Zinc Counters & Zinc Tables

<div align="center">What is it about zinc counters and tables? Maybe its the juxtaposition of a material that should be cold yet exudes such a warmth and tactile feel. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298718349629434786" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjUQ-KBq6I/AAAAAAAABRY/0RlotcUoED4/s400/zinc+-reclaimed+home.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.handcraftedmetal.com/zinc_products.html">Handcrafted Metal </a><br /></span>Above is a kitchen I adore! Perhaps its also the white cabinetry and soapstone which you all know I am so partial to, but also I love the worn look of the center island. It is a material you just want to touch. It looks like an actual family lives here!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjZTtjsJBI/AAAAAAAABTI/SDkhQqqyF9Y/s1600-h/zinc-countertop-wide.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298723894271419410" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjZTtjsJBI/AAAAAAAABTI/SDkhQqqyF9Y/s400/zinc-countertop-wide.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Metallo Arts</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjZKWhGnEI/AAAAAAAABTA/H6AI3NVeDg8/s1600-h/zinc+metallo+arts.jpg"></a>Here is a lovely countertop that my friend, Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design just posted last week. Paul is very talented kitchen designer and writes a wonderful blog. Be sure to check out his work and his excellent eye for design at <a href="http://paulanater.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-01-31T06%3A18%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=5">http://paulanater.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-01-31T06%3A18%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=5</a><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298718352046332818" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjURHKQm5I/AAAAAAAABRw/et8VU-mocSE/s400/pewter-island%2520.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">St Clair</span><br />What a wonderful time worn look in this kitchen - but its brand new! Isn't it wonderful? I love the edge detailing on the zinc. Here is a great example of excellent craftsmanship.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298718047401963490" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjT_YRYb-I/AAAAAAAABRQ/l-tNvAr15Xo/s400/zinc+rachiele.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Rachiele<br /></span>Here is another example of an edge style. These details really add to finished feeling of the room.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298698038327907490" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjBysqYFKI/AAAAAAAABQY/T0scRj8i1uU/s400/zinc5.bmp" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Brookswood</span><br />Here is a more simple edge style but the results are beautiful. The patina of the zinc really adds to this rooms farmhouse feel.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298698019831226642" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjBxnwbIRI/AAAAAAAABQI/evhkO_rOb74/s400/zinc+brooks2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Brookswood<br /></span>Another simple edge with great results. Not sure if the perimeter is soapstone or zinc, but either way the results are lovely. It is also a surface that can be mixed easily with other materials. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298718047382053666" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjT_YMooyI/AAAAAAAABRA/GOvJDDFTGsI/s400/zinc+metallo+arts.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298718045422783906" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjT_Q5gjaI/AAAAAAAABRI/kyM1naNNP6U/s400/zinc+metallo+arts2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Metallo Arts</span><br />If the plain edge seems too rustic for you, here are some beautiful edge details which can be incorporated into your design. With so many design options, this is a surface which can be used in many different styles of homes.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298698027844122322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjByFm2NtI/AAAAAAAABQQ/Bt-QjYVIngE/s400/zinc3.bmp" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298697989016572242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjBv09o0VI/AAAAAAAABQA/MUm2z86B504/s400/zinc+brooks.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Brookswood</span><br />Not sure about zinc in the kitchen? The bar and pantry above serve as a great way to add in the patina and texture with out the huge commitment of having it as your center island surface.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298720828940991442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWhST9u9I/AAAAAAAABS4/ysoKRPvfAgc/s400/Ground.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Groundworks</span><br />Of course zinc is not limited to counters. There are many styles of tables available too. I love this Gatehouse base!<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298720830547861714" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWhYTEoNI/AAAAAAAABSw/BvGygfEFTmk/s400/ground2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWha1_aHI/AAAAAAAABSo/azcQ9ud-zPY/s1600-h/Ground3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298720831231191154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWha1_aHI/AAAAAAAABSo/azcQ9ud-zPY/s400/Ground3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWC1S4IrI/AAAAAAAABSY/NczDWK7H2V4/s1600-h/grOUND4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298720305755726514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWC1S4IrI/AAAAAAAABSY/NczDWK7H2V4/s400/grOUND4.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I love all three of these tables from Pennsylvania - Any one of them would perfect in my new breakfast room - how to decide?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWCI_7d5I/AAAAAAAABSI/IJMQvsYEmlQ/s1600-h/GROUNAVANTEGARD2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298720293865093010" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWCI_7d5I/AAAAAAAABSI/IJMQvsYEmlQ/s400/GROUNAVANTEGARD2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWBwCpJGI/AAAAAAAABSA/UzU3GT-_Nmc/s1600-h/GROUNAVANTEGARD.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298720287165588578" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYjWBwCpJGI/AAAAAAAABSA/UzU3GT-_Nmc/s400/GROUNAVANTEGARD.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Or perhaps I should stop by Avant Garden in New York? More beautiful examples!</div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298734492126264242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYji8lpLu7I/AAAAAAAABTY/v0Kyc5KLW2Y/s400/treillage.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298734491579169570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYji8jmvuyI/AAAAAAAABTQ/j8KtObXwcrA/s400/zinc+bumny.gif" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div>Finally, of course, we could stop by Treillage, Bunny Williams store in NYC , and pick up one of these fabulous finds. Adding zinc to your home, how could you go wrong?</div></div><br /></div></div>

Zinc Counters & Zinc Tables

What is it about zinc counters and tables? Maybe its the juxtaposition of a material that should be cold yet exudes such a warmth and tactil...

Read more »

Belgian Decor at Cote de Texas

<div align="center">If you have not visited Joni Webb's fabulous blog, Cote de Texas, this is the week to stop by! Joni is an extremely talented designer in Texas. Her blog was recently selected as one of the top ten decorating blogs of 2008-9 by the Washington Post. This week Joni reviews the Belgian Style that is so hot right now across the country.<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297436322515143778" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYRGRK_ETGI/AAAAAAAABPw/EgyeEZDlMjk/s400/cote2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">Joni describes Belgian decor as <em>"quiet and monotone .. plain linens .. antique elements – ancient stone floors, beams, marble staircases, and acres of limed wood - everywhere. Textures are a very large part of this style – rough, rustic woods and stone surfaces are played against smooth, shiny crystals and glass."</em> </p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297436321566588178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYRGRHc6fRI/AAAAAAAABPo/OLMHJQoJA4A/s400/cote.png" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">In our increasing complicated world this is a style to come home, relax and unwind in - serene and almost austere. </p><div align="center"></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297437778102435970" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SYRHl5eHwII/AAAAAAAABP4/HD6FzI3dmHU/s400/cote3.png" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">Please stop by Cote de Texas and see the entire post.<br /><br />I have saved it as one of my all time favorites, so do not miss it! Here is the link: <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/01/belgian-design.html">http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/01/belgian-design.html</a><br /></p>

Belgian Decor at Cote de Texas

If you have not visited Joni Webb's fabulous blog, Cote de Texas, this is the week to stop by! Joni is an extremely talented designer in...

Read more »

Shabby Chic Closing?!

<div align="center"> I entered the Shabby Chic store in Natick , Massachusetts today - and it was practically empty. Everything in the store was 50% percent off ! </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SX0l7vnOAaI/AAAAAAAABPI/v4nufv7qJUg/s1600-h/rachel1601_aged_white_e.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295430445181043106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SX0l7vnOAaI/AAAAAAAABPI/v4nufv7qJUg/s400/rachel1601_aged_white_e.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Shabby Chic Website</span></div><div align="center">As you can guess most items were already gone. The women working said it was not confirmed but they may have to close their doors. They were not allowed to take orders and were advising customers that if they wanted to order something they should do it online.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295433562324582226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SX0oxL4Jv1I/AAAAAAAABPY/6vWpvn62xns/s400/rachel+1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Shabby Chic Website</span></div><div align="center">They would not confirm, but suggested that some of the other stores across the country may be closing in the future. We hope not, as Shabby Chic is such an inspiration!  </div><div align="center">Another bad sign of the state of our economy.</div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295429764587457410" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SX0lUINEC4I/AAAAAAAABOo/7qd14UqM1CI/s400/rachel+landing_decorative_pillows.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SX0l1B7DDWI/AAAAAAAABPA/WqX5UiKFGjU/s1600-h/rachel+1017_white_l_p.jpg"></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Shabby Chic Website</span> </div><div align="center">I did happen to pick up some really wonderful pillows, though!</div></div>

Shabby Chic Closing?!

I entered the Shabby Chic store in Natick , Massachusetts today - and it was practically empty. Everything in the store was 50% percent off...

Read more »