modern

Love It or Hate It

Love It or Hate It? Perforated House

I hate to say it, but modern townhouses have begun to look all the same to me.

I hate to say it, but modern townhouses have begun to look all the same to me. I see plenty with rich wood siding, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and sleek white façades, but I rarely pass by one that really wows me. But I just discovered this house in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal by dIONISO LAB with a façade made of aluminum shutters that have been perforated with graphic symbols, and I'm kind of in love.

It's definitely one-of-a-kind. I like that the shutters simultaneously offer privacy and light when wanted, and the house still has those big glass sliding doors that so many homeowners love. What do you think of this wild house?

Organization

A Sleek, Wall-Mounted Spice Rack

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member stephaniepoli from the Su Casa group: The pantry in our kitchen is very small, so I installed this spice rack over the stove.

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member stephaniepoli from the Su Casa group:

The pantry in our kitchen is very small, so I installed this spice rack over the stove. It's actually the ribba picture ledge from Ikea. I wrote, "let's spice things up," with a chalk marker and added labels to the jars using water-slide decal paper.

Have you finished any home projects lately? Be sure to share your photos with the Su Casa group!

community

Creating a Modern Medicine Cabinet

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Stephaniepoli from the Su Casa group: I really loathe mirrored medicine cabinets, especially when they are located on a side wall.

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Stephaniepoli from the Su Casa group:

I really loathe mirrored medicine cabinets, especially when they are located on a side wall. No one would ever really use this for a mirror because of its awkward placement. But it's not a detail that I would sweat enough to run out and buy a different style or spend the time to cover the hole. My quick & stylish fix cost me just $6. Visit my blog for a full tutorial: DIY Modern Medicine Cabinet on Love&Lace.

Have you been doing any before and after projects lately? Be sure to share your photos with the Su Casa group!

interior design

Coveted Crib: An Eco and Modern Home

If you think that green homes equate to rustic, traditionally decorated cabins, then you're in for a surprise.

If you think that green homes equate to rustic, traditionally decorated cabins, then you're in for a surprise. The Aspen, CO, family home featured in this photo is full of eco features yet also maintains a distinctly modern sensibility.

The home's most obvious eco feature is that it's a Flatpak design house. Helmed by architect Charlie Lazor (who is also one of the founders of Blu Dot), Minneapolis-based company FlatPak designs homes and then ships the home to its location much like transporting a piece of Ikea furniture — unassembled, in a box. This method reduces construction waste and also reduces the cost of the home while allowing clients to design their homes to their specifications.

The built home features high-performing thermal glass, soy insulation, sustainably-sourced wood, a white metal roof, and low- and no-VOC finishes. And while those features are the most important for ensuring that the home stays at a comfortable and cozy temperature while maintaining a reasonable heating bill, the interior design also makes a difference in expressing the home's cozy, family-friendly personality.

Check out more photos of this home!

Su Casa

Su Casa: A Welcoming and Wonderful New Home

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member brechtiejj from the Su Casa group: Me and my partner just moved to our first home.

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member brechtiejj from the Su Casa group:

Me and my partner just moved to our first home. We did some painting (most white) and decorating. Here are the pics.

Check out the gallery for the complete house tour. I love brechtiejj's new casa, and his color palette and furnishings are absolutely fantastic!

Have you moved into a home recently or redecorated? Be sure to share your decorating adventures in the Su Casa group!

Shopping

Sale Alert: Unison Back to School Sale

I can't believe it's nearly August!

I can't believe it's nearly August! And you know what that means . . . Staples commercials will soon run 'round the clock and décor stores everywhere will offer fab discounts on their dorm room-ready items. Unison is one of them. The minimalist modern label's Martin, Reed, and Porter bedding lines, as well as throw pillows, organic flannels, journals, and zipper pouches are all 15 percent off now through August 1. To snag the discount, just enter the promo code SCHOOL15 at checkout. Thankfully, I won't be living in a dorm anytime soon, but that doesn't mean I can't take advantage of this sale. Here are a few cool contemporary creations I wouldn't mind picking up:

House Tours

House Tour: Midcentury Modern Goes Mile High

I have a mild weakness for midcentury modern.

I have a mild weakness for midcentury modern. I've always wanted to take on the decorating challenge of a 1950s ranch-style house, finding ways to mix classic era-appropriate furniture with newer pieces, artsy knickknacks, and Salvage Sisters-style flea market finds.
After spotting this Denver midcentury modern house on Flickr, I want to move right in and start redecorating. It's a little too one-note for my taste, but it has so much potential! I love the expansive patio, the sunny kitchen with its retro red table and modern appliances, and who can resist that bar in the basement? It's like The Brady Bunch meets Mad Men. Take a look and tell me what you think when you read more

interior design

Are You a Minimalist?

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Laura Trevey from the Su Casa group: Are you a Minimalist?

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Laura Trevey from the Su Casa group:

Are you a Minimalist? According to Wikipedia, minimalism describes a movement where "work is stripped down to its most fundamental features . . . it is rooted in the reductive aspects of Modernism, and is often interpreted as a reaction against abstract impressionism and a bridge to Postmodern art practices." Strip it down to the fundamentals. Hide the clutter. This Japanese-style room is gorgeous and I am a huge fan of plush cushions on the floor.

To see more minimalist rooms and chime in on whether it fits your aesthetic, read more

roundup

Roundup: Modern-Look Houseplants

There are plenty of reasons to keep houseplants healthy and prolific in your home, including improved air quality.

There are plenty of reasons to keep houseplants healthy and prolific in your home, including improved air quality. But if you're looking for modern planters to complement your modern home, it's often hard to find a pot that's not terra cotta, stamped, or a little too organic-looking.

Luckily, there are more and more pots on the market now that will fit in with your more streamlined decor. One of my favorite pots out there is also very easy on your pocketbook. The Grobal Self-Watering Flower Pot ($15 and up) is available in a spectrum of colors. Designed by Karim Rashid, it makes it easier for even the blackest-thumbed indoor gardener to keep her plants looking gorgeous.

Want a few other options? See some of my favorites below.

Backstage at Rachel Roy with Head Makeup Artist Wendy Rowe

Backstage at the 2010 Fall/Winter Rachel Roy show at New York Fashion Week, head makeup artist Wendy Rowe gets the models ready for the runway and clues us in on the top Fall beauty trend to be on the look out for.

Backstage at the 2010 Fall/Winter Rachel Roy show at New York Fashion Week, head makeup artist Wendy Rowe gets the models ready for the runway and clues us in on the top Fall beauty trend to be on the look out for.