FURNITURE FETISH

I have long had an intense interest in furntiture. Isn't this piece (seen all over Pinterest recently) from the most recent Highpoint show amazing? Created with inlaid bone - very intricate work. 

I have a Pinterest board just for great pieces like this here

BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN FURNITURE

Casual dining, breakast bars and kitchen islands are increasing in popularity all of the time to accomodate busy lifestyles and smaller spaces. With these trends follows a need for seating and bar stools are a great solution.  There are a myriad of styles, colors and materials available. Something for everyone!  Leather is a practical and comfortable option, especially for eating areas.  A pop of color as an accent is a way to enliven a neutral or all white space and I think that these green stools would look fresh and lively in an all-white, contemporary kitchen setting. With plump "ribs"" this stool looks extremely comfortable and would add a dose of "hip" to your space. Which type of stool suits your style?

CLASSICAL CHINESE FURNITURE

For those of you who appreciate Oriental design and Chinoiserie, you'd enjoy checking out this new book from Vendome that catalogues rare and beautiful pieces of Chinese furniture from the 16th-18th centuries.

The background information is fascinating - author Marcus Flacks covers details like joinery, types of wood (many of which I'd never heard of before), lacquers and Chinese aesthetics.

This sloped cabinet is about 400 years old! It's amazing how these pieces are so "modern" in their style.

Classics are never dated and great bones never lose their appeal to the eye.

The caning and joinery alone on some of these pieces is astounding. To think these were made by skilled craftsmen so long ago with such quality and attention to detail that they have stood the test of time and influenced current Western design so heavily is quite impressive.

Apart from the subject matter alone, I love the clean design of the book and how its' uncluttered and concise format allows you to absorb both the informative text and the artistic delight without the distraction of visual "busyness".

You can find Classical Chinese Furniture here.

HAVE COFFEE, NEED TABLE?

There are a few furniture staples that most everyone needs and has. Pieces like a bed, desk, dresser, sofa and tables - kitchen tables, dining tables, occasional tables (what does that really mean?) Let's not forget the classic, multi-functional coffee table. It's not just for coffee anymore, folks....I mean this table is a workhorse in the living area. It's good for everything from putting your feet up, to eating in front of the TV, as an impromptu kids art table, displaying, what else but "coffee table" books and a myriad of other functions, depending on how formal or informal your lifestyle may be. I happen to like a piece that is well made, resilient, attractive, not too precious or ornate, yet not lacking style. Something just like this coffee table from Fairway Furniture would do nicely, I think. What is your opinion? How do you like your coffee (tables)??

CB2 ARCHITECT DESK AND A HACK

This desk from CB2 really appeals to me with the clean lines and "lightness" of the frame. The only thing I might be compelled to alter is the color of the chalkboard desk surface.  It's no secret I am a girl who loves color and now that chalkboard paint has witnessed a color revolution, I might have to hack this little number with some brightly colored horizontal stripes. I am just considering the possibilities - but on sale at $199 it may be sucking me in! Check it out here.  

SLIM GOODBODY

I am loving this new line of tables, shelves and desks from Room & Board - The "Slim" Series. 

The cheery colors, the clean lines, the minimalistic chic, all add up to great style. The real predicament would be narrowing down the choices. Check out the whole line here. 

Here are many more great choice for living room furniture online as well.