Hello, and how is everything in your neck of the woods?
I’ve been wanting to share this with you for quite some time, but lots of projects n’ things have gotten in the way lately. Speaking of projects, our cinder block wall project has taken on a life of its own. I think I may have opened a can of worms with this one, but the outcome is looking pretty darn awesome. Look for the reveal in the next couple days! I might even make it a 3-part series, as it’s a 3-sided cinder block wall and there’s lots to share.
So I was at The Little French Flea Market in Tarzana a short while back and I spotted what appeared to be a freshly cut birch log for sale. Upon closer inspection, I realized it’s a hollowed tube, wrapped in real birch. I was told it was used as a display prop for the clothing store Coldwater Creek. Even better! I placed it next to my favorite reading chair and propped a lamp and a couple old books on top, and added some sporty pinecones for good measure.
There are lightly visible staples which I plan to cleverly disguise at some point, but I’m pretty busy with my cinder block wall project. So for now, a few silly staples aren’t hurting a bit…
This is my favorite spot to sit in the house, literally. When we first bought the house and had not a stick of furniture, I used to sit on the floor and look through that window (that you can see peering through the mirror). It holds a view of the most magnificent sunsets that greet us each day from that spot.
The rough texture of the birch just speaks to me. I feel like I’m in a cozy cabin retreat when I sit next to it…
And on the other side, it’s snow white which feels so wintery and cool. Have you ever noticed how naked birch trees in the winter look like human shaped limbs, with the rough patches looking like elbows and knees? Just me? Okay then.
I hope you have fun plans for the weekend. As for me, I have gel stain running from the tip of my pinkie, down to my elbow (which takes days to wash off) so needless to say I’ll be avoiding any red carpet events the next few days. We’re hoping to take a break and run down to Santa Monica for a little shopping and good eats. And you bet I’m going to be sporting long sleeves, even thought it was in the mid 80’s here this week. What’s that about?
what a great side table...a lucky find for sure!
ReplyDeleteenjoy santa monica (i love it there) and be glad you are not in chicago where it is FREEZING - you'd sure need more than long sleeves here!!
Love the table! And, yes I have seen some of these in stores as displays. I wish retail stores would sell their displays! What is the book on the chair? laura
ReplyDeleteEtcetera by Sibella Court : )
ReplyDeleteoxox
Jennifer
I just love birch, hence my love for this table! Great find.
ReplyDeleteKim:)
I love the birch log, It's always a joy to visit your blog you have such great taste in everything you do, I can't wiat to see the projects that you have been working on. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove the rustic feel the birch log gives the room. it also fits in with your color scheme beautifully...you've created such a comfortable space.
ReplyDeleteI want your lamp . . . and the shade too! ;o) I was wondering if you might share where you found them at?
ReplyDeleteI don't believe I've ever commented before but the pictures of your home are truly inspiring--I just love everything you do.
So cute..I love the side table/tree.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful find. Birch trees are so beautiful and your table adds such nice texture and warmth to your space. I'll be wearing long sleeves as well this weekend, but that is because it is bitter cold here! Your day of shopping sounds so nice - dreaming of that weather and the pain free air!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic find! I love it and it's just perfect in your home.
ReplyDeletei LOVE that jennifer! can't wait to see the cinder block wall reveal.
ReplyDeletehugs,
shelley
I love the rustic side table. My dad has a bunch of old trees laying around on his farm that I should have him make me one out of.
ReplyDeleteI'm just painting this weekend. Your kitchen is my kitchen inspiration, so I'm doing the walls in there.
Your home is heavenly!
Such an amazing find! It looks great next to your cozy chair.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat and unique find Jennifer :) I have always loved peely chippy birch bark. It is so interesting. Every home needs a "spot" to relax and enjoy your surroundings. So glad you have one!
ReplyDeleteWe too have been enjoying the freakishly warm weather - I for one am not complaining!!
XOX
What a fantastic find, I mean REALLY! It looks perfect in your cozy corner, I think that would be my favorite spot too. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your drive and eats.
ReplyDeleteJennifer where on earth did you get that HUGE wall mirror? I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteLOVE it Jennifer!! So unique and such a cozy spot! ;) Hugs,Rachel
ReplyDeleteFrench Farmhouse 425
Oh I love that and the chair sure looks comfortable too!
ReplyDeleteLovin' it! I want one, but it is a one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteI saw this post in my google reader and thought, wow that sounds like a table Jennifer would have... well it was YOUR post ...which I didn't realize at first... LOL
ReplyDeleteCan't want to see Jenny from the BLock's cinder wall!
I think the little birch side table is adorable. I don't think the staples look that bad (they would not bother me). I agree that the texture adds so much interest in your living room. I can't wait until your fireplace wall reveal. By the way, congrats on your blog being mentioned in Romantic Homes magazine.....Hurray, Jennifer! :D
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! It looks like it was made for the room.I cant wait to see your wall reveal! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful! I love what it brings to the room, so much warmth and interest! Your room is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great find. I have birch candle holders and just love them. They do add a cozy rustic quality, and I've always love that cabin feel!! ;-) Enjoy your trip to Santa Monica!
ReplyDelete~michelle~
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the birch log table... and can't wait to see your cinder block reveal!
Hugs,
Cindy
The texture is Amazing! As well as the Color.Happy Friday~Cheers Kim
ReplyDeletehi - I love the lamp and chair also. just gorgeous. and great combination of textures also.
ReplyDeleteThat is one very fun and different table...so many times I'm looking for something that is just like that for a small area next to a chair to put a lamp, a cup of tea. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteKentucky Catt
You are always full of such wonderful, inspiring ideas. Where did you find the lamp and shade? Darling.
ReplyDelete~michelle
My husband and I spent all day cutting trees in our back pasture yesterday. One was a HUGE tree with a nice straight trunk that would be perfect for this project. If I were strong enough to lift it myself~there's no way my husband will bring it in the house! LOL
ReplyDeleteLooking good, as always! Hugs, Heidi
Try using MINERAL OIL to remove those gel stains...been using it for years...even works on oil based paints. Apply, let sit, then wipe off with tissue or wash cloth. This really works!!
ReplyDeleteLove the table, but I also fell in love with your chair, can you tell me where you purchased it?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Love it Jennifer... what a find!
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ReplyDeleteThe first thing that came to mind upon seeing your Log table was a story my husband tells.
ReplyDeleteIt was the dead of winter. The boys went out wood hunting. They cut some nice trees and stacked them out back for the stove.
One day they were asked to bring in some wood from outside to fill the stove. After they filled the stove the room got warmer and warmer.
Soon GIANT ANTS began POURING out of the log. The kids ran for dear life.
After that they were careful to throw the logs from that tree directly into the stove and not store them for later additions in the house.
Sorry, I had the thought of you bringing a beautiful log into the living room only to have giant Ants pour out of it.
I am so glad your log is safe. :o)
i am pretty sure i will die if i do not have one of these.
ReplyDeletespeechless.
The perfect table and the perfect cozy spot...I can see why you love it there! Laurel@chippingwithcharm
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI really love your birch log side table, I think it's really smashing!
Hugs, Cindy
What a lovely accent table!
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful! I love white birch and have never seen anything like this. Lovely :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteWow! such a great find. The birch side table looks so perfect! really a fun and creative piece.
I love it!
Have a sweet day and hugs, Elizabeth
Oh, I love birch logs. You've truly found a treasure!!
ReplyDeleteXO Diane
Nominated you for Versatile Blogger Award. Visit my page for details (just give me another hour to post it). Laura
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birch. I love the room: at sunset it must be magnificent. Everything is so cozy, rustic and pure. I go to work sometimes with paint on my arms. Oh, well, tags for a life well lived. Brianne
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog through Oakview Cottage and I must say I LOVE that birch table. So rustic but with a touch of romance. I will definitely be back and I am going to follow along ~ ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove the Birch log table, and the chair, and the lamp, and...everything in your house!
ReplyDeletemy
ReplyDeletedear
friend....
i am catching up on your posts and MAN alive!
your home looks so beautiful, warm and inviting. i really love all of the wood you have incorporated - including this gorgeous birch table! you know how much i love this look!
hugs to you...
becky
It looks fabulous
ReplyDeleteAlison
such a beautiful touch for your room! can't wait to see your cinder block project!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have the best finds.....sign of a good eye for design. I love the birch log and your chair too. Looks like a perfect spot to curl up and daydream. Can't wait to see the cinderblock project.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Donna
Adore! That looks as if it is a perfect fit - and a perfect space to cozy up with a book! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE that Birch look. It feels so woodsy :)
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your lovely blog. I'm just new into blogging & have just finished off my own blog on fashion & interior design.
ReplyDeletehttp://scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com/
I had a lot of fun putting it together maybe you would like to check it out if you have a spare minute.
x
Melissah
Love your pinecone. Very cute.
ReplyDeleteGreat side table, looks wonderful. Very pleased to have found you via Dreamy Whites. I'll be back for more
ReplyDeleteSharon
My French Country Home
I'm in love-love with that birch log table! The rough texture is speaking to me too, the more rough patches, the better. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJennifer I love how it looks beside that chair! And I love that you used to sit there even before the chair was there. ;)
ReplyDeleteWOW! I am LOVING that little table!!!
ReplyDeleteWhite birch bark is SO LUSCIOUS!!!!!!
Love your blog...and your photos....and YOU!
:-)
Wonderful finding!
ReplyDeleteI do understand your fascination with it and birch wood in general :)
I can see why that is your favorite place to sit! It is scrumptious!! I want one of those tables!!! Now I'm going to google how to make one... maybe there is a place that sells birch strips?? Love, love, love.
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