Thomas Jefferson quote on a good, simple life

I fully agree with Thomas Jefferson's quote below. I used only the essential parts of it on the image, highlighting a simple life with friends and books being preferable to power and luxury. Here is the full quote; "I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give."

Background image is from here and I added the quote to it.

Cozy, homey, and practical home

When unpretentious elements like natural colors and textures, things that age well, and can take wear and tear come together in a practical way, you get a comfortable, cozy and a very livable home.

Creating a similar exterior may not be an option in cities but the interior elements would make welcome touches in any setting.

^ That green door, the covered porches, the easy-going landscaping, with the gravel and flagstone path are all cool touches.

^ I love the saltillo tiles, the kilim rug, and the big practical benches in this mudroom.

^ That rooster rug is nice. I also love those fabric covers. You don't always need the structure and the strength of rigid doors. Sometimes you just need a dust blocker, and efficiency is a good thing. The fabric also adds a warmer/softer touch. I like the painted cabinets and the DIY-ish kitchen island, too.

Image source

Super easygoing cabin

Just looking at these images is relaxing, and make no mistake, the humble setting & materials have a hand in that effect, too. It would not be as relaxing with super polished fancy stuff. Keep things simple and enjoy life!

Images from gardenandgun.com

Lakeside cabins and a Mediterranean patio

Images from alexxandra81.tumblr.com

Cozy porch by the water

Great relaxing place, no? A simple, cozy, and unpretentious life is always charming. And when you have a porch right by a lake, and are surrounded by easy-going nature, what else would you want, right?

Images from HomeTours.tumblr.com

Great cabin

Love this picture... but I must not be as romantic as I used to be; looking at this image I kept thinking that the log diameters were overkill, they could be thinner, and that rough patio would be pretty hard to sweep. Overall, the place looks great but I think exaggerating some elements at the cost of practicality is not the best idea.

Picture from ResortDesign.com

Rustic & cozy architecture

Miller Architects create some rustic and 'ranch'y homes, and unlike some of their competitors' work that are either way too luxurious or so "western" that it's kitschy, their creations are still humble, cozy, and beautiful.  Unprocessed and unpolished natural elements almost always create beautiful results.

Images from CTMarchitects.com