Spartan Daybed

Going au natural seems to be hot for summer. From wicker to rattan, breathable material is all the rage.

Prime example -- the Spartan Daybed. Inviting and chic, I'm ready to grab a Mojito and settle in for a siesta.

Available in Natural Grass, Leatherette, and Twill Canvas, or Plastic Resin Weave with Sunbrella outdoor fabric.

--allie

Tags: Spartan Daybed, modern outdoor furniture, modern daybed, green furniture, contemporary furniture, patio furniture

Fava Rocker

Seating is a personal thing -- at least to me!

I'm not one to lounge on a couch or over-stuffed chair -- I like something will a little more movement.

The Fava Rocker sits low to the ground and braces the user’s back curve for easy reclining.

Cushions available in Green, Chocolate, or Black.

--allie

Tags: Fava Rocker, contemporary seating, modern rocking chair, mod seating, kitchen cabinets, modern kitchen

Quiz: What's your design stlye?

I love personality quizzes, mainly because they just reaffirm what you already know. The best quizzes offer some useful advice along with the results.

If you're contemplating renovating your kitchen, check out Scavolini's Know Your Style quiz.

--allie

Tags: Scavolini, contemporary kitchen, design style, design personality, kitchen cabinets, modern kitchen

Glam rocking chair

We love modern rocking chairs here at Pure Contemporary!

Never mind that you might slip off the Emeco Hudson Rocking Chair from Philippe Starck -- it's just pretty!

Named for Ian Schrager's Hudson Hotel in New York, the chair's simple, clean lines and brushed, powder-coated or polished aluminum finish will add some glam to your home.

See more mod rocking chairs!

--allie

Tags: Philippe Starck, Ian Schrager, modern rocking chair, contemporary chair, glam furniture, rocking chairs

Modern Mother's Day

For the memory maker...

Come on, what's better than a beautifully framed picture of your loved ones? We all have plenty of "stuff." Mom doesn't want another bathrobe. She's good on slippers. And regardless of what dad says, she doesn't want a turbo-charged weed-wacker.

You have the pictures (or you can raid hers -- maybe a collage of baby pics). Have them professionally resized and apply a black and white finish. Slip them into a clean, modern frame, and voila!

My pick -- Aluma Designs.

--allie

Tags: Mother's Day, gift for mom, modern picture frame, contemporary picture frame

Modern Mother's Day

I know I've blogged this before, but I just love it.

It's nothing fancy, but it's whimsical and functional -- I think. I've never actually seen a cake plated on a cake plate, but I love the idea of it. And if the lady in your life loves to bake and entertain, I'm pretty sure she'd appreciate it.

The Spin Cake Plate from Chiasso.

--allie

Tags: Mother's Day, Chiasso, cake plate, modern bakeware

Eco-friendly room divider

Regardless of the size of your living space, privacy and separation can be hard to come by. Most of us need to utilize every inch of our home, but dividing it into workable rooms without adding walls can be overwhelming.

I've always had this thing for room dividers. Maybe it is from all of those years watching Disney movies -- you know, the ones where the beautiful maiden or princess dress behind a screen. I haven't had any luck finding simple, modern screens -- until now.

The Bamboo Screen is an eco-friendly wooden room divider -- and molds to take the shape you want!.

Check it out at Gaiam.

--allie

Tags: Green Design, Global Warming, eco-friendly products, room dividers, modern screens

Going Green

Going Green seems to be on everyone's mind. From TV networks to car manufacturers to retailers, everyone is becoming more and more conscious of eco-friendly products.

So what's on your Green List?

Share below!

Pictured: Stray Dog Lamp

--allie

Tags: Green Design, Global Warming, eco-friendly products, mod lamps

Mod nursery decor

I just love these!

There is nothing more offensive to me than Disney characters, Winnie the Pooh, and Precious Moments splashed amongst the walls in a baby's nursery. Ick!

I realize that it is a nursery -- a space dedicated to a wee one -- but do you really have to sacrifice all codes of good taste?

Check out all of the great, colorful, NON-OFFENSIVE painting from Modern Tots.

--allie

Tags: modern nursery, nursery decor, Modern Tots, modern children's decor, baby furniture

The not so Real World

I used to LOVE MTV's Real World -- until I became too old to be cast on the show. That's when you know it's time to bid farewell.

However, when Chiasso announced that it was part of the Hollywood home's furnishings, I had to check it out (easy to do since MTV replays it about 100 times a day).

Oh my word! Anyone prone to seizures would go into a fit upon entering the not-so-humble abode. Too many colors, too much "stuff," too many designs fighting for attention.

I know the point of the house is to be modern, cool, hip and fun. But they entered over kill with the marquees and faux movie sets. Considering that the 7 strangers spend most of their time fighting hangovers, maybe a more subdued design would be preferable.

Don't take my word for it -- check it out here.

--allie

Tags: MTV's Real World, Real World Hollywood, Chiasso, modern design, Real World house

Flowers, flowers everywhere

One of my favorite things about spring is the flowers. White, pink, blue, green -- I don't care! Just put them in a vase for a few days of admiration.

Now my problem... I have a hard time finding vases that I REALLY like. Sure, I have a pile of ornate crystal vases from wedding guests (who apparently had no clue of my design tastes). There are some cute and inexpensive vases at local stores. But I want a vase that wows -- especially since my brown-thumb typically causes limp stems.

In addition to form, I want some function! I don't want to be limited to just table vases and centerpieces. Thankfully, Kenneth Cobonpue's Crokkis vases are mixing things up this season.

Now your flowers can be admired from the floor, table, wall, even mid-air.

Pictured - Large table vase, Medium wall vase, standing floor vase.

--allie

Tags: modern flower vase, modern home decor, decorating for Spring, Kenneth Cobonpue, wall vases, contemporary vases

T-Grill

You know what time it is -- GRILLING TIME! And nothing can ruin a mod, sleek patio or backyard like a bulky, over-charged grill.

Think about it -- those of us who crave modern design and functionality will spend countless hours and dollars outfitting our backyards for summer. We will purchase the perfect outdoor dining tables and chairs. Linger over loungers. Search for the best in outdoor lighting. And don't get me started on tableware, planters, etc. So why shouldn't we put the same effort into our grill.

Whether we like it or not, the grill is a focal point during summer gatherings. It's where the men converge to have the all important "charcoal vs. propane" debate. It provides us with tasty warm-weather cuisine. And if it is unsightly, it is the bane of our summer existence.

This year, fear not! The T-Grill is here.

GrandHall's new vertical T-Grill embodies form and function with sleek lines and a Crossray technology that cooks faster, produces less smoke, and uses left and right infrared ceramic burners to decrease flare-ups.

--allie

Tags: modern grill, summer furniture, modern outdoor furniture, contemporary grills, modern bar-b-ques, contemporary backyard

Modern Mother's Day

Countdown to Mother's Day...

For the hostess with the mostess:

Is the lovely lady in your life a master party-planner? Help mom illuminate summer fêtes with Chiasso's Bola Floating Water Torches. At $58 each, these won't break the bank.

--allie

Tags: Mother's Day, outdoor torches, Chiasso, water torches

Sustainable hardware

Going green doesn't have to be costly!

Check out the line of sustainable hardware from the GreenSage Store.

--allie

Tags: modern hardware, green design, knobs, drawer pulls

Perfect Peel

Every once and a while a product comes along that just gives you chills. Admit it -- you know what I'm talking about. It's curves and shape draws you in. You don't even care about the price --- you MUST have it.

I see countless modern and contemporary home products each day. Most evoke feelings of lust, but only the really special ones send me into a tizzy -- frantically trying to figure out how I can convince my husband that "we need it."

Enter the Peel.

I know how you're feeling. Light-headed. Dizzy. Good, right?

Based on the principle of balance, the Peel from Olav Eldøy provides a sitting solution that is designed to satisfy our innate need for movement and variation. Maximum comfort seems inevitable -- with a footrest, half-open back cushion, and height adjustable neck support. The chair's design allows you to recline without slipping forwards or backwards -- just alter your body weight through different sitting positions.

Available in numerous fabrics, colors, and wood finishes.

See all products from VARIÉR -- now carrying the Stokke MOVEMENT and ACTIVE collections!

--allie

Tags: modern chair, Stokke, modern lounger, modern furniture, support chair, contemporary furniture, Peel

Modern Mother's Day

As promised, we have more Mother's Day gift ideas for you!

For the mom in need of some R&R...

The Viteo Swing. Ahh... Nice, isn't it?

--allie

Tags: Mother' Day, modern outdoor swing, gifts for mom, modern furniture, modern outdoor furniture, patio swing, luxury gifts

Love it or leave it?

Is Dayglo back? Did I miss the return of shocking neon?

The basic white sink gets a jolt with bright lights (fucsia, green apple, red, and yellow).

Made from 100% recyclable plastics, The Wet Light Washbasin is outfitted with a halogen light unit and transformer.

I say in a funky night club, fun. In a private bathroom,  tacky. What do you say -- Love It or Leave It? Comment below.

--allie

Tags: lighted sink, modern bathroom, green design, contemporary bathroom, funky design

Modern Mother's Day

Mother's Day is May 11th -- mark your calendars, make your gift lists, and start shopping!

While I'm not one for 'hallmark' holidays, this one isn't to be ignored.

Finding the perfect gift for the important women in your life can be a daunting task -- lucky for you we're making your job a bit easier. We'll add new gifts regularly, so check back often!

For the New Mom:

The Eddy Rocker from duc duc. Made from sustainable hardwood in a walnut or natural finish, the high-back design and enclosed arm panels would appear to make rocking, nursing, reading, or just sleeping a pleasant experience.

--allie

Tags: Mother' Day, modern rocking chair, gifts for mom, modern furniture, modern nursery furniture, baby furniture, luxury baby shower gifts

Stunning sink

Perhaps the bane of my existence is my never-satisfied need for something different. Something that no one else has. Whether it be my mailbox, color palette, dishes, or sofa. Doesn't matter -- I want unique. I want functional modern. I want creative design and innovative materials.

As I am in the (long) process of remodeling my (severely out-of-date) kitchen, hunting for a new sink has been a priority. Plain stainless -- been there, done that. Black -- okay, but nothing special. White porcelain -- can chip and stain. Then, this stumble into my In Box...

Linkasink’s popular copper farmhouse kitchen sinks have been redesigned in a stainless steel mosaic version. The sink is hand-hammered copper which is finished in satin nickel, and the basin features a mosaic pattern created from small stainless steel tiles. Also available in drop-in and undermount versions.

Unique doesn't come cheap -- suggested retail price ranges from $5,800 to $6,900.

--allie

Tags: kitchen sink, mosaic sink, contemporary kitchen, stainless sink, modern farm sink, luxury kitchen, KBIS

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

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

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

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

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