Which do you prefer, the bustle of city life or the respite of a country home?  If you’re like us, the answer is both. A home close enough to urban living and yet removed from its frenetic pace; a home with style, architectural mastery and modern design that sits quietly among the trees; a home that boasts a surplus of amenities and comfort and is unique among its neighbors–these are the qualities of an ideal modern home.

Such a home can be found on the Forest Hills area of Atlanta. Settled on an acre of land, this single family residence is fully furnished, with computerized music installed in every room, an advanced security system, an elegant and spacious master bedroom, wine cellar, and a living room that can seat up to 12 people.

Built in 2002, this Miami-architecture inspired modern home has a smooth white exterior that winds across the property. The home’s white canvass is sliced by a tall, red brick wall, a bold characteristic that is handsomely juxtaposed against the surrounding woods. A winding elevated walkway connects the driveway, street, and three car garage, each of which are surrounded by a swath of trees and brush, flowers and natural light.

The interior is no less impressive. Once inside its walls, the combination of subtle styles and grand architecture leave an indelible impression, and you are seduced by the property’s power and design. Four bedrooms, a weight training center, five full baths, an Infiniti Edge Pool and pool room, all equipped with modern interior design and amenities.

This property is fully furnished and ready for a homeowner. Its listing price is $3,200,000 and is represented by Debrah Johnston of Luxury Real Estate.

It’s simple. You are not modern if you are not green. This January, when the Las Vegas Annual Builders Show takes place, green design promises to dominate the exhibition. Builder: Living Homes plans to showcase its newest modular home, which uses state of the art craftsmanship and innovative green technology, to the draw the public’s attention. It’s one more reason to be excited with modern architecture. Hopefully, what happens this time in Las Vegas, won’t stay there. Here’s a look at the modular home.

Another popular topic is green containers–spaces that are eco-friendly and serve multiple purposes in a variety of places. One garnering significant attention is the Greentainer Project. Based in Italy, this multipurpose container draws its energy from solar panels and can be used to host any sort of gathering or event. It’s 40 square feet, mobile, fitted with lighting and cooling systems, and all together awesome. Whether you use it for storage or a get together, the Greentainer is one creative box, that’s, er…thinking outside of the box.

This project has ties to San Diego’s history and its ties with the manufacturing industry. Housed in what was once a textile manufacturer’s union hall, this Union is the latest sustainable, living/loft space from architect Jonathan Segal. During construction, Segal worked with the community to ensure the project was well received. There is ample space for lower income families to live in the Union, as well as a power system that uses half of its energy as renewable electricity.

SellModern is a big fan of bookcases. Older, dustier bookcases are nice for their massive size and antiquated appeal. But modern bookcases are lighter and fit better into a variety of rooms. Ultimately, affordable, well-designed bookcases are available from numerous retailers. Check out these examples. By the way, a nice bookcase can really make your flimsy paperbacks look like they’re in great condition.

Refined look and ample shelving space make this bookshelf ideal for your personal library. Available in Maple, Black, Cherry, White, and Pearwood. Available from Smart Furniture.

All right, this one is probably not the most efficient bookcase, but it’s certainly unique. And its title is a sly reference to the devoted bibliophile.

Kartell 800-Bookworm Bookcase

A product that seamlessly merges at once the creativity of Ron Arad and the technological prowess of Kartell, the flexible Bookworm Bookshelf is a wonder to behold whose appeal has remained strong for over a decade. Through the use of extrusion technology, the Bookworm is able to assume any shape at all without a compromise in strength or functionality. Available in three lengths, each Bookworm comes with a set of flexible, durable bookends that move along the curves of the shelf to provide support for any shape. The Bookworm’s elastic nature allows it to fit into any environment both physically and aesthetically. Available from All Modern

The Abstract Modular Bookcase gives your interior a whole new angle. A collection of squared angles and geometric patterns create a unique system of shelving. The pinewood frame features a deep cherry laminate. Quality construction puts the slender attraction into your design for years to come. Available from Book Cases Galore

Ultra Modern recently announced that it is one of the first new retailers to carry Viva Modern, a lively and affordable line of furniture and interior design accessories. In an email sent to SellModern yesterday, Viva’s line was described as competitively priced for the commercial market, they are also ready to ship orders to your home or office. Sounds good, here’s a peak at their new line of interiors.

Tropez Fabric Sofa

Low (TV) Cabinet

Dining/Meeting Table

Ultra Modern will be offering these products for a 25% discount for trade customers (Interior Designers, Architects) until the 28th of November. They’ve explained that this is likely to be a one time offer, so make sure to check it out before the offer expires.

The online journal of architecture and sustainable design called Modern Home recently hosted a tour of modern homes in Atalanta. 13 residences were visited over two days. Judging by the pictures, modern design and sustainable architecture abound in Atlanta’s neighborhoods.

While the definition of modern architecture is open to interpretation, architecture is usually considered modern when its style is simplified and free from ornament. Buildings built in the early twentieth century, especially those with similar, straightforward characteristics, are widely considered modern. But modern architecture in its truest sense did not really gain popularity until after the Second World War, when many skyscrapers and corporate buildings were designed with a modern architecture approach.

Marina City & IBM Plaza in Chicago

When he died in 1959 at the age of 91, Frank Lloyd Wright had worked on over 1,000 projects. He authored 20 books, and was a major influence to countless architects. Widely considered the best American architect of all time, Wright’s home in Oak Park, Illinois, was a predecessor to modernist architecture, and is still visited often for its unique design and clever style.

Pick up any modern architecture magazine and you will no doubt encounter an article about prefab housing. No matter your current opinion of prefab housing, these affordable, stylish, and trendy alternatives to traditional homes are popular and considered to be a highly sustainable choice by real estate consumers.

One pair of architects receiving ample attention is Carl-Johan Smedshammar and Anders Holmberg, two Swedish prefab specialists who are determined to insert prefab design into the acceptable vernacular of popular and modern design.

Anders Holmberg (right) and Carl-Johan Smedshammar (left)

Their architecture firm, Smedshammar + Holmberg, is featured in this month’s Dwell Magazine. In the article the pair suggest it has become their professional mission to bring style back to the suburbs by using prefab design.

Swedish design has long been associated with superior quality and exquisite design. Smedshammar + Holmberg’s plan to revitalize the Swedish suburbs is an idea that could very well by used in the U.S., as more of the population wants to enjoy a city’s metropolitan attractions but cannot afford the high cost of real estate.

Using innovative style and modern craftsmanship, Smedshammar + Holmberg have turned the concept of suburbia on its head. Under their direction, suburban living would no longer be deemed boring or without character. Instead, the best of modern architecture–with its environmental scope and sustainable design–will present these homes and communities as attractions in their own right. Below is a rendering of a “Garden Community,” which uses wide roads and ample outdoor space between houses to recreate the concept of garden-style living.

These architects are not limited to suburban style architecture. They also specialize in public housing, private homes, summer homes and interirior design. You can learn more about them at their website. Or check out the video below.

mag

Austin is quickly becoming a pioneer in homes constructed with energy conservation design. SOL is an affordable, zero-energy community located in East Austin, TX. The model homes are 1,600 square feet, with wrap around second floor decks, a private side yard, and plenty of natural shade from an abundance of trees.

Included in the home’s design is a built in desk area, double height feature stairwell, a pull out pantry and off street parking. The 24 homes scheduled for construction in this community will generate as much energy as they pull from a grid of solar panels, making them East Austin’s first, truly zero energy consumption community. The SOL project is motivated by sustainable living and modern design. These homes are affordable, with smart architecture and an eco-conscious attitude. The concept is to bring modern design and living to everyone.

See and Read more at The Good Life

This 1,728 square foot home was built in 1973 and is located in Sausalito, CA, one of the Bay Area’s most scenic locations. The modern home is a testament to modern design and architecture, boasting four outdoor wooden decks, three bedrooms and baths, as well as numerous skylight windows, which fill the home with plenty of natural sunlight. The home also has attractive amenities, such as vaulted ceilings, bamboo floors, and a massive wood-burning fireplace.

Just off the Caledonia Street Freeway exit, but far enough away from the street to feel like a hidden retreat, this modern California home has the best of both worlds. Spacious and cozy, full of bright, natural sunlight and yet conveniently shades by plants and trees, this single family home has only been on the market for a short time.

Listing Price: $1,079,000. Read and See more at Marin Modern Residential Real Estate