From Sarah
Thermal carafes are widely used in Europe; our favorite is the Thermal Carafe, made by the German company Alfi since 1914. It keeps liquids hot or cold for up to sixteen hours, thanks to a double-walled, vacuum-sealed glass liner. Made of solid brass with a white lacquer finish and chrome-plated trim, the carafe starts at $179 at Williams-Sonoma.
November 17, 2009
From Janet
We like the play of black and white elements and the contrasting textures in this graphic Scandinavian dining room spotted on Emmas Designblogg. Recreate the look with the following elements:

Above: The classic Saucer Lamp by George Nelson is available in small (17.5 inches in diameter) for $269, medium (25 inches in diameter) for $329, and large (36 inches in diameter) for $435 at Ylighting.
Above: Laura Laviva sources her cowhide rugs from Brazil, "which produces the world’s highest quality hides," she says. "The leather is extremely supple and has a great sheen. Additionally, there is none of the smell from tanning solutions so often present with other cowhides." The Brazilian Black Cowhide Rug from L'aviva Home is approximately 7 feet by 7.5 feet and is $545.
Above: Wegner's Wishbone Chair is available in several finishes and is available for immediate shipping; $699 at Hive Modern.
Above: Long Wool Ivory Sheepskin Throw; $179.99 at Overstock.
Above: Create a dining table with Vika Trestles made of solid wood with black lacquer; $15 each at Ikea.
Above: The Vika Amon Tabletop is $29.99 for the 60-by-29.5-inch size at Ikea.
Above: Stelton Magnussen Thermal Carafe in black; $83 for the half-liter size at Unica Home
Above: Heath Ceramics Round Onyx Serving Platter; 14 inches in diameter, $80 at Lekker Home.
Above: The Norden Glass Front Cabinet is $399 at Ikea and can be painted black.
Above: Black Asterisk Clock by George Nelson; $280 at Unica Home.
November 17, 2009
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» Steal This Look: Barbara Bestor Dining Room
» 10 Easy Pieces: Metal-Base Dining Tables
From Julie
New York architects Deborah Berke & Partners designed this 1,100-square-foot studio for an artist and his family in the Berkshire Mountains of Eastern New York State. "Drawing on regional architecture for both form and language, the architects imparted to this project a sense of the ordinary that is subtly subverted through painstaking attention to detail. The result is a humble but assured building that is at one with its site."




November 16, 2009
From Julie
Discovered via the always compelling Hoping for Happy Accidents: Michigan-based Tenebras Design. According to the owners, "tenebras is Latin for darkness and refers to the unveiling of the natural beauty of wood. All our pieces are made from wood that is locally harvested in the midwest from primarily salvaged or naturally felled trees. The pieces are presented simply and finished with natural oils, minerals, and waxes."
Above: Dressing Ladder in oiled ash; $120.
Above: End-Grain Low Table; $650.
Above: Hanging Mirror in oiled ash; $135.
Above: End-Grain Bar Stools; made with an ebonized Douglas fir top and oiled ash frame; $335 each.
November 16, 2009