Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Sumptuous Open Air Sculpture Residence in Warsaw
• Interview: Interior Design Attitudes with Magdalena Keck
• Chillout Sessions XII Disc Release, a Tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright
• Eye Catching Victorian Duplex in San Francisco
• 6 Benefits of Having a Great Kitchen Island

Sumptuous Open Air Sculpture Residence in Warsaw Posted: 30 Aug 2010 10:45 AM PDT Here is a sumptuous project that can be considered a true showcase of modern living. "Open Air Sculpture" Residence was designed by Marek Rytych Architekt and is located in Warsaw, Poland. The first striking fact when looking at this home is its size. Here is some relevant information about its structure from the architects:”The house is a three storey building designed on the undulating area. The roughness of the area was used in a way that in the cellar section immersed in the ground there are storage rooms and in the section which has access to daylight there are guest rooms. Above them there is a daily living section, and higher there is a private section with bedrooms and bathrooms. The L-shaped solid is differentiated by terraces put on different levels and by numerous bay windows thanks to which the interiors can be illuminated.” We have to say that even though extremely large living spaces are not our style, we really appreciate this home’s diversity and interior design. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Interview: Interior Design Attitudes with Magdalena Keck Posted: 30 Aug 2010 07:07 AM PDT We ran across Magdalena Keck‘s portfolio a while ago, when we featured some of her work on Freshome. We decided to forward our 15 question interview to her as a challenge and she kindly replied. We received some strong and determined answers which unriddle an impressive experience as an interior designer. And if they were not enough, we’ve also added a few photos of Magdalena’s projects to convince you of her passion for hard work. Freshome: What determined your passion for design? Tell us about the moment when you decided this is the way to go. Magdalena Keck: I have always had passion for art. Have been always drawing as a child, attended art classes as a teenager and eventually studied fine arts and then interior design. Interior design is like any other media, you work with color, light texture, time and dimension. The difference is that you also work with people, who are completely integral to the process. Tribeca Apartment Freshome: Can you remember your first design project? Describe it a bit, whether it is a gizmo you worked at as a little kid or something that was sold at a large scale Magdalena Keck: It was probably rearranging my room. I got rid of the bed and put the mattress on the floor. My parents ordered low bookcases for me, so everything was really low. I had my own huge abstract painting on the wall. It was painted on a sheet of galvanized metal. Freshome: What field of design are you most interested in? Do your works have anything to do with it ? (We are asking this because not many designers do what they actually want) Magdalena Keck: I most enjoy working on residential projects, but also on retail projects. Each presents different opportunities for expression. In residential projects I enjoy paying attention to details, individual needs and desires. In retail concept development is a key – it is one of my favorite aspects. Many of my residential projects have outdoor spaces and I do increasingly become more and more interested in landscape design. It is something that I am definitely going to peruse further. Freshome: Chronologically describe what you are going through (feeling and thoughts) on your way to work. Magdalena Keck: Excitement, discovery, lots of work and research , frustration somewhere along the way, problem solving, fulfillment, pride. Freshome: What is your favourite book/magazine on design? How about your favourite site? Magdalena Keck: Right now I like French Elle Decore, and I always go back to FRAME and Object. Upper East Side Residence Freshome: What inspires you? Magdalena Keck: Anything can really. It's quiet easy. I am never short on ideas. Usually the minute I start the project I can see it. Often it is the space itself, or the person I am working with, piece of art they own or desire to own. Anything, really. Freshome: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one? Magdalena Keck: Most frustrating aspect is when people make stupid mistakes that could be easily avoided. Most rewarding: have a Client who enjoys their space and is comfortable in it. Freshome: From your point of view, is design an art or a science? Magdalena Keck: I have to say 50% art and 50% science. Freshome: Tell us something unusual that happened in your carrier. Magdalena Keck: I interviewed with Naomi Leff years ago for a consultant position. I didn't get the job. It turned out to be for the best. I opened my own studio. Few years later when I was looking for an office space I came across a beautiful space with a fantastic view on 18th floor of a building on 27th Street that looked very familiar. I found out that Naomi Leff Associates had closed and moved out. That's where my office is now. Soho Flat Freshome: Let’s say you entered a contest. You have to come up with a design for the first house on the Moon built for extra-terrestrial living. How would your project look like? Magdalena Keck: I would have to go the site and meet the Client to tell you. Naturally the thing to do would be to use locally available materials. The challenge would probably be to free yourself of human preconceptions what a HOUSE is. Freshome: If you had no limits (money, resources), what would you create? Magdalena Keck: Roof top shade garden on every building. Freshome: Share something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.  Magdalena Keck: Take what you need (make it beautiful and functional) and leave the rest out. Nothing new yet so hard to implement for so many people. Brooklyn Terrace Freshome: What do you think of our site? Magdalena Keck: It's great and apparently very popular. I had magazines from Poland, Portugal and Italy publish several projects after you have mentioned my work. I enjoy seeing variety of projects and topics. Freshome: What advice do you have for young designers or architects reading this interview? Magdalena Keck: Keep your eyes and ears open, absorb and learn, be open minded and considered, but don't compromise. Opportunities and inspirations are everywhere. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Chillout Sessions XII Disc Release, a Tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright Posted: 30 Aug 2010 05:35 AM PDT Ministry of Sound Australia recently released its newest chillout collection featuring various music tracks, from “laidback acoustic tunes to hip future-disco beats”. We consider that the advertising campaign behind the launch of Chillout Sessions XII is so cute and creative, that we just had to share it on Freshome. Designed by Andrew van der Westhuyzen, the prints meant to promote the disc are said to be a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright and Neutra and their ways of life as influenced by the buildings they lived in. According to the initiators of this advertising campaign, “Chillout Sessions XII takes us to a fusion of time periods somewhere between the 50s and the 80s in the filtered light of California.” There is also a movie that accompanies these prints and we have to say we were pleasantly amused how the characters were constructed. Have a look!-via Collider Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Eye Catching Victorian Duplex in San Francisco Posted: 30 Aug 2010 03:20 AM PDT Envelope A+D from Oakland, USA recently renovated and redesigned this Victorian duplex located in Noe Valley, San Francisco. With an interesting black exterior, these stacked apartments could remind one of the Adams Family. We imagine this house looks quite unusual when correlated to its neighborhood context, but this is far from being a negative aspect. Its originality increases as one steps inside due to the vivid colors and uncommon wall paintings that can be observed all throughout this odd looking crib. A studio animates the first floor, while the second level houses the living room, kitchen and dining area. Accentuated hues of red and blue add some strong visual effects to this place and interesting decorating items can be found all around. Let us know if there is anything that particularly intrigued you . Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

6 Benefits of Having a Great Kitchen Island Posted: 30 Aug 2010 12:53 AM PDT In every kitchen there is the potential for great storage, display, and functionality. The sad fact is all kitchens don't have enough of any of these. A kitchen island solves these problems and looks beautiful doing it.  From mobile islands to seating area kitchen islands, the amenity of having one or two in your kitchen is an added bonus.  If you are fortunate to design or choose a home with a kitchen island you're in for a treat. For those that are on the fence as to whether to have one, look at these 6 benefits of having a great kitchen island. 1.) An island adds storage area in addition to cabinetry: If your kitchen is lacking storage areas, a kitchen island may solve your problem.  With the option of additional drawers, pull out shelves, and cabinets, the island is an extension to your existing casework.  Ever thought you didn't have enough room for recycling bins?  Under a kitchen island makes a great accessible space because it doesn't interfere with the main preparation area of the rest of the kitchen. 2.) A kitchen island is perfect for kids: Whether it is homework time or they pitch in to help make dinner, a kitchen island is a great place for kids to feel part of the action and be in close eye view.  Another option for kitchen islands is to place kid's height amenities like a microwave and refrigerated drawer in reach.  For after school snacks and Saturday morning early breakfasts, amenities that the kids can feel independent using are a good idea for some households. 3.) Extra seating is a major asset: A kitchen island can act as informal dining area for the kids or it can act as additional seating when entertaining.  Having access to your family or guests is always an advantage while cooking and preparing meals.  Even if your kitchen is small, a counter extension into the adjacent room can act as an island.  Whether your space can seat 2 or 6, it's always a plus to be able to seat more people. 3.) A movable kitchen island adds versatility: Need extra counter space and at other times need more floor space? A movable kitchen island offers more room when you and your friends want to cook a huge meal and each person takes a section of the kitchen to prepare. Once your meal is complete, roll your kitchen island out of the way for added space.  Movable kitchens are ideal for smaller kitchens that need the best of both worlds. 4.) Place additional kitchen amenities at your island: For larger kitchens the ability to add preparation sinks, refrigerator drawers, and additional cooking area is a way to make your kitchen more functional and useful.  Since larger kitchens have the ability to have plumbing and electrical services run to them the options are limitless. Add a range hood over your stove/grill and now your island becomes the main hub of cooking and entertaining. 6.) The material options for an island are endless: Whether you are using your island for utilitarian purposes or you want the island to be the show stopper of the kitchen, there is a counter top surface for you.  If cost is a concern, consider plastic laminate or solid surface man made finishes.  For mid level spending consider higher grades of solid surfaces or stained concrete. At the high end of the cost spectrum are butcher block, granite, and custom exotic wood varieties.  Visit a countertop retailer for inspiration or look through a kitchen and bath magazine to get dream kitchen island ideas. If you think a kitchen island is just for show, you now have legitimate reasons why your kitchen can benefit from one.  From storage to additional seating, any sized home will love the versatility a kitchen island offers. Freshome reader's do you own a kitchen island in your home? Are you thinking about putting one in? Let us know, as we love to hear your comments. Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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