Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Slick Dog House for “Modern” Pets: Cuddly or Exaggerated ?
• How to Choose Plumbing Fixtures to Match your Decor Style
• Unusual Kitchen Bench with Plenty of Space for Storage
• How Gold can Brighten up your Home
• Creative and Sustainable Modern Home in Santa Monica: King Residence

Slick Dog House for “Modern” Pets: Cuddly or Exaggerated ? Posted: 02 Jan 2011 06:10 AM PST When it comes to pets, some people have a tendency to go out of their way to ensure that these little animals are taken care of in the best possible way. Today’s special dog splurge comes from Best Friend’s Home and it consists of a handcrafted, state-of-the-art “modern” dog house. “Cubix” is a spacious and airy miniature architectural work inspired by the Bauhaus style and especially created to provide comfort and “living space” for the cuddly creatures. The small building features a door especially developed for the canines and several rectangular windows. As for the materials used to build this extravagant home, the company utilized break-proof window glass and premium varnished wood. Can you guess the price for this uncommon crib? “Cubix” will take a dog owner back 1900 Euros, which in some countries is the same amount of money some people give away in order to furnish their entire living-room. Freshome readers, what is your opinion of this dog house? Cute and cuddly or exaggerated? – via blueantstudio Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Furniture that Doubles as Comfy Hideaways for your Pets Modern House in Tempe, Arizona Jessica Helgerson Remodelling a Modern Ranch Modern Jodlowa House in Krakow, Poland Hello Kitty House in Shanghai How to Organize Your Home with Pets Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Choose Plumbing Fixtures to Match your Decor Style Posted: 02 Jan 2011 05:04 AM PST Remember when your bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures used to come in a few styles, and the options were limited to 2 or 3 metals and colors? Today, plumbing fixtures come in varying metals, faucet types, and control options.  There is a style to match your decor, and your family's lifestyle. From faucets that turn on with a slight touch, to fixtures that cascade water out in a waterfall, there are ones that are perfect for your home. Here are tips to choose plumbing fixtures that will enhance your sink, tub or shower area, and be a joy to use every day! Decide what decor style fits your home: Whether your kitchen/bath is traditional or ultra modern, your plumbing fixtures should take cues from the decor. For rooms that have ornamentation, and traditional lines consider using fixtures which have similar details. For minimalist detailing choose simple and clean lines in your fixtures. Strong horizontals and chrome or nickel metals are synonymous with modern styling. Take cues from your sink/bathtub: Before you decide on fixtures, take a look at your sink or bathtub. Do you have a country style farmhouse kitchen sink or a luxurious garden bathtub? Many plumbing fixture manufacturers group their products into designer lines that will help you pair up fixture with your current sink, bath or shower. Use pre-matched inspiration ideas to show you what plumbing fixtures would look best in your space. Assess your family lifestyle: Every home has different wear and tear based on its family members and where the fixture is located. Most kitchen faucets receive more use than a tub or shower fixture. If you have a lot of dirty hands that will constantly be touching the kitchen faucet, consider getting one with hands free or one touch controls. If your home is going to be the subject of a lot of entertaining than opting for a wow factor fixture with high polished metal or a dramatic silhouette may be perfect for your space. Know your budget: Plumbing fixtures are one part of home improvements that you don't think about until you have to. Shop around for prices and inspiration ideas before you need to choose. This will help you not buy on raw emotion, which can often times be costly! If you are on a tight budget, see if there are wholesale plumbing fixture dealers or warehouses in your area. Often times these resources will sell designer or manufacturer fixtures that are discontinued or have slight imperfections. Search online for resources in your area. Similar to decor accessories making the finishing touches in interior design, plumbing fixtures are the shining adornment of your sink, bathtub or shower. Choose from metals that range from antique bronze and shiny gold to brushed nickel and copper. If you are selling your home consider upgrading your plumbing fixtures if they are outdated. Often time's updated fixtures will make your renovation dollar go further than having to spend a lot for a full remodel.  Whether it's for resale or for your own enjoyment, see how your kitchen or bath can be transformed with plumbing fixtures. Freshome reader's we'd love to know what type of plumbing fixtures you love. Do you prefer ones that blend into your decor or stand out amongst your kitchen or bath? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Light Plumbing Candle Holders by Claus Bjerre How Silver Tones can Sleek up your Interiors Bathroom Simplicity and Style : ‘Lilac’ Bathroom Sets by Aquaplus Home Decor Vinyl Stickers by ARTSTICK 26 Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Home Slant Table by Rhubarb Decor Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Unusual Kitchen Bench with Plenty of Space for Storage Posted: 02 Jan 2011 03:30 AM PST The På Sofflocket bench was designed by Swedish students Emma Nilsson, Johanna Westin & Lisa Frode and comes with quite a few original features. Said to be a mix of traditional and modern elements meant to “reinterpret and adapt the common kitchen sofa”, this intriguing looking piece of furniture has a minimalist design abundant in practicability. Complying with characteristics of contemporary living (need for extra space and people always on the run), this kitchen addition has plenty of built-in storage space under the seat for easy access. The back-rest also comes with a support for books, magazines, newspapers and so on. It is all up to the owner to organize the objects according to his or her needs. Even though this bench is not as comfortable as a regular sofa, we salute its creativity and functionality. På Sofflocket will be exhibited at Stockholm Furniture Fair in February. For those of you participating at the event, be sure to check it out up close. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Table Bench Unusual Storage Idea: Book Cases for Keeping Small Objects Modern Space Saving Mini Kitchen from Ensci Tree Bench Remarkable Kitchen Design, Milan 2010 Wood Garden Hanna Bench Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How Gold can Brighten up your Home Posted: 02 Jan 2011 02:23 AM PST Out of all of the metals in the world, gold is symbolized with wealth and glamour. From homes of the wealthy in historical times, to modern day prestige and richness, gold will transcend time. The beauty of gold is it's availability today to whoever wants a touch of glitz and sophistication in their interiors. With paint finishes, gold tone metals and faux gold finish techniques, your home can be brightened with the use of gold. Here are a few ways to make your interiors shine. Metal paneling has many uses: Gold can be represented in metal paneling throughout your home. Use vertical metal panels on accent walls, and to add reflection and brightness to a space. Depending on the finish you choose, use gold sparingly when using a high gloss. In larger spaces the use of satin or matte finished gold panels add glints of reflection, without be gaudy. Accents of gold can make a statement: Gold used in tile, accessories, and hammered finishes can take an ordinary room and make it come alive. Try mixing gold tones with bronze, copper and rose gold finishes. The interplay of gold tones with neutrals such as black and whites contrasts well and keeps your interiors visually appealing. Decide on a few tones of gold and surround the rest of your space with subtle and muted tones. This will help play up the accents of gold, without looking like a gold circus in your room! Antiqued gold: If you prefer to leave your gold tones for specific décor, consider using it in eye catching pieces like mirrors, or a side table with an antique gold finish. Instead of the high gloss shine of a traditional gold finish, antiqued gold has a burnished appeal and it looks classic paired with pastels and soft hues. Furniture, tables, and accessories that use antiqued gold can be found at antique, vintage and occasionally at estate sales. Once you find a piece, you'll love how it becomes the stunner piece of your space. Let in the light: Due to the reflective nature of gold and metallic finishes, light can only enhance interiors that feature light. Whether using natural or artificial light to bring out golden hues, ensure proper light enters your space. At night time be mindful of glass tables, and gold reflective surfaces with lamps and direct lighting. Prevent glare with diffused lighting and be mindful of placement of table and reading lamps. Start off small in your use of too many ultra shiny surfaces, and your interiors will look gorgeous. Brightening your home with the use of gold tones can add character and style to a space in your home that was unexpected. Although we always think of gold as being a big and bold use of color, remember you can tone down the quantity and the saturation of how much is used. For inspiration ideas visit designer online sites and blogs to see how they have used gold tastefully. Eclectic mixes of metals and finishes can add a boost of excitement. Try pairing a wood floor with an area rug that has pops of gold, you will love it! Freshome reader's do you use the color gold in your interiors? Is gold modern, or do you think it's a dated look? Leave your comments below. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Fitting Gold – Modular Furniture 10 Ways to Enlighten your Home Using Yellow Ultra Modern House on Australia Gold Coast Dramatic, Opulent and Original Bathtubs From Lineatre How to use Glass to Brighten your Home Beautifuel Life – Oil Can Coffee Set Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Creative and Sustainable Modern Home in Santa Monica: King Residence Posted: 02 Jan 2011 12:56 AM PST The King Residence comes from JFAK Architects and is located in Santa Monica, California. Unlike common modern architecture projects these days, this particular home opens up into a large garden and patio facing the street. This means less privacy, but more indoor-outdoor communication. According to the architects, the house's blurring of public/private reinforces the sense of community that the owners embrace and encourage. We have to say we salute this type of projects, as long as they are located in safe areas. But this home is not just about looks and communication. Taking up the challenge of being up-to-date with the global energy saving mechanisms, King Residence has plenty of sustainable features, as seen in the last photo of this post. Here is more information from the architects: “Echoing the openness of the house to the neighborhood, the interior is a series of free-flowing, continuous spaces that fosters a supportive, interactive family lifestyle. Generous use of skylights creates constantly changing light conditions that activate the interior. Extensive vertical glazing reduces the need for artificial lighting and enables ocean breezes to naturally ventilate the entire house, which does not include an air-conditioning system.” Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Stunning Sotheby's Home in Santa Ynez Contemporary Residence in Santa Ynez Valley, USA King King Bed King of Siam Shelf Solar Decathlon Sustainable House in Ithaca, New York Malibu 5: A dazzling home brimming with solar goodness Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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