Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Fashionable and Comfy Recamier Reading Corner
• Creative Project Based on an Optical Illusion : “Anamorphic Typography”
• Freshome Reader Help: Needs Advice on Room Layout
• Surreal Looking Beach House Within a Dramatic Environment
• The Pros and Cons of Buying a New vs. Pre-owned Home

Fashionable and Comfy Recamier Reading Corner Posted: 05 Aug 2010 08:40 AM PDT There are few activities as relaxing and stimulating as reading. Those who enjoy it so much usually have their own special reading corner within their crib, a place where they like to get lost in the fascinating words of who knows what authors. What you see in the photos below is a combination between a comfortable chaise-longue and a shelving system, creating the “Recamier Reading Corner” from designer Inbar Paradny Kalomidi. With this type of furniture item, reading will seem more intense than ever, as the ergonomics of this design ensures maximum body comfort and a high level of concentration. The uncommon reading corner looks perfect for the living room and when it is not in use by one of the passionate “readers” within the home, it can serve as a regular sitting item. With the shelves near by, all of the user’s favorite books are easy to reach and so are other items that can be used during reading intermissions.- via HomeQn Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Creative Project Based on an Optical Illusion : “Anamorphic Typography” Posted: 05 Aug 2010 06:42 AM PDT Some time ago we had this amazing project on Freshome featuring a Floating Car Illusion which we’re sure most of you remember. Here is a similar idea from Joseph Egan and Hunter Thomson, graduates of the Chelsea School of Art and Design. “Anamorphic Typography” is the name of their final school project and it features some uncommon installations that can only be read when standing in a certain point within the location. This is a very interesting graphic design project that we think can be applied to interior design. For example let’s analyze the possibility of a message or a brand name written on the walls of a club or an art studio. It could work, don’t you think? If we were to take this idea even further, such a message could be “engraved” in an unconventional room in a private home. We will ask you the same question as we did in the Floating Car post and that is “what would you have written on the walls of your home ?” (in case some of you would actually go for a thing like this). There is a video uploaded too, be sure to check it out! Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Freshome Reader Help: Needs Advice on Room Layout Posted: 05 Aug 2010 05:20 AM PDT BRANDON: We have a blank canvas for our living room and dining area. It is a small house so we want to keep it simple and contemporary and not cluttered. 3 things we have decided are dark bamboo floors, crown molding, and a medium to light gray paint. We want to accent the wood wall (real redwood, not panels) and do something about the mantle. Also where do we put the flat screen? What would u do? EDITOR: Freshome Reader’s help Brandon decide how to place and accentuate elements in his home. If you would like to enter Help My Space Freshome! Click here for all the details. Freshome reader’s will comment on your space and help you solve your design dilemma. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Surreal Looking Beach House Within a Dramatic Environment Posted: 05 Aug 2010 02:19 AM PDT This beautiful beach house is located in the vicinity of a famous surfing spot, close to Slaughterhouse Beach, Maui and was designed by Olson Kundig Architects . The landscape looks amazing and at a first glance the pictures could give the impression that perhaps the construction is not real. The unusual building is said to take the concept of a surfing hut forward and combine its traditional features with a contemporary way of living. Here is more from the architects:”The structure's walls are constructed from rammed earth. In this process, different local earth-based mixtures are packed together, and the resulting striated layers are visible both inside and outside the building. The walls blend in with the surroundings, are low maintenance, virtually fireproof, and a strong barrier to sound.” Three “huts” were combined in order to complete this residence, each with their well defined purpose: living space, guest rooms and a general sleeping area. Enjoy the photos! Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

The Pros and Cons of Buying a New vs. Pre-owned Home Posted: 05 Aug 2010 01:04 AM PDT Buying a home is a decision that can be exhilarating and scary at the same time. When researching the advantages of disadvantages of buying new versus a pre-owned home, make sure you weigh your personal experience first.  Some buyers have had several homes before settling on "THE ONE" home that makes them happy for years to come.  For those buying their first home, the decision factors will be very different and rightfully should be.  Here are a few of the pros and cons of buying new versus pre-owned homes. HOME WARRANTIES: PROS (NEW): In a new home the warranties all begin from the closing date of the home.  Items such as appliances usually have a 1 year builder's warranty and appliance manufacturers offer extended warranties on their individual appliances in addition to it. The thought of getting a home where "everything" is covered for 1, 5, even 20 years for items such as structural or roofing systems is definitely the appeal for many home buyers. CONS (NEW): In a new home the warranties don't usually cover wear and tear and improper use of home components.  This can sometime get to be a sticky topic if your carpet starts pulling up at the seams, but the builder can prove you have 5 dogs, and 4 kids! PROS (USED) In pre-owned homes the seller and the buyer can negotiate getting an extended home warranty on some or all components of the home. From appliances, to swimming pools, to the air conditioning and heating systems, extended home warranties give the buyer a piece of mind when purchasing a previously owned home. CONS (USED): The number one reason why people don't like to buy previously owned homes is because there is always the "What if" factor of the unknown. The possibility that the previous owner had a mold condition, and covered it up cosmetically, can be a possibility. Home sellers are required to sign a pre-existing conditions disclosure stating that they don't knowingly know of any problems with the home they are selling. OUT OF POCKET COSTS: PROS (NEW) If buying a home from a building developer they often will have good incentives to get you to sign on the dotted line.   In the slow market height, builder's were throwing in major appliances, upgrades, and 'bonus' cash that could be used for closing costs or applied to additional upgrades. CONS (NEW) Now that the housing market is starting to recuperate the incentives for out of pocket expenses may not be as favorable. Often times major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washer/dryers still have to be purchased by the home buyer. When moving into a new home, some other out of pocket monies to consider could be: window coverings, major appliances, lawn irrigation system, and ceiling fans. PROS (USED) this is the main benefit of buying a pre-owned home, most everything that the previous owner put into the home, comes with the home. The home seller can decide if they want to throw in furniture and other amenities. This is a major advantage for home buyer's that want to have a "move-in ready" home. CONS (USED) The disadvantage of  buying a pre-owned home when it comes to out of pocket costs is that some items that come with the home are not in good condition.  You could inherit appliances, and home systems that may cost you money in updating or keeping in working condition.  Make sure and hire a home inspector after your offer has been accepted by the buyer.  A home inspection will unveil issues that are beyond cosmetic.  It will also give the home seller the opportunity to address any outstanding concerns/repairs with the home. Take your time and weigh the pros and cons of buying a new versus pre-owned home.  Your decision may change when you find your 'dream' home! Remember, at the end of the day, new or pre-owned, your home should make you feel comfortable for years to follow. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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