Since my mind's on all things eco chic, I'm ready to move right into this kitchen, which features recycled wooden cupboards contrasted by a modern, steel floor and steel-front appliances. The laid-back, casual feeling of the room is achieved by using neutral and cool colors and "lived-in" furnishings and accents. Start by painting the walls a warm, khaki color, and taking down your drapes or blinds to let in the light.

Furniture: Reclaimed wood storage is key to this rustic kitchen. Bring in a soft, leather club chair that you can wear in — or already have — to achieve that lived-in look. Choose a no-frills, clean-lined oak dining table, and pair it with a set of industrial steel French café stools.

There's still lighting and accents to hear about, so read more.

Lighting: Set a table lamp on the kitchen counter; pick one with a shapely glass or iron base, and a drum shade in a a granite- or natural-colored drum shade. Overhead lighting should have the feel of the industrial age; look for a steel pendant to brighten your dining.

Accents: Any accents you use should be functional, aside from perhaps a black-and-white photograph hung on the wall. Grow herbs in a galvanized cache-pot. Cozy your leather club chair with a dark velvet pillow. Hold your fruits in a raw wood bowl, and odds and ends in a rubber tote. Pick a remarkable pepper mill that stands out on its own.