! He's mostly uniform but not quite, and instead of one vertical branch at the very top he has two that stick out a bit sideways like antennae. We dressed him up in some mod white ornaments and frosted white globe lights. We find the larger globe lights give him a fun, playful look and overall feel less busy than the tiny bulb strings. So simple, pretty, and festive!

Good Gifting: 2011

We ventured out this weekend and there's no doubt the holiday shopping season is in full swing! Like last year, we've put together a fresh list of Modern Cottage gift ideas to help you out with your giving, or even just provide a little inspiration :)

Something celebratory. First up is this mug... I love that these feel festive (hello, it's Santa!) without feeling hokey or tacky. Pure white with soft details and a mod shape make these perfect for a Modern Cottage holiday kitchen. I'd gift a set of four with this amazing hot cocoa mix (note they call it 'drinking chocolate').

2. Something nostalgic. This rustic pillow will surely add character to any space. A conversation piece!

3. Something imaginative. For the little ones on your list, this logging truck is irresistible (even we kind of want to give it a spin).

4. Something cozy. I am coveting this warm and cozy blanket. The color and texture and simple stripe are absolute perfection.

5. Something sculptural. A pleasing combination of metal and high gloss white in this giant pendant light. Why not gift a fixture for the holidays? A gift of home improvement is one of our favorite things :) (Case in point: we finally got around to installing a soap dispenser at our kitchen sink and it's crazy how something so small can bring such joy. Seriously).

6. Something vintage. A little jadite never hurt a Modern Cottage kitchen...the milky-green glass is really beautiful. There are tons of great pieces on Etsy.

Happy shopping! We suggest treating yourself to a gingerbread latte or peppermint mocha now and again to keep your energy up! (Or as I oft prefer: cozy fireplace, hot cocoa and the laptop - gifts delivered to my door! :)

Let the design begin!

Things have been busy as we're in the planning stages for a new project. We've  been sourcing all the finish details now for the past week, and as of yesterday, have finalized nearly everything. Can't wait to show you the end result (once we get there!). For now, here are a few items that will make this home stand out: from the top, one of the best outdoor sconces I've seen lately; a great modern lav faucet that's playful and not austere; a simple vanity mirror with cool blackened edges.

Adding vintage flavor to your Modern Cottage

The Modern Cottage shows a joyous appreciation for all things vintage cottage – they’re simply reinterpreted in a modern way. Of course, vintage finds and antiques must be used sparingly, lest you diminish the ‘modern’ aspect of your cottage. However, when thoughtfully mixed with newer pieces, the combination will express just the right balance of Modern + Cottage. Above, an incredible pair of French metal chairs; An old bulb crate weathered to a silvery grey, transformed into wall art - a display ledge of sorts - accented by a jubilant starfish; A fabulous antique industrial-style lamp, re-wired to glow beautifully. It’s all about finding pieces that add beauty and a sense of history –a respect for original design - to your Modern Cottage. And when you find an amazing piece that’s both beautiful and functional? Pure Modern Cottage bliss :)

Great finds - Loving these products

Recently came across these online while planning the interior re-design of a charming 1950s Cape Cod cottage. Won't be using them in this particular project, but can't wait for a project where we can... the vintage appeal of a bin pull in sophisticated (and unexpected) clear glass - perfect for a Modern Cottage. And the pendant light - I'm in love. We've used galvanized plumbing parts before in our design; such a great way to get a little modern-industrial appeal in a rustic, cottage-friendly metal.