Today's inspiration comes from modularity. My jewelry designs are typically multiples of an item or a combination of similar yet modular pieces. My favorite designs I have done for houses have been those where I began with a modular system and used those pieces to organize space and materials. 

There are tons of modular systems we use every day, and many of us have at least one in our homes. You might have a shelving unit or closet system that is a kit of parts, like an Elfa or Vitsoe shelving system, or you might have a utensil drawer in the kitchen that is organized by multiple bins that hold the items in their proper place. Perhaps you have one of the newer sofa systems which are built from end, middle and lounge pieces.

My favorite modular system is one from my childhood: Legos. These teach us that the great thing about modularity is the way it can support absolute freedom while having parameters that keep things well organized and able to work together.

Modular shelving: Vitsoe and Tentacle systems

Modular seating: ZipZip modular cushion

Modular toy: Legos!

Modular type: Mode

Modular coffee table: Fix Table

Sometimes you see something that seems interesting at first glance, but then it's brought to your attention again and again. I've come across these interesting uses for metal plumbing pipes lately, and they got me thinking. Use them with a crappy piece of MDF and your space starts to look like a dorm room, but pair them with some good wood or use them to create a wall pattern and they ramp up more than a notch! I'm especially fond of the walnut/metal combo. And the modular system can form so many different layouts!

Desk and shelf system

Furniture Suite

Desk

Lighting

I have always loved grids. I remember being a high school exchange student in Sweden and going to get school supplies - they had tons of little notebooks filled with graph paper, and of course, since it wasn't the US, the paper sizes were different too. It was a pleasure to take my notes in those little squares. As an architecture student, I used grid paper to takes notes and sketch out ideas. There's something about keeping everything regimented that appeals to that side of my brain.

I have even designed a couple houses purely on a grid - and to be honest, they turned out great! It really helps everything to be visually in sync. Even though you might not know that it's there, the consistency of the grid is appealing to the eye. My husband's graphic design work is often based on grids, and we have worked together on a couple of modular typefaces that were completely grid- based.

The great thing about grids is that you can break them. But when you break with the grid, it becomes that much more important. I have included one in the image above that makes me smile each time I see it.

John K. Samson Providence album cover, Field Notes Grid Notebook, Cocoon's Grid-It system, Lian Ng's Graphik180:GridArt.

I came across a few images of these gorgeous terrariums by grow little. Makes me think I might want to try one of these myself sometime soon. I remember making a terrarium as a child - if I remember correctly, it had a wood frame and glass panels on the side. (Yes, it was the 70s.) I'm really drawn to the light maidenhair fern look, but think the more succulent-based style of the round container might be a little easier to maintain. Either as a tabletop centerpiece or set on a counter or in a shelf, this could add a little touch of natural life.

What do you think?