Euro Style Home

Hope you all had an amazing Labor Day Weekend! Many of us spend so much of our time working and not enough time playing so I hope you had a chance to relax, enjoy family and loved ones. The best long weekends are when you can be at peace with nature and your surroundings.

Rewarding yourself is sure to keep your energy flowing. How will you reward yourself this fall?

A trip to the picturesque Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma seems like a perfect reward! "In a world obsessed with making things faster, where speed is valued above all else, Ram’s Gate is our way of pressing pause."

The architecture is a modern interpretation of it's natural surroundings and weathered farmsteads of Carneros, while the interior is an eclectic mix of classic contemporary and urban cool. 

Designer, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy did no wrong here and created something exciting at every turn. The interiors were designed with close attention to detail, from the open beam ceiling, the reclaimed wood walls, and the natural stone tops to the mill-work. Large glass pendant lights work great in open spaces because they make a gorgeous statement without cluttering the space.

Clusters of seating create intimate environments. Low coffee tables are always great for casually seating spaces. 

The large island in this modern kitchen creates a perfect area for serving and gathering.

Can't you just feel the calmness of Ram's Gate Winery through these photos? What a serene setting!

Images: Ram's Gate Winery

Modern wood paneling has no doubt progressed since the 70's, proving it's a trend that will be around for a while! We love the use of wood paneling on walls, ceilings, floors, and all-over because it has the ability to soften up a space. The white wood planks on the walls of  this kitchen (above) create a very clean, natural feel. The oiled white oak floor warms up the space and the use of the same material over the hood is a feature design element. See how even this little accent of the natural wood on the walls can make such a big statement.

The marine plywood panels on the ceiling create a unifying element within this space. The use of wood on the ceiling allows you to use tile on the floor without the space feeling too cold.  

Reclaimed wood walls are a very popular trend right now. They mix so beautifully with bold colors and industrial elements. The use of industrial wall sconces against reclaimed wood is the perfect pairing.

HOLTKOETTER UP-DOWN 5 1/4" WIDE OLD BRONZE WALL SCONCE

Wrapping the walls and ceiling of this rustic bathroom in un-milled, reclaimed wood is a great way to achieve that rustic modern cabin feel. The use of light wood planks and the light concrete floor feels bright and airy, creating a beautiful contrast with the black vanity.  

Today, restaurant design uses reclaimed wood to achieve an industrial modern feel. It's a trendy look, creates a cozy atmosphere, and also helps absorb sound. Bronze pendant lights really are the perfect metallic accent in any modern, industrial interior. Gunmetal accents also work perfectly with this industrial modern feel.

JAMIE YOUNG SINGER FLOOR LAMP

Whether you're going for a modern-rustic or chic-industrial, incorporating wood paneling or reclaimed wood into your space can provide you layers of textures that bring softness and warmth. It's a trend that will definitely be around for awhile!

Images: Style Files, Est Magazine, Remodelista, Yatzer

Yes, stairs can get you from one level to the next, but that's not all the modern stairway design can do! They can be more like sculptural works of art when architects think outside the box, which can make going from one level to the next so much more fun! Whether you choose wood (above), steel, concrete, or glass creating an innovative and beautiful stairway design will make a huge impact in any modern home.  

This modern steel staircase (above) gives the appearance of walking through a black box that floats just above the room. And just look at how beautifully the bold black contrasts against the natural materials, but still feels very light and airy. If you don't want to add a stairway or change your current one, black accent furniture can create that visual pop in a space.  

Poured concrete stairs mixed with solid block treads create a very organic feel for a modern home (above). This is a great idea for a modern home where the stairs become shelves used to display books and modern home decor. When you think about the alternative for this creative stairway design, there's not much. The architect could have built a wall and made a closet underneath or had an odd area under the stairs... nah. This is a much better option!  

A glass staircase does an amazing job of not obstructing the view in this gorgeous outdoor setting (above). The greenery shines through the glass as you view the garden below. This might be a little scary for some, but is stunning nonetheless!

When you think outside the box magic happens!  

Images: Amanda-Rae, Tamizo Architects, CastroFerro, The Art of Youthful Revolutions

The challenge: Renovating an old Spanish barn into a modern home with rustic design style.

The outcome: Success!

Large barn doors provide extra large windows for every room.

The modern interior is a stark contrast to the exterior, making it the perfect pair. Modern dining tables are always a good statement piece.

Wishbone Natural Wood Side Chairs

Zuo Leatherette and Glass Dining Table

This loft-style living room is full of open space and minimally furnished, making it clean and modern. Selecting a few pieces of your favorite modern furniture without overdoing it is key to designing a modern home.  

Images: Epundit

How many of you have had the incredible opportunity to experience Burning Man Festival in the Black Rock desert? Each year the photos prove that it's something everyone should experience just once. Burning Man Festival is a pop-up city so incredible that tens of thousands of people return to the desert each year to be part of this and cut themselves off from civilization.

This year marked the 26th anniversary which was a huge success, per usual. The Temple (above) is one of the most picture-perfect modern art installations of the entire festival.

Artists, techies, hippies, dreamers, corporate professionals and children attend Burning Man. Many are involved not just during this week long adventure, but year round. Whether building, creating, or investing the community invests many hours throughout the year to make their vision come to life.

This art installation titled La Llorona rests on the Playa as if it's been shipwrecked here for years. Nautical themed accessories are great not only for the home, but apparently for the desert as well.

There are many simple words that when seen standing alone in the desert have a whole new meaning. Love and community are at the core of this festival and you can't walk away from it without being impacted.

As the darkness falls, the fire lights up the skies over this pop-up city. Not nearly the same effect, using cool outdoor lighting will help you see without burning down the neighborhood.

This installation called Burn Wall Street is a political piece with a neutral point of view. A piece like this takes about 50 people, three months, and $100,000 to build.  Talk about dedication.  

Of course, Burning Man wouldn't be complete without its infamous "burning of the Man" ceremony, an interactive spectacle that involves dancers, music, fire and the destruction of a giant statue of a man and a corresponding temple.

Is Burning Man on your bucket list...because it's definitely on mine!  If you want a little taste of Burning Man check out Decompression in your city or stay updated with this year round calendar.

Images: Lolita Abraham, Guardian, Architizer