Fresh Ideas // Modern + Collected Kitchen

There are so many things I love about this Danish kitchen, but most of all it's the way it balances what could be perceived on the surface as two different aesthetics. Here, there is both a 'just the essentials' modern and collected boho vibe and for me, it works perfectly. The sleek white backdrop is offset nicely by a collection of vintage rugs, seating and accessories. Mixed materials - metals, wood, polished veneer and an unexpected wallpaper treatment all play together nicely in this space. One of my favorite elements though is the makeshift wood counter taken out from the primary galley counter to create not only an extra workspace (that faces out onto a large dining room seen in other images), but a place to sit as well. While the kitchen floors are left bare, the use of multiple smaller kilim rugs of different patterns just steps away keeps it warm and inviting. 

Image by Bo Bedre via 79 Ideas

DIY Wire Patio Table

Yesterday I revealed my infatuation for all the colorful wire patio tables that have arrived in stores this season. I even nearly bought a mis-matched pair I spotted at Home Goods. Fast forward to a couple of days cleaning up the garden and wouldn't you know it, I found myself holding two very sturdy tomato cages that were in good enough condition to eventually become the base for my wire patio table.

I figured I'd ride this idea to its eventual conclusion and either I'd have an inexpensive project that went awry or I'd end up with a custom side table to pair up with our deep patio bench out by the fire bowl. As it turned out, this little table came together just like I wanted it to, with very little effort or money spent. 

One of the things that made this attempt so appealing was that I already had most of the items I needed on hand. My only out of pocket costs were for the table round and mending plates. While I opted for a warm wood stain and a black base, you could just as easily make yours colorful like those I highlighted in yesterday's post by either using a color-coated tomato cage (easily available at most nurseries now) or by changing up the spray paint. Consider painting the table top itself as well and you'll have almost any color combo you want (how 'bout a white top and a mint base or a black top and neon base... so many options!).

Painted or stained, you'll want to give the top a good seal before putting it to use. Wax the top or paint on a good poly to keep water and cup rings at bay. We'll be leaving ours outside year round so I'm planning to seal ours good with a marine grade finish to protect it. 

I'm loving how this little table that came together so quickly plays off all of the black, gray and other wood elements we have going on outdoors. I'm planning on making at least one more to ensure there's always an extra place to set our cocktail down while sitting around the fire. 

Spring Fling // Outdoor Wire Tables

For the past couple of weeks, I've been having a quiet love affair with the many shapes, sizes and colors of wire outdoor tables hitting store shelves this season. Every Spring, I wait for it - you know, the one thing that captivates me and will help set our outdoor scene for the next 6 months by the pool. There were a couple of  options that caught my eye last year, but truth be told, I was still pining away for the fire bowl we eventually built out the side patio for. This year, I've been daydreaming about the carefully crafted wire mesh and colorfully powder coated metals in these footstools cum occasional tables. They would add just the right dose of modern whimsy to our deck. We don't have a lot of color out there right now and I guess I've been looking at these guys as sort of the rebel, bad boy to our plays it safe good girl patio scheme.

I actually spotted a mismatched pair at my local Home Goods recently and almost snatched them up.  I drove away from the store, still convinced they were the ones for me and proceeded to fixate on them for the next week until I had a change of heart. You see, I'm fickle like that.

But the truth is, I had an idea for a custom job that in the end, was a little more conservative and just might make this an all-year round affair. Stay tuned for the DIY in tomorrow's post.

.01 /  .02  / .03 / .04 / .05 / .06

The Hip List // 03.24.14

Among the things that make my little heart go pitter patter, I'd have to say that wood and gilded home accessories rank pretty high up there. Throughout the house, we've used them liberally to add warmth to what is largely a black, white and gray backdrop. But truth be told, these details are also making their way outdoors this coming season in some surprising ways- both around the pool and in the garden as well. Today, I'm spotlighting a few of my most recent favorite finds that will add instant warmth and a little glamour to your own abode.

one // two // three // four // five