The (pure modern) Lifestyle

"Douglas House" by Richard Meier & Partners Architects LLP

The Pure Modern Lifestyle begins with the long drive home and ends with the serenity of a hillside oasis. Open space + pure white define the laid-back lifestyle of "Less is the New More." There is something to be said for the absence of rich color or bold prints and in today's overly connected Blackberry world, who isn't on the search for the simple pure beauty of ~ white. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a few moments of pure bliss + pure modern home interiors.

The Darker Side of Pure...

Pure modern functionality from Erba Italia offers simple forms to compliment any open space or modern dwelling. One of the modern masters, Giovanni Erba, who has been on the cutting edge of modern design in Italy since 1954, makes it hard not to envy the pure lifestyle. The Pure Vanity Collection is available in numerous configurations and my choice of covers ~ pure white leather. For more modern wares, check out www.erbaitalia.it.

[carbon chair by design house ~ m o o o i]

The lighter side of pure...

There's something about pure white goods ~ case goods. Whether it be white lacquer or a soft matte finish, be eclectic and intersperse white wares with other shades of dark to create beautiful contrast and dichotomy to any modern pad. [lifestyle photo above: a pure vintage-modern foyer to die for via one of my favorite design blogs on the planet: coco + kelly]

[fabulous kate blee pure white wall installation].


[ultra pure ~ "human design" chair by varier furniture ].

[alba sideboard by pinch design, "draws its inspiration from mid-century relief plasterwork to create a sculptural, calm and intriguing piece."

Shown above, the Wave Sideboard by Pinch Design, is crafted in an innovation wave pattern and comes with fabulous stainless steel legs. This collaborative team of husband and wife, Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon, bring a unique perspective and crisp, clean designs to the world of modern + urban decor.

For more pure modern and urban cool wares, you need to pay Pinch a visit at www.pinchdesign.com.

Make Your House Stylish and Durable

Ibiza Occasional Living Room Furniture Collection

Here are some hints on how to create a beautiful, yet durable space that will last you a lifetime. Whether you have kids, pets, or just a busy household, your design should be appropriate to your lifestyle. Keep in mind that just because your living room furniture and flooring is long lasting doesn’t mean it has to look and feel industrial. The arrival of a new pet to your home requires a little adjustment when designing a space with a pet in mind, and you should consider durable flooring, fabric and color options. Just because you have an active lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t have stylish carpet.

Today’s busy family needs flooring that will stand up to kids, pets, and constant traffic while still looking great. Now you can find carpets that have 4x the stain protection as most carpeting. When creating a durable space you should think about the right kind of fabric, paint, and finishes. Trend-setting fabrics like vinyl and ultra suede can mimic leather and suede and other natural materials which would otherwise never be a consideration when creating a kid and pet friendly environment.

Emboss patterns area also available in these fabric types. Pattern fabrics in darker shades make pet hair more visible and that’s why mid-tone fabrics are amongst the most pet friendly selections. Machine washable slip colors are another ideal solution for furnishings exposed to high wear and potential spills. When painting walls and cabinets, select wipe-able latex paint with a high sheen level in satin, pearl, or semi-gloss finishes. These are easier to clean and maintain than an egg-shell finish, but higher sheen levels will expose wall imperfections. So make sure you have a smooth and blemish free substrates prior to painting.

Executive Riverside Hutch

Simple design with ample breathing space and careful consideration given to organization is key in a well functioning family home. Providing a space for everything not only eliminates clutter but also potential hazards to your kids and pets. There’s no need to store away your valuable artwork and breakable accessories. They may still be incorporated into a family home provided that they are placed out of reach.

Ellis Entertainment Center

Maximize the vertical spaces in your home by installing floating shelves for artwork or family photos. Upper glass cabinets fitted with accent lighting can provide a space with a special area to hold breakable items. Wall mounted lighting can eliminate the potential hazard of exposed electrical cords. When designing a kid’s room, keep in mind of a bright environment, like a vibrant color area rug, and colorful trims on doors. Let your child play an active role in creating their own space.

Martha Stewart
Diamond BarattaSunny's Goodtime PaintsWindsor SmithWindsor Smith
Sunny's Goodtime PaintsCoastal Living
Jane CoslickCountry LivingHouse BeautifulMary McDonald via Domino

I was so inspired by Chic Coles great post yesterday on white painted floors, I thought I'd do my own on turquoise and blue painted ones! Some of these images you might have seen on here before, some are new. Either way, they're all gorgeous in my book. The Windsor Smith kitchen may be my favorite..that picture just never gets old. Which room is your favorite??

Lifelike Artificial Greenery Can Reinvent Your Outdoor Space

Turn your patio, deck, sun porch and outdoor living space into a garden paradise with artificial outdoor plants that are resistant to weather and fading from the sun, says Mike Voyles of Home Infatuation (http://www.homeinfatuation.com/).

Lifelike artificial greenery -- such as realistic boxwood, cedar, grasses and flowering azaleas -- adds a rich accent to an outdoor space and needs no maintenance, updating or care. “Natural looking faux botanicals are ideal for sprucing up your home, offering natural texture that works great alone or as complementary décor with a furnished outdoor room,” says Voyles. “Homeowners can get creative and make their outdoor garden or patio look a vacation destination.”
Realistic-looking greenery is ideal for busy families who don’t have time for the upkeep that real plants require. “They are hugely popular with people who own second homes or vacation properties because they don’t have to hire someone to water the plants,” adds Voyles. “ Owners of town homes and apartments in urban areas with a narrow balcony or a tiny patio can create a unique lush environment with the right-sized potted plants. And they offer a solution to homeowners with insect challenges in live plants and topiaries.”
The infinite selection, from boxwood bushes, cedar branches to artificial asparagus and blooming azalea vines provides a creative and affordable way to transform a space where live plants won’t grow. “From trees to topiaries, introducing elements of nature makes a space look larger,” he adds. Voyles offers tips make a porch or backyard come alive with artificial plants:
•“Plant” directly into flower beds to create a natural looking garden room around a deck, patio or pool.
•Add decorative mulch around the base of your artificial outdoor greenery to give them a natural look.
•Create a portable privacy fence or room divider around your pool or on a balcony with a row of columnar artificial plants in pots. Create a rich look with an artificial outdoor hedge, which is excellent for providing privacy around pools and patios and on balconies. Set them end to end to form a continuous hedge.
•For people with a limited outdoor area such as an apartment, use potted greenery so you can move them around your patio or balcony or create a new decor as your needs change. Outdoor “green screens” and wall tiles are an ideal way for creating maintenance-free plantings on walls, fences, trellises and balcony railings. To add a pop of color, select tiles that have blossoms.
•Spiff up your image by coordinating with outdoor pillows and cushions.
•Strategically partner your greenery with outdoor art garden statues which will add a peaceful Zen-like feeling to your garden or patio. You can create individual ‘’garden rooms’’ with each one having a dramatic focal point.
Home Infatuation offers everything required for distinctive outdoor living. The company addresses the wish lists of homeowners with its diverse menu of products for the Outdoor Room, from luxurious table tamps to all-weather high def TVs. Home Infatuation chooses products from around the world, delivering a high level of customer service and a quality experience. For more information, call 877-224-8925, or visit http://www.homeinfatuation.com/.

Your Chair is Hairy

Rather than the requisite throw pillow on a chair, people are getting hairy by throwing fur throws on seats. My findings began here...



...at the Absolut Icebar in Copenhagen. These fur covered seats serve a purpose- prevent frostbitten drinkers...

I spied this furry little pillow in our store- I can pick one up after work!


I wouldn't mind being Julianne Moore's stylist- she got this almost $2000 chair as a gift from the actress. Photo via Domino.

The cream fur is a striking contrast to a vibrant plum chair. Photo via Domino.

Chartreuse deuce (or should I say, Two stool with chartreuse fur cushions). Wild.
Photo via Elle Decor.

Garden Room

I had a beautiful climbing hydrangea on an arbor that extended off my patio. Unfortunately the hydrangea died and the arbor looks bare. I have decided to change the whole look. Instead of an arbor, I was thinking a garden room. Maybe not as elaborate as these but I think I will incorporate some of the elements.



The glass walls, columns and cupola are appealing. I love the way the windows tilt open at the bottom.



My space already has a sectional sofa. I think the room idea will really make the space more appealing in the fall and spring. I like the pediment above the door. The glass roof would be hard to clean so probably the tin roof is better.