Diana desk

Since every store is now filled with crayons and backpacks, I figured if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

The ultimate children's desk made from bent wood -- Diana Play Desk by Pkolino.

-- allie

Tags: childrens desk, modern desk, Spacify, children's furniture, whimsical design

An about face

Imagine life in a world where everyday objects come alive. Welcome to the world of artist François Robert -- and his Find a Face rug from Flor.

-- allie

Tags: Francois Robert, Flor, modern rug, contemporary floor, whimsical design

A little Vitamin C for the home

The Orange Circles Table from Etsy -- as seen on CBS News Sunday Morning.

-- allie

Tags: modern coffee table, Etsy, living room furniture, modern home, modern table

Colorful concrete

This residential kitchen countertop was designed around the color pallet that a homeowner used throughout her kitchen. Abstract lines and patterning were apparent throughout the home and, while this process didn't exist at the time of the fabrication, she gave JM Lifestyles the artistic leisure to transform her discussions into functional art.

See more concrete creations from JM Lifestyles

-- allie

Tags: modern concrete, concrete counter tops, modern kitchen, JM Lifestyles

Green Father's Day Gifts

Check out these "green" Father's Day gift ideas from Crate and Barrel.

 

Clockwise from top left: Weber performance Grill $329.95, Bucket Grill $24.95, Murray Apron $29.95, On the Go Tool Set $21.95.

Paint Color Matching

Most iPhone apps don't appeal to me. I don't need speed of light access to unique bird houses, info on diamond grades, or a selection of used cars available for under $1,000. What I do need help with is finding a paint color to match hues I can't quite describe and may not accurately remember. Although I say "I'll know it when I see it," I lose confidence after looking through an entire color deck without luck. Thankfully, there is now an app for me.

Sherwin Williams came up with it, and it's genius. Just snap a picture of a hue you like and a selection of matching Sherwin Williams swatches will magically appear. If only I could get a good contractor so easily.

Bath in black

TREND ALERT! Little black dress, little black bathroom.

At the recent K/BIS show in Atlanta a new trend emerged: the black bathroom. Be it black fixtures, a black bathtub or just black as an accent color– black is both sophisticated and glamorous when used in the bathroom.

-- allie

Tags: bath trends, kbis, black bathtub, modern bathroom, black sink

Sway

Sway by Thelermont Hupton. Made of Polyethylene and Polyurethane, these swaying perches can withstand the weather and are durable enough for public spaces. They don't tip over, but do require a little balance from the sitter. Kids would love these anywhere, I would love them in a modern garden setting. Place an order right from the designer's site.

Narrowly Modern Bathroom

This long narrow bathroom space gets modern treatment from traditional materials care of Marsh & Clark. In its 2009 San Fransisco Decorator Showhouse space, the designers used sustainably harvested wood, a stained glass window made of handblown glass by a local craftsman and a floor spiral of handcut marble and limestone.

 “This room embodies the Marsh & Clark philosophy of uniting traditional craftsmanship and innovative design to make good on the promise of elegant, timeless, sustainable spaces,” said Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt, principal Marsh & Clark.

It's hard to work with such a narrow room, and the designers approached it by using a clever combination of color and floor detail to make the room appear more spacious than it actually is. We love these tricks of the eye, and can teach you how to do it, too. Just check out our Five Easy Steps for Choosing Perfect Paint Colors.

Summer-ize your home

Francine Gardener, owner and founder of Intrieurs, has a few afforable tips to update your home with the change of the season.

Perk it Up with Accessories: Changing your room’s accessories is an easy way to reflect the season and revitalize your décor with minimal cost. With summer coming, enhance your room with throw pillows and rugs of pretty floral and solid light colors. Remember to keep your darker colored and striped accessories on hand, as they are ideal for the fall.

Fresh Walls, Fresh Look: For a fresh summer look, paint your walls with a new white coat. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try some warm colors, like peach, rose or light yellow. For fall, paint your walls a cooler color, such as light green, pale blue or beige. Also try changing your artwork to reflect these colors as a simpler method to keep your home up-to-date with the season.

Give your Couch an Alter Ego: The proper slipcover can make your furniture look new in an instant. Use a crisp cotton or linen slipcover in a light, airy color for summer. For fall, use a deeper color of brushed cotton, velvet or wool.

Flower Power Your Home: Buy an inexpensive mixed bouquet from your local store for an easy, refreshing look. In summer, buy a bouquet of dahlias mixed with ivy. In the fall, pick bouquets that are bright, bold and rich. Calla lilies, hydrangeas and deep colored roses are particularly ideal for autumn.

Style yet Soothe Your Bedroom: If you have a wood floor in your bedroom, remove your rugs to make your room feel fresh and open. Use white bedding, particularly linen embroidered sheets, to enhance the summer feel of your bedroom. Cotton fabrics of subtle colors are perfect for autumn bedding.

Check out Pure Contemporary's Modern Home Makeovers!

-- allie

Tags: modern home makeover, Francine Gardener, summer decor, summer home design, Intrieurs