While spending the weekend at a converted barn in the Somerset countryside, I was reminded of all that I love of country cottages - exposed stone walls and floors, original ceiling beams, wonky floor boards and lovely big fireplaces. I think I'm city girl at heart though, and if I do move to the country one day I love the idea of bringing the two elements like interior and furniture designer Jo Berryman has done in her 16th Century Cotswold farmhouse (featured in the Feb 2010 issue of Living Etc). I adore how she has mixed quirky vintage pieces with the original features to bring heaps of colour, drama and style to the traditional stone cottage - which is available for rent. Her art collection really appeals to me - especially the horse painting in the living room. I adore the kitchen/dining area with blackboard-painted wall and reclaimed wood table on metal legs, and oh how I dream of a bathroom space like this. Is this your kind of home?

Source: All my scans from Living Etc magazine - Feb 2011

I thought twice about posting this wonderful home as it already seems to be doing the blog rounds, but I'm really drawn to the space and wanted to share it with those of you who've not seen it yet. It belongs to the owners of Dusty Deco in Stockholm, and it's not at all surprising they have such a stylish abode with all the goodies they sell in their boutique. There's many of my favourite things at work here, from the white walls with touches of black and industrial elements, to the vintage signs, odd dining chairs, cowhide rug and repurposed coffee table. There seems to be evidence that the owners have traveled, which I love to see come through in people's homes, and it manages to feel nicely relaxed and easy going with the open plan design. Is it your kind of home?

Source

My latest obsession is vintage science charts, detailing subjects such as botany, anatomy, chemistry and nature. The charts spark a hint of school science lab nostalgia and I find them quite fascinating, so I'm on the hunt for one but they're proving tricky to track down.

one & two; three: unknown

Good morning, how are you today? Hope you had a lovely weekend. I had a wonderful busy time in Brighton on Saturday and a chilled Sunday spent business planning, baking, making sushi and rearranging the flat. So, we just loved Brighton and are seriously hoping to move there in the not too distant future. It's such a creative place with a great buzz and genuine friendly vibe - this was the first time we've visited but I've had a strange pull to the place for a long time. We spent pretty much all day wondering through the lanes - which if you're not familiar with Brighton - are a huge maze of narrow streets with a myriad of shops, stalls, cafes, pubs, restaurants. Complete heaven for magpies like me! There's so much to look at that I felt like we only scratched the surface, but I made sure to find some flea markets, vintage stores and interior shops. We came home with a few goodies for the flat, which I thought you might like to see. Some of my favourite places for second-hand treats were Snoopers Paradise and North Laine Antique and Flea Market - where we scored this fantastic old wooden first aid box and a round brass mirror to finally complete my collection. We also picked up some posters; a huge old coffee bean sack and a grey military style blanket from a great hardware shop called Utility. We finished off the day with heavenly cupcakes from the Angel Food Bakery. Have you spent time in Brighton? Where are your favourite places? I'd love to hear as we're heading down again soon. The little horse and other curios you can just see were from Etsy shop, Good North.