February 2, 2010

Café Inspiration

We get our inspiration from everywhere: travel, museums, architecture, fashion. But one of my favorite sources for creativity is cafes. They pull at my heart strings with their cuteness and send me to a place of nostalgia and relaxation. Perhaps it's because as a child I dreamt of owning one, as a college student I used to study in them, and as a young adult living in Italy I couldn't help but poke my head in all of them.
Spending some time in a well styled café is just as good as any design magazine for dining room ideas and tabletop inspiration.
Pretty shelving and displays, beautiful woodwork and moulding, I can see this one translating well into a beautiful kitchen design.
Here, the worn in feel is so inviting and cozy. I can envision a little kitchen nook using the same rustic woods and industrial seating. Perhaps in a country cabin or mountain lodge? Who knows...the possibilities are endless.

*images via Sunday Suppers, photography by Karen Mordechai

24 comments:

Caitlin said...

There's nothing I love more than sitting in a cafe for hours. All of these images truly inspirational. What a great post!

Unknown said...

I love the cafe table/chair look--so funny how a hard little chair (we otherwise might think of as uncomfortable) can bring so many inspirational thoughts! I'm looking for the perfect one for my patio this summer :) Thanks for reminding me!

Hope you are having a great week Crystal!

xo Mary Jo

Apt. #34 said...

darling, gorgeous porch. I want to live my entire life in a cafe like that :)

Livi said...

lovely images. its hard to find a good cafe these days

Marina Saclley @ Iced VoVo's said...

Crystal, these images are gorgeous! They sure are a great inspiration for a kitchen!
I love the worn in look!
xx

Jo said...

I wish I had a cafe like those to go to. But in a tiny town like mine, fast food joints seem to be the only thing that can make it. Those photos are lovely.

*loved your quote from yesterday, by the way.

Unknown said...

I love this post! Every image is absolutely gorgeous!

Hamptontoes said...

There is something about cafes that makes them feel like home away from home...love the images!

Pug1 said...

Nice post! luv it! CHEERS! Michele

Unknown said...

spending the semester in france and finding that i couldn't agree with you more.

Unknown said...

So true! Great inspiration, fabulous images. Thanks.

Cara Kuhl said...

I love when you just stumble upon a great, quaint, quiet little cafe, especially when it's in a cool setting ~ either on a busy city street or somewhere more serene. If you have any good ones in Chicago, please share :)

Splendid Willow said...

Oh yes!! And it is not only the atmosphere but also the quality of living. A place where people meet, talk and laugh. A computer can only take you so far! Lovely images, Crystal! xx Mon

red ticking said...

lovely post... i love them too... and cute grocery stores... they are all so charming... xx pam

Annette Piper said...

I dreamt of owning a little cafe too as a girl. Preferably one on a mountaintop with spectacular scenery and serving steaming pots of tea with freshly made scones with jam and cream!

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

Cafes are some of my favorite places! Lovely post - I love everything about Sunday Suppers. They have the best photography!

michaela said...

love these cafe shots, crystal. what a beautiful blog you have!

The Simply Luxurious Life said...

It's always interesting to find out where inspiration comes from, but I would have to agree - your photos of the cafes - lovely!

Mindshift Media said...

Great Cafe pics! Looking forward to spending time in some cafe's in Nice, France soon with someone special :)

Punctuation Mark said...

I've always wanted to have one too... maybe one day!;)

Sarah Klassen said...

Independent cafes are so much fun! I love the images you have compiled -- I now have such a craving for an espresso...I can almost smell the aroma!

I can only images the beautiful ones you must have visited in Italy :)

Sarah Klassen said...

Independent cafes are so much fun! I love the images you have compiled -- I now have such a craving for an espresso...I can almost smell the aroma!

I can only images the beautiful ones you must have visited in Italy :)

Giovanna said...

i agree...i find i can write better when i'm typing away in a cozy cafe` too.

Colleen / Inspired to Share said...

these are so gorgeous and inspiring!

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