Cool Treats for Modernists

Brooke Hodge introduces us to the coolest ice cream truck ever - a silver modernist throwback delivering handmade sweet treats created in the likenesses of masterpieces by some of modern architecture's greatest minds. With appealing names like “Frank Berry House,” “Richard Meyer Lemon,” “Louis Kahnteloupe,” and “Mies Vanilla Rohe,” ice cream bars shaped into modernist buildings make learning about architecture unavoidable, even when you're just looking for a treat. 

Ahoy modern!

I grew up on boats. From grandpa's big motor boat to dad's sailboat, to purchasing one with my husband. Life on the open water is as close to perfection as I can imagine. However, as our lives become more complicated, work demands increase, and family grows in size, how can we accommodate our needs while still floating blissfully?

From the clever makers of MetroShed and MetroCabin comes the MetroShip -- for those of us who are more sea-worthy.

 

 

Every boat is equipped with a high-end kitchen & bath. The open living area features a full HD TV projector for TV, movies, gaming, internet or e.mail. Sound is courtesy of Jamo in-wall speakers. The kitchen island and full size bathroom divides the living area from the master bedroom. Additional bedroom 'pods' are available in the living area that rise from the floor.

-- allie

Tags: MetroShed, MetroShip, modern house boat, contemporary boat, luxury house boat

South Face by Massimo Iosa Ghini

 

-- allie

Tags: modern patio, South Face, patio furniture, outdoor furniture, Massimo Iosa Ghini

Modern Tree House

 

(image courtesy of: theblog.modamuse.com.)

It's July and we're celebrating by bringing you the stars of tomorrow: the independent designers building the underground design revolution.

Today's revolutionary is Tracey Collins, a New Zealand architect who created a chrysalis-inspired tree house that's open for business.

Watch the video of this ingenious creation here.

Pre-fabulous

Today, Dwell unveiled the next phase of the Dwell Homes Collection, the newest addition in the world of modern prefab construction. By teaming with architects and prefab factories, the Dwell Homes Collection is a series of sustainable and standardized modern prefab homes. Partnering with Lindal Cedar Homes and Marmol Radziner Prefab, Dwell is offering a cost-effective and sustainable modern nest.

-- allie

Tags: modern prefab homes, Dwell, prefab, green design, sustainable design

Pitt in NOLA

Brad Pitt's success in NOLA. An update and profile from W mag...

Check it out here.

Modern entryway

For someone with very modern & minimal interior tastes, the exterior of my dream home is more, dare I say, traditional. I want a large pre-war brick farmhouse surrounded by landscaped greenery and large trees behind a... And that's where I stop. The inside would emote a classic mid-century modern design, carefully crafted and placed. A complete shock to the senses.

Then I come back to it's surrounding exterior. Your typical stuffy wrought iron enclosure? Heavens no! Large stone lions? I'd rather fill my living room with a floral, over-stuffed sofa and apothecary table. No, no. Something unexpected, tailored as a preview to the juxtaposition between the exterior and interior of my home.

Check out more from Peter A. Kirsch-Korff.

-- allie

Tags: modern exterior gate, modern fences, modern design, contemporary landscaping, Peter Kirsch-Korff

Frank Lloyd Wright's Buffalo homes to be deemed historic?

Buffalo, Pure Contemporary's hometown, takes a great deal of pride in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes. This past week the owners have prompted the Buffalo Preservation Board to delay designating the two properties as local historic landmarks for at least another four weeks.

I had the pleasure of working in the Davidson House at 57 Tillinghast Place (under the previous owners), and cannot adequately describe the beauty of his aesthetic. Wright liked to keep ceilings low, yet made the height two stories in the living room, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows. Another design gem -- as I ascended a few stairs to the owner's study, the ceiling height remained the same. Every time I headed for the study I felt as if I was in a magnificent scene from Alice in Wonderland. I had just begun working for Pure Contemporary and was overjoyed at the opportunity to step back in time into the mind of one of the greatest organic architects.

While I completely understand the owners' concerns for privacy and the right to renovate their homes, I couldn't imagine wanting to change any aspect of Wright's design and vision. Read the full article.

-- allie

Tags: Frank Lloyd Wright, Davidson House, Heath House, Buffalo architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright Buffalo

Doors go designer

Doors -- one of the last frontiers of modern design. My house is no different. In stark comparison to the rest of my minimalistic modern home, my interior doors are dark, heavy, and still adorned with the original knobs (complete with skeleton keys). A cape cod built in the early 40s, my first floor features no less than 5 doors from the same era.

I've contemplated sanding and staining them. And I know new knobs will make a difference, but I want something lighter, something without the bevels and intricate carvings.

 

Check out more designer doors from Iosa Ghini for Barausse.

-- allie

Tags: Iosa Ghini, Barausse, modern interior doors, contemporary doors, designer+interior+doors

Textured Walls

"...now we have a reason to stare at walls. The three dimensional,woven illusion intrigues our sense of reality and substance. The Design Institute was captivated by this attractive and versatile product."

- David Robertson, National President Design Institute Australia.

We agree, David. Wovin Wall® specializes in decorative and acoustic wall and ceiling paneling solutions. The Wovin Wall® and Wave Wall™ ranges are elegant, simple, lightweight wall and ceiling features which create texture within a space.