These chairs and stools by Tomás Alonso are insanely cool, very modern and almost… art.

These outdoor collections from Restoration Hardware are not only sleek and sturdy, but they can transform any outdoor space.  Which is your favorite?  They’re all on sale!

This is becoming an increasingly popular design, especially in remodeled kitchens.  I love the idea of having traditional items on display (vintage pots and milk jugs, for instance) with the integration of modern, stainless steel appliances or marble islands.

The Bold (& Modern) Look of Kohler

Dwell and Kohler have come with a water-wise design competition to bust water wasters.  The winning designer will win $5,000 in Kohler products!  The contest only lasts until June 1st, so you have little time.  Stay tuned and we’ll feature the winning design on sellModern.

Here are the contest rules from Dwell:

Modern Doors, hmm.  At last we are renovating our own home in Charleston, SC.  The search begins to source products that are unique and modern in nature.  These products cannot be found on the shelves of large do it yourself stores.  So where do you go?  The Sliding Door Company.

After an exhaustive search for unique interior doors I finally found the right company, who seems to be on their game.  And in fact, the only company I got a response from.  Incredible!

Check out some of these modern door designs:

This is a hard to find swing door, for interior use, the only example I could find in the country, from The Sliding Door Company.

This is a double hung version, which looks great.  Laminated glass is an option which gives you gloss on both sides

of the door.  Another option that I could only find at the Sliding Door Company.

Photo courtesy of The Washington Post

Five very important works were stolen yesterday in Paris, totaling at least $100 million dollars combined.  However, the paintings are far too well-known to be sold without detection.  Police are still trying to determine how the paintings were stolen without being detected by the extremely intricate alarm system.  Among the works stolen was a Matisse and Picasso.

Source: The Washington Post, May 20th, 2010.

This is a fascinating video from the MoMA website about changing how ecology and technology relate.  These team leaders are discussing the climate change and working to do something revolutionary to help.  With the projections, the sea level could rise by six feet relatively soon.  That would mean that 20% of Lower Manhattan would be under water.  They are looking to build estuaries to help with drainage and run-off while also boosting ecosystems throughout the city.

Studiotrope Design Collective has focused their energy in improving publicly owned facilities.  Here is an amazing example of a public library in Denver’s Five Point neighborhood.  According to Modern in Denver, “Library projects comprise a large part of SDC’s workload. In the past four years, SDC has been brought in on several major library renovations and the studio has also authored Denver Public Libraries program for Contemporary Service Styles, as well as a program plan for CSU’s Morgan Library, recommending an overhaul of their 270,000 square foot interiors.”  With the emphasis on modern technology and fun color palette, this library soars above any others I have seen recently.

Check out the space:

Source: Modern in Denver

Room & Board has some really appealing outdoor collections and it’s the perfect time to start planning your first BBQs, whether it be for Memorial Day weekend or another summertime gathering.

The first is the standard sleek white palette that looks so comfortable and inviting:

For the avid tanner, these chaise lounges are ideal and have major modern appeal:

These would be perfect for lounging around with cocktails or watching guests play boccie ball or ladder golf:

This portica table and bellini chair set is perfect for entertaining.  The chairs are stackable, made of polypropylene and lightweight fiberglass and just $150 each:

This contemporary take on retro decor features a neon sign cityscape:

Comic book pop art hangs in this modern living room:

This minimalist modern look is enhanced with huge botanical photographs that flank the fireplace:

And perhaps sometimes you need to be more literal in your interpretation of art: