A not-too-modern home in Spain

Yesterday was a gorgeous day so a trip to my younger sister's cottage was absolutely on the agenda. We had an awesome time there and enjoyed perfect weather (temperature in the high 20s was a welcomed break from obscenely hot mid 40's we experienced for several days this week). Because of this break I did not have much time to plan a post for today so here's a gorgeous home I found on Micasa. It's a newly built home located in Girona, Spain, where the owners and their 3 children reside. It has 3 terraces, a fabulous pool, olive grove, and the interior is organized around a large living room and kitchen. I think it's a perfect blend of modern design and tranquil, warm decor. 

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Design Crew

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don't know what to do? You're not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you .... that's you lot ... the readers! This week's problem is from Alev who has made a great start (and sent lots of photos) but she needs help taking the next step.

I bought the ap. almost a year ago and I really tried to make it feel like home. I'm always wondering what it is I can do to make it look more original (and maybe add some more colors?) I feel like I haven't finished the decorating yet - I actually think I will never be satisfied when it comes to decorating - it's always keeping my mind busy. I never knew I would be interested in furniture and decoration. It kinda happened when I made the move.

Half of the things I own are from second hand shops (really the only place I can find furniture I feel connected to). My bed, my dining table, my sofa, the little cute chairs and all of the bigger peaces I have managed to find in outlet stores at reasonable prices (which I am very thankful for cause I love them). The drawings are made by myself. I've been drawing since I was a little girl and for the first time I decided to hang some of them up.

I would appreciate it if you could give me some tips to make my home look more lively and colorful and original.

Alev's lovely bedroom is after the jump.

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A funky restaurant

Hanna from Poland wrote us about her architecture and interior design firm called PB Studio. She thought we'd be interested in this restaurant she designed. We don't typically feature non-residential spaces but I thought the dining space of this restaurant was very inspriring. I adore the over abundance of penadnt lights, and the bench seating with wall-installed cushions is so cool! Would be perfect for a dining nook in a kitchen. The larch wood is gorgeous too!

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A London Triplex

Here's another property from Domus Nova with a big wow factor. It's a recently remodeled triplex that features an original Victorian staircase, which houses an incredible installation of "leaves of paper" as if floating, etched with personal anecdotes of writers. The black and white colour scheme with dark wood floors is dramatic and modern, and the main attraction? The to-die-for grouping of Tom Dixon Beat lights over the dining table. I REALLY need to get my hands on a few of those, especially since I've been obsessing over them forever. 

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Modern pearl

In the exclusive costal enclave of Pearl Beach north of Sydney is a fabulous modern take on the beachside holiday home. I am real estate stalking amongst the trees just back from shore. This family home is relaxed and stylish without relying too much on the coastal cliché. A muted sandy palette, floors forgiving of trekked in sand and grubby kids and dogs, swim suit friendly spots to collapse in after a hard day in the surf and a roof top spa and hang out that is seriously giving me a case of envy. If this was my holiday home I'd be moving into it all year round ... just have to find the money to buy it. Link here while it lasts.

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