These planters are freaking rad! Love the bright colors, the refreshing shapes, and the fact that they're made from spun aluminum! A little on the pricey side at $160 a pop (extra $$ if you want a stand), but they might be worth it for their wow factor. From Pad Outdoor.

About:

Each planter is hand spun from aluminum and powder coated--making them durable for outdoors. The steel stands are fitted with rubber, shock-absorbing pads at both ends to protect the planter and floor surface--making them ideal for indoors. Two planter styles, two stand heights and six color options yield countless configurations to customize a single planter or grouping according to your site.

POD Aluminum Planters by Pad Outdoor available from A+R Store: $158

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While the awesome hair of interviewer Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel put this clip in the 80's the work of Philip Johnson goes much further back. His most notable "modern" project was the glass house built in 1949. The interview is a little dry but if you are interested it is quite fascinating. Please share you thoughts on architecture, 80's hair and funky glasses in the comments.

Today I'm taking my dog, Wrigley, into the vet for some 'issues' he's been having. Since I don't like going anymore than he does, (what with the cramped waiting room and crappy parking situation), it got me to thinking about modern veterinary offices and the fact that I've never heard of one. After some serious digging, I found this lovely example in the portfolio of Tuke Manton Architects, a UK-based firm.

The project involved overhauling an old industrial building which was linked to an adjacent office building. By opening up the space and incorporating tons of natural light, a calming and healing environment was created. The timber-clad building, with its barn-like appearance, makes use of openable aluminum windows in order to provide natural ventilation. Overall, I think this project is immensely successful - I especially love the warmth the timber adds to an otherwise industrial-looking building. It's all very modern and I love it. I suppose there is hope for the world afterall!

See more:
www.tukemanton.co.uk

Here is an amazing documentary done by the BBC several years ago that covers the lifes work of Mies van der Rohe and the lasting influences that he has had on architecture.

Grab some popcorn, it's a long one...

Parts 2-7 after the jump.

A lovely, 1,800 square foot home tucked away in Los Angeles. I love how the entire focal point of the home, whether you're indoors or out, is that massive tree! Designed byStandard.  

©2002-2006 standard® | Tree House | Los Angeles, CA
1,800 sq ft | new residence

Project Team: Jeffrey Allsbrook | Silvia Kuhle | Nicholas Hopson | Sylwia Pasciak

Check out the rest of their portfolio at www.standard-la.com

  

I love it when I see modern kids stuff, especially the hard to find stuff like doll houses. This labor of love comes from My Modern Mini. Designed and built by an architect who has a love for building models this is the first of hopefully a long series of modern doll houses. The house is 1:12 scale built from MDF and painted with a primer coat ready for customization. Current introductory pricing is $299. If that is too steep for you, hopefully these pictures will inspire you to make your own.

Available for $299 from My Modern Mini

Lots more pictures after the jump.

All Photo's via the Mini House Flikr page.

THE BEN ROSE HOME - To some it may have been the first modern home ever seen. The iconic modern house in Ferris Buellers Day off and the unforgettable scene in which a gorgeous old Ferarri is sent crashing through an equally gorgeous garage wall. If you've ever wondered about that house here's your chance to find out more, or even buy it for a cool 2. 3 million.

Designed by A. James Speyer and David Haid, both notable architects of the 20th Century the home was originally built in 1953. At 5,300 square feet it has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. For all the nitty gritty details check out the for sale page on Realtor.com.

The Ben Rose Home.

Thanks RP!

Hello! Can you say "This mushroom bird house is exquisite!"? I can - and I did. Handmade by Michael McDowell of MudPuppy.

Each gorgeous bird house is hand crafted and covered inside and out with non toxic glossy white glaze and topped with an exquisite white lichen glaze. It is fired twice, once as a bisque firing to drive out moisture from the clay and a second high fire glaze firing which ensures the birdhouse can withstand the elements. Just in time for your feathered friends this spring and summer, they make a great housewarming gift or a treat for yourself. A ceramic bead and hemp hanger are included for quick hanging.

About Michael:

I live and work in beautiful Denver, Colorado with my two studio assistants Ennis and Konrad. Primarily I hand craft vases, sculpture and whatnots out of clay. I am completely obsessed with all things crafty and feel blessed to be a part of the handmade revolution.

I tried to follow a somewhat regular path to financial freedom but I have finally given in to my heart and the pull of destiny and am now a full-time starving artist. I come from a long line of craftsman and artists. My great-grandfather made everything from jewelry to furniture out of stone, my grandmother did collage, my grandfather designed and built homes, an uncle was a ceramicist and another an artist and art instructor...so either it's in my genes or we are a bunch of non-conformists.

At the very least, I am happier making art than I have ever been and I think that is reflected in my work.

Check out more at www.michaelmcdowell.com.

Mushroom Bird House from MudPuppy: $45

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A few new designs from the folks at These Creatures! While their dog/cat feeders still fetch a high price tag, these new bird feeders and leash hooks fall somewhat into the realm of affordability. Regardless, I'm still in love with their bright colors and clever designs!

Bird Feeders $89 | Leash Hooks $38
Bonus: Use code TCMAY09 at checkout to receive 10% off all orders over $100 in May!

It was recently announced that the classic Frank Lloyd Wright home falling water will now be available as a lego kit. It was designed in conjunction with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Brickstructures, Inc. and the LEGO Architecture brand. It's expected to go on sale this July, pricing is still unknown but should be around $55. What is known is that it looks brilliant and that I want one. A big thanks to Amanda for pointing it out to me.

Available from Brickstructures in July

More from Prairie Mod

Hopefully everyone here has already heard of McMaster-Carr. They are a sort of do it yourself industrial superstore. With over 480,000 products, there is a good chance that they have what you need, if only you could find it. I know that there are some great treasures amongst those 480,000 items. I almost bought some track for a sliding door from them once, and seriously looked at some of their faucets too. If you have been brave enough to wade through all the 480,000 products and found some good ones, we want to know.

What are your favorite items from McMaster-Carr?

Do you have any other similar websites with great finds?

The Eames Case Study House No. 8 is perhaps one of the great iconic mid-century modern homes. Built in 1959 by Charles and Ray Eames the home became their permanent residence for their entire lives. According to John Entenza founder of Case Study House, the Eames house "represented an attempt to state an idea rather than a fixed architectural pattern." All thumbnails above are from the Eames Foundation and full size prints from 5 x 7 to 16 x 20 can be purchased from their website.

Prints available from Eames Foundation from $17 - $81.

Hopefully all of our readers have been following the 100K house build in Philadelphia. The are just finishing up the home 1,150 square foot LEED platinum home which through a lot of determination and hard work they were able to build for under $100,000 in hard construction costs. While they are still finishing up some of the final touches they had photographer Sam Oberter snap some shots of the home for an up coming article. The home is looking amazing, make sure you check out all the photo's after the jump.

The Jodlowa House is definitely an eye-catcher with its seemingly endless glass walls. I would love such an uninterrupted view - and an indoor pool! Designed by PCKO Architects, the home somehow manages to find privacy in one of Poland's largest and oldest cities, Kraków.

See more projects from PCKO Architects.

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In my post about the ultimate mid-century modern road trip someone mentioned Frank Lloyd Wrights only skyscraper, The Price Tower. I wasn't even aware that he had designed a skyscraper but here is a vintage brochure and a photo from the 1956 building. The building now houses an arts center, museum, hotel and bar all in one. I guess I know where I'm going if I ever pass through Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

More info at Pricetower.org

Photo and brochure via Steinerag.com

Really beautiful home from Australian architecture firm Jackson Clements Burrows. The Armadale House was an alterations and additions project to an existing Victorian home that had been previously renovated in the 80s. The project involved a complete refurbishment on the existing structure as well as an addition of a new upper level. This upper level was divided into two private zones for the children and parents. While it definitely looks great from the outside, I'm most excited about that gorgeous white kitchen! And that master bath!

See more projects here!   

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This one if for the locals only....

Modern Materials Design has been having a blowout warehouse sale for the last couple of weeks. They are forced to move out of their current location so absolutely everything must go. Today is the last day of the sale, and prices are guaranteed to be crazy low. Here are some details.

HURRY IN AS THIS IS OUR LAST DAY BEFORE WE START MOVING OUR WAREHOUSE.

some of our very stylish PILLOWS are $7-8 on markdown
pendant LIGHTS for $19
table LAMPS at $12
VASES as low as $3.95
fun, colorful artwork as low as $15-20 (80% off)
metal trough outdoor PLANTERS
BEDDING all at 50% off

PLUS SEVERAL TV STANDS,COFFEE TABLES, END TABLES, KITCHEN DINING TABLES, ....PLUS MUCH MORE.

HOURS: 10-6

LOCATION: 350 WEST 800 NORTH, rear side of building. Hard to find but definately worth the search.
the sale you should not miss!!!

We have dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, pillows, artwork, mirrors, lamps, light fixtures, vases, doormats, outdoor planters......

If you do happen to miss the sale today don't kick yourself too hard. Rumor on the block is that Modern Materials Design will be opening a brick and mortar in a few months. Stay tuned for an early look at what it will have to offer.

The reason I started Grassrootsmodern was because I was discouraged by the lack of affordability in modern architecture and interior design. My own personal quest lead me to buy a 700 square foot home and add 600 modern square feet off the back. (That story started here) Acting as general contractor we were able to pull it off for around $100 a square foot. The secret, sweat equity.

The folks over at Simplemodernhomes.com have taken it one step further. The owner Caleb had the advantage of being an architect fresh out of school. He and his wife designed and built the gorgeous 1400 square foot home shown above for only $70,000. The $50 a square foot price didn't come without a lot of work, but it does prove that if you want something bad enough you can achieve it. When I asked Caleb the secret to affordable modern design, he said;

First, to be grassroots and affordable, you have to be willing to sweat a lot, and bleed some. Doing things ourselves is what makes us grassroots. People always used to build their own homes, and in the last century we've come to the mindset that "I can't do that myself", and "bigger is definitely better." I believe that when thinking about affordable housing, design to your families needs, whether that's 800 sf or 2000 sf. Use materials that are common and durable. Design with common dimensions in mind. Use materials that are easy to install, and always build for a hurricane. Andy Byrnes of The Construction Zone, LTD. in Phoenix said, "There is only one acceptable craft on any project, that is, the best you can possibly do." I firmly believe that should hold true in affordable homes as well. Craft should not be more expensive than a half-job. Low budget projects should have the same level of detail and craft as a high-priced home.

Here are some more interior shots of their home.

  

Simple Modern Homes is now sharing the lessons they've learned and helping other folks built affordable modern homes. The renderings below are some of the other projects they've designed. If you're interested make sure you head over to their site and contact caleb.

  
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Last week I touched on the subject of stock modern house plans. I wanted to throw one more hat into the ring. Dialect Design is an up an coming architectural duo based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Both founders John Nourbakhsh and Toby Witte have an international background and an obvious love for modern design. On their website they have 3 modern stock plans available with one more (a 60k house) on the way. Full floorplans can be reviewed before purchasing as well as the estimated price per square foot to build. All the plans claim a $105 sq/ft construction cost but I'm sure that price would balloon depending on where you live. Prices for stock plans start at $1,400 and include 6 printed sets of drawings with all the usual goodies.

Modern stock house plans from Dialect Design.

I've been watching modern stock house plans on the internet for a while now. For a long time architect Greg La Vardera was the only decent source, but yesterday I was reading my friends post over at TheArchitectureProgram.com and was surprised to find that there are quite a few decent modern stock plans out there. Houseplans.com had the biggest variety of modern plans with prices ranging from $400 to over $4,000. Of course if money is an issue, make sure you check out Free Green who has some great contemporary house plans that are absolutely free.

Via The architecture program

Houseplans.com

Freegreen.com

Lamidesign (Greg La Vardera)