Euro Style Home

Cool + Collected is our regular Friday post covering modern lifestyle topics from around the globe. You'll find everything from design icon biographies to modern art, photography and architectural surprises. And of course modern design.

+We're crushing hard on Australia this week. Could be our yearning for southern latitude sun. Or it could be that the Aussies are just doing design right these days. Whatever it is, we'd  love to summer at the 33M towers in Melbourne.

+Est magazine is an Australian webzine that's serving up some stunning homes this month under the pretext of "the art of living simply." 

+If you're in L.A. on Sunday, February 10th, meet us at a Frank Israel designed home for an artist-curated listening party to benefit the Society for the Activation of Social Space through Art and Sound.    

+For the modern family, we can't get enough of the Qubis Haus, a coffee table turned doll house that all the young Neutra's in your life will go nuts for.  

+And lastly, we're having a great time this week on our own redesigned Euro Style Lighting website. Shameless plug, yes, but with updated navigation and more robust search features, it's all the more fun to ogle all things modern. 

Images: We Heart

An entry hallway sets the tone for your home. It’s the first thing your guests see as they walk into your house. A Modern hallway may seem like ordinary pass-through that doesn't require a second thought, but with a little attention, these spaces can take on a personality of their own.

No doubt lighting can play a huge roll in modern hallway design. That’s why I’ve pulled together two different ways you can dress up your hallway with lighting – sconces and ceiling lights.

Too often we fall back on the ever-reliable table lamp or typical overhead pendant light — not that there is anything wrong with these options — but maybe it’s time to spruce up your entry with lighting that takes it up a notch! Go for that sconce, pendant or chandelier that you think makes a great statement.

Robert Abbey Havana Wall Sconce, Jonathan Adler Meurice Nickel Chandelier, ET2 Cassini Chrome Xenon Wall Sconce, Possini Ornament Aged Silver Chandelier, Chrome Artcraft Brooklyn Globe Pendant Light, Anemone Robert Abbey Ceiling or Wall Light

Images: Desire to Inspire, Savor Home

I am a sucker for color. I love to incorporate it into my home as much as possible but adding too much color or pairing it in the wrong way can make the room seem adolescent.

I found these beautifully designed living rooms that have the perfect balance of vibrant color paired with a few neutral pieces to pull it all together. The colors coordinate well without being boring. I love it!

In this girl's room (below), a bold neon pink pops against the gray walls. A perfect use of color for a kids room, bright and bold without being overly childish or tacky.

One of my favorite parts of this space (above) is the choice of art. It's fun and colorful but not over the top. The colors from each piece just work so well together, don't they?

Images: Eileen Kathryn Boyde, Vogue

The best office spaces are those that are creative and can tell a story. My desk was built by my husband. He built 2 sawhorses and then took an old counter from a boutique closing in the area, and attached it to the top. It’s the BEST.

Another key ingredient to a great office space is of course good lighting. Pendant lights are stylish, while attractive task lamps are necessary. And both is even better, like the modern office space above.

This vintage office space (above) has a lot of character. It’s not big in size and fits perfectly in that room. If you're looking for a desk that just needs to house your laptop, this is a great size for you. I also love the art gallery above the desk. It creates a fabulous corner to work in.

This rustic office space (above) must have a fantastic story! The wood looks reclaimed or possibly older than me. It creates a very organic look. And I love that this whole work space does not feel stuffy nor too serious. They did a great job mixing materials and textures to give the space a lived in but very stylish look. Modern black table lamps are great for adding contrast to a neutral space.

Graphic designer Cassie Pyle needed a stylish space to work in, and I think she created just that. The walnut desk is a good size for a small space and it also offers plenty of storage. I like how she paired the filing cabinet next to the desk for even more storage. The muted tones throughout this space work well together! And even if you use a stylish pendant light, don't rule out a modern wall sconce. As you can see, they compliment each other perfectly.

Remember, when designing your office space, the sky is the limit. Think outside of the box and you’ll create a masterpiece.

Typhoon Contemporary Black Desk, Cana Contemporary White Desk, Embassy Driftwood Stainless Steel Desk, Typhoon Contemporary White Desk, Boutique Black Faux Shagreen Desk

Images:  Archiphile, Sfgirlbybay, Sanctuary, Eva Black