Love these Modern Light Fixtures

The Jonathan Browning Collection embodies a classically modern aesthetic with a nod to the early 20^th century French Archetype of clean, bold and simple designs. The modern pieces take inspiration from the best of the French Industrial and Decorative Arts era of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. 

Jonathan Browning designs complement such diverse styles as Beaux-Arts mansions, classic brownstones modern lofts and even outdoors.

Being produced by world-class, premier foundries specializing in the Vulcanian arts, the Jonathan Browning Collection  achieves an extraordinary level of detail seen in the fine polishing, crisp edges, hand worked arms, shades and chandeliers.

To view more of the collection, including many new offerings for indoor and outdoor check out www.jonathanbrowninginc.com

Modern Masterpiece

Pictured (top to bottom, left to right): Informal dining room, Formal dining room featuring 17.1 Omer Arbel table for Bocci, Bedroom and etched door detail, Informal living room, Formal living room at night, Formal living room during the day.

Read full makeover now!

--allie

Tags: modern makeover, luxury makeover, onyx lighting, Omer Arbel, Bocci, Vancouver homes, upscale home makeovers

John Glinister

The Sheet Bench by the UK's John Glinister makes use of the "unusable" and challenges conceptions of waste and scraps.  We love is thoroughly modern approach to design execution as also seen in his 666 Table and Slot Bench, below.

Aswoon

Introducing the Spring Screen Lounge Chair from Aswoon.

Do you love it? I DO!!!

Check out more at Aswoon, or visit their new storefront at during the DUMBO First Thursdays Gallery Walk. Thursday April 3rd from 6pm - 8:30pm. Located at 14 Jay Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn, 11201.

--allie

Tags: modern furniture, Aswoon, spring furniture, modern furniture galleries, Susan Woods Studio

New Washer and Dryer from GE

The new GE Profile™ SmartDispense™ Frontload Washer and Dryer are positioned on an exclusive SmartDispense pedestal that stores and automatically dispenses detergent and fabric softener based on each load's size, soil level, water hardness and fabric or cycle type. The washer features one of the most comprehensive stain-removal systems available: it treats more than 40 different combinations of stains and fabric types. CleanSpeak™ communication between the washer and dryer begins the drying process to eliminate guesswork about settings for the load.

Modern doors

My husband and I agonized over the picking of a new front door. We wanted modern, but something that would be inviting to home buyers when we decide to sell. We wanted some glass detail, but nothing with gold trim or intricate design. We were also on a budget!

If your budget is slightly larger than ours, check out the Neoporte Modern Doors sale.

--allie

Tags: modern door, steel door, contemporary doors, glass doors, exterior doors

Green makeover

Tis the season to redecorate – and with green flourishing outside, it’s only appropriate that green should grow inside the home.

With a budget of $20,000, Harmony Design Studio set out to make a family room more comfortable for both the home owners and the environment.  But one big question loomed -- Are there adequate green and sustainable products on the market that support great interior design without having to sacrifice in terms of quality and comfort?

Used primarily for TV, reading and lounging, the seating in the family room needed to support these activities and address the following problems:

• The new seating needed to accommodate the homeowners’ size differences (she is petite, he is average) & individual preferences
• Inadequate lighting needed to be addressed
• Additional seating was needed to accommodate large family gatherings
• The overall look was to be contemporary and streamlined

The custom-designed sectional was locally made and sized appropriately for both the husband and wife, and is covered in eco-friendly Satin Wool by ‘Q Collection’, which produces biodegradable, environmentally friendly fabrics made from natural materials.  The company also uses non-toxic dyes and finishes.  This particular fabric is highly durable, which is ideal for a family room setting.

FLOR carpet tiles in sand-colored wool were chosen for the new area rug.  Made from highly renewable wool, FLOR encourages end-of-life recycling. The custom-designed solid walnut coffee table fits over a separate piece of furniture – a low combination bench/table manufactured by Bright Chair Company. The bench is covered in Cork fabric.

The lack of lighting was remedied with dimmable-floor and table lamps (dimmable options are great energy savers) and an overhead ceiling pendant. The color palette is neutral tones of ivory, sand and chocolate brown, chosen to blend with the existing furnishings and extensive granite on the countertops. As with any project, there was meaning and purpose to everything selected.

Learn more about Harmony Design Studio.

--allie

Tags: modern makeover, green products, living room makeover, custom furniture, seating

Modern Outdoor Flower Pot

The perfect floral focal point for those of us lacking a green thumb. Plus, these provide shade and a singularly sculptural flair.

By Markus Boge & Patrick Frey for Skia, about $2,045 at PID.se.

EZ Hammock

The EZ hammock by Royal Botania explores a minimalist design with extra functionality. This hammock rocks and swings for easy summertime relaxation.

$1,202 through PID.se.

Mix It Up

Balancing the cool, sophisticated feel of glass with the warm, natural, laid-back vibes of rough-cut wood, the Velia Table by Ulrich Koessl, Tishch und Stuhl Willisau, Luscern, Switzerland,  is a welcome and ingenious composition.

Industrial Furniture

The industrial bent and machine-like construction of the Merkury Lounge make this chair look fast, if not exactly comfortable. Still, it's incessantly alluring - perhaps it's the high gloss and matching price tag.  This luxury seating has exudes all the dangerous, gritty, streamlined character of the only place such a design could come from - the Motor City.

Available through Merkury HG.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Need a little help getting that sunny disposition year round? Fake it...

SkyCeilings are photographic illusions of real skies that fit into standard ceiling grid systems. Luminous SkyCeilings feature fluorescent or LED lighting that illuminate the translucent images from behind. Ambient SkyCeilings are made from opaque image tiles that are lit by room or cove lighting. Although they first gained popularity in healthcare and commercial settings, the realistic sky-scapes have lately been brightening up modern homes.

Available through the Sky Factory.

When Babies R Us just won't cut it

I want to start off by stating that I do not have anything against Babies R Us. For many Americans it is the most accessible all-in-one baby Mecca. And let's face it -- it's affordable.

With that said, I spent the entire morning helping my expecting sister fulfill her baby registry at my local Babies R Us -- and I was left in a panic! OMG -- what am I going to do when my husband and I finally get around to reproducing! While my sister's traditional tastes were more than met with the store's inventory, my desire for streamlined mod prods was left unanswered.

I was most disturbed by the "bouncies" or baby loungers. They are necessary, I know that. I do not diminish their need or usefulness -- but they were not good! These little baby pods lay front and center in one's living room (typically), and I would think they could be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For expecting parents craving modern and contemporary design, Babies R Us just fell short.

So, after hours of pastel pink and blue, I came home to my trusty computer. I began searching and found, of all things, the bouncer that Halle Berry has provided for her little one. Now, I don't believe in jumping on the celebrity bandwagon, but this it good:

The Bloom Coco Lounger Plexistyle - available at Nomi for $350.

Curved, single-piece frame with cozy comfort seat; perfect for contemporary living spaces; formed in shades of stylewood™ or plexistyle™; smooth self-rocking motion; 5 point padded safety harness, adjustable for growing baby; micro-suede™/micro-leather™ seat pad available in vibrant colors – easy clean and maximum comfort no assembly required -- SOLD!

--allie

Tags: Babies R Us, baby bouncer, Halle Berry, modern nursery, baby shower gifts

More Dakota Jackson

I stumbled upon Dakota Jackson's website, and I'm kind of a fan! "The furniture has to be beautiful, it has to be provocative, it has to be meaningful," Jackson says, "To acheive this we are continually adding new processes and technologies."

In addition to his club chair, check out the stunning dining console.

Check out the American designer's full product line.

--allie

Tags: modern design, Dakota Jackson, dining console, modern dining, American design

Love it or leave it?

This one goes too far for me!

I have a uterus, my girlfriends all have a uterus, many of you reading this have a uterus -- but do our tables, buffets and shelves need to have a uterus?

What's your take on The Plug and Stephanie Rollin Uterus Vase - love it or leave it?

--allie

Tags: modern design, Uterus Vase, avant garde design, modern accessories

Uterus Vase

At first sight, Uterus Vase by The Plug & Stéphanie Rollin is a vessel whose form and completion disconcert, causing  ambivalent feelings.

Although the shape of the female reproductive organ is known by everyone from illustrations in biology or anatomy books, one rarely speaks about it openly. Even more rare are the occasions to celebrate it. However, the statuary beauty of this smooth porcelain-like vase of pure whiteness gives its dignity back to an intrinsic human topic, that nowadays has become the celebrated theme of over-consumed erotic images. The enigmatic notoriety of its form, as for it, reflects the true depth of a subject respectfully treated by its creators.

Conceived in a limited edition of twenty, the vase is made of several layers of lacquer and varnish around a resin core.

Guide Dog Lamp

A modern remake of the classic, and classically tacky, "The Clapper," the Guide Dog lamp lights the way when it hears its master whistle.

Tucker Robbins

Power Napping

Sha, a "perception researcher" and artist from Vienna, came up with the AlphaSphere as a piece of furniture dedicated solely to luxury relaxation. So totally space-age.

Modern club chair

Whenever I see a leather club chair I am instantly reminded of my late Uncle Harry. He was the epitome of a great lawyer, with an office to match. A large, intimidating desk, dark chocolate club chair, the green-glass shaded desk lamp. It was all there.

So while the club chair conjures pleasant memories and comfort, its aesthetic appeal does not. That's why I was thrilled when I found the IKO Lounge chair from Dakota Jackson.

--allie

Tags: modern design, modern club chair, leather chair, contemporary furniture

Make everyday fun

The hum-drum of everyday living can get anyone down. Why not add a little fun to your home -- namely, the kitchen!

Alessi has a reputation for creating amusingly functional products. From egg timers and tea kettles to cheese graters and cookie jars, their elite list of designers always aim to please.

Check out StyleHive's Alessi-dedicated slide show.

Pictured: Lilliput salt and pepper shaker set.

--allie

Tags: modern design, Alessi, kitchen accessories, modern kitchen tools

Who says you shouldn't wear your food?

Let's face it, these are way cuter than the traditional bibs covered with ducks, clowns, or clever sayings such as 'Mommy Loves Me.' Plus, the packaging is great!

Plus, any food that misses the mouth will simply blend in!

Want to purchase the Fruit & Veggie Bibs from Modern Tots? Click here.

--allie

Tags: baby bibs, modern design, baby gifts, baby accessories, modern shower gifts

Spring into Flor

I am a firm believer that the color palette in your home, like your wardrobe, should change with the seasons. This doesn't have to result in a full home makeover -- just simple additions and removals.

Spring and summer 2008 are going to see a surge of bright tropical colors, which can be overwhelming if done improperly. Not sure how to do it tastefully? Check out Flor's Mango rug collection.

--allie

Tags: modern design, modern rug, modern flooring, Flor, Spring decor, Summer decor

Designs from Poland

As a Polish gal I welcome any opportunity to give props to fellow Poles.

Check out the REM Bedclothers and MESSY Tablecloth from AZE Design, led by Anna Kotowicz and Artur Puszkarewicz.

MESSY Tablecloth - In today's fast-paced world, we often don't have time to cook, let alone eat. We dine on the go, concocting meals of diet soda and protein bars. The "MESSY" project brings back the notion of dining at an actual table!

REM Bedclothes - REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is one of phases of sleep during which we dream our dreams. Changing the position during sleep is the "picture" of the dream. During the night we create our own pattern on our bed, which AZE Design has artfully brought to life.

--allie

Tags: modern design, modern tableware, modern bedding, European design, fun design, funky furniture

Chiasso's spring collection -- Love It or Leave It?

Chiasso's new spring collection is apparently supposed to be a a wonderful treasure -- as the titles of their newsletter, Shhh...Spring Preview - Just a click away!, suggests. However, I'm not sure exactly what the secret is...

The secret just may be that the new spring collection will evoke boredom...

Case in point -- the Bermuda patio collection. Sterile, dull, uninspired.

So, love it or leave it? Weigh in below!

--allie

Tags: modern design, Chiasso, outdoor furniture, summer furniture, aluminum furniture

More mod swings

Summer swings have an "old" air about them. Usually straight, boring, box-like and constructed from wood, the typical porch swing doesn't exactly scream hip and modern.

A few weeks ago I brought you the Globo Swing, now check out the Bubble.

The UK's Fletcher & Myburgh have designed a line of whimsical outdoor swings for the contemporary sect who like to think outside the box.

And make sure to check out the Lavender Bubble -- a special tribute to women with breast cancer.

--allie

Tags: modern design, modern swing, garden swing, summer decor

Stone Forest

The latest designs from Stone Forest...

Cabbage Chair