Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Small Home with a Simple and Smart Design in Germany
• Freshome Reader Help: Advice on Laying Out Space
• Perfect Bachelor’s Retreat : Salt Spring Island Caban
• Simple Decor Ideas for Children’s Rooms

Small Home with a Simple and Smart Design in Germany Posted: 06 Aug 2010 08:19 AM PDT Jakob Bader Architecture have completed this small but very smart house design in Munich-Unterfoehring, Germany. Even though it features some “green” technologies, such as a geothermal pump and air ventilation systems, “House V” is not looked at as sustainable project, but more as a smart one with a low maintenance costs.  The home does not have an indoor garage, but features a very original covered parking spot. Its red exterior makes it stand out and creates a fascinating contrast with the environment. Here is more information on the design plans from the architects: “The living spaces are to the north enclosed on three sides by glass and outside by the garden. Here the planning of the house becomes obvious. The open living room, kitchen and dining spaces are arranged like a Basilica with the kitchen at the centre, the high alter of our time. The main bedroom and hidden terrace directly above the living room in the loft, are reminiscent of a winter-garden: from the bed one can observe the starry night sky, snow flakes or aeroplanes“. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Freshome Reader Help: Advice on Laying Out Space Posted: 06 Aug 2010 06:23 AM PDT RAFAEL: I recently bought a place under construction (the structure is up, cement only) and I have the chance to make some changes in this construction phase. I would love to know your thoughts and ideas on some of the spaces I want to create. I’ll start with the living/dinner room. My biggest “problem” with this space is that no fireplace was included on the original project. I want to build one on top of what’s currently done (all the walls are already up). I will be decorating based on contemporary/minimal style.Here is the blueprint so you can have an Idea of what the space is. Can you share your ideas or links? EDITOR: Have suggestions on how Rafael can incorporate a fireplace into his space? 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

Perfect Bachelor’s Retreat : Salt Spring Island Caban Posted: 06 Aug 2010 04:16 AM PDT This beautiful forest retreat was designed by Olson Kundig Architects and is located in the North of the San Juan islands within the Salish Sea. It is a single room cabin, meant as a gateway for a bachelor. You will notice the interior is minimalist, but has a high level of comfort. We particularly like the sliding exterior “wall’ that can isolate the windows when needed in order to create shade or simply determine seclusion. The judges that offered Tom Kundig a Residential Architect award for this particular cabin design described the original sliding panel as follows: “The panel —operated by hand like a barn door— is commodity steel pulled off a stack before fabrication. Kundig, FAIA, let the lettering stand as "an authentic mark of its history and in the spirit of allowing materials to age naturally with no 'protective' coating that needs maintenance.” What other interesting elements did you observe? Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Simple Decor Ideas for Children’s Rooms Posted: 06 Aug 2010 01:45 AM PDT Our children usually don't have a say in the look of their rooms.  Nurseries are created before babies are born, and by time they do have a say, they're moving off to college! Children's wall colors and decor ideas have come a long way from the traditional pink and blue.  From gender neutral spaces to theme derived walls, here are simple décor ideas to decorate your children's rooms. COLORS: In homes today kid's rooms don't have to stick to the ordinary colors of generations past.  Gender neutral colors are becoming more popular and lend the opportunity for the space to become multifunctional.  Colors like sage green, yellow, red, and chocolate brown can be paired with neutrals white, black or tan to give a modern take on kid's décor.   If you plan to have the room pair with another function, such as an office consider using colors that will not diminish either function. For example, consider pairing dark espresso wood furniture of both office and kids.  Then use matching colors in each area of the room. Patterns and materials can be diverse to differentiate the function and use of the space.  This technique ties the space together visually, and leaves the space enjoyable for kid and adult. THEME INSPIRED: Kid's rooms have always been a space where adults can let their creativity shine through.  Theme inspired bedroom are a nice way to let children have a place of their own and they can use their imagination to dream.  Theme inspired rooms can range from sports, hobbies, or whimsical fantasy lands.  Consider using wall murals, stickers, wallpaper, or fabric to bring the theme alive. DO IT YOURSELF: Whether it is you grabbing a paint brush, or your kids grabbing a marker, do it yourself décor can save you money and feel rewarding when finished. Coloring book inspired wallpaper in black and white is available for children to color themselves! Painted murals on walls can be as intricate or simple as you like. A simple silhouette painted in a contrasting color to the wall can make the simplest room instantly have character. SAVING MONEY: Decorating your kid's room doesn't have to cost you a fortune.  Similarly, to decorating in other rooms of your home, online classifieds are a perfect place to find good deals on furniture.  Also consider thrift stores and clearance areas of department stores! These places can be a gold mine. Often times mismatched bedding, and slightly imperfect room décor will make your kid's room perfect.  Also consider antique stores for one-of-a-kind items.  Don't like the color or finish? With a few simple tools, and a new can on paint or stain, you can breathe new life in to an old piece of furniture. The opportunity to make your kid's rooms memorable should be fun and stress free.  Freshome reader's how have you decorated your kid's room? Have any tips for saving money, or finding cool do it yourself projects to do?  Leave us your comments, someone can always benefit from them ! Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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