Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Extreme Apartment Renovation by Estudio Ramos [Before and After Photos]
• How to use Literary Accents Throughout your Home Decor
• Modern Aquarium Kitchen With a Strong Visual Impact by Darren Morgan
• Luxurious Home in Australia with an Elegant Design

Extreme Apartment Renovation by Estudio Ramos [Before and After Photos] Posted: 22 Dec 2010 04:40 AM PST The 56th Street apartment is a renovation project from Architects Estudio Ramos, located in Manhattan, New York. Here is the information we received from the architects, together with some striking before and after photos by Soledad Ramos: “The history and elegance of the Lombardy Building, dating from 1926, together with its privileged location in Manhattan, merited a total renovation of this two story apartment. Its size, exposure (NE, SE, and SW) and floor plan are unique and the potential for a luminous, modern and sophisticated living space was evident. The basic idea for this renovation was to create a straightforward, elegant, and clean design, taking advantage of the luminous and excellent views and creating an atmosphere of comfort, functionality and simplicity. All spaces were totally redone.  Windows that had been blocked over were reopened, permitting more direct sunlight. Beams and ceilings on the lower floor were leveled to give the area a more spacious look, and also allowing a unified lighting treatment. Hardwood floors were used in the lower floor.The outdated staircase was renovated using walls, light colored wood and carpeting, setting the tone to the upper floor bedrooms. The kitchen was totally redesigned and an opening to the dining room was added, giving this space direct light, ampleness and functionality. In the TV room a closet was transformed into an office space with desk and shelving. In the entire apartment the radiators were hidden using low-built in furniture that in some cases were used as shelving. The second floor bathrooms received special attention. Marble and distinctive lighting ensured elegance .The main bath was enlarged to add a shower besides the bath. Wooden planters and deck were added to the terrace, giving this outdoor space an inviting atmosphere. Neutral tones were used on walls, window treatment and furniture. The color accents come from the art work by south American artists, some of them include  G. Serra, D. Batalla , M. Lockett and D. Sarzale. The overall effect of the apartment is cheerful and sophisticated.” Before and after photos below: Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Gemma Ahern Apartment Renovation – Cost Effective Designing Swedish Inspiration: Turning a Small Apartment into a Gemstone Beautiful Apartment in Lisbon : A Fun Family Renovation How To Create a Minimalist Home Apartments with Personal Car Elevators The Clean and Contemporary Calibra Seating Collection Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to use Literary Accents Throughout your Home Decor Posted: 22 Dec 2010 02:27 AM PST Every few years there's a trend that starts in home decor that turns into a staple of today's interiors. Literary accents, or alphabet and numeric symbols are everywhere in home decor! What used to be reserved for children's rooms and play areas, are now taking a more 'grown-up' appeal in interiors. Varying sizes, materials, and applications are all popular and they can be represented in countless ways. Here are suggestions on how to bring literary accents into your home décor. Playful textiles: Monogrammed bath towels, alphabet throw pillows and numeric area rugs are great ways to show your whimsical side of your space. For younger rooms use neon and pastel colors to evoke a youthful and playful nature to the room. For an adult space, use tweeds and plaid material, or even leather and suede to convey maturity and sophistication. Wall art: One of the most traditional ways to display literary accents is through wall art. We all remember the traditional letters put on the wall for our kids, but how about in the dining room or the kitchen? Creative displays can include varying sizes of letters displayed in unique ways. Letters falling down the wall, jumbled up, or even piled up at one side of the wall gives visual interest to the room instantly. For a unique approach, spell out your family members names, use your initials, or select random letters that look cool together! Unique metals: In home libraries, offices and studies there is a trend to use literary accents to evoke a traditional and scholarly approach to the interiors. Using gun metal, stainless steel, wood and iron letters and numbers used as book ends, and random book shelf art are common. If you want to include them on your desk, or fireplace mantle, place them near memorabilia you hold dear. The great part of using these for your display is there are no design rules, use as many or as little as you wish. Storage uses: From bookshelves to using actual letters for display. Literary accents can be used as décor or for practical storage at the same time. Visit your local home improvement store for ideas for building large letters that can stand on their own as bookshelves, or be affixed to a wall. If you're feeling crafty, try your hand at different size numbers and letters made from different materials, and paint them in matching colors to your interior palette scheme.  Be creative that's the beauty of adding literary accents throughout your home! Would you have thought that you could be so creative with letters and numbers in your home décor?  Many home décor websites and satellite television programs have multiple ways to use literary accents too. Visit garage sales for letters from old restaurants, shops, and signage to give a more eclectic use of letters and numbers too. There's a wealth of resources out there! Freshome readers, how do you like the new trend for adding literary accents to your home? Do you have them in your interiors? We'd love to know how you display them. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Home Decor Vinyl Stickers by ARTSTICK Music Fan? Turn Up The Place! 5 Tips to Keep Your Home Fashionable and Trendy Raiser Munny Toy by Adam Haynes 26 Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Home Stylish “Lantern” Speakers from Xount Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Modern Aquarium Kitchen With a Strong Visual Impact by Darren Morgan Posted: 22 Dec 2010 12:20 AM PST Kitchens are no longer static zones, where nothing interesting ever happens. Northern Ireland based designer Darren Morgan aka Kitchen Mogul created this Dynamic Kitchen to demonstrate just how “alive” a kitchen may become. Here is some information from the designer: “I wanted this kitchen to literally come alive within the architecture surrounding it while still performing beyond expectation on functional level. My aim is to encourage a relationship between user and kitchen right down to knowing the names of the fish and having the functionality tailored to the user's lifestyle. The remotely operated doors and custom made aquarium breath life into this kitchen while the island introduces softer geometry and mood setting colour. This kitchen fits any social occasion or time of day. Achieving ergonomic efficiency and aesthetic satisfaction on every level is the reason for this design.” The design below features a three meter long aquarium, interactive light settings and low energy LEDs that can transform a common dining area into a night club, a restaurant, a coffee shop or a living room, whatever the user feels is appropriate. Could this kitchen design be more versatile? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Silverfish Aquarium – A Mansion for Fishes Modern Aquarium : Spacearium Table with Chairs that Saves Space in the Dining Room Moody Aquarium Sink Hope Table by Rafael Morgan The Light Drop Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Luxurious Home in Australia with an Elegant Design Posted: 21 Dec 2010 10:43 PM PST Contemporary and stylish, this next home features luxurious living areas and four large bedrooms, each with their own walk in and bathroom. Built in Australia, the house impresses from the very start: a high ceiling on the entry portico makes it imposing and keeps the architecture within modern lines. Another great feature is the large living area, surrounded by highly modern furniture and accentuated by well chosen decorative objects. Aside from having comfortable and versatile living areas, the house also has a garage with two parking spaces and an outdoor entertaining area. Awaiting a new owner, the house has some details that would make anyone proud: western red cedar windows to front elevation, state of the art kitchen, 3m ceilings and a home theatre, an outdoor terrace area including a beautiful lap pool, outdoor BBQ, and western red cedar lined ceiling. It seems the architects used the houses in the surrounding area for inspiration, but captured a contemporary feel in building it. Do you think that this particular home has all the needed and desired features to make it an impressive piece of architecture and interior design? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Modern Barrow House in Melbourne, Australia A world of luxury and scenic beauty: Hot home in the heart of Brisbane! Luxurious Home in London’s Holland Park Luxurious Riverfront Apartment in Gold Coast, Australia Luxurious Residence by Judy Goodger Hideaway Island House in Australia Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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