SketchUp

It's free! Two words we love.

If you're toying with the idea of creating additional space for your pad, check out Google SketchUp.

The 3D modeling program allows you to design and print home additions, outdoor spaces, woodworking projects, even entire houses -- all with accurate dimensions.

And after you've completed your vision, visit our Interactive Room Planner - the only interactive design tool that lets you envision your room designs using contemporary and modern-styled furniture elements.

Technorati Tags: Design Modern Homes, Home Remodeling, Interactive Design

Office Cube Halved

The Standby Office, is a port-o-office designed by German office makers König+Neurath. Made from steel and measuring 190 x 146 x 74cm (74 x 57 x 30in). While these Standy-by units are designed to be mobile, flexible and temporary, God knows some CEOs will think its a great idea to compress more people into smaller areas and make these permanent homes for cube dwellers. Hear that Dilbert? The halving of the cube. Next thing you know, someone will think up the stand-up office.

Thanks for the tip Trendhunter!

Technorati Tags: Portable Office , German Design, König+Neurath, Modern Office DesignDilbert

Oggetti Split Rattan Seating

The Italian word for object is oggetti -- and this Oggetti is a striking one. Made from inlaid strips of split rattan and generous contours, this chair is shockingly comfortable. Its low profile does make climbing out of it a tad inelegant.

This new piece is the next generation of the award-winning group introduced last year.

Technorati Tags: Oggetti, Design, Modern Furniture

Colorful Walls

Pure Contemporary's Ask the Experts section receives nearly 100 questions each month on the subject of color alone. Clearly color is one of the most vexing dilemma in home decor -- and interestingly enough, people are looking for strangers to tell them what to do. Rather than tell, we like to show. Here are two more rooms with the same architectural elements, that create two totally different moods and focal points, just with a flick of a brush.

Sherman Williams (SH) red 6861 was put into the recesses of the display area above the fireplace, and dark grey (SW 7075) color blocks were placed on either side of the fireplace -- and below it. The surrounding walls were covered in SW 7073.

The room to the left is painted a soft grey -- and a completely different mood is set. The room is less dramatic and yields several focal points -- the art, the vase, even the pillows on the sofa.

Technorati Tags: Wall Color , Architectural Elements , Color Palettes , Sherman Williams Paint