Minimal, Artistic Stair and Rail

The creative, minimalistic approach with your stair system. I've seen the contemporary floating tread style before but I can't say I've ever come across the carved out, recessed hand rail. The whole ensemble blends so well with the design yet it also boasts this strong artistic quality. And check the rustic, old work bench they're using as the dining table. A sweet accent piece among the heavy modern vibe.

photos via homedsgn

Googie Architecture

How about a little Googie architecture? A modern, futuristic form of design influenced by the Space Ages. Freaky designs that were all about turning heads. I feel like it's a love/hate style. Here are a few of the last ones standing. Most have been destroyed over the years as many have not been that impressed.

Born in LA, the style took off with the glitz of Hollywood. It blew up on the west coast and slowly headed east. Sharp angles, swooping roof lines, huge cantilevers and over the top colors. It was all about the flash. You can also check this out at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via ArchDaily

Corrugated Metal and Chain Drain

A cover for community mailboxes. It's not typically a go to for creativity nor is it the place where design elements stand out. Check this. Corrugated metal on the roof and a chain drain. Sweet. Once again, it's those little details, big or small, that can make a statement.

photo via networx

Pipe Lights

Pipe lights. A killer look put together by MESH Architectures right out of Brooklyn, NY. Creative gems composed of standard cast-iron fittings. A look that will work just about anywhere from modern to rustic.

via Etsy

Straightforward Refurbishment

I'm a sucker for a good adaptive reuse project. Check this cool little building that definitely needed some love. A basic brick structure that dates back to the 1890's with a slew of various owners and craftsman. A place with a ton of history and a new owner with a vision and passion for revitalizing his neighborhood.

Simple, sustainable, creative living. Solar panels on the roof, large sliding doors for cross ventilation and appropriately placed cabinetry to not only deaden sound but also shield some of the heat from the south.

photos via ArchDaily

Moroccan Glazed Tile

These are nice. Moroccan glazed tiles or Zellige. I just came across them while researching and finalizing some small details on a project. Handmade so they give off a little bit of a rugged look however they have a formal feel to them as well. That's a crazy star light fixture in the photo too.

photo via Remodelista

The Bowling Penthouse

What can I say about the Novogratz? Killer style. Edgy and fresh. Full of color and pattern and never afraid to mix it all up. Check this Bowling Penthouse they did in New York City. It's badass.

Subtle clean lines. Smooth, modern stainless steel tops and appliances mixed with the antique salvaged mirror and bottles.

Vintage meets modern. It's such a cool vibe. They find the way to fuse the styles. This post also ran over at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via homedsgn

Glass Cube

A studio and boathouse with an abundance of natural light. The ideal spot for this photographer. The sheer mass of the main living area/studio and an ever changing backdrop sets this place apart from your mainstream studio. A simple, clean and open design. A sweet example of the minimalists approach not only to structure but to the landscape as well. The site speaks for itself and they fully embraced the surroundings.

Looking up at the Master Suite with your back to the water. Sliding glass panels allow just enough light and provide the necessary privacy.

The view of the cube from the lake with the boat storage directly below the main living space.

photos via homedsgn

Farmhouse Tower

This is just fresh. I've posted in the past on 'vertical living' and this is yet another example that I think is so unique. A sweet blend of farmhouse modern. This little gem is located in a farming town in the Sacramento Valley.

The design was inspired by water towers and small sheds that scatter the farmland. The owners also wanted to the place to be mobile so the main living cabin was slightly elevated off the ground and built up on piers. It also allows air to circulate keeping the space cool.

The 360 degree view from the top of the tower. Perfect and so relaxing.

via homedsgn.com

Pirate Room

Is this a kids bedroom or a movie set? Talk about crazy. If you have a love of pirates then this is for you. So unique and so well done. This is craft and creativity all rolled into one. Hand hewn beams, faux finishes and a rope bridge.

They've even incorporated the underwater feel with the painted murals on the walls.

It's all covered here. A little jail cell with a custom iron door.

And you have to roll with the crow's nest too. Right? You can also check this post over at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

via Freshome

Vintage Storage

Looking for a unique storage piece in your bath? Or anywhere, really. A perfect little set up here when you roll with two pedestals or wall mount sinks. If you're not crazy about a prefab unit or even a custom built-in then maybe look to something vintage. Adds a little character and gives a little flair to the room.

photos via Etsy, Remodelista and Empiric

Simple and Rustic

I love the simplicity in the design of this east coast New Zealand residence. It's located in this rugged, rural area called Shoal Bay and the idea was to make the space as welcoming as possible.

The two structures are slightly offset and separated into a sleeping quarters and a main living area. An open breezeway connects the two spaces.

All wood throughout with a corrugated metal roof. Not boring at all when it's so well crafted. This is a shot of a the screened porch. Semi private. It allows just enough light, wind and sunlight.

A rustic, no-frills design that definitely makes a statement yet blends well with the surroundings.

photos via Parsonson Architects

On the Water

The floating home. It's just such a cool concept. The ultimate if you want to live right on the water (not on a boat). This place is badass inside and out.

The perfect blend of warm hardwoods, concrete and steel.

So nice. Check this. Roll up that glass overhead door and the water is right there.

And to finish it off, the rooftop terrace with a separate stair. Maximize that tight building envelope and save the space on the interior. You can also check this over at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via Contemporist

Splatter

Check this crazy composition. I love what they've done here with this cabinet. It's just a sweet example of taking an older piece and getting creative. Have a vision and make it your own.

photo via Remodelista

Stone Patio and Fire Pit

A play on shapes. I like the mass and chunkiness of these broken puzzle pieces here on this stone patio. A cool two dimensional extension of the rugged shoreline just off in the distance. Also love the way they've incorporated the fire pit with the radius. A sweet design element that also functions as another seating area.

photo via New England Magazine

Purple Bath

Is it purple? Is it lavender? Either way, it's bold and it works. It's great when one color can transform an entire space. I like the way they took it to the ceiling as well. A great contrast of light and dark.

via Poteet Architects

Norwegian Pavilion

This is fresh. A design embracing its surroundings in such a creative way with textures and depth. Constructed by Norwegian ship builders this is the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion. The idea behind the design was to mimic the mountain range off in the distance. Genius. They've created both a warm and inviting space that's literally out in the middle of nowhere with these amazing views. And you can check out reindeer. The pine timber beams, which are pegged together, were all digitally milled. The layout is phenomenal and I love how each piece is so distinct. This post also runs at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via dezeen