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:

I love Nolen Niu’s use of bold colots and interesting shapes.  The Zero chaise lounge reminds me of something out of the Jetsons with its futuristic style and beauty; all reliant on a single piece of metal.  I also love the XO sofa that stands out not only because of its fuschia hue, but its dynamic shape.

All Modern has a host of wall art that utilizes retro color schemes but still evokes a modern, sleek feeling.  Inhabit captures this perfectly in their screen printed art, all available online ($107-140).

Hakone, Japan, nestled near Mount Fuji, is known for two things: hot springs and the Open Air Museum.  The Japanese place eggs into the hot springs and they come hard-boiled and black.  When eating one of these eggs, it is said that your life will be extended an extra seven years.  The Open Air Museum has an extensive Picasso exhibit, devoted to his later works, including a lot of pottery.  The completely outdoor exhibits are modern and often fairly interactive (an architectural playground features a series of domes to climb in and a jungle gym made solely of colorful rope) and allow the works to be seen from various viewpoints.  I highly recommend it to any traveler.

Hakone Open Air Museum

sculpture garden in Hakone

Dome playground in Hakone

Hakone Open Air Museum

Hakone Open Air Museum

Lovers Sanctuary at Hakone Open Air Museum

I found the VitraHaus, built by Herzog & de Meuron, to be amazing.  Originally designed to be 12 individual houses, the VitraHaus is now home to the Vitra Design Museum.

The exterior is austere, with its muted grey design.

The uniquely-shaped windows illuminate the sterile appearance.

The bright white interior works with the natural light to keep the design fresh, clean and modern.

Perhaps this modern townhouse, sandwiched between traditional townhouses, does not stand out too much while you’re strolling down this small street in Sweden…

but when faced with the exterior head-on, it’s prodigious design almost looks like it was Photoshopped in:

The interior is much like its exterior: an entirely white palette with clean, modern appeal.

Natural light is enjoyed in all of the rooms, with expansive windows and a huge skylight.

All photos courtesy of Elding Oscarson

DWR, Design Within Reach, has a few classic platform beds on sale right now that are chic and beautiful.  My favorite is the Reve bed, featured in charcoal and red.

Reve bed, now $2,550-3,500

Zola bed, now $935-1,785

Who says that college dorm rooms have to be covered in PBR posters and Bed Bath and Beyond plastic objects?  Here is some hip, modern stuff from Design Public:

Blue Dot Real Good Chair:

Vitra Uten Silo - large wall organizers:

Pablo Tube Top Lamp:

Area Four Duvet Covers and Cases: