Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

Laser-Cut Exotic Hardwoods Shaping Your Favorite Woodcut Maps
Small 45 Square-Meter Apartment Design Optimized by Maurício Karam
Inspired by a Mythological Concept: Lotus Desk by UNDA
Architects’ Concrete Obsession Transposed In Solid Desk Accessories
Creative and Flexible Apartment Coping with the Frenzy of New York City

Laser-Cut Exotic Hardwoods Shaping Your Favorite Woodcut Maps

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 07:03 AM PDT

Woodcut Maps 1 Laser Cut Exotic Hardwoods Shaping Your Favorite Woodcut Maps

We are happy to announce the launch of a new San Francisco-based custom art business – Woodcut Maps. These affordable art pieces are custom-made for each client, according to their preferences and laser-cut to display their map of choice. Here is how the studio describes the process: “Our wood-inlay maps are individually-designed by customers and then laser cut and hand assembled by our team. Each map has a unique look due to the customer's design, the wood grain, and our assembly and finishing process. With our online design tool at woodcutmaps.com, a user can zoom in and out of maps of any location in the world, define precise borders for their map, and choose from a selection of exotic hardwoods to identify the roads, water and landscapes in their inlay map. After completing the perfect design of their special place and submitting their order online, we take over. Two weeks later, a one-of-a-kind hand-assembled map arrives to their door.” Under the attentive supervision of a small team of four people, the maps are created according to each customer’s requests. With over 100 maps designed so far, Woodcut Maps have experienced both sentimental values of their work – customers wanting maps of places they grew up in, where they met their soul mate or their current living location – but also interesting requests like famous haunted places, popular museums, Oakland public spaces and interesting coastlines. What piece of Earth would you chose to display in your home?

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Small 45 Square-Meter Apartment Design Optimized by Maurício Karam

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 05:03 AM PDT

modern apartment 2 Small 45 Square Meter Apartment Design Optimized by Maurício Karam

Maurício Karam completed the design of Apartment Leopoldo, a great example of how to optimize a 45 square-meter space without any compromise in style. Located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the small flat was reinvented by getting rid of some of its existing useless walls and creating a continuous living zone, yet keeping a high level of privacy in the bathroom and laundry room. The wood laminated flooring system contributes to the impression of flowing spaces. If you thought open plan living rooms were an option only for large apartments, prepare to be surprised while checking out the photos below. The core of this apartment is a captivating interior, combining a modern lounge area with a generous kitchen and cool dining table for eight. Visually separated by subtle decorating details, the two living zones harmoniously merge and the overall atmosphere their design inspires is that of air and space. Find this small apartment design as ingenious as we do?

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Inspired by a Mythological Concept: Lotus Desk by UNDA

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 03:58 AM PDT

White lotus Inspired by a Mythological Concept: Lotus Desk by UNDA

UNDA | Sleepless Design, a company from Portugal, recently sent us some photos of the Lotus Desk, said to be inspired by the fascinating world of mythology, just like all the studio’s designs. The elegant desk celebrates the meanings of the lotus flower and tries to deliver its many values to anyone laying eyes on the original furniture piece: “From new life to death, from purity to passion, Lotus have had many meanings in myths and legends. Swelling from tender bud to full bloom, flowers are associated with youth, beauty, pleasure and the season of Spring: the season of growth and transition. This Desk intends to capture exactly that: the transition from the hard and cold Winter to the blooming and joyful Spring which we love so much. It is a paradox: classicism morphing into deconstruction in a surprising hybrid” How would you comment on the concept and overall design of this desk?

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Lotus detail Inspired by a Mythological Concept: Lotus Desk by UNDA Lotus Drawer Inspired by a Mythological Concept: Lotus Desk by UNDA

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Architects’ Concrete Obsession Transposed In Solid Desk Accessories

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 02:36 AM PDT

Solid Desk Accessories by Magnus Pettersen Studio 1 Architects Concrete Obsession Transposed In Solid Desk Accessories

Architects who love to see inspiring objects surrounding their workspace will definitely be attracted to a set inspired by one of the most used building material in the world – architectural concrete. These three cool desk accessories – a tape dispenser, a pen holder and a little tray – showcase a minimalist design inspired by modern architecture. Gathered under a collection named Solid Desk Accessories, each of them retain those cute air bubbles that contour a bold and honest shape. Designed and hand-cast at Magnus Pettersen Studio in Stoke Newington, these concrete desk accessories would be perfect for any office or home office, be it small or large. In each case, the collection resting on a table would hint either to the extensive use of concrete in crowded places or as scarce concrete “constructions” adorning an uncluttered landscape. When passion drives your work and every detail counts, these accessories can only help you stay focused on work – this is why archtiects and desigfners would mostly benefit from exhibiting these beautiful accessories on their desk.

Solid Desk Accessories by Magnus Pettersen Studio 2 Architects Concrete Obsession Transposed In Solid Desk Accessories

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Creative and Flexible Apartment Coping with the Frenzy of New York City

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 12:43 AM PDT

Transformer Loft 33 Creative and Flexible Apartment Coping with the Frenzy of New York City

Studio Garneau sent us photos and information about their latest project, consisting of a striking transformation of a derelict pre-war studio apartment. This is the press release we were sent: “The design goal was to create a clean and simple haven of light and space, visually unencumbered by the possessions while still providing functionality required to make daily rituals both pleasurable and effortless. The design solution was to create a flexible, adaptive mini-loft that emphasizes sweeping views while providing supportive functionality in a single large open space. Built-in millwork is a calm white on the outside in contrast with lush walnut interiors. Cabinets stretch from floor to ceiling, folding, sliding, pivoting, and responding to different needs by concealing and revealing as needed. Sliding a wall carves a bedroom from the living room, while revealing a library or a home office. Tilting down a wall-bed unveils a walnut clad sleeping nook complete with bedside niches. A tiled washroom wall opens to expose walnut clad laundry hampers and linen closets. Pressing a button converts a table into a countertop, complete with secret compartment inside.

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The result is a customized environment which adapts to constantly changing requirements of its residents, engaging in a game of hide and seek, revealing and concealing layers of spaces as needed. The project is an exploration of the power of custom design, optimized for long-term solutions that are not just a quick, generic solution. Craftsmanship and meticulous detailing are used throughout. Like a Swiss Army knife, the apartment and its furniture are compact, well-considered, thoughtfully designed, and multi-functional. The design effort and construction process focused on minimizing environmental impact. From improving acoustic and air indoor qualities, to reducing energy and water use, to using ecologically certified materials, and ultimately by adapting and optimizing a compact existing apartment to minimize resources”.

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