Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter |  |
- 20 Ways Wood Will Beautify Your Home
- Corocotta Table by Jason Phillips Design
- Mind-blowing Houseboat Living in the Middle of Hamburg, Germany
- Beam Light, the Upside-Down Table Lamp
- Colman Triplex, Daring Contemporary Architecture in Seattle
- Freshome Reader Help: Decor Ideas for Apartment
| 20 Ways Wood Will Beautify Your Home Posted: 31 Aug 2010 10:14 AM PDT  Warm, organic textures and materials are what people love around them in their homes. Wood is the perfect natural material that brings nature into your home and commands respect at the same time. Regardless of your decorating style, there is a wood that meets your comfort level and will symbolize strength and tranquility simultaneously. From flooring to architectural details wood is one of the most versatile materials for your home. Here are 20 of the best uses for wood in your home, from architectural elements to décor, we have you covered!
2.) Wood flooring patterns can add beauty to a space: In hallways, foyers, and large rooms, consider using parquet wood tiles in a decorative pattern. Try using contrasting wood colors and varieties instead of an area rug. Parquet can also be used as a border around the perimeter of a room or used subtly 3.) There is a wood for every budget: Wood is very versatile in décor as well as in budget. For those that want high variety exotic woods, Brazilian Rosewood, Teak, and Ebony are gorgeous and unique. Flooring and select furniture utilize these gorgeous but pricey woods. For those that want less expensive wood, White Oak and straight grained Maple are beautiful without the hit to the wallet. Use these varieties in a cabinetry and furniture.
5.) Group wood décor together to add visual interest: In popular home furnishing magazines you can see how designers group wood bowls, artifacts of varying colors and sizes together to create mini themes. Whether it's on a coffee table, amongst books in a bookshelf, or even on a kitchen counter, wood décor groupings are easy to create. Use treasures of your own, or visit thrift, and antique shops to gather "artifact' looking décor. 6.) Use wood in exterior detailing of your home: Wood has always been an exterior home material that is versatile, strong and when taken care of – can last for years into the future. Wooden columns, balustrades, and moldings can add definition to your exterior façade. Especially used on front porches, entryways and around windows and doors. When using wood outside make sure the wood has been pressure treated. This is wood that has been injected with chemicals to keep it insect, termite and fungal free when used outside.
8.) Mix and match wood varieties: Long gone are the days when the wood of the floor had to match the wood in the furnishings and crown molding. In today's world different varieties are mixed and matched and leave a sense of excitement in what would ordinarily be a boring room. To add an eclectic aesthetic to your kitchen use different wood on your upper and lower cabinets! It sounds strange, but the result is a beautiful mesh of two worlds. Choose a counter top material that blends with both woods to pull the look together. 9.) Wood ceilings aren't just for home libraries: When wood is used on the ceiling it gives the room a natural and warm sense above your head. Coffered and paneled ceilings can be simple or intricate. If you want to save money use laminates that look like wood and can be applied to walls and ceilings.
11.) Use decorative wood screens to divide a space: Try using wood room dividers to break up a space visually or to add another use for a room. Antique and artisan screens come in a variety of styles, colors and heights. Wood screens can also be used as head boards in the bedroom! 12.) Wooden beams add architectural interest: There was a time in residential architecture that exposed wood ceiling beams were covered with drywall and hidden from plain sight. Over the years exposed wood beams add architectural interest and can add a rustic aesthetic to the room. Heavy timber – such as reused railroad tracks/ties are especially popular in ceiling design. For a more refined look, beams can be finished smooth and stained in a variety of colors and finishes.
14.) Frame artwork and family photographs in wood frames: Wood is versatile and timeless. From light oak and clean streamlined frames to bold mahogany styles, there is a wood frame waiting for your personal touch. Look around the room to see what existing color palette is currently being used. Consider going one shade lighter or darker to add contrast and to draw the eye to the subject of the framed work. Look in popular furniture magazines to see how they display collections, family photos and artwork. 15.) Make a room feel bigger with lighter woods: When choosing a wood color for furnishings take into account how the large the space is. Lighter wood can make a small space feel more spacious while dark wood tends to command a presence and will swallow a small space up. If your room is too large consider using a mix of various complementing varieties of wood to give the eye separate areas of the room to focus. This wall make the room feel more cozy and not so vast and cold.
17.) Shop online classifieds for treasure finds: Still trying to add wood furniture to your home but you don't have the money to spring for new furniture? Try online classifieds and don't be afraid to haggle down the price! When considering buying, make sure you look at the sturdiness of the piece, and the condition in which they are selling it. Don't take anyone's word over the phone. 18.) Invest in one dynamic piece of wood furniture: Create a focal point in your space by using a curio cabinet, an entertainment center or even a butcher block island in the kitchen. These investments will add a base that you can then add small accessories like pillows, collectibles or decorative kitchen counter décor to enhance. When wood is taken care of it will last for generations and will look better year after year.
20.) Wood head and foot boards set the scene in a bedroom: The bed is the main focal point of any bedroom. Depending on your personal style, a wood head/foot board can change a room instantly. For a dramatic feel a wood sleigh bed or four poster canopy bed is a dynamic way to catch the eye. For a more subtle look, a clean lined Mission style bed maybe for you. Regardless of your choice, a wood head/foot board bed will be a pleasure to wake up in every morning. When wood is added to your home the possibilities of décor are endless. For every budget and style there is a wood to help you create the ideal home. Re-purpose wood and use it in new ways to give old life to a pre-existing piece of wood. Refinish furniture, search yard sales, and rummage through your attic. Whether the wood is old or new, it will always make your home feel natural and warm.
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| Corocotta Table by Jason Phillips Design Posted: 31 Aug 2010 09:21 AM PDT  Designed by Jason Phillips Design the Corocotta Table is a concept that employs solid wood end cuts from furniture production and links them together in a twisting configuration that accepts a glass top and can be used as a cocktail table. Measuring 54x30x17"h, the piece is supported by a steel armature that is threaded through the cubes, providing a structurally sound form that defies gravity. The piece was influenced by the story of an ancient warrior. According to several historians, Corocotta was a Cantabrian warrior leader during the 1st century BC. His great achievement was the union of the disperse Cantabri clans in an alliance against the invading Roman armies, to the great exasperation of the powerful empire. He fought against Rome from the years 29 BC to 19 BC. The Roman historian Dio Cassius relates the story of this robber who caused numerous difficulties for the Roman Army. Such was his fame that during the campaign of Emperor Augustus in Cantabria from 26-25 BC, a price of 200,000 sestercii was put on his head. To the emperor’s astonishment, none other than Corocotta himself walked into the Roman camp, presenting himself and demanding the reward. In a gesture to Corocotta’s bravery, the Augustus let him go after granting him the money. Beautiful story …and beautiful piece of furniture.
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| Mind-blowing Houseboat Living in the Middle of Hamburg, Germany Posted: 31 Aug 2010 08:05 AM PDT  Living on water is so exotic and so unusual that more and more people are willing to give it a try. This mind-blowing residence comes from Rost Niderehe Architects and combines the comfort of a modern home with the shape and eccentricity of living on a boat. We think the most fascinating aspect of this project is its location. This boat house lies in the middle of Hamburg and it is surrounded by the Eilbek-canal. When its inhabitants get tired of the landscape, they can move their home a few meters to the left or to the right by using a tug. This residence has two levels also known as the upper deck and lower deck that host the living and working areas. Once inside, there is little trace that may lead one to believe this is a house build on water. The interior design is spotless and the decorative elements are simply surprising. Living in the middle of nature in your large city without being a part of the urban racket- how great is that?
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| Beam Light, the Upside-Down Table Lamp Posted: 31 Aug 2010 04:55 AM PDT  As we were looking over some fresh ideas to share with you, this Beam Light created by Swedish designer Johan Carpner caught our attention. After all, it isn’t every day that you see an upside-down table lamp suspended from the ceiling. This unusual looking pendant lamp features a functional hinge that allows its user to twist the spot at will and create the right amount of light wherever it is needed. This is a great example of a simple idea turned into a highly original design. Beam Light is available in red, black and white and goes great in any modern interior with a personality. This product could also be taken into consideration when it comes to redecorating the interior of a bar or a wacky, intriguing public space.-via Mocoloco
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| Colman Triplex, Daring Contemporary Architecture in Seattle Posted: 31 Aug 2010 02:35 AM PDT  From Workshop Architecture|Design, this impressive building houses three apartments with views of downtown Seattle. The Colman Triplex was built following a few “rules” imposed by the customers. First of all, the project had to be constructed while obeying strict area limitations. The individual dwellings had to vary and feature a good indoor/outdoor connection. The outcome is an interesting looking building with inspiring interior design elements. Here is more information from the architects: “Within a primary box-like form the design team responded to budget and strict land use limitations on building height and lot coverage to configure three separate dwellings that each provides direct and visual access to landscape and exterior space.” We particularly like the horizontal rain screen which is both functional and aesthetic.
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| Freshome Reader Help: Decor Ideas for Apartment Posted: 31 Aug 2010 12:51 AM PDT 
RAYMOND: Currently I just bought new apartment, it will be empty without furniture when handed to me. Since its just 30m2, I don’t have much room for bathroom, living room, and kitchen. The developer allow only to change the layout without change wall’s structure. Could you share your ideas how it should be re-decorated? For the interior I would like to apply a modern-minimalist style. EDITOR: Freshome Reader’s, help Raymond in suggesting decor ideas for his small apartment. Leave him suggestions below. If you would like to enter Help My Space Freshome! Click here for all the details. Freshome reader’s will comment on your space and help you solve your design dilemma.
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