A family's Paris loft

What a charming family loft I found in June 2010's NIDO, a German magazine. I think the article is entitled "From the crate," but German readers can correct me. I love her kitchen shelving is made from old wine crates! The childrens' rooms is my favorite with the little toy loft, lights and art on the walls.

I like that you can see things they use everyday in the photos and it doesn't look completely staged.  I wouldn't say it's untidy, but more normal in the sense that not everything is put away or hidden. 

This home made me think of a new book I recently came across (thanks to Decor8) with the laboriously long title, "A Perfectly Kept House Is the Sign of a Misspent Life: Creative Ideas and Real-life Tips for Making Your Home Lived-in, Warm, Welcoming and One-of-A-Kind ....Worrying About Everything Being Just Right)!" by Mary Randolph Carter. I can't wait to see this book, and I imagine it may show lots of spaces just like this one. It brings up the question of how comfortable you are living with a bit of a "mess." 

I wonder if we become too accustomed to seeing perfect spaces in magazines and if that makes us unsatisfied with our own surroundings if they look less than photo-ready? For example, I hate looking at a hodge-podge of commercial labels on things we use, so I keep those things (unless they're pretty) off the counters and out of sight. I'm sure there are many examples. I also dislike seeing electrical cords, and am always trying to find ways to hide them. However, my house will never look "styled" because I don't have the time or talent. And we actually live in it! But unsightly or messy areas still bother me! What level of "mess" are you comfortable with, and do you find yourself trying to pretty up the unmatching or unsightly things about your space ? (photos by Michel Figuet)

Relaxed and bright country style

I recently discovered the German magazine "We Love Living." I love it- from cover to cover, the photos are inspiring and filled with sunlight. The slight problem is that I can read about 4 words in German! It has hardly detracted from my enjoyment of the articles, strangely. I'm sure other readers can relate somewhat to enjoying foreign language magazines solely for the photos? The first home featured is the home of Christina and Lars Durling. I'm not sure where it is, other than it's in the country. I find it summery and cheerful! (photos by Ulrika Ekblom/ Linnea Press June 2010 we love living)