bar stools for a bar nook

I'm lucky enough to have a little nook in my kitchen for a high bar table. And while I may not use it as such as often as I should, I love having it there as an option. It's more like the dinner-for-one-nook or the coffee-and-laptop-nook on Saturday mornings. Regardless of the hat it's wearing on any given day, this area is clearly functional. But practicality can sometimes only go so far. And given my appreciation for Scandinavian design of style meets functionality, I think it's time to entertain the idea of seeking out some new, modern bar stools.

And also because after an hour of sitting in the ones pictured above, your behind is not exactly pleased to be a part of you. Therefore new style = better function. I've totally legitimized the expense! Phew. That's a relief.

Of course I've lusted over the Kartell Ghost Stool for quite some time now. Their "invisibility" factor is ideal in a small space.

But there's something to be said about a stool with some back support. There's also something to be said about winning the lottery. Which is what I'll need to be doing in order to support this exciting endeavor. Because this Knoll Bertoia Stool is making my heart race. And my bank account panic.

Emeco Icon Stacking Barstool

Blu Dot Barstool

Artek Chair by Alvar Aalto

So what do we think?

This is a sponsored post on behalf CSN Stores. All opinions are 100% my own.

YOU are the lucky winner...

Miss Katie Stinchfield!

Eerily convenient, too, since she will soon be up and leaving NYC for Boston. Consider this a farewell gift of sorts because gosh darn it, Katie, we're gonna miss you.

Enjoy the CSNStores.com gift card however you choose to enjoy it! And a huge thank you to all who entered!

let's talk about lighting and giveaways

One of the many, many, many things I love most about my Mom's kitchen is the lighting (though let's not forget the wine fridge). Not only does light flood in from the three walls of windows and French doors, but she's also rocking a fabulous industrial-looking pendant above the island. She happens to be quite proud of that purchase and you can't argue with her. It's a functional statement piece that always garners a, "Now, where did you get that?" from guests.

So when I came across this pendant lamp, a light bulb went off (I'm sorry, I really couldn't help myself). How unbelievable would this Normann Copehnhagen pendant look in a kitchen (or a living room or bedroom)??

I mean, of course I was immediately drawn to it, it's a Scandinavian design. But I can't imagine you not warming up to it, too. And if your kitchen is unfortunately petite (hey, I'm with ya), what a fantastic opportunity to draw eyes up towards your fierce, newly acquired light fixture than straight ahead towards your stove that's the size of an Easy Bake.

Oh and did I mention we've got a giveaway offer?? It's about time, I gave you all incentive to continue checking in here. CSNStores is generously offering a lucky reader a $40 gift card, redeemable at any of their online stores (And might I suggest you check out allmodern.com for a selection of iittala glasses that I'm lusting over to the extreme). Which means that Normann Copenhagen pendant lamp could be yours. Amongst a million other fantastic products in their inventory.

To win the CSNStores gift card*, leave a comment on this post with what you would splurge on if you won along with your email address. The contest will end next Wednesday, July 7th and the lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 8th.

Good luck!

*Available for US and Canada readers only. The card does not cover shipping costs.