Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Breathtaking Urban Art: Wall Sculptures by Alexandre Farto
• Sustainable Retreat with Charming Design Details: Caterpillar House
• Astonishing Toothpick Sculpture: Rolling through the Bay by Scott Weaver [Video]
• How to Create a Functional Closet Home Office
• 1850′s Church Transformed into Stunning Bluestone Residence
• Imposing Concrete Residence in Warsaw: Safe House
• Connecting History and Modernism Through Design: Mechanical Workshop Bar by Corvin Cristian

Breathtaking Urban Art: Wall Sculptures by Alexandre Farto Posted: 28 Apr 2011 07:53 AM PDT Even though Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto aka Vhils also works with billboards, prints, metal, and other mixed media, for today we decided to show you these amazing portraits carved into walls. There is not a lot one could say when looking at these amazing works that have the ability of leaving one breathless. There is so much elegance and expressiveness displayed by these carvings that it is hard to imagine they were made simply by scratching wall surfaces. Using disused and depleted buildings as his canvas, the artists managed to create incredible works of public art which enrich the city and dazzle the minds of the passers-by. We would love to see this type of street art being popularized and taking major proportions in urban areas across the globe, wouldn’t you? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Beautiful Paper Work by Jen Stark Indoor Living Wall Planter Beautiful Wave Sculptures Comfortable Sleeping Environment for your Baby : Alma Urban Cot The Urban Lounge – An ergonomically pleasing seat Amazing Moss and Concrete Sculptures From Robert Cannon Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Sustainable Retreat with Charming Design Details: Caterpillar House Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:17 AM PDT Caterpillar House was designed by Feldman Architecture and is situated in the hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve, California. According to the architects, “Caterpillar House implements sustainable elements while exploring a contemporary version of the ranch ideals: massing that is low and horizontal, an open plan with a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and main living areas which center informally on the kitchen. Connecting literally and figuratively to the site, excavated earth was repurposed for the construction of the walls.  These rammed earth walls gently curve in response to the site’s contours and also act as a thermal mass, regulating temperatures from day to night. Capturing rainwater for irrigation, three tanks proudly sit close to the home – a clear sign of the available water resources for landscape.  Large south-facing glass doors open the main living area to a large covered contemporary porch and to an outdoor patio with sunshades that expand and contract to allow for a flexible entertaining area that responds to the client’s needs. The glazing, natural ventilation and operable shading also act as a passive heating and cooling system, cooling the house in the summer and warming the house in winter. Integrated photovoltaic panels enable the house to produce all of its energy requirements without compromising the graceful curve of the low roof against the hill.”(Photos by Joe Fletcher Photography) Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Solar Decathlon Sustainable House in Ithaca, New York A Beautiful and Inspiring Home Family Design Delightful Kitchen Design from Arrital Cucine Modern Home in Bainbridge Island with Sustainable Features: Ellice Residence Charming Traditional Greek Home on the Island of Tinos Sustainable Luxury Living : Aura at Camelback Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Astonishing Toothpick Sculpture: Rolling through the Bay by Scott Weaver [Video] Posted: 28 Apr 2011 04:06 AM PDT With enthusiasm and hard work, a gifted artist can create stunning things. What you are about to see is a fantastic toothpick sculpture depicting the life in San Francisco. Made from over 100,000 toothpicks over the course of 35 years, the “Rolling through the Bay” toothpick sculpture was created by Scott Weaver, an artist who has been building toothpick sculptures since he was 8 years old, back in 1968. The sculpture features four ping-pong balls that take you on a tour across the toothpick city. The idea for this sculpture came in 1974, when constructing a new sculpture, Scott Weaver added the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street, which had a ping-pong ball roll through it. Building on that idea, after a long and sinuous artistic journey, the “Rolling through the Bay” toothpick sculpture is finally done. The artist has worked on it on and off, staying busy with other projects too. You can see it on display in the Tinkering Studio. Until you get the chance to see it in front of you, enjoy the pictures below + watch the video at the end of the article ! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Striking Animated Light Sculpture The Rolling Shelf Modern Rocking Chair and Love Seat by Scott Wilson Roll Fire from Conmoto Roman Chair Sculpture – Capitello Creative Seating from Scott Morrison : Rocker Cradle Chair Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Create a Functional Closet Home Office Posted: 28 Apr 2011 03:01 AM PDT If you are trying to determine how to bring a home office into your space, and there just isn't enough free wall space to do it, converting a closet into one, may be your best solution.  Many closets are not used nearly to their best potential, and by converting one into a home office could solve your space issue and help you stay organized and functional in your office.  If you're considering transforming that poorly used hall closet into a worthwhile office space, here are tips to help you. Determine what functions are necessities: When creating a home office in a closet, remember it will take a degree of pairing down from large amounts of storage, clutter and stuff! Since closet offices are generally small in nature, determine what elements of your home office are essential and which ones are for pure decoration and those that take up space. Stream line and organize files, and office equipment into storage containers, file cabinets and stylish desk and shelf organizers. Make your office inspiring: Just because you are converting an existing closet doesn't mean it has to look like a closet. Before you build your work surface inside your closet, opt for painting the inside walls an inspiring color or plan to use colorful photos and personal touches to bring the walls alive. Many craft and office supply stores have coordinating desk accessories, bulletin and maker boards and wall organizers to bring a personal style to your closet home office. Consider using fabric or colorful window treatments as a way to close off your office closet, if you prefer instead of doors. Accentuate the positives: While it may seem you are compromising to have a closet office, think of all the positives you can accentuate in your office. A smaller space means less to organize, which in turn may help you keep your desk and work area cleaner. Easy accessibility to your closet home office may mean less time wasting time in a large unproductive room, and more time for you to get right into your tasks at hand.  One of the biggest positives? You can still keep all of your other rooms in your house looking great, without having to takeover the kitchen table with all of your work related activities! Choose comfortable components: Since you are working in a smaller space, ensure that you are going to have a comfortable area to work in. Ensure desk height, chair, computer and electronic accessibility are comfortable and don't require you to squeeze into a small space. Opt for adjustable seating, back pillows, and ergonomic office components to make your working environment pleasurable. Also put up inspiring pictures, and bring in plenty of natural and artificial lighting wherever possible. The more you are inspired to work, the more pleasurable your closet home office experience will be. While working in a closet may sound cramped, once you remove the unnecessary clutter, you will see what a prime real estate area it is for your home office. Especially if you live in an apartment, or smaller home, a closet office will help you work from home, and keep your sanity in other rooms of the house. Use these tips to bring inspiring decor and functional organizational ideas to your office space. You will love how your new space inspires you to do more! Freshome readers do you have a closet home office in your home? What are the pros and cons? We'd love to hear from you. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Closet Organizers Inspiration Home Office Ideas for Those of you Who are Working from Home Seymour Home Office Armoire How to Develop a Home Office Secret'Air – A Small Office for You How to Maximize Every Inch of a Small Closet Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

1850′s Church Transformed into Stunning Bluestone Residence Posted: 28 Apr 2011 12:29 AM PDT For today we would like to present yet another stunning conversion of a 1850′ s Church into a modern residence. Located on Castle Street, Parkside, Australia, this amazing bluestone house was recently renovated in order to meet the highest contemporary living standards, while preserving its original architecture. The project features no less than three spacious bedrooms, an all-equipped kitchen, a fascinating open style living room with five meter ceilings and tiled floor, an entertainment room leading out to a fabulous, very private decking area, an amazing garden with lighting and automatic watering system and a lovely patio. Moreover, the house is equipped with a security system, automated garage panel lift door, air conditioning and many more. Although we are not fans of old buildings of historic meaning being transformed into private cribs, we have to say the atmosphere of this place is definitely unique. How do you find it?   Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Unconventional Home: Church in San Francisco Turned into Family Crib Revamping God's home into your own: Holy home in the UK Ruined Georgian Church Turned into Home $4,95 million 8400 Grand View Drive Residence in LA Holy Home: Stunning Looking Church for Sale in Utrecht Ocean Front Residence in West Vancouver: A culmination of the warm and cool Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Imposing Concrete Residence in Warsaw: Safe House Posted: 27 Apr 2011 11:24 AM PDT “Safe House” was designed by Kwk Promes Architects and is located in Warsaw, Poland. The aim of the project was to create a two-level “fortress” that would provide a high level of security for the owners. Which is why the house features movable concrete walls that can pretty much isolate the entire residence when the owners are away for example. The house can literally be “closed” and “opened” according to the needs of the inhabitants. Here is more from the architects: “When the set of 15 meter-long retractable walls on the eastern and western side are slid all the way out, the entry plot is enclosed into a temporary courtyard space. The back of the house, which faces an expansive garden to the south, features a 6 meter-high roll-down gate that completely opens up the interior to the exterior. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, presenting the living space with an effectively contrary impression to the one offered by the solid mass of the building.” We would be interested to know what are the main features that make a house “safe” in your opinion – architecturally speaking. (Photographer: Aleksander Rutkowski) Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Clock Safe Perfect for Hiding Goods Elegant Art Patterns for Your Floor Darnell Residence Cool and Modern Building with Imposing Architecture Sumptuous Open Air Sculpture Residence in Warsaw Ridgewood Residence: Expansive wooden home that blends in with surroundings Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Connecting History and Modernism Through Design: Mechanical Workshop Bar by Corvin Cristian Posted: 27 Apr 2011 08:33 AM PDT Atelier Mecanic (Mechanical Workshop) is the name given to an interesting Romanian bar located in Bucharest. With an appealing exterior, based on the connection between the artistic expression of the past and modern entertainment, the Mechanical Workshop bar was designed by a young and dynamic Romanian architect, Corvin Cristian. The architects explains the choices made in arranging the interior and exterior of the bar: “Atelier Mecanic (Mechanical Workshop) is a bar made of 1950 to 1970 industrial relics, salvaged leftovers, graphics and original furniture. It is a take on the industrialization of the country during communism. Romanians have an uncomfortable relationship with their past which usually ends up in simply erasing it: factories were perceived as a symbol of communism and keeping some memories of it was by no means a priority after the Revolution.” The last tenant occupying the location was one of those Irish pubs that have become very common in Bucharest, and the area was filled until recently with small repair shops. The bar welcomes its guests with an accurate design that describes an era still present in the country’s everyday life. Take a look at the photos and see how 70 square meters can accommodate a bold design, inspired by history.   Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! From Wing to Table: The Aileron Credenza Impressive Apartment in Stockholm Bringing Together Old and New Asian Creativity at Its Best: The SongMax Clothing Store for Women Fresh and Colorful Furniture Set: Imaginatio Collection by Cristian Zuzunaga Creative Café Design Inspired by a Library in New York Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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