| Creative Mix of Old and New: Wright House Posted: 17 Jun 2011 05:50 AM PDT 
Feast your eyes on this incredible cottage-villa! Wright House was designed by Elmo Swart Architects and is located in Durban, South Africa. The project involved an addition to a three bedroom traditional cottage which included two studies, a new bedroom, an entertainment space and an art gallery. The extension is highly modern, has a fluid form and features large windows which ensure beautiful views of the lush natural environment. Seen on designboom,this home mixes old and new in a truly spectacular way, making it hard for anyone to remain indifferent when confronting with this design. The art gallery was built as a transparent tunnel connecting the entrance to the valley on the opposite site. An original cantilevered volume generates a parking space below, large enough for two cars. The interiors are as interesting as the facade would suggest. Have a look and tell us what you think! 
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| How to Make Bookshelves Double as Decor Posted: 17 Jun 2011 04:25 AM PDT Remember when bookshelves used to be a rectangular piece of furniture that you stuck in the corner and forgot about? Today bookshelves are still functional but perform a dual function as decor. From acting as room dividers, to using up hidden vertical storage in a hallway, bookshelves can be ornate or streamlined. If you are trying to add more storage to your space, and add a decorative touch, read on to see how bookshelves can double as decor.
 - Hidden storage: Bookshelves are the ideal location to house books without taking up a lot of space. Hidden storage can come in many forms such as over doorways, in front of windows, and vertically up to the ceiling. Remember bookshelves don't have to have a back panel. They can be see-through to allow a window, or another room to show through the unit. This enables you to store books and have décor at the same time!
- Stairway opportunities: Stairways have always been an opportunity for a designer to be creative with a somewhat 'unusable' human space. Depending on how high your staircase rises will dictate how much usable space is available under and adjacent to the stairs. Bookshelves can be built below a staircase and if there is enough headroom, a reading nook, or bench can be built along side.
- Wall efficiency: In most homes the walls are prime real estate for decorative shelving. Instead of only having a few choice placed shelves, how about transforming the entire wall into a bookshelf? This works beautifully around a focal point such as a fireplace or entertainment center. Choose symmetrical or random shelving in a custom bookshelf to coordinate with your décor style.
- Children's rooms: Book shelves in children's room can be whimsical and match the color scheme or theme of the room. Ensure little hands can reach most books and double the bookshelf as decorative storage. Use fabric lined baskets, plastic tubs, and small drawers to keep track of toys and missing game pieces.
- Room divider: Are you trying to break up a space visually without making it feel closed in? Bookshelves offer a unique opportunity to functionally hold books and décor, but also offer separation between spaces. For noise issues, consider using back to back units with a paneled back. If noise traveling isn't an issue an open geometric bookshelf is beautiful and adds visual interest.
- Color coordinate your display: If you are an avid reader and have a large collection of books, consider separating them color of the outside binder. For the person who loves decorative furnishings to color coordinate, books can be placed in a wide array of pleasing color palettes to suit your taste.
Bookshelves have come a long way and your home can benefit from one in most of the rooms in your home. Measure out your space first and determine how many books you have to store. The more space you have, the more decorative you can be, remember you don't have to fill up every shelf. Ensure your décor takes full advantage of the dual functionality that bookshelves can bring. Freshome readers have any unique suggestions for using bookshelves as décor? Anyone use the shelving below the stairs trick? We'd love to hear your comments.
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| Hobby-Inspired Residence in Florida: Ski House H2o Posted: 17 Jun 2011 03:22 AM PDT  Ski House H2o was built in Hobe Sound, Florida, where the weather promises a delightful lifestyle. Designed by Hughes Umbanhowar Architects, the residence was especially created for a family of water-ski enthusiasts. Its connection to the nearby artificial lake can be seen in the architecture that allows the inhabitants to enjoy their hobby and encourages them to connect to the surroundings. The artificial lake was transformed by the inhabitants and some of their friends into a fun place for water skiing/slalom course racing. Their common interest led to the construction of the house. The slightly elevated topography creates useful architectural elements like the terraces overlooking the water and the roof that provides shade to the lakeside terrace adjacent to the lap pool. Natural air flow is encouraged by the layout of the rooms, while extensive glazing welcomes sunlight and offers beautiful views. The three main spaces of the house include the master bedroom, guest wing and entertaining spaces. Outdoor fireplaces and the master bedroom’s exterior shower invite friends and family to take part in the nature’s show. Isn’t it magnificent?
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| Impressive Industrial Design From Mark and Efe: Bulldozer Lounge Chair Posted: 17 Jun 2011 02:24 AM PDT  Industrial designers Mark Goetz and Efe Buluc took the concept of a usual piece of furniture found in many homes and turned it into a creative industrial-looking lounge chair. Made from aluminium and covered in neoprene, the Bulldozer Lounge Chair displays a bold yellow and black shell that offers comfort and relaxation to those of you in search for some unusual furniture that can be used by the pool or in the back garden. The resemblance to a bulldozer is remarkable and yet the lounge chair has a contemporary design. The designer’s Bulldozer Lounge Chair was launched at the 2011 International Contemporary Furniture Fain in New York. Their design philosophy emerged from modern day provocations, creating “a new visual language characterized by bold industrially produced elements connected in innovative ways. The Bulldozer Lounge is the first piece of a philosophy that magnifies human imagination and creativity rather than deriving inspiration from nature“.
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| Modern Cluster of Living Volumes: Villa Skäret in Sweden Posted: 17 Jun 2011 01:11 AM PDT  The contemporary architecture of Villa Skäret beautifully contrasts with the surroundings. Located in Höganäs, Sweden, the modern building is actually a collection of four black box-like structures overlooking the North Sea. Designed by Helsingborg-based Chahrour Huhtilainen A+D architects, the villa features independent structures that compose the main living spaces of the house. These are interconnected by an elaborate decking system that allows the inhabitants to enjoy as much of the outdoors as possible. The main volume features all the necessary living spaces, while other two volumes act as guesthouses and the last black box features a sauna and storage areas. All volumes have extensive panoramas of the surroundings and can open up to fully connect to the environment via large sliding doors. With such exquisite features, Villa Skäret is more than a home, it’s a luxurious resort-like residence that makes the owners proud.
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| Brisbane Bright and Elegant Residence Featuring Skyline Views Posted: 16 Jun 2011 09:53 AM PDT  Yet another beautiful residence draw our attention. This time, we’re talking about one of Judy Goodger‘s properties for sale, a bright and charming house in Brisbane, Australia. Featuring 410 square meters of great design and modern lines, the family home promises a fantastic living background for a young family. Spreading over three floors, the living spaces of this residence feature timber and tile flooring, cleverly chosen to accentuate each of the room’s interior design. Floor to ceiling windows ensure bright interiors and a sparkling atmosphere, perfect for both entertaining and relaxing family living. The master bedroom with ensuite, located on the second floor, features a walk-in closet and an alcove suited for a desk. The other three bedrooms are located on the lower level, separating them from the master bedroom and offering the much needed privacy. There are also many storage areas cleverly hidden and the property benefits from a media room, a cellar and a large outdoor space perfect for relaxation or children’s play. Located in Newstead, the residence’s windows and multiple terraces offer enjoyable sweeping views of the skyline.
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