Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

---

Exotic Beach Residence in Queensland, Australia Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:58 AM PDT It was high time we showcased another exotic residence on Freshome. The Marcus Beach House was designed by Bark Architects and its unusual exterior could remind one of a fancy tropical resort rather than a large and spacious contemporary home. Located just 250 meters away from the Marcus Beach, in Australia, this building had a lot going for it if we are to analyze the natural potential of its environment. This means that the connection with the exterior was a “must” and we think the architects did a great job in ensuring it. A beautiful inner court yard is the focal point of the residence and most of the rooms have windows towards this fresh oasis. Basic sustainability principles were used, reducing the need for artificial lighting and ventilation to a minimum. The giant windows and the blinds create a pleasant game of shades that looks incredibly peaceful and contributes to the home’s exotic feel. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

10 Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Bedroom Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:20 AM PDT In every room of your house there is always a better way to maximize the space you are getting out of it.  For some areas it may be as simple as decluttering, or throwing away unneeded items. Although, for rooms like the bedroom, where the most prominent piece of furniture is… bed! The bed is not always the easiest obstacle to work around, and therefore valuable space is wasted.   Here are 10 ways to maximize the space in a small bedroom. 1.) Reduce the size of your bed: Let's face it, we would all love to have a California King sized bed, but do we actually NEED one?  You can answer that question yourself; you may be willing to reduce the size if you knew how much space you would free up. 2.) Remove large storage furniture: Armoires and clothes dressers can use a lot of floor space.  Opt for rolling under bed storage that can hold clothes and belongings. This will give your bedroom more space and visually will look more spacious. Once removed more natural light will pour into your space! 3.) Use a futon: In a small bedroom, try using furniture that is multifunctional.  A futon provides a bed and sofa in one. This is a good option for offices, dorm rooms, and small apartments with several roommates. 4.) Organize your closets: Storage closets should be organized to utilize all vertical space efficiently.  The more you can store in your closets, the less that has to be stored in the main bedroom area. This tip applies for kid's rooms too! 5.) Use a sofa bed: Similarly to a futon, a sofa bed can help a small bedroom become a den, or office space and a bedroom. Sofa beds are often more formal in appearance and can range from affordable to higher end models that have leather and a plusher mattress. 6.) Maximize storage on walls: Use open and closed shelving to remove bookshelves, and storage furniture units off of the floor and on to the walls. Opt for wall mirrors that hang on the walls over large ones that sit on the floor. 7.) Install a Murphy bed: These beds pull out from the wall and provide full floor access when the bed is hidden in the wall.  Modern Murphy beds, when closed inside the wall, can house a foldout desk on the other side! 8.) Remove large entertainment space: If you have your television, stereo, gaming system, etc… taking up valuable real estate in your bedroom, consider moving it to another room such as the family or living room. If you can't live without your television, a flat screen mounted on the wall will instantly add space to your bedroom. 9.) Buy furniture that is multifunctional: A bed that has drawers below and a bookshelf at the headboard has already combined 3 pieces of furniture in one.  If you decide to use a large piece of furniture, ensure it can house the majority of your storage needs, without having to use other pieces of furniture to block valuable space. 10.) Use other rooms in your home: Have a hall closet that only stores winter coats?  Take seasonal clothing and seldom worn formal wear and put in a hall closet.  Hall closets are a great option because they are rarely used and opened on a regular basis. How do you save room in your bedroom? Leave us your suggestions and tips that have worked for you!  Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

You are subscribed to email updates from Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610