Archive for January, 2009
In order to understand our future, we must first understand our past. This credo holds particularly true when it comes to understanding the principles of Modern Style. What we refer to as Modern is the end result of several periods of style. These include Bauhaus, cubism, and the abstract, fused with the “Get It Done” mentality post World War II. But what elements make up a truly ‘Modern’ look?
Keeping it simple
Modernity is all about straight lines, geometric shapes, single colors, having shiny surfaces and keeping them clutter free. It’s not unusual to see a room comprised of one hue with a bold accent, perhaps as trim, but no patterns no way – Modern Style relies very much on the concept of less being more. I’ll go a step further – there’s so little to distract the eye that the few pieces you DO have, take on some much more responsibility and focus.
Another way to keep it simple, designing a space where the focus is on the space itself, no the items filling the space. You’ll notice in Modern spaces the emphasis of space and shape that’s derived from paying careful attention to avoiding knick knacks that spoil the entire effect. Avoiding these sort of details and focusing on architectural details is the way to go. These means, going bare! Bare windows, that is. It doesn’t mean you have to go without – Modern décor is the ideal place to experiment with wall art and geometric sculpture.
(Courtesy of Bender Design)
The Details
Just because you’ve gone Modern, doesn’t mean you can have a space void of furnishings! When you go shopping for your new digs, play up the space with smooth, clean, and geometric shapes common in contemporary furniture and sure to accentuate your new look. Whether your purchases be upholstered or no, stay with black, white or other neutral tones. Feeling stifled? Don’t! Playing around with texture, using wool or silk will give your addition loads more creative mileage.
Remember to stay away from anything with frills or lace – they have their place, but never in a Modern Space. Here we want to see the lines or, bones, of your furniture. If you want to go bold, choose a few pillows, they serve the same perfect as a boldly painted piece of trim.
Underfoot But Never Far From Mind
Flooring. The redhead stepchild of amateur designers the world over. They aren’t neglected on purpose, but sometimes in the general melee of design and décor, floors find themselves to be well, underfoot. In a Modern Home, floors can be what pulls the whole look together. They should be bare and smooth in feels like wood, tile, or vinyl. If you’re a carpeting fanatic, don’t overdo – stick to neutral and commercial grade weaves. Personally I think your best bet is to go bare and possibly accentuate with bold geometric area rugs if you absolutely must.
Once More With Feeling
You’ve got all the elements in place, but now, something doesn’t feel right. That brings us to our friend texture. Just because we’re using a look that’s all about line and space and utility doesn’t mean we are doomed to a life free of luxury. In fact is a Modern home the luxury of texture, how things feel, is paramount! It’s all about shiny metal, stunning chromes, polished wood, cool tiles, sumptuous silks, and raw natural fibers will having you feeling Modern and Mesmerized in no time.
(Courtesy of 1100 Architect)
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Posted by admin at 30 January, 2009
The Hydros Sink by SonoBath
Dado by Lavado
Kea by Rapsel
Aufsatz by Kanera
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Posted by admin at 30 January, 2009
Everyone dreams of a kitchen at once functional and completely stunning. Some almost get there but are nearly always thwarted by their pesky stove hoods. Elica, seeing the need for improvement, has released a new line of state of the art stove hoods that change all your past conceptions of what a hood could be. In the past, we cross our fingers are hope for unobtrusive – this line takes it a step further and dares to make each a hood a veritable centerpiece of the kitchen. From eyesore to adore, their website is so worthy your while!
Check out their website : Elica
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Posted by admin at 29 January, 2009
This amazing duplex apartment is located on a beautiful tree lined street in the east village, NYC.
Dream home on a dream location - Pulltab Designs
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Posted by admin at 29 January, 2009
Swedish designer Camilla Diedrich certainly has the “light” idea when it comes to her wallpaper collection. Winner of countless awards, including “Light Idea” of the year, Camilla’s elegant and ephemeral designs are taken a step further by employing light. Rather than seeming out of place, the added element of light seems to cocoon you in warmth, adding a magical feel to any space. Available in several rich hues, her work is definitely worth taking a look at.
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Posted by admin at 28 January, 2009
The Led furniture by Moree can be used indoor and outdoor. They are available as a wireless battery-LED version, as well as a cabled version. The color exchange program with pause button makes it possible to set your favourite color.
Check them out: Moree
Posted by admin at 28 January, 2009
While their website is a bit muddled, you can’t escape the beauty of what Sentieri Urbani is all about. Without losing the important safety elements that make street crossing indicators crucial, they turn boring linear marks on the pavement into works of art. Question: Isn’t this distracting? Answer In The Form Of A Question: Shouldn’t it be? How likely is it you’re going run into the road, or hit a cyclist when you’re slowing down to view the art before you? I’m a big proponent of urban beautification – even more so when it’s doing so much good.
http://www.sentieriurbani.com/sentieri_urbani.html
Posted by admin at 27 January, 2009
More is the response to everyday life that demands an ongoing flexibility of spaces and adaptability of furniture to meet the ongoing changes in life style.
The product is based on the use of units which can be readily combined without needing any special or complex equipment and which can be built up as desired, so providing highly versatile and interesting solutions which are not only aesthetic, but – given its self-supporting nature – also functional.
For more information : Caporaso Design
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Posted by admin at 27 January, 2009
The first thing that struck me upon viewing samples of Fambuena’s Spring Collection was the phrase: High Lighting. Seriously, their work is akin to fashion of the highest order, I could easily see models carrying it down a runway, that’s how sleek, elegant, and daring their work truly is. Check out their website if you doubt me! I had to do a double take to be sure I hadn’t stumbled onto some Italian designer’s fashion site.
Check out their website : Fambuena
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Posted by admin at 26 January, 2009
Semiramis, Karim Rashid’s first hotel project, is a fusion of Rashid’s influence and owner Dakis Joannou’s vision and own dedication to the modern art world. Joannou, an eminent collector, patron of modern art and qualified architect, commissioned Karim Rashid to create a hotel that will offer more than extra bed space in Athens. What do you think??
Check out Semiramis Hotel Website
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Posted by admin at 26 January, 2009
