marble & iron tables

Recently, I discovered some amazing marble and cast iron cafe tables on Craigslist (searching by material - see this post). I have yet to contact the seller as I am not exactly sure where I would put them. But since I have been thinking about them for quite a few days and seeing as they are such classic pieces I think I might have to pursue purchasing. This type of table sometimes referred to as French bistro, cafe or pastry tables can be found in all shapes and sizes both old and new. Crate & Barrel as well as Williams-Sonoma Home sell several variations on this timeless design but if you can find vintage I would choose old over new any day. Marble and iron are both incredibly durable and long lasting materials which makes this type of table great for indoors or out, light or heavy use and transitional in style to work in all sorts of rooms. 

from top left - source unknown - design by Nam Dang Mitchell via House & Home - La Coupole Iron Bistro Table with Marble Top by Williams-Sonoma Home - design by Nate Berkus via The Kitchn - via Homestead Seattle - French Kitchen Bistro Table by Crate & Barrel - via Desire To Inspire - source unknown

firm feature: s.r. gambrel

S.R. Gambrel is a highly recognized New York based firm headed up by Steven Gambrel. Founded in 1996, just three years after Gambrel graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Virginia, the firm has greatly expanded taking commercial and residential commissions around the globe. Drawing inspiration from the vernacular architecture of the particular region of a specific commission, Gambrel pays specific attention to "the importance of properly proportioned structures and details, partnered always with a carefully curated collection of vintage, antique, and custom furniture designed by Steven himself" (about). 

The firm has a huge portfolio but below are more than a few examples of their work. To see more of S.R. Gambrel's work and examples of some of his much more colorful work visit their website, read Gambrel's book - Time and Place - and check out their custom lines for Waterworks and Urban Electric Co. 

flower feature: blazing stars

At one time, the former homeowner of our house must have been a gardener as there is a whole mix of random perennials throughout our yard. One that I had yet to identify was a blazing star. This drought resistant perennial also commonly known as a gayfeather (genus name - liatris) is a U.S. native plant suitable in hardiness zones 3 - 9. Great for attracting pollinators, its known for its unique slender blossom that blooms for an extended period in mid to late summer. I personally like this flower most when mixed in a prairie sort of setting and if I had more sun I would be planning a whole patch of them. 

from top left - via GARDENISTA - via HGTV Gardens - via Greenfuse Photography - source unknown - source unknown - via Hayefield