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.

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.

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/.