Penny Tile Inspiration

FREE IMAGES Penny tile was a major thing in the 20th century and although you don't find it in many homes now, it isn't as retro as most people make it out to be. Used correctly, I think it can be very modern!

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via apartmenttherapy

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Would you use penny tile in your home?

Inspiration for a modern but traditional space

FREE IMAGES Sometimes putting two styles together just creates a masterpiece. It's interesting to see couples who have totally different taste bring them together and make something beautiful out if. Here's some inspiration for you on mixing modern and traditional:

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An amazing interior design firm that does every style beautifully

FREE IMAGES I have a hard time finding an interior designer that really excites me. Well, I was really inspired by Buckingham Interiors .  They don't just do one look or style well, they seem to do all styles really well.  You can tell they really explore the client's lifestyle and who they are.  Anyway, I'll let you see for yourself:

Love that china cabinet.

Charming.

My dream counters.

Great desk.

What do you think?

via Buckingham Interiors

Timeless transitional

FREE IMAGES Transitional can take so many leans, I guess that's why I like it so much. It also has a timeless appeal, and timeless equals good taste.

via Houzz

via Cure Design Group

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via Chango & CO.

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What do you think of transitional?

Going Modern in the Bathroom

FREE IMAGES Most would assume that going modern in a bathroom would make it look even more cold and sterile than it already does, but they haven't seen all the options yet!

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The right lighting can make any room feel warm and plants get it a fresh look that bring a sense of comfort and color to the room.

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Using neutral colors along with the modern materials can give it that warm feeling you are looking for paired with some great mirrors makes it even brighter. I love that tile!

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Even with the darker tones for a more manly bathroom doesn't have to look cold and miserable. It still looks modern and sleek with a hint of color and I love it! 

There are some great vanity and shower tub options that are on Modern Bath that can help you match these looks.

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You could even mix the modern with the vintage for a completely different look! It's a great mix of new and old that comes to life when it's together.

Sleek Bathrooms

FREE IMAGES Most bathrooms have a more traditional feel to them. It's the like the standard bathroom vanities are the most common you'll see, why not switch it up a bit and add a different feel to the room:

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Just because it's standard size or smaller than that - doesn't mean you need to have standard features! Make it feel larger with a floating vanity.

via canadianloghomes

Make it stand out with a contrast in color, or an open shelf. Keep the pulls simple so it doesn't clutter up the room. You can find some great choices at tradewinds.com that give it a more modern feel.

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Or tie it in with a simple color that fits nicely with the overall theme. Why skimp on a room we wake up to every morning?

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To paint or not to paint? The wood trim conundrum

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More than once I have been posed the question of how to make a home look fresh and modern when it is accented - or filled -with wood trim.  These days magazines are full of homes with doors, trims, moulding, banisters, and mantles all in white.  I won't lie, I love white, but I also love original details in a home.  If you just can't bear the thought of painting over the wood trim in your home - put down the paintbrush!  Choose other aspects of the home and decor wisely, and your home can still look modern and fresh, not dowdy.  

Gorgeous.  Notice the modern, crisp lines of the furniture and armchair?  The sleek drapery solution?  The chrome and glass brought in by the coffee table and the lamp?  All of these items counterbalance the dark, heavy feeling of the wood trim.  Fill this room with brocades and velvet drapes in burgundy and hunter greens and you have dowdy and dark.  Use the above picture as inspiration and you have something really charming and unique.

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Above is an example of using stark contrast to make a room feel modern.  If you have really dark trim, try using creams (cool creams)  and whites in your space and call attention to the trim.  I wouldn't recommend this if you have particularly small rooms, because it's contrast that has more effect on whether a room feels large or small, not whether you paint it dark or light...IMHO.  This all adds up for a really glamorous feel. The glass chandelier adds a modern flair.
Houzz

The above is probably my favorite example.  It's another illustration of mixing modern elements, like the sofa and artwork, and paying homage to the original bones of the home - the fireplace surround and the moulding. The navy and honey color of the wood looks super chic.
via Rue Magazine

Below are three other shots of the same home, a Bed Stuy brownstone.  I think it's gorgeous.

3 above via Ishka Designs

I would shave my head for those doors.  Wouldn't hesitate.

I highly recommend reading this post by Jessica of Decor Adventures  (Also the source of the two images above). She has done a great job making her home look fresh and modern while preserving the integrity of her 114 year old abode.

Another option - if you are a bit bolder, is to go for unconventional colors.  The bright rug and yellow-green chesterfield add enough funkiness to keep the space modern and not stuffy.

via Handmade Home (click the link for another good post on working with your dark trim)

Inspiration for incorporating yard sale and flea market finds

FREE IMAGES Since it's the yard sale time of year, I thought I'd show you some inspiring ways to mix in those great flea sale and yard sale finds. It doesn't really matter what style decor you have.

via Angie Hranowsky

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Here's another example of a what vintage lighting can do adding it with a barn style table and barstools gives it a charming rustic feel. 

via Heart Home