Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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Sustainable Prefabricated Residence in Mojave Desert, California: Bluesky Home Posted: 08 Jan 2011 12:56 AM PST Located in an arid Yucca Valley in California, the Bluesky Home is an ingenious project consisting of a sustainable and highly adaptable residence. This unusual crib was designed by Blue Sky Homes LLC and architect Lance O'Donnell of o2 Architecture. Maximizing the views and ensuring a high level of privacy were the main goals when developing this unique building. Here is the official description from the architects: The 1,000 square feet house with 340 square feet of outdoor deck is positioned above the site surface on moment-resisting columns and beams of cold-formed, light gauge steel. The building envelope is composed by a grid of pre-manufactured Steel Thermal Efficient Panels and standardized building components. The bathroom module, containing all home mechanical, plumbing, and electrical services, is built off-site and delivered finished with the flat packed kit-of parts. Interiors are defined by the placement of storage cabinetry, eliminating interior framed walls. Solar technologies provide electricity, hot water and space heating. The flat packed building components minimize transportation volume and promote sustainability through material and structural efficiency.(Photography: Nuvue Interactive) Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Contemporary Home Dominating an Arid Landscape: Palm Desert Residence Contemporary Green Residence in Palo Alto An Oasis of Modern Living in Arizona: the Dialogue House Contemporary Belair Residence in California Sustainable Luxury Living : Aura at Camelback Prefabricated House – Upcher by Bates Masi Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Decorate your Awkward Hallway Posted: 07 Jan 2011 07:46 AM PST Do you have that one hallway in your home that you're not quite sure how to decorate it? Whether it is too long, too narrow, or it opens up to a doorway, awkward hallways are common in most homes. Home owners tend to under or overestimate them when decorating, and in turn cause more decorating headache than need be.  Hallways or corridors in your home are supposed to deliver people through your home, and each hallway should be an experience rather than a tunnel. If you are looking for ways to address your awkward hallway, here are a few tips. Don't overcrowd: If your hallway is at the entrance of your home, entrance of a stairway or leads directly into another room, be careful as not to overcrowd the walkway. Consider using furnishings that 'hug' the wall, rather than protrude into valuable walking area. Also utilize vertical wall space for decorative mirrors, artwork and wall lighting sconces. This way you add decorative touches visually but don't overcrowd the walking area. Awkward intersections: If your hallway leads to awkward intersections of adjoining rooms, stairs and entry ways, be mindful of traffic patterns when decorating. If the hallway is narrow opt for décor on the walls instead of the floor. Consider decorating open floor plan rooms with furniture adjacent to the hallway. This way the hallway doesn't look bare and visually can borrow décor from adjacent spaces. The eye will be fooled, and your intersection won't seem as awkward. Make it inviting: Whether your hallway is in the front entry, or it is in the back of the house leading to the garage, a hallway can be made inviting with color, instantly.  For narrower hallways use lighter colors to open up the dark corridor, and conversely use darker colors where there is ample natural light. Consider painting baseboard trim and door trim in a complimenting neutral tone to bring out the color of the walls. If you have room add a welcoming chair, or a floor vase of natural elements, like bamboo for visual height. Bare hallways aren't always bad: If your hallway seems awkward because it doesn't have any décor in it, consider if there is a place for the eye to travel, naturally. Hallways that are adjacent to kitchens, landscaped outdoor views, or into adjacent spaces, are often fine left alone. Remember, your hallway should let a person arrive at the next space without thinking about the journey. If you feel uncomfortable while walking through a hallway, consider adding décor, color or more natural light. Awkward hallways don't have to be a decorating nightmare. Use these simple tips and see if you can turn an unpleasant transition space into an enjoyable one. If the floor plan of your home has different flooring coming together at the hallway, consider having flooring flow into one another. Often times we think of our home as individual spaces with a hallway to connect them. Your hallway will seem less awkward if the flooring matches, and doesn't get broken up visually. Freshome reader's do you have awkward hallways in your home? How did you solve the transition dilemma between rooms? We'd love to hear your comments. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Hallways and Entrances- A Few Inspiring Ideas Interior Design Advice for a Freshome.com Fan How to Use Mirrors to Decorate your Home Grizzly Bear Table How to Choose the Perfect Exterior Holiday Decor Bedroom Inspiration #2 Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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