Category: modern

New York City townhouse modern design and traditional bones

House Tour! An 1850s New York City townhouse!

Architect Ambler had grown out of his apartment when the 400 sq ft. studio next door came up for sale. It seemed like fate so he bought it and worked to combine the two into a unified New York City townhouse perfect for displaying his collection of vintage and modern art and furnishings. Combine that with subtle renovations in line with strict landmark district regulations, you end up with a beautiful classic modern contrast.

What attracted me most to this space is the beautiful arched window. It acts as a frame out to the street. In New York City you often have to be willing to welcome street life into your home as art through your windows!

So much natural light is a blessing on street level. I love the modern furniture, like these black leather chairs, combined with classical elements like the arched windows.

The townhouse feels like a museum with all of the modern art and interesting furniture.

How beautiful are the antique mirror closet doors.

The den and the chandelier in the office are one of my favorite parts of the house. The technique of leaving the top 12 inches of the wall unpainted really create an illusion of height.

The real showstopper in the townhouse are the gleaming herringbone hardwood floors.

Ambler honored the traditional bones of the house in all of the renovation except for the kitchen and baths, which he intentionally wanted modern.

via Lonny

February 14, 2017
A modern victorian house tour

Modern victorian, a match made in heaven.

I love the good bones and ornate molding of victorian homes, and the clean lines and fresh look of modern design. The below is a remodel that honors the amazing high ceilings, intricate casework, and classic of the victorian home. The owner’s improvements included altering the floor plan to make more functional spaces for today’s lifestyle.

A view of the kitchen.

What a dreamy bathroom. Love the clawfoot tub, the sinks, and the herringbone floors.

The built-in closet adds so much character to the bedroom.

How amazing is the fireplace and built-in cabinets with lead glass surrounding it?

The kitchen is probably the most altered. Love those barstools and the industrial aesthetic they add. The glamorous chandelier is a nice contrast.

A pretty guest bedroom.

Another shot of the dining room. Sorry to say that while I like the table, I do not like the chairs.

Love the large subway tile backsplash behind the stove.

The amazing windows and arches are so pretty!

More pretty details.

What do you think of this modern victorian home?

via Apartment Therapy

February 9, 2017
Oriental rugs in modern homes and decor

Oriental rugs in modern decor are something I’ve had my eye on lately. Oriental, or any hand-knotted antique rugs in that case have a way of beautifully grounding and warming up a space, which is why I think they work in modern decor so well, and the contrast makes a great impact.

I’m also listening to an audiobook right now, Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani, and the descriptions of the rugs inspired me to find some examples to share with you guys.

Day to day, this office space would be too dark for me, but otherwise I love the rustic table and the ornate oriental rug.

via Fresh Design Pedia

The pops of pink in this oriental accent rug look gorgeous with the blue walls.

via Pinterest via Style and Cheek

The patina and wear of an antique rug makes it even more beautiful.

via Pinterst via Design*Sponge

I’m sure I’ve posted this image before but I just had to share it again, it’s so beautiful. I don’t know if I could live with glossy black shiplap, but the effect is dramatic!

via Country Living.

I also really like geometric oriental rugs. If you are into a more casual or rustic look they are a good choice.

via Pinterest via Style by Emily Henderson

January 5, 2017
Style the perfect bed for Fall

Now that the temperatures are dropping (*tear), it means I’ve been pulling out heavier blankets for warmth during the cool nights. I thought it would be a good time to dig up some inspiration for dressing your bed for fall.

Just because you’re piling on layers doesn’t meed your be can’t be tailored. Go for crisp sheets and graphic patterns.
via Pinterest via Flickr

I like the mix of elegance from the velvet stools and headboard mixed with the preppier pattern and color of the pillows.
via Gallerie B

Folding over your flat sheet, topping it with a thin quilt, and then topping it with a warm duvet is a great way to have the warmth you need but ability to cool off a bit if you need to.
via Gallerie B

via Apartment Therapy

Good bones in this bedroom and bold graphic bedding is the perfect combination in this black and white bedroom.
via ?

Lots of pattern in pretty shades of blue make even this small bedroom welcoming.
via Apartment Therapy

Even a modern black and white bedroom can look cozy with high contrast bedding.
via Inside Out

October 11, 2016
Modern Rustic Inspiration

Growing up on a farm, I feel at home in a rustic interior. That being said, I also like interiors that are uncluttered and have very clean lines. One doesn’t easily find a straight line in nature, so in my eyes blending straight, clean lines with natural organic elements is an art form. Here are some interiors that I think perfectly blend modern with rustic.

Yes. Dark hardwood floors. Tons of natural light. Textured wide wood plank ceilings. Sliding barn doors. YES.

via Pinterest via Tidbits and Twine

I think this is Meg Ryan’s kitchen. Love all of the white and wooden beams.
via DecorPad

You can also successfully incorporate bright colors in a neutral palette. I’d personally use the brights as accents or pops of color.
via Home Adore

Man oh man. I’d be getting dirty A LOT just to spend more time in this bathroom. Pepple tile on the floor, copper tub, wide wood plank walls, exposed brick….!!
via Pinterest via BlogLovin

This bedroom is styled to the hilt but I’m a sucker for a pretty bed. The headboard brings in texture and an organic sensibility, while the window casings and moldings create a tailored look.

via Pinterest via HomeEdit

Are my stables just outside to the right? That’s what I’d expect if this were my foyer. Exposed wood beams, stone floors, a mirrored wall..that amazing neutral and monochrome oriental rug!!
via DecorPad

Tired of the same old wainscoting and paint and wallpaper? Consider shiplap or wood plank walls for a unique and rustic look. The straight diagonals, verticals, and horizontals keep this hall and staircase crisp and clean.
via Pinterest via Decoist

September 21, 2016
A modern lighthearted and comfortable Park Slope Brownstone

A Brooklyn apartment full of inspiring ideas and details

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! It seems like another lifetime ago when I used to live in Brooklyn, first Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and then Park Slope. I’m full on domestic now and living in the suburbs of Washington DC, but there are times when I miss the quirky apartments and having 10 cafes all within 5 blocks. The apartment below is much nicer than any of mine were, but it still makes me nostalgic for Park Slope living!

For a New York apartment, the natural light in this place is amazing. Ant that mirrored mantle! I thought it was the entrance to another room at first. Notice the tin ceiling, which was a common characteristic of the brownstones there.

Exposed brick was another fun element in a lot of apartments. These old buildings were full of character and charm.

So serene and beautiful!

I really like the wallpaper and pink door in the bathroom.

The ceiling is actually painted a soft mint to complement the antique runner.

A fun blue home office and guest room.

Principal of Wills Design Associates Lauren Wills is a friend of the family and helped them transform their home into a modern and comfortable space. Wills loves creating contrast and a statement, so the black accent wall in the master was a way to do that without being over the top.

Check out the lamp table wit the bird legs! What do you think of this light-filled Park Slope home?

Read and see more at Domino

July 5, 2016
Vintage Accents in Modern Bathrooms: How a Touch of Timelessness Will Enhance Your Modern Aesthetic

Bathroom technology and design have thankfully come a long way in the last century, giving us more comfortable, utilitarian, and efficient furniture. Bulky vanities, ugly shower heads, and inefficient toilets have given way to sleek cabinets, beautiful chrome fixtures, and super efficient toilets! A fresh coat of paint and simple lighting have taken over the home decor trend by storm.

The modern bathroom is truly a high point in the history of bathroom design. But sometimes all the modern stuff just starts to feel a little too clean. Too functional. Too efficient. It makes the bathroom feel more clinical. I guess you can say that the modern bathroom sometimes can feel a bit boring.

Bathroom trends that focus on the sleek modern look are much better than we had before, but adding a touch of character with a vintage piece can be even more stunning than before. Seamlessly fusing the past and present together is a great way to create vibrant focal points in your bathroom, and if done well, can create an ambiance that is truly timeless. Just a touch of vintage can go a really long way toward perfecting your bathroom design!

An elegant, antique trim mirror against a simple white wall may be beautiful, but a rustic wood vanity will make your modern bathroom drastically warmer and more welcoming. Farm style basins perfectly offset sleek glass-and-steel shower enclosures and modern vanity cabinets. Shiny chrome accent pieces are sophisticated and a little futuristic, but paired with rich wooden wall tiles they become absolutely stunning!

What do you think? Can you imagine a great combination of vintage and modern?

If you’re looking for the perfect rustic vintage accents to add to your modern bathroom, be sure to check out Bathgems.com for a huge selection of high quality vanities, tubs, vessel sinks, and more!

This is a sponsored post.

June 29, 2016
Beautiful and Classic interiors: Interior design by Kate Marker

Kate Marker Interiors blends the old and the new

I’m having a serious designer crush on Kate Marker Interiors. As I’m sure many of you know, raising a toddler adds serious chaos to your life, both mentally and physically. The constant picking up of toys on top of being there 24/7 to tend to your little one’s beck and call can be draining. While there are many moments of joy to fill you back up, you also need an environment that decompresses, and for me nothing does that like a soothing, clean and serene space. I think Kate Marker’s interiors do just that.

Having a sleek and functional entryway helps you leave the day’s stresses at the door and helps prevent it when you’re trying to leave for the day! I LOVE the built-n cupboards and drawers

As an order and organization junkie these bookshelves are such a sigh of relief. I love the overhead lighting via the gold sconces too. Using the shelves as a sort of gallery space for art is clever too!

Nothing like a crisp white bathroom

Peppering you house with meaningful vignettes is a beautiful way to decorate.

Normally I don’t go for monochrome spaces but this dusty blue is so beautiful

There is a soothing Shaker quality to this hall

An intimate and light-filled seating area in the bedroom is a happy refuge

June 23, 2016
An elegant bohemian loft

A stylish and sophisticated loft in Philadelphia

Elegant and bohemian aren’t normally two styles you necessarily see together, but done right they make quite the beautiful pair! This loft is the work of Design Manifest, and isn’t new to the blogosphere, but worth a revisit! All photos are from Design Manifest.

Stark white walls are the canvas, but you’ll find ample pops of pink, blue and black as accent colors.

Amazing light and a lot of seating – hard for this loft not to look friendly

I love that the home is full of what look like travel souvenirs.

Even the bookcase is full of pops of color.

Blue, pink, red and black create quite a punch on this accent wall. There is also a chinoiserie theme throughout.

I really like the suzani tablecloth.

A small wall is painted black to designate a bar area.

The bedroom is still colorful but in more muted tones.

What do you think of this modern bohemian loft?

June 20, 2016
The many uses of a rug!

There are plenty of ways to use a rug in a home that might give you a new perspective on what kind of rugs you choose! I love a rug that has a deeper meaning than just it’s beauty. There are so many antique and vintage rugs that bring a sense of history to a room.

via bloglovin

There are rugs whose sole purpose is to tie in all the different colors and styles in a room. So many rugs are designed with such beautiful colors it would be hard to not find one in your style. A great place to shop for rugs by a certain color is Nazmiyal Antique Rugs. Not only do they have a wide variety of rugs but so many different styles to choose from.

via anthropologie

Some rugs are meant to make a space feel longer or wider than it is. Neutral rugs are great for spaces that don’t need any extra color but really give you a sense of home.

via apartmenttherapy

Some rugs give you a pop of color that you need to complete a room. Whether it be bright or pastel, a hint of color on the floor can really bring a room together.

via melbripley

My favorite kinds of rugs are ones that make you feel like home where you’d least expect it! A rough outdoor space can easily be transformed into a cozy beautiful place you’d love to spend your days with a simple rug.

via design-milk

Picking the rug is the most important part. There is no denying a quality rug will make a room feel like it was meant to be.

What kind of rug are you looking for?

This is a sponsored post.

June 15, 2016