Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

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• Stefano Boeri’s Urban Vertical Forest: Bosco Verticale
• Depicting the Future: World Map Made of Recycled Computer Components
• Jewelery and Furniture Combined: Necklace Tables by Mattia Bonetti
• 10 Thanksgiving Prep Tips to Help you Enjoy your Guests this Holiday
• Sheltered and Intimate Crib in the Pyrenees Mountains
• Award-Winning Ceramic Tiles from Kütahya Seramik
• Chair Back Used as “Silent Servant” by Antik Kombo

Stefano Boeri’s Urban Vertical Forest: Bosco Verticale Posted: 14 Nov 2011 07:41 AM PST Milan-based architecture studio Stefano Boeri‘s Vertical Forest is a residential building duo named Bosco Verticale that can be seen in construction in the metropolitan center of Milan, Italy. This exciting green residential project was meant for growing forests in the sky and allowing residents and neighbors to enjoy fresh outdoor air. Bosco Verticale  adds green space in an over-industrialized busy city, challenging future metropolis to offer its inhabitants a safe, healthy environment. Biodiversity in urban spaces will not be a problem once more projects like this will appear in the urban landscape. A budget of 65.000.000,00 Euros allowed the architects to build on a surface of 40,000 square meters. Each of the four sides of the 76-meter building will house 900 mature trees. Tree-planted balconies in a vertical garden tower will become available with the construction of this building and I can’t wait to see how the trees hold in the winds. Large concrete balconies will act as planting boxes that will ensure a dense forestation. Vegetation ranging from 3, 6 and 9 meters tall will adorn the balconies. The same amount of trees, shrubs and plants in a garden would require 50,000 square meters of land, and 10,000 square meters of natural forest space. With an irrigation system and flora while photovoltaic energy systems contributing to self-sufficiency, Bosco Verticale would be a candidate for the best Zombie apocalypse fortress.

Depicting the Future: World Map Made of Recycled Computer Components Posted: 14 Nov 2011 05:40 AM PST Can you think of a more creative way of emphasizing on the idea of a future digitalized world? We ran across this impressive installation belonging to Susan Stockwell, an artist usually taking on projects consisting in large scale installations, sculptures, drawings and collages. Her art emphasizes on issues of ecology, geo-politics, mapping, trade and global commerce. In this post, we would like to present Susan's recent work, entitled “World” and consisting of a world map made of recycled computer components supplied by an IT recycling company. The project was commissioned by Bedfordshire University, UK, and was installed in the atrium of the new student building on their Central Luton site. Whether the computer pieces employed for a certain word region have a hidden meaning or not is probably something that only the artist can tell. What is your stand on this modern art installation and what do you believe it is trying to communicate?

Jewelery and Furniture Combined: Necklace Tables by Mattia Bonetti Posted: 14 Nov 2011 04:13 AM PST   Photographer William Waldron ‘s portfolio features some lovely interiors, but this one deserves special attention. Found on La Dolce Vita, the custom made cocktail table in the image above adorns the room, adding glamor and originality. We wanted to know more about this unique piece, so we looked it up. The table was designed by Mattia Bonetti and is part of a larger furniture collection made up of products inspired by jewelery. Don’t believe us? Just check out the designs below and contemplate on the unusual necklace-inspired textures! The tables have a “wow” effect, not to mention a modern look, making them fit great in minimalist interiors. An eclectic bachelorette’s room would also be an inspired idea when it comes to finding the right space for the designs below. Naturally, we are curious in finding out your opinions regarding these tables. Would you consider having one in your home? “Broken Pearl Necklace” Desk “Necklace” side table

10 Thanksgiving Prep Tips to Help you Enjoy your Guests this Holiday Posted: 14 Nov 2011 03:12 AM PST Each year you vow to make this Thanksgiving easier than the last, and every year you end up spending more time running around the house than enjoying your guests. This year, let's change that idea, and help you prepare in advance to help you de-stress when you're guests arrive!  Whether you are entertaining multiple families or you are having a small intimate gathering, Thanksgiving is to be enjoyed by the host/ess too. Here are 10 tips to help you prepare your home, and your meal for a Thanksgiving that will be remembered for years to come. 1.)  Invite your guests now:  While you may have the urge to have an 'open door' policy that anyone who wants to drop by on Thanksgiving is welcome, this tends to make for uncertainty in planning. Invite guests now, and set an RSVP date that allows you ample time to invite a few more guests if you'd like. This will help you budget for food, time, chairs… and your nerves. 2.)  Choose your menu well in advance: Depending on if you are having a plated, buffet or potluck dinner, choosing a menu now will leave you feeling relaxed on Thanksgiving Day. Consider going through family traditional recipes in your cookbooks, or visiting your favorite food blog, or website for ideas. If choosing a potluck, plan out a list of what type of food you'd like guests to bring and advise them once they accept the invitation. 3.)  Plan your holiday table: This step can be hard for some and easier for others. Whether you prefer a formal dining experience or you will go with a casual dinner, plan table linen, dinnerware, seats, and serving ware now. If you need to shine silver flatware, do it now and not on Thanksgiving morning! 4.)  Enlist some help: While we all would like to take the honor of making and planning the entire Thanksgiving feast, the reality is that help can make for a smoother run meal. Ask friends, families, and neighbors for help in advance. If your uncle is good at cutting the Thanksgiving turkey, ask him if he can come by 30 minutes before your guests to cut and plate it. Older kids and teenagers can help bring out chairs, and take guests jackets as they arrive. Remember, you shouldn't have to do everything. 5.)  Consider a catered meal: In our busy lives, often times spending the hours required to cook the Thanksgiving meal isn't realistic with our hectic schedules. If time and energy is scarce, consider having a local restaurant cater your meal. If you'd prefer a more casual solution, many family restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals that you can order in advance, or you can order sides a la carte in the restaurant to bring home. Believe it or not, once you bring your food home, and serve it in your beautiful dinnerware, no one will ever know the difference. 6.)  Cook in advance and freeze: Use these days leading up to Thanksgiving to your advantage. Many vegetable side dishes, and casseroles can be made in advance and kept in the freezer until ready to thaw for Thanksgiving dinner. Desserts are another dish that can be made now, and brought over to a friends potluck dinner, without you looking like you just slaved over a hot stove all day upon arriving! 7.)  Ensure there is enough space in your home: After receiving RSVP acceptance from your guests, ensure there is plenty of space, tables, chairs, and mingle area for all. If you live in a smaller home, consider renting chairs or tables just for the night, without having to invest in furniture. Consider covering rented chairs with formal slipcovers for a beautiful addition to your holiday table and decor. 8.)  Prep your kitchen: After you have planned the meal, prep your kitchen with plenty of serving utensils, and plan where the food will be served. For those that have a large kitchen, this step maybe straightforward, while those with smaller kitchens should make food stations around the kitchen for ease of serving and guests finding what they need easily and without asking you where items are. 9.)  Plan entertainment: While many families have enough entertainment in the family logistics already, plan for alternate entertainment for guests to enjoy.  If inviting children have a tv, playroom, or coloring book activities out of the mainstream area of adults gathering. For adults, consider having music, and other entertainment on hand for everyone to enjoy while mingling. 10.)  Enjoy your guests: While this step isn't about preparation, it is more important than the others. The holidays only come around once a year, and Thanksgiving is a time to cherish those around you, and give thanks for having loved ones near. Use these helpful tips to prepare for your Thanksgiving holiday meal and home. Remember, every detail doesn't have to be thought of, keep an open mind, and be flexible in your plans. After all, life happens and unforeseen holiday challenges may arise. Either way, prepare yourself for a grand event; your guests will enjoy your company and your enjoyable Thanksgiving meal and thoughtfulness.

Sheltered and Intimate Crib in the Pyrenees Mountains Posted: 14 Nov 2011 01:37 AM PST With lovely views of the Pyrenees Mountains, here is an apartment that inspires comfort and intimacy. Located in Girona, a city in the northeast of Catalonia, Spain, this is a lovely place to get away and enjoy relaxing moments. The two-bedroom apartment found on Micasa showcases a delightful interior design, perfectly suited for its location in a mountain setting. Combining Nordic furniture with vintage accessories and emphasizing on wood finishes, the crib maintains a stylish feel while exuding a cottage-like charm and coziness. The living area is surrounded by inclined walls and windows with a view. The focal point of the room is a fireplace, emitting warmth in an interior that already has plenty. Colorful cushions spread throughout the room seem to invite the inhabitants to randomly take a sit by the fire and surrender to the magical feel of the mountain landscape. What does this place make you dream of?

Award-Winning Ceramic Tiles from Kütahya Seramik Posted: 13 Nov 2011 10:44 PM PST Traditionally, when you think of ceramic tiles, the first things that spring to mind are those small, flat, square tiles that people so often use to decorate their homes. However, Turkish designer Yiğit Özer has come up with a new collection that completely turns the idea of ceramic tiles on its head. The Versatile collection is produced by Turkish manufacturer Kütahya Seramik and is comprised of two different models – Arc and Axis. The multi-purpose collection offers tens of different tiling options using the very same tile to create a variety of stunning designs and enables the user to express themselves more freely through the geometry that the tiles create. The tiles have unique 3D properties due to the raised surface of the tile in an arc shape, which allows for a playful interaction with light and creates an unusual sense of depth within a room. The Versatile collection takes traditional tile design into a new, third dimension, where the tile is no longer just a flat surface that covers or protects a wall. Bringing functionality together with innovation and creativity, Kütahya Seramik has created a tile collection that offers unique and innovative solutions for architectural projects. Through the 3D property of the tiles, high level of functionality, various design options, and the ease of application, Versatile can be used in interior spaces of all sizes such as office buildings, lobbies, halls, bedrooms and hotels. The Versatile collection was awarded a Red Dot Design Award earlier this year in the interior design category when it was selected as one of the 'best of the best' products. As far as we're concerned this was a well-deserved recognition for both Yiğit Özer and Kütahya Seramik. The ceramic tile industry has never looked so exciting! What do you think?

Chair Back Used as “Silent Servant” by Antik Kombo Posted: 13 Nov 2011 08:40 AM PST Silent Servant is a simple and clever idea of using a chair back as storage unit. The concept belongs to Antik Kombo, a creative studio in Göttingen, Germany. When seeing this product for the fist time, I had a bit of difficulty understanding how it manages to stand on its own with only two feet. But seeing more photos revealed that its support is in fact provided by the shoe box below. The idea was taken further and a small wooden board was also applied to the chair back, in order to serve as a small shelf for various objects. Keep it in on a hallway, next to a larger dresser and it will stay true to its name. The silent servant will help you store shoes, small objects and clothes. So before throwing out old chairs, it wouldn’t hurt rethinking the situation and improvise in order to make some fun use of them. How do you find this unusual design?

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