designer crush {new from Erin Martin}

I knew that I would like Erin Martin Design the second I saw her cheeky website last year and a look through her portfolio put her at the top of my list of favorite designers. I scour her site constantly in search of inspiration and to catch glimpses of new projects--which is exactly what I did over my morning coffee. I was overjoyed to see that there was a new home to ogle that reinforces her perfection of the refined rustic look. It is full of unique architectural details...

and what says luxury more than a fireplace and marble in the bathroom? Well,

And I love the textured wall behind the bed--definitely no need for a headboard!

My favorite part of the home however is this open to outdoor living area.

(via california home and design via Erin Martin Design)

magnificent + multifunctional

I love open living/dining/kitchen areas. These spaces creates the perfect stage for the casual entertainer. I like many of my friends love being able to be working at the stove, be social with guests and keep an eye on empty wine glasses. I know that I would love to be hosting our next sushi night in this inviting space.

The color palette is welcoming, the accessories thoughtful and the attention to detail exquisite.

(interior design from one of my current favorites, erin martin)

refined + rustic

Here in the heart of the rocky mountains rustic style reigns supreme. It is also a style that I have a love hate relationship with. When it is done with refinement and restraint it is one of my favorites. However, this balance is a hard one to reach. I think Erin Martin is definitley one of the more flawless in its execution, especially in this California home.

And she has also helped me discover a new necessity--a party barn...

...and an amazing collection of rusted lanterns.

(home originally feautured in the may/june '06 issue of Western Interiors)

weekly dose {cool neutrals+chandeliers}

After a very hectic Monday, and really a busy few weeks, I find something incredibly soothing about cool neutral interiors--especially those with rustic charm and the sparkle of a chandelier.

(via nuevo estilo, interiors magazine and les indiennes)

Yes, I can already feel my headache subside. Now time to get ready for another social evening celebrating a friends 30th! Hope you had a lovely start to your week.

perfect [rustic chic] style

When I hear the word rustic in relation to interior design I think cozy but I also tend to think dark and heavy as well. However, that is not necessarily always the case--rustic can also be bright and light when white is added to soften the natural elements or by using lighter toned wood.

And the chill in the air is definitley leaving me wishing I had just that type of cozy space to warm up in.

I just think there is something about cooking a pot of chili in a rustic (and chic!) kitchen that is much more appealing than in a contemporary or modern one.

And the being immersed in the warmth of rustic style's natural elements would make it so much easier to bear to dropping temperatures (and snow!)

(via lonny magazine, nuevo estilo, canadian house and home, living etc, and jeffery bilhuber )
How would you define rustic?