Green Acres

Now this is what I call farmhouse chic! I could totally kick back in the country if country living looked like this. I'm no cowhand, but I'd consider giving up the conveniences of urban living if the trade ins were white-washed paneled walls, gorgeous time-worn wood floors, rough-hewn beams, and functional, beautiful surfaces with a history all their own. But don't get me wrong, I'd still bring my iphone. ;0)

{images via Apartment Therapy}

Southern Exposure: Texas Country Modern

A few years ago, my husband and I entertained the idea of finding/building a little mountain getaway in the nearby North Georgia mountains. We searched far and wide and never did find the majestic view or site we were searching for. But we did have a distinct and singular vision of the type of house where we wanted to set up camp. After spotting this Texas retreat designed by architect Trey Rabke, I feel as though he crawled into my mind and put onto solid land the home that had been dwelling inside my head. I love the way this house blends seamlessly into its surrounding landscape, the use of rustic elements and the simple, commonsense details such as the galvanized troughs turned bathtubs. Great design doesn't have to be elaborate. Here's an example of making the most of modest materials. I'm ready to move in.

{images and article via Garden & Gun}

{more on Lake Flato Architects here}