Modern design questions answered!

Ali Azhar, contractor and design coordinator for HGTV's Design on a Dime, lends his advice to Pure Contemporary readers.

Lisa from Chestertown, NY writes: How do we change a 1970's contemporary exterior home with diagonal siding into something more updated but with a rustic feel?

There are several options available to give the exterior of your home a more rustic feel. Most of them can be a bit costly, so if budget is your main concern a faux finish is the answer you are looking for.

Sometimes color and texture is all you need to create a new look regardless of pattern. I would suggest using a white exterior paint (or what ever color you love) and lightly brushing the paint on your exterior. Once that is complete follow-up with a light sanding so that the paint holds on to the grain of the wood but the look appears as though years of sun and rain has begun to barley strip the paint off and give your exterior a more rustic and worn in feel. If you are feeling slightly more ambitious with your budget, you can hire a contractor to carefully remove all the diagonal pieces and reattach them horizontally and then follow-up with the same faux finish. In doing this you won't need to purchase any new siding or panels, and because you are recycling old pieces this will help add to the rustic feel as well as keep your project green.  The more you can reuse...the more we can help the environment.

Thanks for the tips Ali!

Saddle Up

The Bronco stool, a new product from Extremis, gives non-cowboys the true blue comfort of a horse saddle in an ingenious low-profile stool with one added benefit: a cup holder. Only this one features a strap to keep your drink in place even when the corral gets rowdy. Bronco is made from rotation-molded polyethylene.

Bathroom design advice from Ali Azhar

Ali Azhar, contractor and design coordinator for HGTV's Design on a Dime, lends his advice to Pure Contemporary readers.

Barbara from Miami, Fl writes: My bathroom is outfitted with a white tub, sink, and toilet. What type of tile should I use to update my bathroom and add some Miami heat?

Ali's answer: If you are living in Miami and want a contemporary feel for your bathroom there is only one way to go -- Glass Mosaic Tile. Pick your favorite color and go with it -- covering the entire wall from floor to ceiling. This tile is so beautiful that by covering both the floor and walls makes the bathroom feel like a work of art. There is a manufacturer of glass mosaics based out of Miami called Bisazza. I recommend checking out their website to get some ideas.

Thanks Ali!

Bamboo at Home

Sustainable bamboo furniture by Greenington gives going green an even better image. Following the trends of the day with low slung media consoles and minimal Shaker-styled dining tables, Greenington ups the ante with unique modern pieces all its own.  We especially like the Sunflower wine cabinet for its unique four-door design, gorgeous book-matched grain and endless storage space. And the Exotic Console Table and Asian-inspired Console Table hold their own, respectively, for modern restraint and a fresh take on a theme that's growing tired.

New Energy Efficient Bosch Dishwashers

Bosch is touting its newest debut dishwashers as the quietest and most energy efficient models in the country.  The Evolution SHE98 and Integra SHX98 both exceed the minimum federal energy standard by 147% with a yearly usage of only 190 kWh and use approximately the same amount of energy as a dishwasher half its size. The Evolution and Integra line-ups also offer a variety of convenience and efficiency options clearly structured into three classes – the 300, 500 and 800 Series. Find out more through Bosch.com.

Contemporary conservation

Striving to be more eco-friendly -- or just reduce your water bill? The line of Bridge faucets from Water Decor monitoring the amount of water you use by emitting water only when necessary.

The touch-free sensor allows the use to rinse, operate and cleanse without ever touching the instrument.

Contemporary Climates

Now it's time for Name that State...

Contemporary is hot across the map, but styles vary from sunny California to chilly New England. Can you guess where this house is? Try your luck and see how you did in the guide to modern trends in your neck of the woods...it will surprise you! 

Origami Now!

Through June 8, 2008 at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem MA:

"Originally developed in Asia, origami has evolved into an exciting art form explored by artists worldwide. Works in this intimately scaled exhibition in the museum's Art and Nature Center demonstrate the remarkable breadth of origami art, ranging from depictions of nature to self-portraits and abstract forms. In addition to showing masterworks of origami, the exhibition reveals connections between origami and innovations in other disciplines, such as design, medicine and math. Interactive displays give visitors of all ages opportunities to engage in the artistic process of origami."

These days the ancient art form continues to inspire and inform modern trends and folded products. The newest works include origami-like window treatments, flatware and seating.

Tags: Museum Exhibits, Origami, Modern Design

Mad Planters

Meet my latest obsession, Laverne Planters form the 1950's. I found these at design Mecca 1stdibs.com. They've got a range of sizes including one super rare painted lady version. Prices start at $1,600 and go to over $5,000.

A splash of color

I like things simple and elegant -- I'm not a fan of clutter, hate chotchkies, and prefer strategic splashes of color over messy splats! Which is why I love the Cup Chair from Zou.  It's ABS molded seat and swivel base brings a retro flare and color to any space, especially a sedate backyard.

Buy it now from Advance Furniture.

-- allison