While out an about in London we stopped in Harrod’s to see what they had on display in the modern furnishing dept and came across this spectacular chandelier by Ligne-Roset. The super thin wire connect white LEDs to the ends of curving fiber optic cables creating the cluster of floating stars. We were immediately measuring the fixture to see how we could fit it in our house! It was however a bit expensive even on sale given the wonderfully declining US dollar. This picture doesn’t do the lamp justice - iPhones are great but it’s just not a pro camera. See the manufacturer’s close up after the jump.

MORE...

If you live in Chicago and like to envelop yourself in the modern lifestyle, then this IS the place!...For your pooch that is!  STAY is a large pet boarding facility, owned by Michael Heltzer, that has all the bells and whistles to ensure that your pooch is also rolling around in the chic lifestyle.  The state-of-the-art 30,000 sqf facility is located on Chicago’s north side along the banks of the Chicago river.  The facility is also climate controlled and has 24 on-site supervision so your dog will be in GOOD hands.  If you are still feeling uneasy about leaving your dog in a boarding facility while you’re away, why not check out the webcams to see what your dog is REALLY doing!  If your dog is also the athletic type and likes to run for miles, then the 12,000 sqf area of play space will suffice.  A 2,000 sqf fitness area with a swimming pool designed specifically for dogs is also in the facility; all dogs are fitted with life vests and receive a 1-on-1 workout with trained staff.  Can I play too!?  Other amenities include grooming and a retail boutique with custom functional accessory designs by Michael Heltzer.

MORE...

On my virtual bar hopping tour, I now take you back home to Chicago where the sound drives your soul at this trendy bar.  Sonotheque features a state-of-the-art sound system in a nice modern lounge.  This venue is also a “platform for local and international DJ’s and a superlative showcase for artistic musical and visual collaboration”.  Depending on your style of music, this bar will take your experience to the next level.  More about Sonotheque...

MORE...

Speaking of bars!  Here is another trendy bar & lounge worth blogging about in San Francisco’s pulsating North Beach district.  Horizon Restaurant & Lounge has plenty of contemporary style and very good food to boot.  With over 4000sq ft, a 70ft black marble wrap around bar, an amazing sound system, very friendly wait staff, and stiff drinks you definitely can’t go wrong at this bar.  I highly recommend the steak fries (fat classic cheese fries) topped with italian truffle cheese or the tater tots (yes, the tots are “crackin” according to the bartender).  The cucumber infused vodka was also a nice refreshing treat; the daily happy hour specials are also worth the visit!

MORE...

Not an actual count of caps, but I am sure it’s way up there.  On my visit to San Francisco, I came across this hip bar (Impala) that had their DJ booth faceted with bottle caps.  An interesting concept; reminded me of those Pseudoisochromatic tests but with style!  Very neat after many cocktails. 

While mick & PJ are off having fun with the Brits, I have decided to have my own fun this weekend by driving the scooter up to Skokie Lagoons in Skokie, IL.  I bought a scooter earlier this month and absolutely LOVE it.  Everyone needs to have one and we wouldn’t be in such a gas crisis right now with all those gas guzzlers out there, right PJ?  80 to 100 miles on 1.5 gallons of gas @ about $6 for premium; you definitely can’t go wrong with that!  It’s been a long few weeks for me being busy with ICFF, a trip to San Francisco for my actual job, and finally taking care of things at home.  So, I have decided I need a break and this is how I will spend it.  I will let the pics say the rest...I am now ONE with nature (and back to blogging)!

This picture perfect scene looks so great on this blog than that gloomy London pic below =)

MORE...

Well we arrived in London and have spent most of the past day in one of two activities… sleeping or exploring our new neighborhood. It’s a interesting experience to drop into a new life and place to call home for an extended period of time… so I’ll try to share some of that experience here as we make it thru the next month in London.

it’s always fun to find something unique and in this case the “Bridge of Aspiration” is just that… steps from our front door this beautiful piece of modern architecture links the classic structures of Royal Opera House on the left to the Royal Ballet across the street.

Actually—The Americans are invading the UK!  We thought we’d head across the pond to source some cool new products to add to our collection.  We love our British friends and their designs are well received by our customers (i.e. Duffy London, Mibo, Innermost, Emma Jeffs, etc). So for the next 30 days, we’ll update you on some potential new goodies coming to PureModern as well as some cool architecture, design, and ideas that we find as we troll the streets of London. 

PS:  Thanks to Virgin Atlantic for the great first class ride!

Most people like to think that each piece in their home has a unique story behind it… well this collection designed by Canevese Giuseppe for Ennezero has a story all over it’s surface. The high gloss MDF surfaces pay tribute to Italian artist Guido Crepax and his graphic pop art of the 1960’s. See more of this work at the manufacturer’s site

MORE...

That’s what you’ll be saying after your guests get off this lounge chair from Visual Reference.  Also seen at ICFF, this was another one of my favorite booths at the show.  Their products designed by Nuno Gonçalves Ferreira and Erin Hayne are made of this really cool thermosensitive material that reacts to change in temperature.  You could spend hours playing with your furniture!  This awesome soft material can be found on their pillows, lounge chairs, wall panels (displayed in their booth as a prototype), benches, and stools.  I really wish I knew who did their business cards which was made of a similar thermosensitive vinyl.  I couldn’t decide which was more fun, their lounge chair or their business cards!

MORE...

Deeply Madly Living has this odd take on cycling and furnitire.  The Tour De France Lounge Chair has armrests that glow in the dark...cool if you’re into raves and stuff.  Made from recycled bike parts...way cool, I like green products.  “It will make you feel like taking to the streets and smack some asphalt ... Lance Armstrong beware!”...ummm...more like smack your guests after they annoy the hell out of you with the horn that is “within heel reach”.  With a price tag of $940, this chair better take me places!

MORE...

...And you KNOW you’re bathroom is really about you!  Featured at ICFF (one of my favorite booths), Lacava debuts beautiful bathroom collections that make the statement.  Experience “luxurious elegance in your bathroom” with this Chicago based company of Italian origin (they are also GREEN at heart).  As you can see pictured below, the Double Reflection Washbasin Vanity is crafted from brushed stainless.  With a sink this beautiful, you’d be obsessive on maintaining this sink’s beauty and luster by washing your face or hands elsewhere!  If a mountain inspired this designer, then the sky is the limit for your bathroom design!

See more pictures below

MORE...

How cute are these fuzzy switches!?  International Fashion Machines make these interesting furry light switches that are beyond your traditional boring plastic ones.  The product description itself makes this light switch 10x cooler; you’d definitely be flippin’ feelin’ up on this switch A LOT!

A description from IFM:

“Each dimmer is handcrafted in Seattle, WA from Designtex wool felt, conductive yarns, neoprene, and acrylic. Electronic fibers are embedded directly into the material, so there are no hidden buttons or switches in the fabric. All you feel is the allure of a soft, fuzzy surface. Available in 14 captivating colors, ESSENTIAL™ Square Wall Dimmers are modern, minimalist, and luxurious. Our dimmers put the finishing touch on any interior. Also available in single gang and triple gang configurations.
Easy-to-install, the ESSENTIAL™ Square Wall Dimmer is antimicrobial, stain resistant and UL listed. All IFM’s high quality, exclusive electronic textile products are rigorously tested for safety and durability.”

MORE...

Give your tiles a facelift with these cool Tile Tattoos by Mibo.  These vinyl stickers are easy to install and require no glue for application; they are even waterproof once applied!  Within minutes, you can transform your bathroomn or kitchen to a more stylish look.  Removal of Tile Tattoos are simple and will leave no residue.  Stickers are available with different designs and styles to jazz up your tiles.  Definitely a non-permanent solution worth checking out!

Mibo Tile Tattoos now available at puremodern.com

MORE...

As you can see from the hostess with the mostest at the ICFF booth, Innermost offers fabulous lighting to brighten up anyone’s day.  Choose from complete lamps, lamp shades, lamp bases, or other homeware accessories.  The lighting itself makes the statement as they cast amazing effects to compliment your style.