livingroom

A small round kitchen table and industrial counter stools provide more casual and intimate gathering spots. The patina on the metal chairs and stools picks up on the weathered gray tones of the old barn wood. dining table room board wall paint super white benjamin moore

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Papyrus Home Design did the interior design, which mixes farmhouse and industrial touches, keeping things fresh and balanced. For example, contemporary acrylic Thayla chairs sit astride a wooden dining table and atop a natural-fiber rug and floorboards that were reclaimed from another old barn. Dining table: Room & Board; wall paint: Super White, Benjamin Moore

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The post and beam structure is the only part of the barn that the builders were able to save; the rest of it was beyond repair. White walls contrast with the rough-hewn beams and reclaimed floor.

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The barn inspiration gave this bedroom a wonderful structure of rustic beams for sleepers to gaze up at from bed.

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This stone entry looks like that of an old farmhouse in Tuscany or in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

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fireplace

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Open space and rough-hewn beams ensure that they'll never forget their home's humble yet charming roots.

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Look at the floor and the use of the carpet

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Consider using multifunctional furniture, such as ottomans, which could be used as coffee tables or sitting area.

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lthough tile isn't the first material that comes to mind when you think about cottages, it can work as long as you choose a style that reads as vintage (for example, the small hexagonal tiles that often turn up in bathrooms)

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Realize that lampshade fabrics are crucial. I often replace the shades lamps come with in favor of ones that look more custom. If you like a more diffused-looking light, go for linen or burlap; if you want brighter light, stick with crisp white. For more ambience, any fabric-covered shade will do, but keep in mind the cleaning needs of fabrics such as pleated silk and cotton. They are difficult to dust.

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Let your lamps make a statement. The table lamp in this space is much smaller than the one in the previous photo, but it has just as much presence as a larger lamp, because of its unexpected black shade and shiny copper base. It's a sexy little piece that makes a big statement.

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For People design SaveEmail 5. Know the right way to choose a table lamp. I don't hold to many established design rules, but I do believe that you should not be able to see the neck of the light bulb, or the lightbulb socket, from a standing or seated position. If you do, the lamp is probably too tall. The glare of a bare bulb isn't pleasant for anyone. I think tall table lamps give a room a bit of elegance. The beautiful cream-colored table lamp shown here is larger than you might expect for a delicate side table, but it works so well because of its classic shape and neutral color and the general eclectic chic of the room. If you see a large lamp base that you absolutely love, then I say buy it! Get a shade that will allow for the bulb to be covered, and you're good to go.

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Recessed can lights and track lights are ideal for low-voltage direct lighting. They typically cost $50 to $100 per light.

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Pack it up. Storage boxes are an especially budget-friendly alternative to traditional coffee tables and are a great addition to small spaces. Fill them with essentials, top with a decorative vase and voilà, a nifty little coffee table. The bonus here is that you can easily move them around and update them without feeling guilty (because you certainly didn’t spend a fortune on them!).

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Old school. How adorable is this coffee table setup? The antique kids’ chairs and table were bought separately, but combined they work twice as hard as an activity area for the little ones. A way to repurpose your kids’ tables and chairs (the ones sans cartoon characters — unless you’re into that sort of thing) when they grow out of them, perhaps? Having said that, even a household without kids could do with their charm and touch of whimsy.

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If you have an old door and windows, this creation shows what you can do. Tip: Make sure to stabilize the table by reinforcing the joints on the underside.

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If you have an old door and windows, this creation shows what you can do. Tip: Make sure to stabilize the table by reinforcing the joints on the underside.

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Find an opening. Almost any flat surface can work as a coffee table top. Doors are particularly useful and can be painted and cut to size as well. This one has been kept in its original state — not even the handle has been removed — and has steel pipe legs attached. With so many doors available, deciding on the right one for your room will probably be the toughest part. If you find one painted in a lovely color, just apply a polyurethane for a durable, long-lasting, professional finish that’s in keeping with the original form.

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Building blocks. Old pallets or crates are a fine alternative to the traditional coffee table and are incredibly versatile too. The ones here have simply been turned upside down — but you could screw yours together if you tend to move your furniture around a lot. You could also stack them or cut them down to size, or use one pallet and elevate it with small apple crates, for example. A coat of paint will transform the trusty courier once again. Tip: Consider where the pallet or crate came from and how it was used. You wouldn’t want to bring something into your home that has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or other icky stuff.

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See how you can create a variety of possibilities? This design provides storage space for your magazines, books and TV remotes, so you have no excuse to leave the top full of clutter.

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Set in motion. A piece of glass can be transformed into a simple coffee table — just add some wheels as a base for nifty mobility.

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This patio needed a cocktail table. There are many common-looking ones available, but what a clever idea to top a trio of garden seats with a glass round. The glass provides a consistent surface for eating and drinking, without obscuring the color and art of the garden seats.

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Living Gardens Landscape Design SaveEmail The Right Size There are many rooms where two chairs need to be placed side by side and quite close to each other. The space between can be quite the decorating conundrum. I don’t want to leave the spot empty, because it would make the chairs seem lonely and unconnected to the rest of the room. But where am I going to find a table that can fit that little space? Garden seat to the rescue! It’s as if they were designed specifically to fill that gap; they’re just the right size.

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n this case the garden seat is the right thing because it is a careful extension of the sculptural pieces placed very thoughtfully on the bookcase — extending a needed touch of blue into another part of the room and adding a surface for flowers to rest on. It’s just the right thing in this very meticulously planned living room.

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In the enticing bathroom seen here, a garden seat is, again, just the right thing. In this case, juxtaposed against the fantastic soaking tub, it acts as a sculptural object. But it’s also like a patient and discreet butler (pardon my anthropomorphizing) waiting to hold your bathrobe or towel.

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3. Chinese garden stool. Speaking of seating extra guests, the Chinese garden stool is another designer go-to solution for all sorts of dilemmas. It’s a stool, footrest and side table, and using one is an excellent way to add a pop of color and pattern or a touch of ceramic to round out a texture palette. Plus, it moves outdoors with you as soon as the weather warms up — truly a smart long-term style investment. Use it: In the bathroom as a wet-friendly side table, or tucked under a console until it’s needed elsewhere.

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