Reading Nooks

Some reading nooks are created to make use of dead space--in a bay window, a large foyer or on the landing of a staircase. Others are carved deliberately into the corner of a room. A comfortable chair and good natural or mood lighting are essential. Some folks like to have their books surrounding them, always an arm's length away. Others prefer little embellishment around them. The better to be submerged into the world of their novel. A blanket, candles, flowers or plant life are small additions that raise these small spaces from serving a purpose to inviting us for an extended visit. Some think an afternoon spent reading is a waste of time. My feeling is that time spent reading makes the rest of the day better spent.

Images: House Beautiful magazine, July/August 2010 issue. Marie Claire Idees magazine, January 2010 issue. Period Living magazine, October 2010 issue. Red magazine, November 2010 issue. She Moves the Furniture.

Daybeds

I've always had a bit of a thing for daybeds. Maybe it's the idea of being able to deposit a bed in any room of the house--I had one in my kitchen once and I could have lived in that room alone. Or maybe it's because they present a good excuse to pile on tons of throw pillows. Whatever my reasons, I know I'm not alone in loving these diverse pieces of furniture. I see a lot of twin beds at auctions and I'm often tempted to buy a pair and combine the headboards to make a daybed. Sometimes all a piece needs is a bit of wax to fill in scratches and water spots. Other times, an ugly finish can be covered up with a coat of paint and the whole look of the piece is transformed. Twin beds are rarely in demand anymore, but a daybed is as modern as it is a classic.

Images: Inside Out magazine, Christmas issue, vol.1, no.1. Campagne Decoration magazine, May/June 2010 issue. Easy Living magazine, November 2010 issue. Living etc magazine, May 2010 issue. Country Living, British Edition, October 2010 issue. Fresh Home magazine, Summer 2010 issue. Recycled Home by Mark & Sally Bailey, with photography by Debi Treloar, published by Ryland, Peters & Small 2009. Period Living magazine, October 2010 issue.

Photography: Legs and Antlers

Sometimes you just need a good laugh. These auction photos gone awry--usually involving mirrors being shot head on--put a smile on my face. 

Images: Auctionzip.

Shop: Fishs Eddy

When in NYC, a great stop for fun and unusual kitchen finds is the always chock-full Fishs Eddy. A chance encounter twenty five years ago with a barn full of vintage restaurant dishware led to the opening of this quirky shop and it's still going strong with its original lines of dishes and gifts. It now has an extensive online shop for those who can't visit in person. A few of the highlights: floorplan dish sets, toile serving dishes, diner-style platters, handpressed glass pitchers, alphabet mugs and canvas totes. Displayed in vintage cupboards and fixtures, barrels and fruit-picking baskets that nearly spill over with inventory, the only shortage here is in aisle space.

Images: Fishs Eddy.