<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" style="border:0 none;" src="http://www.remain-silent.com/cm/kitchenenvy/CECILE-dining%2bclock.jpg" alt="ceciles kitchen" width="450" height="354" /></p>

Wednesday just isn't Wednesday without a little <a href="http://cravenmaven.wordpress.com/category/kitchen-envy/">kitchen envy</a>. This weeks space comes from one of my most favourite blogs: <a href="http://thedesignfiles.net/">The Design Files</a>. The space belongs to Cecile Boston, a Melbourne based retailer of beautiful French home wares { why didn't I know this when I was holidaying in Melb??? }. The space has a somewhat European aesthetic, in large part due to Cecile's French roots. So bright, yet cozy I found myself instantly endeared to this place, these are all the reasons why:

<strong>Multiple light sources</strong> - This might seem like a strange thing to be envious about but as a person who hates overhead lighting and who lacks enough wall sockets for sufficient ambient lamps -  I envy anyone who accomplishes a balance of natural and tungsten light. Spotlights over the countertop provide extra illumination on dusky evenings making dinner. A small sole chandelier over the dining table creates atmosphere for intimate dinners where the conversation runs into the wee hours; and the large windows wash the space in natural light perfect for lazy Sunday breakfasts. Oh to have options when it comes to illumination!

<strong>Assorted wood tones</strong> - There are a lot of wood surfaces in this space and for the most part they each have different finishes. From the picture window frames painted white, to the rich dark kitchen cabinetry. The wood floors, rustic sideboard and more. However, the eclectic mix doesn't make the space look fussy or messy - instead they compliment each other as they are not at opposite ends of the wood stain spectrum. It's nice to see mixed wood spaces done right.

<strong>Space</strong> - I am really impressed by the use of space in this room. Open shelves as opposed to upper cabinetry allow the light to bounce around the space freely and stop it from feeling 'dark' or 'boxed in'. In addition, the roominess of the dining room caters to either very comfortable sit down dinners or, when the table is pushed aside, a great space for intimate cocktails and chat with standing room for many.

<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" style="border:0 none;" src="http://www.remain-silent.com/cm/kitchenenvy/CECILE-kitchendetails.jpg" alt="kitchen details" width="249" height="373" /></p>

<strong>Marble Counter tops</strong> - White marble counter tops are a long-standing favourite of mine. I especially love it when paired with dark wood cabinets. The contrast is so pleasant, emphasizing the aesthetics of the surface well.

I could go on and on about this space..but I don't think you would like that. Why don't you check out more pictures of this space as well as other rooms in Cecile's house over at <a href="http://thedesignfiles.net/2011/02/melbourne-home-cecile-boston-and-family/">The Design Files</a>!?

<p style="text-align:right;"><font size="1"><i>images by lucy at <a href="http://thedesignfiles.net/">the design files</a></i></font></p>