Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Contemporary Kitchen

It can be challenging to distinguish between modern and modern, and for good reason. Many spaces are both modern and modern, and people frequently use the terms interchangeably, but there are gaps in look and terminology. “Contemporary” normally means of the moment or present, the plan of appropriate now. “Modern” refersto a particular design style from the early to mid 20th centurythat broke with the conventional styles of those days before the Industrial Revolution.

“Modern” may be a tricky term because sometimes it’s used to refer to something that’s the reverse of conventional, which varies based on the period of time. The choice of women in the 1920s to swap corsets to get flapper dresses was contemporary at the moment, but today these clothing are now antiques.

Once I think of contemporary kitchen designs, I think about frameless cabinets, sleek and simple hardware, strong horizontal lines and a lack of ornamentation, together with all the natural elegance of the substances shining through.

More kitchen designs:
Classic | Conventional | Transitional | Contemporary | Eclectic | Cottage | Craftsman | Mediterranean

Alterstudio

1. Flat-panel door style. This is sometimes referred to as a slab-door style and can be a signature part of contemporary kitchen design. You may observe a contemporary kitchen employing a Shaker door style, but frequently falls into transitional rather than contemporary — which is not to say it can not be utilized; it’s simply not a purist’s perspective.

2. Frameless, full-overlay cupboard construction. A lot of terms are thrown around to describe this kind of cabinet construction: frameless, Euro frameless, overlay, full overlay. They mean the same thing, the doorway overlays the cupboard box. This style is the most frequently utilized in contemporary kitchens since it’s sleeker than the usual flush-inset cupboard, which is frequently associated with more conventional kitchen, cabinet and furniture design.

In an actual frameless cabinet you won’t see a face framework at all, and you’ll receive consistent spacing between all of the drawers and doors, even between two closets. In what’s known as a framed overlay, you will still have a face frame and varying distance between doors and cabinets.

Diagram courtesy of Kitchens Made New

IKEA

VÄRDE Glass-door wall cupboard – $199

If the doors are closed on a mirrored cupboard, you can not see the framework whatsoever except for approximately a ⅛-inch shadow line between cabinets.

Cary Bernstein Architect

3. Sleek and simple hardware. In contemporary kitchens you will most often see C-channel hardware that’s integrated into the cupboard, in addition to tubular pulls or flat linear pulls. A great deal of times the horizontal lines of the cabinets will be highlighted by cabinet hardware running the full length of the doors and drawers.

Webber + Studio, Architects

4. Lack of ornamentation. Always a touch of contemporary, this is often where modern and contemporary stop being comparable. Sometime you may see patterned tile shapes or multiple substances with texture, colour and patina in a modern kitchen, then you won’t see much of this in a contemporary kitchen. Flat-panel door designs and sleek hardware are combined here with a simple full-height glass backsplash and countertops with no pattern or veining.

Chelsea Atelier Architect, PC

5. Reliance on the beauty of natural materials. It’s not to say that contemporary kitchens can not have a little bit of ornamentation, but if they do they get it from the natural features in a substance, such as the horizontal grain of oak when it’s rift cut or the natural beauty and veining of marble.

Jennifer Weiss Architecture

The grain of the walnut on this island is this contemporary kitchen needs in terms of ornamentation.

David Wilkes Builders

6. Emphasis on lines that are horizontal. You may not notice at first, but a lot of contemporary kitchens discuss a tendency toward the horizontal: long, wide lines, stacks of drawer cabinets lined in a row, hardware place horizontal and long to accentuate the lines of the drawers. In this kitchen the floating panel of the rear wall and the cutout highlight the horizontal theme.

These cabinets have horizontal grooves in addition to the grain being horizontal on all the cabinet fronts. In a conventional kitchen the grain may be run vertically on doorways or center panels using a vertical orientation.

Mal Corboy Design

In this kitchen the island makes a strong statement that is horizontal.

Croma Design Inc

In this kitchen the tile’s natural grain is like rift-cut timber, and also the tiles are set and stacked on a horizontal grid.

Melissa Miranda Interior Design

Even in a kitchen which skews toward transitional, a conventional 3-by-6 Cararra marble set in a stacked pattern as opposed to a brick layout can make it even more contemporary.

Amitzi Architects

7. Consistency in style of accent pieces. Accents such as lighting, tables, chairs and bar stools have to be considered when designing a kitchen. In a contemporary kitchen these elements will remain consistent rather than deviate as if you would see in an eclectic kitchen. The bits here reveal simple, clean lines and lack of ornamentation.

Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

Sleek bar stools and pendant lights are consistent with contemporary style, but this contemporary kitchen is in a Victorian home complete with leaded glass windows and arches with columns. There is no rule that says the architecture and the kitchen have to be contemporary — hundreds of century-old flats and farmhouses with contemporary kitchens in Italy, France and Spain can attest to this.

Cre8tive Interior Designs

There is nothing to say that colour can not be introduced into a contemporary kitchen, while it’s from the accents or the cabinets.

Elad Gonen

8. Industrial elements. There is something about the unadorned elements of industrial details which are instantly contemporary. This natural and untreated concrete wall includes a visual interest and also patina all of its own and is equally as intriguing as patterned wallpaper for your modernist. What resembles epoxy-painted concrete flooring as well as the complete lack of ornamentation on the cabinets complete the look of the modern kitchen.

In this show:
How to Remodel Your Kitchen

Locate Your Kitchen Style

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12 Amazing Reuses for Quirky Vintage Things

I started out the year like I always do, inspired to shake things up, move items around, save money and workout some smart repurposing projects. I shared them and created a few posts for inspiration. After finishing a few projects like this nightmare, I ran out of steam around late February.

Therefore, it’s time for a new round of inspiration. This time around, consider a number of these exceptional vintage items which are enjoying a second career around the house. Even in the event that you don’t find these specific things, then I expect they’ll open your mind to new ways to use a number of the old stuff you find next time you clean out the attic. Heck, I hope it pushes us all to clean out our attics.

WA Design Architects

What is it? A metallic ballot box.

What’s it doing in its new life? Called a nightstand that offers plenty of storage. And hopefully it’s not filled with uncounted ballots and dimpled chads.

Requirements: locating a ballot box or creating a”General Ballots” sign on the pc and sticking it onto a classic metallic backward.

Louise Lakier

What is it? A pair of old wrenches.

What’s it doing in its new life? Serving as a gate handle and hauled outside the home of 2 Seattle artists.

Requirements: Wrenches are easy enough to find, but you’ll need to know how to weld.

Lisa Tharp Design

What is it? A classic glass pie screen case (right side of photo).

What’s it doing in its new life? Acting as an elegant side table from The Concord Green House.

Requirements: A trip to the flea market or an Internet search, and being very careful with the glass sheets when hauling it.

Becky Cunningham Home

What is it? A nesting corner for birds.

What’s it doing in its new life? Providing a nest for candies classic pitchers and jars inside the house.

Requirements: Lots of elbow grease to make sure it’s clean and sanitary; someone who knows how to hang something level and discover studs; 2 individuals to hang it.

What is it? A classic metal file stand alone.

What’s it doing in its new life? Called a patinated dish rack in The Old Painted Cottage.

Requirements: A bit of a search; eliminating surplus rust with a wire brush.

What is it? An industrial cart.

What’s it doing in its new life? Being an industrial-chic coffee table.

Requirements: All these can be found prepared to go as coffee tables from many retailers, such as this one.

Desire to Inspire

What is it? A pile of magazines.

What’s it doing in its new life? Serving as a plant stand rather than taking up precious storage space.

Requirements: Magazine hoarding tendencies.

What is it? A bunch of former Mother jeans from the’90s.

What’s it doing in its new life? The varied amounts of evaporating create entertaining denim stripes on those throw pillows at The Upward Bound House.

Requirements: A pile of unflattering jeans you would not be caught dead in anymore and also the most elementary knowledge of sewing. If you ever took home ec and can thread a machine, you are good to go.

The Locker

What is it? Classic suitcases.

What’s it doing today? Serving as storage and as a table in Etsy artist Lockette’s studio. She uses them to transport and display her products in displays.

Requirements: I promise you that someone in your loved ones, regardless of having employed a bag with wheels for years, has a pile of those collecting dust somewhere. Clean the musty odor by throwing a dryer sheet inside each for a couple of days, then airing them out outdoors.

Shannon Malone

What is it? A pile of old teacups and other china pieces.

What’s it doing in its new life? Serving as a Special and stylish floor lamp at a Victorian house in Santa Cruz.

Requirements:A wiring kit, superglue, um… if you want to put holes at the china to run a wire down the center, then that is outside my DIY ability set. Otherwise, it is possible to attach the cable down the back of the lamp and stick it in a corner, and nobody will be the wiser.

Gardens by Gabriel, Inc..

What is it? A classic cattle feeder

What’s it doing in its new life? Serving as a container for succulents.

Requirements: Finding a classic cattle feeder (or buying a new galvanized tub at a hardware store; it has a similar appearance and is extremely cheap ), poking holes at the bottom, spreading some gravel, filling it with soil and incorporating plants.

SFGIRLBYBAY

What is it? A group of classic ceramics.

What’s it doing in its new life? Adding style and fun to a desk when corralling office provides.

Requirements: Trips to the thrift store, a look on eBay or a look through your cabinets to select find pieces like this for a tune.

Inform us: Do you have some creative repurposing happening in your home? By sharing them please motivate us.

More:
Decorating on a Budget: 10 Repurposing Ideas
Decorating on a Budget: 12 More Repurposing Ideas

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Guest Picks: Ideas for Autumn Entertaining

From pumpkin patch outings to Thanksgiving dinner, fall brings up the warmest of parties each year. These are a couple of of my favourite fall-themed accessories to help in all your entertaining needs this season. — Annemarie from Brunch at Saks

Pottery Barn

Pumpkin Punch Bowl – $49

What better way to welcome guests to a fall-themed celebration or dinner than using a pumpkin-shaped punch bowl? I would imagine cold apple cider for a brunch would be ideal, or a hot citrus to accompany dessert would be nice as well.

Williams-Sonoma

Heirloom Pumpkin Spreaders – $19.95

These are too adorable for words. Fantastic for Thanksgiving dinner or at any time.

Pottery Barn

Acorn Vase Filler – $14.50

I adore these acorns to fill mason jars, votives or vases on your desk. I think they would look great lightly sprinkled across your desk as well.

Crate&Barrel

Leaf Napkin Ring in Napkin Rings – $2.95

Simple yet perfectly fitting for fall entertaining, these napkin rings will go with any decor theme you have in mind and will add a finishing touch to your place setting.

Williams-Sonoma

Botanical Pumpkin Napkins, Set of 4 – $40

These botanical pumpkin ribbons will make a beautiful addition to any autumn-themed table setting.

FRONTGATE

Set of 12 Bronze Apple Leaf Picks – $79.50

These apple leaf picks are so adorable and flexible. Add them to your garland, door or incorporate them in to every place setting.

West Elm

Thanksgiving Wishbone Platter – $49

I adore this dish. I think it would be interesting to use this to get a dish, and as people plate their food, everybody takes a turn sharing their wishes for the period ahead.

Nell Hill’s

Metal and Wood Server – $139.25

This metal and wood server is the best touch of rustic decor for your table. I would love to fill this with beers or bite-size desserts.

Grandin Road

Martha Stewart Flicker Flame Light Strand – $19

I think this flicker flame light strand by Martha Stewart is so much fun and amazing to get an autumn-themed get-together. Hang it around your door, package it upon your mantel or string across the side of a dessert table — it is going to be a welcome addition any way you use it.

Bloomingdale’s

Michael Aram “Botanical Leaf” Salt & Pepper Caddy – $89

This botanical leaf pepper and salt caddy is actually adorable and fun. Keep it on your stove top or counter top when not enjoyable.

Williams-Sonoma

Verde Salad Plates – $40

These salad plates are joyous, fun and will certainly liven up any table setting.

FRONTGATE

Manzanita Garland – $99.50

I love the whimsical appearance of this branch-filled garland. It would be ideal on your own fireplace mantel throughout the season or perhaps along a runner on your desk.

Bloomingdale’s

Nambé “Eclipse” Nut Bowl – $75

This serving piece would be great for your coffee table or bar during cocktail hour.

Williams-Sonoma

Heirloom Pumpkin Place Card Holders – $19.95

These are so adorable for your Thanksgiving table. Occasionally I skip name cards and rather fill them with holiday-related trivia cards. Just Google interesting facts about Thanksgiving, write them down in question form, and sew! An instant conversation starter.

Pottery Barn

Penelope Kalamkari Tablecloth

I adore this tablecloth, particularly if you are utilizing wrought china and dishware. It’s chic and strays only enough from the traditional colour palette of fall to give you a new twist on this season.

Williams-Sonoma

Monogrammed Dessert Bowl – $39

I adore this monogrammed bowl for serving something sweet after a huge meal. Layered desserts such as whipped cream and fruit would make for a beautiful presentation, or an ice cream sundae would do just fine as well!

Williams-Sonoma

Pumpkin Patch Wreath – $99.95

Greet your guests with this miniature pumpkin wreath. I think it would look great in your front door or hanging from a mirror over the fireplace.

Ballard Designs

Mercury Glass Votives – Assorted Set of 5 – $29

This mercury glass set is ideal for fall and winter decor. I enjoy incorporating votives to any surface, particularly my table during romantic dinner parties and holiday parties.

Pottery Barn

Mason Jar Mug, Set of 6 – $26

These mason jar mugs are fantastic for serving hot cider to your guests. Reuse them during the year for coffee and other special drinks.

Williams-Sonoma

Venezia Wood Tray – $69

I like the idea of using this menu to function hot cider in mason jars or to arrange fall-themed sugar biscuits for dessert.

Next: Autumn Tabletop Essentials

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Mixing Patterns: Start With White and Black

Mixing patterns is still all the rage in both interiors and fashion. It’s a look that can take some practice to master, so if you are having a little problem, maybe it is ideal to start with the basics: pattern in just black and white.

Mixing patterns is mostly an exercise in scale, however, colour can also be a variable. By removing the latter, then you can focus your energy on comprehension scale. Begin your education by checking out some mixed black-and-white routines.

Cke interior design llc

The traditional structure of the living room feels more modern with the introduction of upholstered furnishings in two different black-and-white patterns. A large-scale pattern on the couch complements a more detailed pattern on the opposite chairs, even though a couch in a strong neutral in between balances the look.

Supon Phornirunlit / Naked Decor

When a colour plot is minimal, it can feel level if texture isn’t included through patterns. A patterned bedspread and rug help give the space dimension.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

Look carefully: Did you spot the black stripe on the lamp? In case you have a large area covered in pattern, like a wall or couch, introduce smaller instances of pattern in different scales through accessories for extra interest.

Nicole Lanteri Design

In this living room, a couch upholstered in linen damask interacts with panels that are black. Notice the extremely small pattern on the rug: this is a fantastic tip for introducing another routine for texture’s sake without going overboard. The very modest scale almost makes it look a good colour so the look doesn’t push the limits.

Amoroso Design

If an whole room in wallpaper looks a bit much, go to your wallpapered accent wall instead. A black table runner throughout the white table gives the effect of further pattern in this dining space.

Lisa Benbow – Garnish Designs

Remember, you can even begin small with throw pillows. These accessories are great items to experiment with routine: visit the store and mix several together to get a sense for what is right. Notice how two of these pillows feature a larger scale than the other two.

Niche Interiors

Don’t be scared to introduce good colour. A green headboard and magenta throw pillow offer welcome separation between black-and-white patterns within this bedroom.

Michael Fullen Design Group

The use of crimson in this bedroom provides fun colour to a space otherwise inhabited greatly in black-and-white patterns. Notice the way the duvet and draperies have patterns in larger scale while the wallpaper and throws feature patterns in considerably bigger scale. Because of this, four patterns operate cohesively in one space.

Judith Balis Interiors

Look at using a geometric pattern to balance the ones which are more detailed. A striped wall complements floral paper in this bedroom.

flickr.com

And in this room, a striped wall offers the ideal backdrop for a strong black couch accessorized with zebra print pillows.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

A rug with a perimeter stripe and black cent tiles in the shower complement the busier wallpaper in this bathroom. Black-and-white towels in solid colors carry the colour scheme without competing with the patterns.

Shirley Meisels

Following is a clever approach to coating patterns: a piece of artwork comprising a patterned theme, hung on a wall of wallpaper in a complementary scale. After decorating, never neglect to tap into your creativity!

Tutorial: How to Layer Patterns Right

Writer: Design Magic of Tobi Fairley

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Top 10 Reasons to Give Your House Some Sparkle

Shiny things, like my chunky, glittery peep-toe pumps, are one of those little luxuries I can’t live without. And I cannot imagine my home without some shiny décor. Whether you’ve got an appreciation for ultratraditional or ultramodern style, a little glitter and a little gleam can raise the glam factor of almost any space. It’ll bring in brightness and interest. I’ve listed my top 10 reasons to add sparkle to a room — but the truth is you never need a reason to glow.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc..

1. Shiny particulars in a space kick the word’workspace’ into the curb. Reflective, glitzy décor provides any space, including a workspace, an inviting divine feel. Do not allow the word”home office” or”kitchen” dictate the way you decorate it. Yes, you have to contemplate work first, but coating your work surfaces and the walls with lovely, shining accents to make a stunning setting. Would not you like to walk in your home office and feel like the king or queen of it?

Sparkle not just looks grand, but it also keeps the eye from focusing on other things, like a cluttered desk. Try tall lamps in groups of two with a glow on the lamp base so there will be a good deal of light reflecting off of them. Pick a chair with nail heads, and pick up interesting glitzy accents from any regional retail store to put on the corner of the desk or on a bookshelf.

Contemporary Serving Trays – $49.95

For the counter or desk: Maintain mail or”to-do” items in a silver tray like this one even regular business tools become glamorous.

The Couture Rooms

2. Large-scale glow removes the need for expensive wall moldings. If you’re trying to add character and drama to a wall, then try a huge mirror with a reflective metallic frame, rather than a wood finish. A round shape can be very glamorous, or set a bunch of smaller mirrors.

LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID

3. Shiny details may make a”wow” moment even in a little space. Distract from just how little a space is with shiny particulars. Change the mirror out at a powder room with a single with a framework that sparkles, use background with a shiny texture or change out fixtures to glitzier ones.

Eclectic Wallpaper – $70

Here’s a gentle silver metallic background which would look great in a toilet, layered with a silver mirror. I will also view it in a living space, along with a grey modern sofa and a plush shag rug.

Enviable Designs Inc..

4. It can make an affordable toilet makeover. Some fresh paint onto the walls and simple changes like fresh silver or gold framed mirrors, new light fixtures and fixtures may function as remodel your toilet needs without the cost of major remodel. Lots of glow in a toilet produces a brighter space and gives it life.

Amoroso Design

5. It is possible to turn eating into a dining experience. Permit your dining room or kitchen glow all night and day by means of reflective accents.

Searching for an easy inexpensive DIY makeover to find this look? If you’ve got a dining place, maintain the classic table and use spray paint from the regional hardware or craft store in your seats to get a silver appearance. (See how to paint seats here.)

On top of a buffet or counter tops, include numerous silver vases in varying heights, widths and shapes (they do not even have to be exactly the exact same silver, some could be antiqued, by way of example, since when grouped together they will make a sparkly cohesive structure ).

Next, change out your window rod to a one-inch silver one, and do not neglect to use a shiny chandelier.

Heather Garrett Design

6. An area may signify the VIP in you. Can you have one space in your home that makes you feel uniquely elegant? I can envision hosting many VIP nights in a space similar to this. From the glam overhead pendant to the big shiny mirror, sconces and vases, all representing beautifully off deep gray-toned walls; it has all the bells and whistles of a roped-off personal celebration.

Brian Watford Interiors

7. Shiny touches can make a romantic elegance. Add silky curtains, a shiny overhead light or lamps and even throw pillows with sequins or a metallic appearance to add romance to any room.

Tiffany Eastman Interiors, LLC

8. Shiny surfaces produce the illusion of more space. Mirrored furniture isn’t just Hollywood glam to look at however, since it’s reflective, it does not feel heavy in a space and is perfect for narrow spaces. Silver finishes are also excellent additions to neutral spaces since they add interest without colour.

Cary Bernstein Architect

9. Stainless steel produces a kitchen feel contemporary. If you want a modern appearance, pull stainless steel appliances, backsplash, accents and hardware, and select silver finishes for your seating.

Lamps Plus

Jamie Young St Charles Mercury Glass Pendant Chandelier | LampsPlus.com – $149.91

All these mercury-glass pendants would look fabulous paired or tripled within an island. Create even more sparkle by employing silver island stools beneath.

Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

10. Shiny accents dancing in a neutral colour. If you want to maintain a space soft and calm, you might choose to use a neutral palette. Shiny finishes on décor elements allow you to bring in interest and also a luxury feel without colour.

West Elm

Faceted Mirror Side Table – $199

This little stool is magnificent in person and also the faceted mirror bits remind me of diamond cuts.

More: Group Mirrors for a Stunning Effect

10 Ways to Make a Neutral Palette Shine

Mixing Metals for Shine and Interest

Just a Little Sparkle, a Tiny Shine

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DIY: Fun Faux Pinecones

However much you adore them, holiday decorations can be kind of a nuisance. It is hard to think of something which’s easy, cheap, and reusable.

Susan Peterson from Freshly Picked has come up with one fun solution. Her leather pinecones are easy for anyone to create, cheap, and therefore are bound to last from October to January for a long time to come.

This adorable decoration does not require many substances. You’ll need pipe cleaner, a nut, a spray bottle of water, and bits of tooling leather. Peterson used several oak-tanned leather bits in this example. Try out a local leather or craft shop for scraps, or look on eBay.

To cut out the shapes required for this undertaking, you are going to need a template from Freshly Picked. You will also need spacers — quite tiny pieces of leather, plastic, or cardboard you’ll put in between each piece of leather when you put the pine cone together. You will want each spacer to be about 1/8 inch thick, with a hole punched out of the center.

First, wet the whole object of leather you are using with a spray bottle. Employing something with a sharp point (Peterson indicates a chopstick or something comparable ), put your routine on top of the leather and trace over it.

Eliminate the paper, and the routine will be carved into the pliable wet leather — easy! After you are done tracing, cut out your pieces. You should have at least three pieces of each size the template supplies.

Punch a hole at the middle of each slice, and spray each slice thoroughly with water.

While the bits are still wet, mold them by pinching the sides of each”petal” together, and pushing the ends up a little bit. Set them on a flat surface to dry.

Once they’re dry, then tie off one end of your pipe cleaner and begin threading your cut out bits onto it, starting with the largest slice.

Place a spacer between each piece that will help the final product look structured more like a pinecone. Cut off the extra bit of pipe cleaner when you are completed, and tie a tiny knot in the long run.

Do you last light spray of water to do some final shaping, and you have holiday decoration which takes barely any time to create, but could very well be passed down to generations. The leather gives it a classic appearance that fits into just about any décor scheme.

More DIYs:
Fluffy White Paper Lantern
How to Paint a Sisal Rug
Upgrade That Ugly Door!

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Regional Modern: Metro New York Shows Its Modernist Roots

My last ideabook on regional modern architecture presented urban interiors in nyc, largely lofts. Architects practicing in and around Manhattan will gladly work on these and other small interior commissions, since ground-up building in town is really costly and is relatively infrequent compared to renovations inside old buildings.

So to visit freestanding homes by region architects one needs to look beyond the five boroughs into the larger metropolitan region. The five boroughs number only over 8 million people, however the larger urban area — encompassing Long Island and parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and even Pennsylvania — accounts for over double that number, a lot of potential customers.

These homes present the New York area and its architects as rather progressive yet deeply rooted in modernism. Based on a home’s place, exterior materials can allow the home blend into its surroundings or standout, representing the objectives of the architect and the needs of the client.

More regional modern architecture:
Boston | Chicago | Austin | NYC | Seattle | Oregon | No. Calif.. | San Francisco | L.A. | Coastal L.A.

Eisner Design LLC

A”fact” that’s been carried together with modern architecture is that buildings at the idiom have flat roofs. Of course many do (for numerous reasons, from after Corbusier’s”Five Points,” to price of construction), for example homes with sloped roofs stick out from the pack. This endeavor from East Hampton, on Long Island, features an L-shaped program with roofs that slope perpendicular to each other.

Eisner Design LLC

From another direction the home appears more traditional, but the standing-seam roof which wraps to the wall is definitely unique compared to most Hamptons homes.

Elsewhere in East Hampton is the home whose rear part overlooks a pool. From the garage back is a series of sloped roofs, with this rear volume sloping the contrary direction. This opens the home to the rear yard, particularly in the covered terrace past the dining table and chairs. The timber cladding gives the home a sense of being suspended in its place.

Narofsky Architecture + ways2design

Another home on Long Island that appears rooted to its website is the house in stone and wood. The landscaping also plays a part in this presence, particularly the way that the it rises from front to back (such as the house), culminating at the trees behind the house.

Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects

In one of those other Hamptons — Bridgehampton — we find this home striking for cantilevering on both ends. This gesture isn’t arbitrary, as it allows the dunes and course pass under the home with minimal intervention. The glass walls take in opinions on all sides.

Resolution: 4 Architecture

While the Hamptons is littered with second homes of Manhattan’s wealthy, Fire Island is a favorite weekend spot that explodes in the summertime. Fire Island is technically a barrier island on the Atlantic side of Long Island. Obviously, views of the ocean and access into the sand is of the utmost importance. This home greets visitors with two options: a ramp to the home or a walk straight into the beach.

Resolution: 4 Architecture

From the shore, the Fire Island home is made of a series of terraces that provide lots of outdoor space for taking from the Atlantic. The lower floor opens to attract more of the outdoors inside. The wood-slat outside is a very nice cladding that origins the home in its own sandy environs.

Resolution: 4 Architecture

Another home by the same architects shows the similarities and differences of the prefab modules that the firm uses in their residential commissions. Situated in New Jersey, this home is more closed than the Fire Island House, although it employs a comparable cladding and massive expanses of glass.

Murdock Solon Architects

Another home in New Jersey shows a more Global Style design, with all the whitewashed top flooring and ribbon windows. I like the way the home is formed to an L-shape, creating an outdoor space obtained by sliding glass doors on either side. The cantilevered upper floor and the window at the wall adjacent to the terrace indicate something specific can be located to the right past this photo.

Hanrahan Meyers Architects

Moving north, this home in New York’s Hudson River Valley can be reminiscent of the global Style with its easy volumes and horizontality. Yet the way the home responds to the contours of the website by following the drop of the property is notable, giving the building a sense of respect toward the landscape.

Hanrahan Meyers Architects

Another view of the home shows the other side extending to the landscape, alongside the rugged slope. The windows make it obvious this is the side away from the road, where the interior is connected to the landscape via lots of glass.

WXY architecture + urban design

This home in Connecticut, a renovation along with a classic yet reasonably modern home, is yet another International Style home, originating from the whitewash that covers new and old. While the addition has larger windows, it looks like a natural extension of the existing home, carrying on the personality of the home.

WXY architecture + urban design

Another view of the home shows the intimate scale of the addition. I love the firewood nook next to the doors.

Workshop/APD

Last is this home too in Connecticut. Here we return to the timber cladding that integrates a home more strongly with its surroundings. With time the skin is going to weather to provide the timber a much sexier look, melding it with all the rock garden in front.

Another view shows this home straddling the two approaches I presented here: It equally origins itself together with the timber cladding and stands out from the natural surroundings with all the corrugated metal siding that’s perpendicular to it.

The rock garden is surely a unique touch, something transplanted from everywhere but still appropriate with the easy, modern forms.

More regional modern architecture:
Boston | Chicago | Austin | NYC | Seattle | Oregon | No. Calif.. | San Francisco | L.A. | Coastal L.A.

Next: More Inspiring Architecture
Modern vs. Contemporary: What’s the Difference?

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Guest Picks: A Cabinet of Curiosities

Cabinets of curiosities first emerged in the 16th century and became popular since men and women explored the world, discovering great wonders along the way. Part natural, element man-made, part fantastical, the collections were meant to awe, shock and impress. In the event you decide to make your own, you definitely don’t have to shell out money — you only have to go outside and find things that fill you with wonder. — Brandi from Not Your Typical Ordinary

Evan Chambers NIckel Plated Hawk Rocket Lamp with Green Glass – $850

This light would be ideal for a child who’s fascinated with distance. At the right spot, it would be an perfect nightlight — though it will seem like it needs a title.

Blue Coral – $98

Simple but gorgeous, this blue coral could be a beautiful paperweight or accessory on a mantle.

Rectangular Armadillo Tray by John Derian – $185

Animal prints like the one on this tray may be somewhat unusual, but they would make an excellent addition to any formal library.

Megalodon Shark Tooth Fossil – $395

Whether it’s from a mythical dragon or a long-extinct shark, a tooth like this in your coffee table could be an instant conversation piece.

Sikhote-Alin Meteorite – $285

Few objects are more uncommon or marvelous than a meteorite out of distance. And they are such a beautiful reminder that we are all made of stardust. I would keep this 1 right in my desk.

Christopher Marley Limited Edition Mosaic Prism – $4,400

This really is an incredible art piece created from bugs. Your wall won’t ever be the same. And if the actual bugs disturb you, a similar piece may be created from pictures of bugs.

Narwhal Whale Print by Vintage by the Shore – $12

Narwhals were the first unicorns, and their horns were popular bits in people’s cabinets. Fortunately, this piece may be framed, hung on your wall and admired this way instead. Wouldn’t it be adorable for a toilet?

Laboratory Grown Bismuth Crystals – $39

The geometry and the colors in this mineral can hypnotize a guest all evening. It is another great trinket for a coffee table.

Pearled Chambered Nautilus – $29

A bowl of pearly shells like these would make any seashore-inspired room complete.

Mothology

Hand Carved Museum Quality Wood Antelope – $392

This carved wooden antelope mind is equally somewhat frightening and imposing. It would be an easy addition to a library or den.

Iron Mouse – $21

Strange little bits, these iron mice are fantastic Halloween decorations or decorations for a bookshelf.

Gold Leafed Shells – $110

To get a more expensive shore house or just for bringing some organic glamour into your house, these golden seashells are the thing, particularly on a desk. They’re also an easy DIY project.

Orchid Botanical Poster – $98

You can have these delicate blossom pieces on screen without worrying about them wilting. This piece is so versatile; it’d be amazing in an office, greenhouse, library or living room.

Morpho Butterfly – $98

Butterflies display a few of the most stunning and vivid colors on earth. Any picture of one on a wall or a mantle could have visitors wondering about nature.

Andy Paiko Small Etched Bell Jar – $430

These unusual etched bell jars would be ideal for showcasing a collectible piece in a really unique way. You may need a special stand for them though.

White Owl – GBP 25

A snow white owl is among the loveliest creatures. This faux one could be ideal in the room of any Harry Potter fan, or simply as an unusual addition to your library or workplace.

Set of 6 Bug Prints – GBP 29

Some of the most amazing animals will also be the smallest ones. These prints capture insects in intricate detail and would make a wonderful group of framed pictures.

The Ruby Slippers Automaton by Automaton Man – $2,250

Automata were exceptionally popular with cupboard owners. In 1 instance, an automata wrote out an entire poem. This sweet one, inspired by the Wizard of Oz, clicks its heels together three times and reminds you that there’s no place like home.

Monsters of the Household Variety – $1,200

As you can’t capture those annoying household creatures, you can show off an amazing book full of hand-sewn pictures of these. This coffee table book is really a conversation piece.

Small Stacking Metal Number Trunks – $238

As you may need a means to store your curiosities in some situations, these numbered boxes are a stylish means to do it.

Next: Cheaper accessories and decoration

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