Built-In Bench Seats

I'm very late getting a post up today because I've been a bit distracted. I can't quite believe it, but aside from the deck, the build part of our house is complete. There's still a bit to do as far as the installation of kitchen and bathrooms go, but the end is definitely in sight. In fact the completion date has been set for the 5th of July, which is only a week away! The landscaping won't be finished, but I think it would take a lot more than that to keep us from moving in. I can't tell you how ready we are to finally get in the door. Well, not ready as far as packing goes - far from it - but ready to take possession, that's for sure!

Which brings me back to today's post. The original plans included a built-in window bench seat adjacent to the dining area, but along the way, probably due to the changes to the kitchen, we found that there wasn't enough space. I do however still have my heart set on it. Especially after seeing how pretty it is when the sun comes through the windows and I imagine myself sitting there with a book and a cuppa, or chatting to visitors. Anyway, hope is not lost on the bench seat yet, and I'm looking into getting a dining table custom made that is quite long, but narrower than a standard table. That way it might all fit in, and it's an easy thing to add on later, so I'm told!

Above shows a photo I took at our new home today, next to the first image. I really think it calls for a bench seat, don't you?

I also wrote a post on reading nooks a while ago that you might like, but first here are some more built-in bench seats that I love. This concrete one really appeals.

They don't have to be right next to a window to work. This fireplace and built in nook is super cosy. The exposed bricks contrast beautifully with the white walls.  

This next one is rather lovely with its built-in seat and shelving. 

Another good reason to put in a built-in bench seat later is that it will give me an excuse to buy more cushions, throws and furs! 

Speaking of which, I've got a great giveaway lined up for Monday, something that I would LOVE to win myself, so make sure you pop back then. Have a wonderful weekend! 

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Dining Rooms | Bright, White & Green

I've been thinking a lot about the dining area of our new home lately. The pendant lights arrived yesterday which is very exciting, and I've found both the trestle legs and the table top that I want. The chairs will have to wait but our existing ones will work for now, with the help of some sheepskins to warm up the cool steel seats. What I'm really looking forward to however is the surrounding space. The open-plan layout that includes the kitchen and living, the white walls, black joinery of the windows and doors to the adjoining deck, and white ash wood flooring. 

I really love dining spaces that bring in lots of light and greenery from the outdoors. Indoor greenery is wonderful too, and that's one of the key elements of these spaces I'm going to show you. Plants and fresh flowers really brighten up the room, adding texture and life. Regardless of style, be it vintage-industrial, rustic or modern, adding touches of green to bright white interiors is a simple formula that works every time.  

Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

I hope you've seen something here that inspires. I'm heading off to seek out some cosy sheepskins! See you back here tomorrow. 

Interior Styling | Vintage Benchseats

When it comes to dining areas both indoors and out, I like the idea of mixing a benchseat in with the chairs. I know they can be impractical, if say you're in the middle of a dinner party and someone sitting smack bang in the middle needs to get up to use the restroom! But hey, they do look great, and for that reason alone they are worth considering. 

I started out with the intention of sharing all kinds of benchseats but when I began to pick out the ones I'm coveting right now from my Pinterest boards they all ended up being of the vintage variety. I just love the look of rustic wood, especially in contrast to clean, white interiors. Often seen in Scandi-style spaces this versatile piece of furniture works well in different areas of the home. I'll show you how...

At the dining table a benchseat fits in nicely with an eclectic mix of chairs and stools and also adds warmth to an all-white canvas. 

Placed in the entryway a benchseat comes in handy as a place to pop your things and somewhere to sit when putting on your shoes! In hallways and living areas in general, benchseats make a nice alternative to the occasional chair. Add a simple cushion or luxurious sheepskin for texture. 

The one below with trestle legs works well as a low level table in a corner of the living room. An easy DIY option perhaps?

This next example is one of my favourites. Strictly more of a console table than a benchseat due the height of the legs, I love how it fits behind the sofa on the edge of the gorgeous rug. Simple styling with a plant and a few objects placed on top completes the look.

Easily transferable from dining table to lounge, benchseats provide extra seating when necessary. 

The bedroom lends itself perfectly to a benchseat, especially when placed at the foot of the bed. 

Lastly, why not place a benchseat in the bathroom? Shown here next to a fabulous freestanding bath, it provides the perfect home for soaps, candles and a towel. 

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I've tracked down a couple of vintage benchseats from local online retailers:

www.vintageonline.co.nz
www.cintesi.co.nz

I would also recommend checking out two of the best vintage stores around, Mr Bigglesworthy and Flotsam & Jetsam. If they don't have a benchseat you are after, they may be able to source one for you. 

You'll also find plenty of options on the online auction sites ebay and trademe. 

The best thing about sourcing vintage and second-hand finds is that you can often pick yourself up a bargain!

Cowhide Rugs

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Rugs are a topic I've been meaning to write about for some time now. In fact, my inspiration folder is brimming with so many rug finds that I've decided to break it down, starting today with cowhide rugs.  If you've seen my interior boards on Pinterest you will have picked up on my love of these.

Cowhides have a beautiful look and feel. I wouldn't hesitate to use them in any style of interior decor whether classic or contemporary. Designed to last, their timeless beauty will inject class and elegance into any room of your home and that's what I thought I'd share with you today.

Living Room

In living areas cowhide rugs make a stunning centrepiece. As well as different animal print options, cowhides now come in a range of colours, metallics and stencilled prints. I'm lusting after the gold speckled one in the first image below. 

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Dining Room

Cowhide rugs look great placed beneath a dining table. Durable and easy to clean they are a practical option as well.

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Bedroom 

Perfect for bedrooms, this is where I've placed my first cowhide rug at home. It's only small, but it's a start. I'm hoping that one day I'll have a lot more! Lovely and soft underfoot, they look super stylish on wooden floors.

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Workspace 

Two of my favourite looks, black and white and white with neutrals, these home offices look fabulous with their statement cowhide rugs.

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Kidsroom 

An alternative to carpet, cowhide rugs not only look amazing in kidsooms they provide warmth and cosiness for your little ones.

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Bathroom

Cowhide rugs add a bit of luxury to your bathroom. Imagine stepping out of one of these beautiful baths on to a lovely soft cowhide? Yes, please!

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The Cowhide Company in New Zealand offers a fantastic range of cowhide rugs and accessories which you can either purchase online or from their small gallery in Auckland. They also happily ship all over the world.