WOOD YOU SIT OR STAND?

While thumbing through some of my favorite kitchen photos, I started to notice a trend in a lot of them -- rustic farmhouse tables as islands or dining in the kitchen. My dream house is an open floor plan from the kitchen, to the dining area, to the den where you can easily socialize with all your company. Everyone tends to congregate in the kitchen, and while I am happy with Melrose's current kitchen, it just doesn't provide room for gathering while cooking at the same time. I think a vintage, farmhouse table within an open kitchen is just the solution! I am really loving these beautiful, spacious kitchens with well made cabinetry, granite countertops, and striking lighting that have all been paired with a rustic, unique table. Whether it is used as island for extra space while cooking, or housing a few bar stools while sitting and watching the cook, I love the use of a farmhouse table in a modern kitchen. Here are some of my favorite examples:

 I love this simple, airy rustic table. It's size and tone is a great compliment to the clean, streamline design of this kitchen. Anything chunkier or darker could seem too heavy for this space.

This table doesn't appear to be rustic farmhouse, but it's shape and carved legs lend the idea that it is an antique. Even if it doesn't appear old, a nice, aged shape can be a nice contrast in a modern space. I'd take the glossy black and white marble pair any day!

An island + a farmhouse table, yes please. Of course you have to have ample room to house both of these pieces, and this kitchen is perfect for it.

Kirsten Buckingham's kitchen via Amber Interiors

The love seat and table make this space super cozy and inviting.

 Sage Design via The Zhush

Maybe one of my favorite kitchens of all time - I love the mis matched seating and clean backsplash and cabinetry in contrast with the dark, ebony stained floor.

A unique positioning of a table at the foot of the island. You save room by not having chairs on all sides and the flow of the kitchen is consistent.

 This designer used a counter height wooden table for working or gathering. A lot of different materials are happening in this kitchen, so the simple, streamline design of this wooden table is perfect.

Another versatile, wooden table at counter height. Again, the mint green is the main attraction here so a simple antique was the way to go.

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all other sources via

STAYING WARM

I apologize for my lack of posts lately ... I promise to get it together soon! I have a lot to share, just too little time! But, I do want to share pictures some pictures from earlier this week of us enjoying our first fire outdoors in the new fireplace. We hit a chill this week and it seemed like the perfect time to try out the fireplace. Brandon was able to pull out a pretty good fire for it's first time. We grilled fresh pizzas, warmed our feet, and enjoyed a little music. Can't wait to spend many more fall nights out here!

Please pardon the quality of the photos ... 

DOING IT WHITE

I'm currently loving indoor fireplaces decked in pretty, white stone and filled to the brim with firewood. There is nothing like a crisp, clean focal point accented with natural elements and bold colors. Here are some of my favorite fireplaces right now -

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 Where can I find a similar, gorgeous fireplace screen like this one!? I'm obsessed! 

Patrick Lonn via desire to inspire

all other sources via my pinterest board

CHIC IN BARBOUR

Now that fall is approaching and a chill is starting to settle in the air, I have been admiring all of the new fall fashion line's. I can't help but be drawn to any JCrew or Madewell email, so when these popped into my inbox, I was immediately captured --

Barbour jackets!? I first saw Barbour as a hunting accessory on my husband a few years ago and didn't really think twice about it becoming a trend. They aren't anything fancy, adorned with sequins, or a fabulous new fall color, they are simple, classic, staple outerwear pieces that are now being sold by the hottest stores. These jackets are on the pricier side, but they are investment pieces that you will own forever and will never go out of style. You can catch style icons like Olivia Palmero, Kate Middleton, and even Princess Diana sporting Barbour. Here are some of stylish examples of Barbour:

Here is JCrew's selection of Barbour:

Barbour Hawkstone Parka

Barbour Beadnell Jacket

Barbour Liberty-Lined Beadnell Jacket

And here is some of Madewell's Barbour styles:

Barbour International Heritage Jacket

Barbour international Heritage Moto Jacket

And my personal favorite ...

The Barbour International Classic Bedale Jacket

See more people sporting Barbour here. What do you think? Would you invest? 

WHAT TO DO?

The hallway leading to our master bedroom has been naked since we moved in to Melrose. I didn't really know how I wanted to tackle this narrow space so I left it 'b' for a while. I eventually decided to hang these oversized, square West Elm frames with photos from our wedding day while still contemplating what to do with the walls. Here is what we are working with:

Please excuse the boob light - I tried to replace it but the former owners installed lights that had to be adhered to the ceiling - eek! I will have to get an electrician to come in and remove the mounted casing. I only hung the frames on one side since you really only see the left wall as you are rounding the corner to enter the hallway. If I was an art collector, or antique scavenger, I would have loved to create a huge gallery wall, but I don't have the resources right now. Maybe later!

I know I have mentioned painting the hallway a bold color and doing some sort of unique chair rail, but now I think I have shifted towards wallpapering above a chair rail. With it being a small area, I think a fun wallpaper would really be unexpected and not too costly (as compared to doing a full room). Here are some inspiring examples I have been admiring:

I have been drooling over Oh Joy's! line of wallpaper for Hygge West and would love to use one of her gold gilded designs. These stylish rooms are really convincing! 

 Who doesn't love some crazy splatter paint!? This bathroom was featured in Lonny Mag and uses wallpaper from Hinson and Company. 

 This wallpaper is way cool and reminds me of Allyson Reynold's beautiful and intriguing moth paintings. I think this would be a gorgeous touch!

 Wow, this chic wallpaper reminds me of my favorite floral fabric I posted about. 

traditional trellis design ...

This ombre, vintage horse print is classic and super cute!

Or may be I should just paint some gingham walls like I mentioned in my previous post!? Do you have any wallpaper suggestions? Please share! I'm not too familiar with any brands or prices so these inspiration images may be way above my budget! A girl can dream though!