A Modern tree for the modern home

When you live in a modern space such as an urban loft or condo, decorating for Christmas can be a bit of a challenge since most of what’s out there clashes with the “less is more” philosophy of a modern home. One of the biggest challenges in holiday decoration is the traditional Christmas tree. Typically adorned with all sorts of ornaments, lights, garlands, and colors, it may really stick out in a minimalist home. Fortunately, today’s modernists have options that will allow them to have a modern Christmas tree that can truly complement their homes.

PossibiliTree

Architect Richard Babcock created an ingenious tree made of real wood sticks to simplify the holidays. Several rows of the wood sticks are attached to a central post and open up to give the tree volume. Ornaments can be hung on the branches but a true minimalist would use it bare to showcase its beauty. This eco-friendly tree comes in a 3-ft table top version or a 6-ft hanging version and retails for $195 - $350. [link]

Tannenboing

For an abstract depiction of the Christmas tree, the Tannenboing (seemingly named after the the German word for Christmas tree, Tannenbaum) is the ultimate minimalist tree. It takes very little visual space and is made of recycled aluminum in the shape of a spiral. It has 200 holes punched on the perimeter of the structure so that ornaments can be attached to it. The tree hangs from the ceiling and currently retails for $395. [link]


Two dimensional tree

If you just don’t have the space for a three dimensional tree, perhaps a two-dimensional tree will work. RoomMates offers original wall decal quotes in the shape of a Christmas tree including ornaments. A little over 4-ft tall assembled, it can be installed on any bare wall for the holidays, stored and reused again the following year. The wall decal retails for about $35. [link]

Flat packed trees from the past

Designed by Büro North, a multi-disciplinary design company based in Australia, Rindd, Gryder and Frigg are three styles of laser cut wood Christmas trees named after the wives of Odin, a mythic Norse figure. The trees can be flat packed to save space when not used and are great statements in modern homes. The trees retails for $149-$349. [link]

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Festivus (I hope I didn't forget anyone), I wish you the best for the holiday seasons.
Cheers!

Holidays Decorating Trends 2010 - Part 2

snow globes (West Elm), Winter White Christmas Tree (treetopia), pi’lo feather ball (modern karibou), chiller ornament (zone), tealights Fir silver (Zone), faux fur white stocking (graham and green), Ice Cluster String of Lights (graham and green), blanc cushions (zone), optic finial clear ornaments (crate & barrel), Burst beaded napkin rings (urban barn)

Scalloped trees (West Elm), Buri Squirrel ornament (Crate&Barrel), Pinecone candle (Crate&Barrel), Felt Wrapped Bird Ornament(Crate&Barrel), Preserved Cypress Cone Topiaries (restoration hardware)
, Aspen Faux Fur Cushion and throw (Urban Barn), Live eucalyptus & berry garland (pottery barn), Mixed Pinecone Wreath (Crate&Barrel), Natural nest ornament (pottery barn)

Sequin Ball Wreath (Quality silk), Purple Christmas tree (christmas home design), Reindeers (Bouclair), Purple and Gold Ornaments (Bouclair), Gold Gift boxes (pier1), Ceramic Gold Glam Vases (Pier 1)

Twig start (Etsy), Olive Green Colored Felt Trees (Pinkbeen0 at Etsy), Stained glass christmas tree candle holder (bazaar glass at Etsy), Origami Star Ornament (Rigmarol at Etsy), Heart Ornaments (helenaCRAFTS at Etsy), Handmade ornaments (Crate&Barrel)

a boutique inspired bathroom

This is a recently completed project of mine where I was asked by my client to modernize her dark and gloomy 1970's bathroom and turn it into a bright and airy one. The goal was not only to modernize the bathroom but also to add a separate shower. The color palette is fairly neutral, with a mix of whites, taupes, chocolate and grays.

We kept the footprint relatively similar to save on costs. We got rid of the old tiles on the floor and tub, changed the fixture and vanity and got rid of the "canopy" above the tub, which was making the tub area even darker.

I'm really happy that we were able to add a good sized shower to the space. It's my favorite part of this room. We took some space from the closet in the room next to the bathroom. Since it was a really large closet for a kid's room, it didn't affect the function of the room. I really like the pebble tiles from Terra Verre made of various cut stones.

We used a simple out of the box vanity and sink set to stay within budget and added a cool looking faucet.

The only thing missing is a unique shower curtain, like the Tree Shower Curtain from Urban Outfitter, the Dwell Studio Dot Chocolate Shower Curtain available at Modern Karibou or the Arbor Shower Curtain from CB2.