Oh buoy

I happened across these the other night. Smitten.

Good Gifting

 I am in love with these menswear-wool pillows with contrast piping. I would get the Euro size.

 This rhino from Indy Plush has stolen my heart.

New enamelware in grey and white instead of traditional black and white. Couldn't be more perfect.

I'd wrap it all up in this awesome paper I found on Etsy.

Have a festive weekend!

Freehand pillows

Love these sweet pillows - it's like they were plucked from a child's drawing. The soft, neutral colors (often so hard to find for kids' rooms) natural fabrics, and organic shapes would add whimsy and purity to any Modern Cottage kid's room. Which reminds me... I still want to share some of the great baby and kids finds I came across while planning our little guy's nursery decor. Must add to list :)

These pillows are made by Colette Bream on Etsy. Brilliance!

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! :)

Horses

I am in love with these items from Etsy shop Otrada.  I've had a fondness for horses since I was young, and these days they remind me of the times we'd take to the road on trips to see my grandparents in Idaho. We'd travel through Oregon and Montana depending on which route we took, and I'd always get so excited to see the horses out grazing on various farms as we sailed by. I especially love that these images were taken in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - a place I visited with my family once many, many years ago and adored. I love their modern feel, and the warmth and energy they would bring to a Modern Cottage.

Etsy addiction

I can't seem to keep away from Etsy. There's just too much great stuff! It used to be that we'd happily venture out to a huge local arts and crafts fair held over three days each summer, and on the occasion we missed it because we were out of town, I'd feel a twinge of disappointment. but with Etsy, the "fair" goes year round, 24 hours a day! Plus I can search through all the various types of wares with the click of a mouse which is so much more efficient than walking for miles past booth after booth. I'll still go to the local fair, but until then, I just can't resist checking out fabulous one of a kind creations anytime the mood strikes.

At the moment, I'm really enamoured with this photography by Irene Suchocki. Her prints have a hint of whimsy and magic built into them which make them almost mesmerizing.

These pillows made from old trench coats are hilarious. And actually quite masculine/utilitarian for a pillow, which makes them totally unique and unexpected.

I am also in love with this teeny tiny woolly penguin. Sweetest! This one is my fave but sadly it sold mere seconds after I discovered it (Although, what would I do with a teeny tiny woolly penguin?). Still, it's remained safely in my 'Favorites' ever since. Not to worry, there are lots of other little friends in this shop who are also very sweet. (The mafia penguin family for one makes me smile).

Good gifting

The Christmas Season is officially upon us! We're feeling jolly and festive coming out of the long weekend... we have our lights up outside, decorations inside, and even found the perfect tree at our favorite lot (more on all of that later). For now, we are are excited to bring you great gift ideas with true Modern Cottage appeal. Here are some of our favorites this season...

1. Gorgeous pottery by Jill Rosenwald. This is the utensil holder.

2. Alister, the most amazing handmade elephant in classic menswear fabric. (Also available: Eli).

3. Personalized leather bookmarks, a perfect stocking stuffer (We recommend giving it with this book).

4. This wreath will look fabulous year-round!

5. Our favorite typewriter-font coasters. You may remember seeing them here.

6. Hands down the BEST dog bed cover design we've ever seen. Love the raw simplicity of it. Scout has already put in a word with Santa on this one.

7. A friendly paper mache bird to keep you company perched on a desk or shelf (Can you have too many birds? :).

These are just a few of the items we're loving at the moment. We've got lots more gift ideas and decorating tips in store, so we hope you'll stay tuned in. Happy Holidays!

Winning colors

In honor of the Giants' World Series win last night, we present a little Modern Cottage inspiration in team colors! I know, it's not an easy feat... and while we do love their colors for a sports team, the combination is a bit more tricky when it comes to Modern Cottage design. The designs above however are pretty great.

From Apartment Therapy, Etsy, Martha Stewart, and House Beautiful.

Going green

Modern Cottage eye candy: Waring's classic blender in retro green, mini latte bowls (love these for ice cream), a jadeite pitcher, a pale green alarm clock, and a linen pillow in Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis.

Pillow talk

We at Modern Cottage have a great appreciation for pillows. We quite love the way they easily add so much style and personality to an otherwise boring, bland, or unstylish room...that's in addition to the fact that by their very nature they make a space feel more relaxed, comfortable, and cozy. This affection goes beyond the basics, however - beyond the fabulous solids, stripes, and patterns. We're really loving the more unexpected varieties which can inject playfulness and humor into a space, as well as a glimpse into the personalities of the people they  belong to. Some favorites, from top: a farm-fresh appeal in bold black and white; a clean, mod design in a pleasing shade of blue; and a more textural, linen style with a letter or number of your choosing.