Have you ever stopped to take a look around your neighborhood with the detail-oriented eye of a designer? You might be surprised at what you start noticing. Even the most mundane structures, the ones you see everyday without actually seeing them, can be visually interesting and unique additions to their environment. Take the humble bus stop.

Bus stops are, at their core, practical structures meant to provide shelter from the elements for short periods of time. That's why most bus stops you see will be nothing more than a covered bench; however, take a closer look. You might see how local communities have taken this very basic design and given it their own spin. Above is a very simple prototype bus shelter from Bevk Perovic arhitekti in Slovenia. 

Now take a look at the bus stop located outside the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. As one would expect, it's very sleek and streamlined in that modernist way, but observing with a more critical eye we see that in lieu of a bench, visitors sit on Eiffel Wire Chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames. An unusual choice, but a fitting one for museum goers who've just spent the day exploring the history of design.

Using public transportation is one of the most "green" things you can do, but did you know that even bus stops themselves can be eco-friendly? Project Bottlestop is the work of a University of Kentucky design student. It's a bus stop constructed out of soft drink bottles that have been equipped with solar powered LED lights. During the day, sunlight filters through the bottles in a manner similar to that of stained glass, while at night the stop is gently illuminated by the stored up solar energy.

The YBR Bus Shelter designed by Eliel Cabrera is also an eco-friendly project with a technological twist. The concept is totally adaptable to the needs of the environment and includes the ability to communicate with mobile phones to send out route and schedule information. Solar panels and other "green" materials can be used to construct the stop.

The YBR project is similar to the EyeStop, an Italian concept that takes the idea of a bus stop as a meeting point, a sort of old-fashioned social network, to the next level. Like the YBR shelter, the solar-powered Eyestop offers integrated mobile phone technology to share route information. 

But it also allows commuters to post ads and announcements, as well as transmit information about air quality and other environmental factors. EyeStop was designed specifically for the city of Florence, but we'd love to see bus stops like this popping up all over the world.

Old-school bus stops can be just as interesting as modern ones: check out this Cuban bus shelter. It was built in the 1930s and has that futuristic look we associate with deco. Due to Cuba's political history, the only cars you're likely to see while waiting were built in the 1950s, making this bus stop a time machine of sorts.

A very pretty bus stop in Estonia. We love the pentagon shape, steep roof (most likely meant to keep snow from piling up in the winter), and the contrasting red and white paint. It's almost like a little cottage.

The shape of bus stops can tell you something about the area they're located in. On the right you see an Australian bus stop that's located near an Indian restaurant. On the left, a bus stop in Russia that is clearly a remnant of the Soviet era.  

Photographer Christopher Herwig has an entire series dedicated to the bus shelters of the Soviet Union. While many of the shelters were cold concrete structures like the one above, Herwig dedicates a large part of his series to the "weird and crazy" ways in which the stops were decorated by local communities to reflect culture and heritage.

Most of these stops are now being allowed to detoriate, but some communities are making efforts to preserve them. Check out the entire series on Herwig's website.

This Amernian bus stop goes back to basics. No benches, just a slab of metal to shelter commuters from the rain and an interesting piece of metalworking holding the slab aloft. Perhaps children use this stop as a makeshift jungle gym while waiting for the bus.

But why should design always be so serious? These fruit-shaped bus stops in Japan are adorable and would definitely make waiting for the bus a more whimsical experience, especially when contrasted with the run-of-the-mill city streets they're located on.

Caribou Coffee in Minneapolis had a similar idea. They turned a regular city bus stop into a mini-toaster oven. Heat actually emits from the coils, giving commuters a bit of warmth and a new appreciation for breakfast sandwiches.

Finally, parts of several bright yellow school buses from the 60s and 70s are recycled into a fun bus shelter in Athens, Georgia. Now that's what us architecture-types would call a great example of form following function! MT

When arriving in a foreign city for the first time, what hip traveler hasn't wished for a plugged-in local to take them around and show them all the truly cool stuff that never makes it into the guidebook? If you're heading to Berlin, you'll be able to do just that.

Berlin's always been a city on the cutting edge of new trends. Now British ex-pat and former PR manager for the Design Hotels Group Clare Freeman is taking hospitality to a new level with Plus One Berlin, an exciting concept that blends local knowledge, great design, and a sense of adventure for a totally fresh approach to tourism.

Guests at Plus One stay in a remodeled one-room loft in Berlin's artsy Kreuzkölln neigborhood, a location chosen for its proximity to all the stuff hip tourists crave: funky cafes, hidden bars, popular restaurants, art galleries, and other overlooked-yet-cool spots.

The apartment, which sleeps 1-3 guests and has balcony, kitchenette, and multi-functional living area, was designed by Berlin-based architects Paola Bagna of spamroom and John Paul Coss of CossA. 

The pair used a combination of new and salvaged materials to kit out the loft. However, the loft space is hardly the coolest thing about Plus One Berlin. Freeman's main innovation is in the name of the concept itself: Plus One. 

When guests book a stay at Plus One Berlin they're given a list of friendly locals, ranging from DJs to vintage shop owners, and the ability to schedule a time to hang out in the city; thus "Plus One". Plus One gives guests the option of scheduling either 30 minutes with the local of their choice or, for the "full experience", a 3-5 hour hangout session. The local might take the guest to a private party or a hip event that wouldn't be on the radar otherwise. Less adventurous travelers can decline the invitation to hang out and instead receive a list of cool things curated by the local themselves. All for a flat nightly rate of €120!

Plus One Berlin was launched in March of 2012, but has already received a lot of press and no wonder: the concept is cutting edge and super cool, much like Berlin itself. Freeman plans on expanding the Plus One brand throughout Europe, starting with another Berlin-based apartment. We look forward to seeing the concept as it develops. Check out their website here. If you want to become a local, send Plus One an e-mail here.

Head Down Under to beat the heat this summer and take in some amazing views from the Ooi House, a private holiday home in Margaret River, Australia. The award-winning design features 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, sliding glass walls that open up to a spacious patio, an interior courtyard with a sparkling Koi fish pond, a separate chalet, and a prime location with awesome river vistas. Don't forget to bring your surfboards either; Ooi House is only a mile from the beach. See you there!

Hey, where are you going with those suitcases? Are you going on vacation…without me? I hate being stuck at home while you're traveling the world! It's the worst thing ever: my best friend is out having fun without me and I'm left behind with strangers. It's no fair; dogs love vacation as much as humans do. I know what you're thinking: dogs aren't welcome in hotels and vacation rentals but that's not true! There's lots of places we can go together. In fact I've made a list to prove it.

Feel like getting some mountain air? We can go to Far Meadow near Yosemite on 20 acres of private land 7,000 feet above Bass Lake. You can sleep in the chic A-Frame cabin while I go out and patrol the meadow like Boubou. Pets of all kinds are totally welcome for only an extra $25 per night. I'm a cheap date!

Big Sur would be a great place for us to visit together. There's lots of open country for me to explore and a super cool vintage trailer for you to lounge in. And we can go for walks on dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach every day! Book the Big Sur Vintage trailer now and we could be on our way by Friday.

Kaweah Falls is another pet-friendly rental in California that would be great fun to visit. A river runs right through the property and there's a private beach and waterfall on site. You know how much I love water! (Except bath time…I hate bath time.)

My friend Pancho the Pug likes to chill out at Highdesert Homestead in Joshua Tree, a great pet-friendly rental on the northern boundary of the national park.

If I'm under 35 pounds and well-behaved, you can take me to California Glass House, an architectural gem on 24 acres in Sonoma, California. We'll both enjoy amazing, panoramic views stretching from mountain to sea and a gorgeous design to enjoy as the sun sets.

Southern California is very dog friendly with tons of beaches, parks, and restaurants that are set up to welcome canine guests. Let's go stay at Topanga House, a cool mid-century rental with a huge yard for me to play in. Then we can go hiking up in the canyon with our pals Ollie and Boubou.

See how much fun we could be having?

Have I convinced you to take me along on vacation yet? No? I guess we'll have to visit some more cool, pet-friendly rentals. Where are we headed off to next? To be continued…

If you've been in Los Angeles over the last three weeks you may have noticed the unexpected presence of decorated pianos in landmark areas around the city. From the Santa Monica Pier to Union Station in downtown, thirty pianos have been placed in public spaces as part of a traveling art installation entitled Play Me, I'm Yours. The installation, the brainchild of British artist Luke Jerram, has been on a world tour since 2008 but only just arrived in our city in the beginning of April — and are only here for another week until they move on to their next home in Salt Lake City, Utah, followed by stops in London and Paris over the summer and a wintertime visit to Puerto Rico.

In fact these pianos have been everywhere. Checking out the Play Me, I'm Yours website is like taking a virtual trip around the world. The site has been integrated with social media to allow users to upload photos, videos, and other media tracking the pianos' progress around the world. Cities as diverse as Geneva, Sydney, and Austin, Texas have played host to the installation.

Here's a 2011 photo of a piano in London. What a view!

We had an opportunity to check out a few of the pianos around L.A., like this one in Chinatown. They've been designed and decorated by local artists and community members, so each piano is unique and suited to its location.

This mermaid piano, currently holding court at the Music Center of Los Angeles, was designed by Avenue 50 Studio, a Highland Park based organization that presents work by Chicano artists.

Speaking as locals, the piano installation reads almost like a hip city guide to Los Angeles. Using only the provided map, piano hunters can spend the day going from the beach to the heart of the city and over the mountains into the valley, taking in examples of L.A.'s unique architecture, rich history, and varied communities along the way.

You'll probably end up visiting areas of Los Angeles that you might normally avoid, like tourist-packed Hollywood Boulevard or the overlooked South Bay city of Torrance. Even locals can learn something new about their city by chasing down these traveling pianos.

According to the website, the pianos have attracted many "hidden pianists" who may not own their own instrument, but are happy to have an opportunity to pick out a tune for a public audience. When we were checking out the piano at Union Station, a little old woman showed up with sheet music to play some tunes. She was so talented that a saxophonist showed up, instrument in hand, for a random duet.

We love these traveling pianos for how they use art, music, and travel to bring together communities and spotlight the unique character of each city. We'll be following their progress as they head off to Salt Lake City and we'll be sure to note exactly where the pianos have been placed in each city since the installation offers an amazing opportunity to discover cool places everywhere they go. Check out the latest photos and see the list of all the piano's locations right here. MT

elisabeth am see is a peaceful waterfront hideaway on Lake Templin in Germany's beautiful lake district. The home was originally built in 1930 and modernized in 2009 to meet new standards of environmentally-friendly, holistic building techniques. The interiors are an oasis of calm with stunning lake views from every room.

With a large garden, in-house spa, free-standing gazebo, and picturesque jetty, elisabeth am see is the perfect getaway for travelers looking for a private place to rejuvenate and restore. Outdoorsy folk will find many opportunities for boating, yachting, and swimming on 6km long lake.

The small Norwegian city of Åndalsnes is a point of entry for tourists headed towards the country's stunning fjords, but the city itself needs an overhaul. Enter Jagnefält Milton Architects and their unique design for a "rolling masterplan": a totally revolutionary way of re-organizing the city that will utilize existing train tracks to move new buildings–in this case, simple boxes on wheels–into new positions based on season and events.

The proposal, which took third place in the design contest hosted by Åndalsnes, included everything from a concert hall to a public hall, but the most interesting part to us is the rolling hotel.

The rooms would be simple, minimally furnished cabins that would group in the city center during the winter and move along in the tracks in the summer, taking guests out of the city and into the countryside.

The designers made the cabins of varying widths and heights based on their function. The large tower you see on the far left is the hotel restaurant followed by the kitchen, first aid cabin, locker, and sauna. The hotel would offer a suite, double room, single room, and loft for guests. Despite the modern appeareance, this "rolling hotel" is very similar in spirit to old-fashioned trains with their deluxe dining and sleeping coaches.

Should this proposal ever become a reality, it might be possible to take in some of Norway's most stunning views without ever leaving your hotel room. Just don't rock the cabin while it's on the bridge! MT

London made our hot list of places to go in 2012 for being the setting of this year's Olympic games, but really, do you ever need an excuse to visit the capital city of England? Rich in history, culture, and nightlife, London is a must-go for every traveler, whether they are in search of enchanting sites, famous landmarks, great music, beautiful architecture, world-class museums, or just a good time exploring the city's many pubs with newfound friends. The city has a wonderful public transportation system, which makes getting around town a snap as well as an adventure.

Though it's highly unlikely you'll run out of things to do in London, the city does make a great jumping off point for exploring the rest of England and even Europe (Paris is only a 2-hour trip via the Eurostar).

Many travelers choose to make the trip down to the beach city of Brighton on England's south coast. It's Victorian-era pier has been featured in many films, books, and television programs over the years. Interested in pre-historical England? You can head out to the famous Stonehenge, or go even further west to discover the many mysterious sights in the fields of Wiltshire. The cities of Oxford and Cambridge offer both beautiful architecture and history in spades, as well as many unique activities (punting on the Cam is not to be missed). Getting around England is generally quite easy and affordable if you plan ahead. Budget airlines such as EasyJet always have good fares on domestic flights, which means historic cities such as Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Belfast can be reached in little more than an hour. 

As cool as London is, it's also a very expensive city and accommodation has never been priced more highly than for this summer. Fortunately, London also has a number of reasonably priced hostels that are available year-round. We recommend familiarizing yourself with London's neighborhoods before making a booking so as to avoid being too far removed from the places you'll want to visit. If you're making the trip this summer, send us a postcard from one of the most amazing cities in the world. As Dr. Johnson so famously wrote, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."

A chic small hotel should make you feel like you've stepped into another world, like you have suddenly been whisked away to different universe, like you are…elsewhere. And Elsewhere is the name is a very chic and very small hotel in Goa, India.

Only accessible by a private footbridge, Elsewhere is an old Portuguese colony that now accommodates up to 26 guests in stylish, relaxing surroundings. Comprised of 4 ocean-facing houses built in the traditional style with thick walls, shuttered windows, and terracotta tiled sloping roofs, Elsewhere is truly a dream destination on the west coast of India. The interiors are an eclectic mix of rustic furnishings with all the bright color and culture of India shining through.

Along with 4 charming houses, Elsewhere also has three comfortably furnished tents that sleep 2-people each. But don't think you'll be roughing it: each tent has a double four-poster bed, en-suite bathroom, and private jetty overlooking the creek. Sounds perfectly heavenly to us.

Everyone has cabin fever nowadays and no wonder: the cabin might be the most straightforward structure in modern history. Basic and functional, mostly just comprised of 4 walls and a roof, the cabin is a symbol of simpler times in a complicated world. Its appeal is universal. Above is a cabin from Sweden that we think is super cool. If you, like us, have cabin fever, here is selection of cabins for rent from Boutique-Homes.com collection.

Mountains are the natural setting for a cabin. Here's the Old Yosemite Road cabin, just a stone's throw away from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, seen here in the springtime. Book now.

In the high country is the classic A-Frame cabin with a twist. It's solar powered and comes with Internet if you just must get some work done while you're on your mountain retreat. But when evening comes, put away the computer and head outdoors to sit around the firepit and tell ghost stories (or just look at the beautiful sky.) Check out the A-Frame and book your stay here.

In the same meadow as the A-Frame, right next to a small river, is the original log cabin that's been restored for modern travelers. No need to bring your bicycle; it comes with your booking! Get back in touch with nature and get some fresh air while exploring trails, discovering secret spots, and hidden swimming holes. Book your stay.

If you're into history, check out the historical cabins at Silver City. These cabins were originally used by homesteaders and rangers and have all the rustic simplicity  that will truly have you feeling like Abe Lincoln (or maybe just one of the Ingalls'). You can book a stay here, but if mountains aren't your thing, how about a cabin by the beach?

We love the colors and simple luxuries of Blue Atelie, a charming beachfront cabin in Trancoso, Brazil, that's perfect for 2 people who want to chill out in one of the world's most beautiful places. Book now.

At Punta Caracol, a chic small hotel in Panama, guests stay in cabins that are literally located ON the water. The cabins are built in the traditional Pananamian style on stilts over the Caribbean sea. The dreamy atmosphere of the photos are only a fraction of the beauty that awaits when you reserve a stay at this very small hotel. Book now.

Near Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park, a spiritual place that's becoming a real hot spot for hip Angelenos looking for a convenient weekend getaway. J-Tree is full of beautiful cabins. Above is the Mustang, a cabin set among the boulders and cactus trees. Sit on the front porch in the summertime to soak up that desert sun. Book now.

Highdesert Homestead is another Joshua Tree-adjacent cabin that will keep you cozy and warm when snow blankets National Park. Book now.

A cabin in Denmark's spectacular Thy National Park trends towards the modern. The architecture promotes a sense of openness and connection with the natural environment. Large windows give you amazing views of the surrounding dunes and lakes. Book your stay now.

Four walls, a roof, and a door open to nature. Who could ask for more? The Sliding House in Nova Scotia is a minimalist travelers dream, as well as an award-winning design. Book it now.

What happens if your dream vacation spot doesn't have any cool cabins? Take a trailer! This vintage beauty is part of Far Meadow and can be placed anywhere in the meadow for extra sleeping room.

You can find all these cabins at more only on Boutique-Homes.com. See you there!