Euro Style Home

When we moved in to our current home, the first detail we noticed was that our modern bedroom was quite a bit smaller than our previous home. It wasn't a huge deal because we had already downsized our belongings. But I still wanted the space to look spacious and bright. To do this in any space, all you need to do is keep with a bright white scheme.

This calls for a pretty white on the walls. The great thing about white paint is that you can pair it with any color that you’d like. When painting with color, it binds you to that specific color scheme. The bedroom above started with white walls and then added a fun yellow stripe down the wall and into the floors.

Another detail to remember when working with a small bedroom space is white bedding makes everything better. Well, maybe not literally but it sure makes for a sophisticated yet playful bedroom. One of my favorite things about hotels is the pretty crisp white bedding that you crawl into every night. You can have that same feel in your own space. I also like the way hotels are using hanging pendant lights in their bedroom designs. The room above is a great example of both elements.

A modern color scheme that is timeless is the classic black and white duo. It can be left alone or can be added onto with other colors. Again, the white makes everything seem more open and the black just adds some drama to a stark space. This bedroom shown above is a perfect example of black and white done right. Another way to achieve this look is by adding contemporary black lighting fixtures to an all white room.

Images: French By Design, Mas-Fashion, Nordic Design, Lonny

+Ever wonder what an architectural pin-head would look like? Well, the architecture team BIG from Denmark have completed a concept design in Phoenix that is fascinating.

+Please believe us when we say, you do not want to miss the amazing photography by the National Geographic photo contest winners! They will blow your mind. 

+Hey HGTV fans, Emily Henderson (winner of Design Star a few seasons back) talks about how much the show did for her over on The Everygirl.

+Check out the smallest coffee house ever (that we know of). Not only is the size pretty amazing, the brand design is also worth noticing. You would definitely feel cooler with a cup of jo from La Distributrice, but you'll have to go to Montreal.

+If you're planning a wedding, then you'll want to grab a copy of the new book from the ladies over at Bash, Please. They've planned some beautiful, yet modern weddings and have lots of ideas that you never would have thought of.

Image: Architect Magazine

A client wanted peace, freedom, and nature so Sven Matt Architects made that happen with this small modern home in Austria. The budget was tight, but that didn't mean there was a compromise on function or aesthetic. It just means smarter design and that's exactly what Sven Matt was able to do.

There was a focus on the essentials... The large living space, two small bedrooms and entrance are organised around a central core containing the bathroom and technical installations. The thick walls house the kitchen and living room storage which creates a completely built-in look.

The living room has an open floor plan with minimal furniture and a view like no other. The concrete floors, wood-clad walls and ceilings provide a peaceful yet cozy feeling.

The repetition of materials throughout the space make it appear larger and very zen like. Using modern chairs in the same tone as the walls allows the form of the pieces to stand out and integrates perfectly with the architecture.

Set of 2 Wishbone Y Natural Wood Side Chairs 

Built-in furniture becomes part of the modern architecture and helps to not waste an inch of space. In this room, you could also opt for modern wall lamps instead of table lamps so the nightstand becomes more available.

House of Troy Generation Black LED Swing Arm Wall Lamp

The built-in modern desk is very streamlined, providing the resident with a very generous work surface. We all know that a generous modern desk and open space are the keys to productivity!

And aren't we all trying to be more productive in this new year?!

Images: Sven Matt

Please join us in welcoming Liz Stanley from Say Yes to Hobeken as one of our new contributors. We're so excited to have her! Take it away Liz....

I absolutely love pendant lights. They area a fantastic way to add lighting and character to a space without taking up any of your table space or your square footage. I am currently in the market for some great modern pendant lights for a corner in my living room as well as a few to go over my dining room table and I am loving these options.

Olde Bronze Mini Pendant Light

I love this bronze pendant. It looks like the perfect mixture of modern, antique, and industrial. It would look amazing in pretty much any space.

St Charles Jamie Young Pendant Chandelier

This amber glass pendant looks so chic doesn't it? The color is beautiful and the shape is just killing me!

Marcel Metallic Mini Pendant

I am in love with this light. It looks so fancy and fine but without being pretencious. The brass is of course amazing, and the hammered look gives it some texture.

Tetra Tiffany Style Pendant

Going right along with the beloved geometric trend, this light is perfect! The bold white and black pattern and the faceted texture are enough to make a statement but not take over the space.

Image: Redmodelista

Do modern interior design styles and children mix? Of course they do! Should your modern home revolve around your children? Why not?! Take a look at how Incorporated Architecture + Design Purposefully designed this small New York City residence to accomodate a stylish modern family. This colorful, contemporary home is like an indoor playground and is both fun and functional.

Pops of colorful pendant lighting (above) are used to brighten up the kitchen, contrasting with the neutral aesthetic.

Satin Nickel with Red Shade ET2 Pendant Light

A rustic modern dining room (above) introduces graphic artwork to create a sophisticated feel with a playful edge. Contemporary glass chandeliers are another fun way to add whimsy to any modern interior design style.

A permanent display for your children's artwork is genius! This bold, blue gallery-wall has the ability to transform as new artwork is created. And it's great for watching Saturday morning cartoons of course.

Bright yellow shines like the sun against this cornflower blue. Implement this color punch in your home by adding artful and functional elements such as modern yellow table lamp. Color always takes the edge off and make your space feel more playful.

Yellow 15-1/2" Whoopsy Desk Lamp

Who would want a room with four boring walls to play in when you could have your own indoor treehouse? The wallpaper (above) and the adorable treehouse are a great way to bring the outdoors in when playing in the real outdoors may not be an option.

The juxtaposition of the view and the interior elements in this kids room (above) are quite captivating. Now the children can have green grass and bright blue skies 365 days a year even if it's just modern green hardwood floors and the bright blue paint. I'm sure the energy is uplifting throughout the cold and gloomy New York Winters.

Of course, as a parent you need to have a place to retreat and this modern, eclectic master bedroom (above) was designed just for that! The reclaimed wood doors and vintage panels add elements of old-world charm and a peaceful aesthetic.

Painted concrete tile adds a playful detail to this organic modern master bathroom. The use of eclectic modern bathroom lights is always a great way to add character to any bathroom.  

Groton Polished Nickel Hudson Valley Wall Sconce

Let's all try to have a little more fun this year and a great place to start is in your home!  

Images: Incorporated NY