Suburban Modern

Why is there so much deference to "trim" in US interiors? Isn't this beautiful already?

Yes, it's more work to plan ambient and task lighting rather than leaving it at the ubiquitous builder can lights or (heaven forbid) lit fan on the ceiling. But there is almost nothing you can do to upgrade your room that is more worthwhile.

Very nice do-able, affordable, and impactful DIY project using ready made panels and light strips from home improvement store. Be sure to go wall to wall for architectural effect.

Wonder why we don't build more metal clad houses. Seems so practical and durable. And still fits so subtly into a natural setting.

With more open and sometimes soaring space design, European lighting designers have increased the scale of articulating floor lamps to provide cozy mid-room lighting. This Artemide "Tolomeo Mega" lamp can easily be moved and adjusted, needs no permanent installation. Or room arrangement.

Honesty is what the best modern design is all about. This rural Ontario home is an outstanding fit for its setting.

The 50's-70's "ranch" homes have many economical and endearing qualities. A functional entry isn't one of them. These 2023 ranch dwellers have done an excellent job of fixing that.

Considering replacing my 21st century condo's silly 18th century spindle railings on my loft with these straightforward, economical mesh panels. Will make a dramatic (300 years' worth) difference.

If a sliding door would be just the ticket, but "barn" door is just too rustic or trendy, there is a modern way to do it.

Serenity. Priceless.

Who doesn't love a cozy booth? Hmmm....add/change out a few soft pillows or sheepskins from time to time?

Simple, inexpensive paint trick anyone can do adds so much interest to this calm room.

Sill, seat, and storage all in one is excellent use of only a few inches of floor space.

Could this be the answer to the fireplace vs TV dilemma?

Here's an attractive way to spiff up boring built in bookcases that so many builders used to put on either side of the fireplace.

Work from home? Yes, please.

Best. Wallpaper. Ever.

("Gambit" by backdrophome.com)

You can effectively use pendant lighting in the most awkward to light spaces. This compact Ferm Living "Cast" pendant even has its own on/off switch with dimmer right where you need it.

Do you invariably need a sofa?

Here's a good inexpensive idea anyone can do. Attach an XL drawer pull to a wall hung shelf or free standing shelf system like IKEA "Ivar" for an instant wardrobe. Note that hangars front to back will be more compact that the typical side to side.

Having some fun with a homey little color block detail. The key was to start with a colored old fashioned basic spring roller shade and go from there. Bang for the buck. This is in Kyiv, by the way, where the design community carries on.

There is a valid discussion to be had concerning shower curtain vs. shower door. But if one argument against shower curtain is its ho-hum personality, take a lesson from La Shed architects of Quebec, who always come up with something norm busting but nice.

Coastal Norway. 'Bout as Scandinavian as it gets.

Or, if you still really need those upper cupboards, what about the backsplash window, aka "letterbox window", that is trending. Makes a lot of sense and entirely changes the room's dynamics.

Now that we have freed ourselves from the paradigm of claustrophobic upper cupboards, wouldn't it be lovely to turn that freedom into an entire wall of windows in the kitchen, where we spend so much home time?

The rest of us can only dream of this serene hideaway. Those shelves!

Much of the design press is now remarking on the return of actual "spaces"--to which I say YAY! Since we have at least two decades worth of open plan to reconfigure, it is a fine time to dust off practical mid century room divider ideas. In response, the floor-to-ceiling Pira shelf/cabinet system from 1954 has just been reissued by the great String Shelving company of Sweden. We will see more of this.

Spotted this example of how it's really OK to lap your windows when that wall is the obvious best choice for the bed (or sofa). Many people choose other arrangements that don't work or aren't attractive for fear of this small compromise.

Another winner in the originality and taste in subway tile use category. The light blue is so pretty, and the black hardware unexpected but sharp. Well done!

An inspired, fresh look for white subway tiles--so readily available now that you will see the basic 3"X6" white tile for .15 each at Floor & Decor. Talk about bang for the buck! Or for a *splurge* you can get the 3"X12" version (shown) for .69 each. It's all in how smartly you apply them.