Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Twin Homes: HHGO Garden Residence in Germany
• Ingenious Sci-Fi Inspired Reveal/Conceal Wall Faucet
• Stunning Oakland Residence with Dramatic Views of San Francisco Bay
• Modern Approach to Classic Comfort : Doda Chair
• 5 Window Treatments Ideas to Implement in your Home

Twin Homes: HHGO Garden Residence in Germany Posted: 24 Aug 2010 10:34 AM PDT Designed by architects: Jens Casper & Sören Hanft, project HHGO- Garden Residence is located in Oldenburg, Germany. With a surface of 350 square meters (3767.3 square feet), this house is composed of two separate living areas joined by an enchanting garden level. Each of the two buildings has a separate entrance and houses the bedrooms, home offices and baths so aside from the common green passageway, they are independent. Even though they seem alike in structure, they were both built in order to serve the needs of their inhabitants, so differences do exist. We really like how these beautiful twin homes were integrated in their environment and how the residence reflects in the waters of the nearby lake. The interior is minimalist, featuring interesting wooden textures. ground floor plan second floor plan Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Ingenious Sci-Fi Inspired Reveal/Conceal Wall Faucet Posted: 24 Aug 2010 06:40 AM PDT This incredible looking wall faucet comes from designer Andrew Tang-Smith and the idea is said to have been spotted in the popular Star-Trek movie series. Even though it has a futuristic feel, this faucet is as real as it gets. “Reveal/Conceal” is a wall embedded device with a multiple functionality. The sci-fi inspired project has a tiny led that acts a fun illuminating light. At a first glance it looks like an interesting wall add-on with no practical usage whatsoever. When opened, the faucet exposes a small apparently hidden storage zone which the user can use for placing small objects. We know the pictures are not entirely clarifying, which is why we added a few sketches. Let us know what you think of this design.- via 3rings Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Stunning Oakland Residence with Dramatic Views of San Francisco Bay Posted: 24 Aug 2010 05:04 AM PDT Here is an impressive contemporary home from Kanner Architects. Oakland House from California is a stunning project of notable size and dramatic vistas. Located in the hills of Oakland, this building manages to reign over and capture incredible landscapes of the San Francisco bay. Here is some insight from the architects: “The predominantly south-southwest orientation required deep overhangs to cut down glare and soften the light quality in the home.The planning of the four bedrooms centered around placement of the master bedroom, living room and kitchen on the leading edge of the home. The glass carport and secondary bedrooms are placed in a second building higher up the slope. A glass bridge spans a bamboo garden and connects the structures.Spare and rigorously modern in its aesthetic, the home has only a handful of materials and even fewer colors.” We really like the concrete exterior finishing touch and we appreciate the imposing floor-to-ceiling windows. We kindly invite you to let us know if you noticed anything interesting concerning the interiors. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Modern Approach to Classic Comfort : Doda Chair Posted: 24 Aug 2010 03:21 AM PDT Doda Chair was designed by Ferruccio Laviani for Molteni & C and is a modern interpretation of the classic French bergère. You are looking at a very inviting armchair that can be easily recognized due to its unique shape. Straight lines are combined with interesting curves to create a “sliding” design, one that is able to offer its user a visual satisfaction as well. The Doda Chair comes with a base that can be either fixed or movable, it all depends on the needs of the customer. The color palette is diverse and so is the upholstering material. As you can see in the images below, there is a leather finish available as well. A complementary cushion can also be ordered. “Easy Puff” can transform this chair into a more comfortable lounger.- via 3rings Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

5 Window Treatments Ideas to Implement in your Home Posted: 24 Aug 2010 01:47 AM PDT When you look out your window do you think of the treatments that adorn it?  Most likely you do not give them a second thought.  Window treatments are not only for décor and aesthetics of a room.  They provide security, privacy, protection from the elements, and sometimes make a good hide and go-seek spot for your kids! The windows in your home can benefit from window treatments and depending on your budget and the style of your home, there is one to fit your needs.  Here are 5 window treatments that your home should have, if not all of them, at least 3! 1.) Window treatments aren't just for the inside of your home: One misconception of having window treatments is that it only needs to look nice from the inside of your home.  Have you ever driven by a home that had sheets or broken blinds hung up that you could see from the outside of their house?  This doesn't mean you have to please the neighbors with your drapery! It means to take into consideration your curb appeal from the outside of your home when hanging window treatments. 2.) Decide your purpose and aesthetic you want to achieve: If you are a college student or on a tight budget your window treatments main purpose may be for privacy and that's it.  While if you want a decorative feel to your rooms you have a different purpose.  For those that want an economical and effective privacy treatment, blinds are a good option.  They come in a variety of materials such as aluminum, wood, plastic and PVC.  Metal blinds tend to bend easily but are very cost effective.  PVC blinds can be made to look like wood blinds for half of the price.  Wood blinds are typically the most expensive but will last for years to come. 3.) For decorative window treatments, your imagination is the limit: Look at the décor of your individual spaces, and the style of your home.  More traditional homes may prefer long billowing fabrics with intricate curtain rods to accessorize them. For windows that look out on beautiful vistas, valances that only adorn the top of the window could be an option that works better.  Valances can be made from fabric, wood, metal, or a combination of alternate materials.  There are many do it yourself valance and cornice kits for those who want to create a custom look, without paying a professional to make them. 4.) Protect your furniture and control the temperature: Aside from the aesthetics, your window treatments help protect the inside of your home from the elements outside. Furniture, carpeting and home finishes can fade over time because of sun rays penetrating through your windows. If you live in extremely hot climates, such as the desert, consider using black out curtains to help redirect the harmful sun rays from entering your home.  Thermal curtains are also available for conversely cold climates and help keep cold air that seeps in from windows into your room.  If you don't live in an extreme climate consider using decorative curtains with drawback ties, and using sheers below.  Sheers keep help diffuse harsh light, and give a pleasing indirect lighting glow to a space. 5.) Alter the feel of your space with window treatments: Do you have small windows that you want to give the illusion of being larger? Hang window treatments closer to the ceiling, and let treatment fabric extend to the floor, to elongate the feeling of the room. Do you have a wall of sliding glass doors and don't know how to cover them? Consider visually breaking up the long horizontal view with coordinating window treatments placed at equal intervals along the sliding door area.  In the daytime these can be pulled back, while at night the coordinating materials will give a decorative flair to what could be a long, boring wall of fabric. Use window treatments to enhance your home décor, but also to protect your home and its belongings. Consider different types of materials, and textures to compliment the décor and architectural style of your home.  For ideas look in home décor magazines and books to grab inspiration! Freshome reader's tell us what kind of window treatments you have in your home, and what you love or hate about them! Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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