Image: Desire To Inspire

Image: Home Sweet Home

Image: Apartment Therapy

It could just be our house, but it feels like there is always a shortage of chairs.  I am not sure why, we always seem to need one more.  In a growing family like ours the problem gets compounded. My wife and I began with three (the vintage table we bought only had three of the original four chairs).  Later we realized we needed another unless we planned on only inviting single people for dinner.  Fast forward to the present and we have a three year old in her own chair, a toddler in a chair with a booster, a chair for my wife and I, chairs for guests, and their possible children…

If your table set is recently new, you may not have any trouble finding matches for additional chairs.  In our case it was a little harder and not as practical.  Eventually we decided finding mismatched chairs would be easier, more cost effective, and more fun. 
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Since the post on kitchens, I have had several people ask about the kitchen design by Shed Architects.  The actual counters in that project were done by Kerf Design, a Seattle-based design and manufacturing shop.  I have been a fan of Kerf design for some time.  I really appreciate the attention they give their pieces, with consideration on even the smallest details.  The materials, hardware, design and craftsmanship are top-notch.

“The design of each custom project comes from a seamless integration of three essential components: the necessary function of the item, the method of its construction, and an unadorned presentation of the materials from which it is made.  Although the end result may appear complex, we try to achieve our goals in a simple and straightforward manner… The patterns in each unit are carefully laid out to be useful, well built and pleasing to look at.”

I would recommend looking through their site which shows different projects, techniques, and lets you request a quote.  You can also call or stop by their shop on Thorndyke Ave W in Northwest Seattle.   You can also click on Continue Reading to see some more images of their work

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If you are in the neighborhood of 22nd st. in San Francisco (or even if you’re not) you should stop in Pot + Pantry.   Specializing in “new and gently used kitchenware,” you will definitely find something fantastic you didn’t know you needed.  If you are not in the area, try the Pot + Pantry online store.  Although you would much rather visit in person if you can, because the shop is “nestled between an Irish pub and a hair salon.” How much more perfect a location could there be?

Via Dwell | Pot + Pantry

During the design process I constantly come across things to remember for another project.  Some time ago I came across these maps from Murals  Your Way ,and Pedlars and I set them aside to use in our daughters’ room.   Maps are a great feature for a child’s room, because they are usually not expensive, and available in various sizes from 24×36” to full wall size.  For a more antique look you might try your local second hand store or antique dealer.

Scratch Map via Remodelista

My wife and I are constantly leaving notes, lists, and reminders for each other.  I will sometimes find small pieces of torn paper stuck in my glasses, on my wallet, or under my keys, when I am on my way out the door in the early mornings.  I know you can buy cork boards at just about any store these days in various, but average, sizes..  However, I have never found these boards to be a useful size, fitting for my wall space, or very interesting to look at.

A great solution, like in the above image showing a kitchen by Schwartz & Architecture, that will add a little warmth and texture to a room is the cork roll (or tiles).  Also available in most hardware stores for $15 or less, you can use vertically or horizontally in a long band or create a custom size just for the space on your wall.  Just make sure it is thick enough so the tacks don’t reach through the cork to the wall surface beneath, or spray mount it to thin backing material before securing it to your wall.  Of course if you have small children you’ll want to mind how low the tacks go, or hang it at a height they cannot reach.

Via Remodelista