Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Ultimate Bachelorette Pad : Glamorous Black Apartment in NY
• 20 Tips for Buying Second Hand Furniture
• Luxurious and Charming Serrano Apartments by A-cero in Madrid
• Sustainable Isometric Chair and Table Set, an Intriguing Minimalist Design
• Engaging Interior Design in a Delightful 92 sqm Apartment
• Slick and Practical iPhone and iPad Duo Charger
• Fusion of Asian Influences and Modern Architecture : West Hollywood Residence
• Interview: Passion Above All With Christopher Grubb
• Vurv Ellipse Dog Bed for the Fastidious Canine

Ultimate Bachelorette Pad : Glamorous Black Apartment in NY Posted: 17 Sep 2010 07:24 AM PDT Stefan Boublil`s Black Apartment design brings a new dimension to the glamorous lifestyle. The concept was made for a client that needs no introduction: Cindy Gallop from BBH advertising.  The brief for this apartment was short and simple: “At night, I want to feel like I`m in a Shanghai nightclub…” And so it is. The locker rooms of the first YMCA in the US became the scene for the designer`s theatrical show. A black-lacquered Chinese box served as inspiration for this aesthetic endeavour. The colours come from over 30 years of collecting different objects from around the world. It all came perfectly together in this ample space, with a network of curtains serving as walls and doors. All objects are identified by the black space that surrounds them, making them pop. The light fixtures provoke shadows to comply to this night club feeling in the middle of New York`s rainbow neighbourhood. Old and new, expensive works of art and cheap finds combined give the impression of a well balanced space perfect for Cindy Gallop. Her 300 pairs of shoes are displayed each in their own light box. A heaven for women, the shoes occupy the whole width of the apartment.  Luxury meets glam in a “wishes come true” scenario. One of the most beautiful touches is the huge library. It adds to the seductiveness of the apartment and equilibrates the “peep show” feeling. Glam and sparkle drown the idea of a gloomy interior. Nothing in this apartment is usual, everything screams seduction and confidence. As Cindy herself says: “This apartment was designed to be the ultimate bachelorette pad“. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! The Toilet That Transforms Into an Urinal Lovely Black and White Apartment With a Wooden Theme Black, White an Wood: How is That For An Apartment Design? DIY : Black and White Bookself Another Delightful Swedish Apartment That Stuns With Its Chromatics White and Black Rug Another Swedish Apartment that Looks Stunning Retro Black & White Design for Your Home Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

20 Tips for Buying Second Hand Furniture Posted: 17 Sep 2010 05:57 AM PDT Your home furniture is one of the reasons that you love your home.  Furniture is the accessory that makes your rooms come together and helps you enjoy the amenities of a comfortable lifestyle.  Since it is a large makeup of our home, we often can't replace furniture as often as we would like.  Instead of having to save up for furniture, why not buy it second hand or reuse furniture in a different capacity? A few days ago, Freshome reported IKEA; the popular discounted furniture store had started selling second hand IKEA products to their Sweden customers.  What a great environmental gesture and you can mimic this trend in furniture finding.  Check out these 20 tips to help you buy second hand furniture or find new uses for old furniture. 1.) Try out furniture before you buy: Whether you purchase second hand furniture on Craigslist, or a garage/estate sale, 'sample' the furniture before money exchanges hands.  Open up drawers in cabinets, sit in chairs and lean on tables.  If an item has been damaged you need to confirm that it is still in satisfactory shape for to you to start using at your home. Even if it is damaged, make sure you are confident you or someone else can fix it and pay appropriately for the condition of the piece. 3.) Trust your senses when buying second hand furniture: Furniture that has been in someone else’s home may have the odors of past owners. When buying furniture consider this in your decision. Some odors may air out, while others like pet and smoking odors may not.  Don't get so enamored in the great deal that you forget this is getting ready to be part of your home and family for years to come. 3.) Second hand mattresses can harbor germs: Although tempting, second hand mattresses are not recommended to use more again.  Mattresses can harbor germs, bacteria, and bugs that you can't see.  If you need a mattress and can't afford to buy a brand new one, consider buying a futon mattress or air mattress until you can afford a traditional one. 4.) Reupholstering can you save you money: Second hand and old furniture may have been constructed with quality structural components and may just need a 'face lift'.  Similar to renovating a older home, furniture was made with better workmanship and quality products years ago.  Instead of passing over an old looking Queen Ann chair at a antique store, think of the potential and money savings to buying a brand new replica furniture piece. 5.) Pay attention to the support system of couches: Couches are not created equal in their inner construction.  Be wary of mesh support or Styrofoam peanuts for the sofa cushions.  They will not last a long time.  Instead, opt for eight-way hand tied support construction and cushions that are filled with down feathers or wrapped foam. 6.) Laminate and veneer furniture can be beautiful: Don't pass up veneer and laminate furniture just because it isn't solid wood.  Check for veneer adhering to the particle board or substrate material it is affixed to.  Depending on where you will use the piece of furniture, laminate furniture can take more abuse and daily wear and tear than wood.  Often times laminate can be glued back if it is coming apart, but be weary of pieces that have large sections not adhering. 7.) Hardwood furniture will last longer when taken care of: Hardwoods such as oak and maple make durable and strong furniture.  When buying second hand wood furniture, especially sofas, stay away from soft woods like pine lumber.  Pine is better for pieces that don't have to withstand weight and pressure over a long period of time.  Look at the types of wood when you consider buying a second hand piece for durability. 8.) Metal furniture makes good seconds: Wrought iron or aluminum furniture is beautiful when it's been refurbished.  When you find second hand metal furniture think of the potential as opposed to how it looks.  Remove rust and repaint with a durable powder coat of outdoor paint especially made for covering metal furniture.  You will be surprised how a new coat of paint will breathe life into your new find. 9.) Children's furniture may have been recalled: Be careful when buying children's furniture second hand.   Often times the furniture has been recalled and the owner wanted to get rid of it.  Another important idea to remember is that it could have been damaged and fixed, but not properly. 10.) Don't overlook getting dumpster and trash day finds: This doesn't mean rummaging through dumpsters and coming out with garbage all over you! College dormitories, apartments and the night-before trash pickup in many neighborhoods is a good place to find second hand furniture that may still be in good condition.  Often times tenants move out or worse yet, are evicted and everything goes on the curb! 11.) 'Assembly required' furniture may not be sturdy: Self assembled furniture is a good and economical alternative to buying expensive brand name furniture.  Although, when looking for furniture at second hand locations be mindful of furniture that was self assembled.  Often times the furniture doesn't still have all of its original pieces or may not have the original structural intent as when it was first assembled. 12.) Make sure to refinish old furniture for its new purpose: Want to take an old dresser and use it as a bathroom vanity? This idea is one of the latest trends and works beautifully especially for antique and older furniture.  Make sure to refinish the wood or other dresser material in a waterproof finish.  Re-purposing furniture is a great idea but you don't want to ruin your 'new' found relic. 13.) Drive a vehicle large enough to haul away your furniture: One of the biggest mistakes to make is to not be prepared to take home your furniture. Many stores will hold your merchandise for a few days, while others will demand you take your furniture that day.  If you know you are going to buy a couch, map out a few stores, & yard sales to go to and have a truck ready to haul off your furniture. You would hate to find something that is 'perfect' but then can't get it to your home immediately. 14.) Check furniture retailers who rent furniture first: Before searching all over town for a good place to find second hand furniture, try furniture retailers that rent furniture to corporations. These furniture pieces are usually gently used and often times these retailers hold clearance sales to get rid of their inventory.  Second hand furniture doesn't have to be worn out from the previous owner.  Corporation clients sometimes rent furniture for a few months and then they're returned back to the retailer. 15.) Second hand furniture from hotels can be perfect for your home: Although, a little more challenging to find, hotels often renovate and then sell off the old furniture to the public.  Look in the newspaper, online classifieds and word of mouth to see when local hotels near you may be selling furniture after renovating.  When buying hotel furniture stay away from mattresses as mentioned earlier in this article. 16.) Arts and crafts suggestions for masking imperfections: Have you fallen in love with a piece of second hand furniture but is shows wear and tear on the surface?  How about adding wallpaper cutouts as a form of decoupage to make a custom look? Add wallpaper, and then seal the surface with a clear sealer to the surface.  The sealer will prevent the wallpaper from lifting and will deter water rings and surface marks. 17.) Shop with dimensions in hand: When shopping for second hand furniture you need to have an idea of what space you need to fill and how large that space is.  Since you aren't shopping with a furniture catalog that has upfront dimensions and descriptions, you need to be prepared.  Even if you don't have specific dimensions, have a good idea of how much space you have to work with as most second furniture sources will not let you return your furniture. 18.) Ask to get on second hand furniture retailers mailing lists: Many well established used furniture retailers get shipments in on a regular basis.  Several of them may get their furniture direct from warehouses or other retail sources.  Ask if they have a mailing list or email list.  This way you can be notified when new shipments are due in and you can be one of the first to get the goods! 19.) Auction sites are a good source for used furniture: Furniture auctions receive furniture from estate sales, furniture stores, unclaimed storage units and many other sources.  Look up furniture auctions in your area to take advantage of quality second hand furniture.  Auctions tend to have more discriminatory taste when selecting their furniture so the quality and price will be more than that of your average online classified ad poster. 20.) Choose green painting supplies when refinishing: Opt for green varnishes and paint when refinishing a second hand piece of furniture.  Paint and varnish comes in varieties that have low or no VOC's. Low VOC's will help when preparing the furniture with little to no fumes. An added benefit will be once the piece is in your home it will be free from off gassing. Finding second hand furniture can be exciting and rewarding once you get it to your home. Whether you refinish it or it is ready as-is, the money you save can be gratifying.  Use these 20 tips when buying second hand furniture and enjoy the search, it will be well worth it when you enjoy it at your home. Freshome reader's do you have suggestions on how to shop for second hand furniture and find bargains?  Have you found pieces for your home that have a great history of how you found them? Share them with us! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! 5 Useful Tips for Buying Used Furniture Ikea Furniture Shopping Tips From A Former Employee Ikea Started Selling Second Hand Furniture Online Interior Design Patterns from Hand Furniture Sales and the Economy Wood Table/Stool by Albero The Bull Sofa – A Daring Addition to Your Living Room Sea-Urchin, the Amazing Hand-Made Chair Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Luxurious and Charming Serrano Apartments by A-cero in Madrid Posted: 17 Sep 2010 04:32 AM PDT You probably got used to A-cero‘s fascinating architecture projects and interiors so the fact that these new apartment designs look incredible should not come as a surprise. A-cero recently designed eight flats in the center of Madrid, in a four-story building. Each level houses two apartments and each apartment has about 185 square meters. Even though the lofts have a different, structure, they all feature four or more bedrooms, a dining room or a lounge room, a kitchen and bathrooms that are fully equipped. All the flats receive a high amount of natural light due to the wide windows and skylights. The walls are painted in white, which gives the feeling of space and order. The interior design is very stylish and tasteful, a true display of opulent, modern living.- via Karmatrendz Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Stylish Pozuelo House in Madrid El Palauet Living, Apartments For Rent In Barcelona New Modular Show House by A-cero in Coruña A-Cero Strikes Again: Amazing Concrete House in Madrid Luxurious 23 Oakmount Drive Residence in Beverly Hills Tetris Apartments A world of luxury and scenic beauty: Hot home in the heart of Brisbane! Beautiful Little Girls Bedroom with a Fairy-tale Ambiance Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Sustainable Isometric Chair and Table Set, an Intriguing Minimalist Design Posted: 17 Sep 2010 03:17 AM PDT Here is an interesting furniture set from Kalon Studios. Based on symmetry and a minimalist design, the “Isometric Chair and Table” collection features simple, yet intriguing items. The collection is made from 100% eco-friendly and natural materials, which means they are a tribute to sustainability. It feature no hardware, just solid bamboo and a wood-oil finish which is not toxic in any way. We are impressed by the simple and elegant lines displayed by this dining collection and we think it has the ability of adding some extra charm to an interior. The chairs look comfortable enough, but adding a cushion could do wonders. Moreover, the set’s simplicity makes it easily adaptable to various kitchens and dining room designs. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Chairs That Transform Into Tables Switch Table Chair by Ellen Ectors Enterprise Table & Chair by Marco De Gregorio Armchair that transforms into a study desk : Also Chair Popup Chair Elegant Regency End Table Solitaire Chair Tsubomi Chair Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Engaging Interior Design in a Delightful 92 sqm Apartment Posted: 16 Sep 2010 12:07 PM PDT When we first saw this place, we thought were dealing with an apartment that had a surface of at least 200-240 square meters. Its interior design is so engaging and diverse that it is hard to believe this is just a 92 square meter loft. As you can see in sketch at the end of this article, the apartment has three rooms and an outdoor terrace. We were absolutely charmed by the airy living room, the small but of great effect coffee table and the inclined walls. All throughout this open space one can see bits and pieces of color which manage to cheer up the living space and create a fresh, playful environment for the people inside. From the modern kitchen an elegant sliding door leads to the terrace, which is spacious and naturally bright, perfect for a dining area for up to six people. Enjoy the photos! -via - Stadshem Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Another Delightful Swedish Apartment That Stuns With Its Chromatics Black, White an Wood: How is That For An Apartment Design? Simple and Elegant White Apartment Small Apartment Ideas by Tori Golub Apartment Design by ERGES: Targets The Young Fancy and Youthful Apartment in Sweden Spacious Apartment Design in Battersea, UK Diverse Interior Design in a 7 Room Apartment Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Slick and Practical iPhone and iPad Duo Charger Posted: 16 Sep 2010 11:00 AM PDT Tired of not having enough USB slots for charging your iPhone and iPad? Here is a fun, intelligent and practical solution that could solve this issue. InCharge Duo serves the needs of the Apple maniacs who own both these devices. Moreover, it works with iPods too. But the product can only charge two gadgets simultaneously. With a compact and practical design, InCharge Due can fit great on any office desk or work table. Due to the optimum 2.1 amp dock, the iPad/iPod and iPhone can be charged without fearing something could go wrong. The unit is equipped with LEDs for letting the user know when his favorite gizmos are fully charged. Available here, for $59,99. Sounds Useful? -via Bless this stuff Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Using Ipad as a Stylish Bookend iPad Turned into a 1980's TV: Crazy or Practical ? iPad Mounted in Kitchen Cabinet : Smart or Not ? Biennale Venice 2010 iPhone App Launched for Biennale Visitors iCushion : Iphone 3GS Shaped Pillow IKEA Launches Catalogue as iPhone App Cool iPhone Dock in the Shape of a Shelf Handmade Wooden Iphone Docks from Woodtec Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Fusion of Asian Influences and Modern Architecture : West Hollywood Residence Posted: 16 Sep 2010 09:52 AM PDT This West Hollywood Residence was designed by (fer) studio and is situated in the hills above Sunset Boulevard, California. This means it has unobstructed views over Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Brentwood. The house measures 4500 square feet and houses 3 bedrooms, a media room, 3.5 bathrooms, a large kitchen and an office. The customer is a very passionate collector of Asian artifacts and wanted a place that would host his memories of Cambodia and Thailand. Here is a description from the architects: “Off the main living room, a 300+ year old monastery door from South East Asia slides open into an office and the ground floor powder room leads to a bathroom and linen closet. The powder room is defined by a long stainless steel wall-mounted fixture that emphasizes a single antique Asian table with a granite basin. The windowed master bedroom includes a linear gas fireplace with a granite mantle that ties seamlessly with the 100% silk carpeting that mirrors the marbling of the granite. The luxurious master bathroom is completely inset in jade, from the floors all the way to the bathtub.” The Asian influences together with the modern approach to interior design turn this residence into a dream home, one definitely worth being in the spotlight. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Ocean Front Residence in West Vancouver: A culmination of the warm and cool Modern Cottage on West Lake Okoboji Shoreline Geddes Residence Shines in West Vancouver Dang Residence by Pb Elemental Architecture The Rising Glen Residence: Seamless blend of the indoors and outdoors Sleek and Sizzling Interiors from West Chin Team Famous Hollywood Sign to Be Turned into Hotel? B-99 House: A fusion between the ancient and the modern! Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Interview: Passion Above All With Christopher Grubb Posted: 16 Sep 2010 08:54 AM PDT Today’s interview highlights the positive aspects of doing what you love. Christopher J. Grubb, president of Arch-Interiors,Inc. took the challenge of answering our 15 questions which reveal an impressive experience and an optimistic view on working in the field of design and architecture. Have fun reading Christopher’s answers and be sure to identify the small lessons that are subtly being provided in the interview below. Freshome: What determined your passion for design? Tell us about the moment when you decided this is the way to go. Christopher Grubb: When I was very young, I would draw buildings on the blank inside covers of my coloring books.  That eventually lead to playing with wood blocks and legos.  I was that kid who knew he wanted to be around architecture and interior design was the perfect combination of working in architecture and moreover finishes and furnishings. 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. Christopher Grubb: I was constantly drawing floor plans and cities as a kid.  I "accidentally" started my own business in college and had a café, home in Carmel Valley and a kitchen addition.  I loved it.  But knew I was too young and needed more experience and how to market.  I was always entrepreneurial in spirit selling stationary and Christmas cards door to door.  I was eager to have my own business again and started it 5 years after graduating from design school. 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) Christopher Grubb: I'm blessed in that I love all areas of design I work in.  It's basically learning who my client is, whether residential or commercial, and delivering a space that reflects them.  I'm very excited I was given the opportunity to design my own line of bathroom furniture that launches this fall.  As designers we are constantly designing one of a kind pieces of furniture etc.  So to get to create my own that will not only be one of a kind but for the public is very rewarding. Freshome: Chronologically describe what you are going through (feeling and thoughts) on your way to work. Christopher Grubb: I'm a list maker and the morning starts out creating the list in my head.  What are our deadlines, what is the status of the projects we currently have going on, who do I need to call and follow up on project leads.  But – my day never ends up being my list.  There are too many variables in the world of design and our projects. Freshome: What is your favourite book/magazine on design? How about your favourite site? Christopher Grubb: Interior Design Magazine I like because it's global and Wallpaper because it is fashion, design, product and travel.  Books are too numerous because I also like books on fashion and photography.  They are all with an eye to design.  And the site Go Design Go from the Cohn design centers which is great to keep up to date on what is happening around the country with product etc. Freshome: What inspires you? Christopher Grubb: Travel.  If I could travel full time and work part time I would.  Not only is it a break from my work, but to see different cultures, the people, architecture, museums, the ethnic use of colors, the country side, etc.  It is beyond inspiring for me. I always come home refreshed, inspired and recharged! Freshome: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one? Christopher Grubb: Frustrating that your work depends on hundreds of people to fulfill your visions and what can and does go wrong in the process. Rewarding is when a project is done and our clients say we LOVE what you have done.  Every client is different so to exceed their expectations with a design that resonates and reflects them is why I am in the design business.  And then referrals are the biggest compliment of all. Freshome: From your point of view, is design an art or a science? Christopher Grubb: I see it as both.  The science part is there as a function to first fulfill.  How the space is used.  The needs in the space.  And at the end of the day it is a business. The art is the use of the abundance of decorative items available.  Especially something you can use in an unexpected innovative way. Freshome: Tell us something unusual that happened in your carrier. Christopher Grubb: When I was with a prior firm, we did hospitality work in Las Vegas.  I had a very large commercial client in Los Angeles who knew this.  In a meeting, the owner remembered I had projects in Vegas and needed a trade show booth for a show there and said "you used to do work in Las Vegas, so you can do a trade show booth for us!"  Being my business was very new, I said sure, walked out of the meeting and said to myself "how do you even do a trade show booth?"  I figured it out and completing 16 of them for various clients in the next couple of years.  Ultimately, there was a lot of competition and as my business grew it made more sense to focus on the residential and commercial projects and not spread myself too thin. 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? Christopher Grubb: Wow. Honestly I would need to interview the extra-terrestrial.  See how/where they currently live and being we most likely cannot speak the same language, use images that inspire them to create what would be appropriate for them.  My taste is always part of a project, but not my ego.  If the client is not in love with the end result, I didn't do my job well. Even for an extra-terrestrial! Freshome: If design were a product, what would it be and how would you design it? Christopher Grubb: Is this like Barbara Walters asking what kind of tree would I be?  It would be some sort of multi faceted piece of furniture incorporating the abundance of opportunities to be in various parts of designs.  It would have storage, a fold down seat that the fabric could be changed out at whim, a cooling compartment, a swing arm light, a writing surface.  It would have music emanate from it, a mirror, a sink, and panels of wood or metal that can be changed as trends and one's taste changes.  It would obviously be large and not for every client! Freshome: If you had no limits (money, resources), what would you create? Christopher Grubb: Can I steal the idea from Star Trek of a transporter?  It would be great to travel instantly to a location on the planet and avoid jet lag.  Global travel takes a lot of time…as does traffic here in Los Angeles.  If that doesn't count as original then modern "transporter stations" that would be chic and adventurous like airports the experience of pre-travel in America used to be. Freshome: Share something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas. Christopher Grubb: My eyes are constantly open.  Be it a tree, a building, a car, etc – everything gives me an new idea that can be  for a current or future project. Freshome: What do you think of our site? Christopher Grubb: I love Freshome features such great architectural projects that are global, ideas that are very useful room by room and interesting ideas and product that are "out of the box" and unexpected. Freshome: What advice do you have for young designers or architects reading this interview? Christopher Grubb: First, make sure it's your passion.  There are a LOT of people who want to be in this business but if you just see it as a "job", you should think of something else to do.  Get as much experience as possible.  Perhaps you have to do an internship in school for credit.  Do another one.  Or two.  It's a chance to see how different designers create, think, and do business.  And ask questions. Anything you learn no one can take away from you. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Stylish Apartment Design from Christopher Colman Dice Lamp- Play On! Interview: Passion for Landscape Architecture with Jeffery Smith Christopher Dezille’s Honky, Builds Great Furniture The Vuzzle Chair by Christopher Daniel Interview: A Positive Approach to Design with Nadia Geller Infernal Furniture from Michel Haillard: Atrociously Appealing? Interview: Interior Design Attitudes with Magdalena Keck Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Vurv Ellipse Dog Bed for the Fastidious Canine Posted: 16 Sep 2010 07:54 AM PDT The Vurv Ellipse Dog Bed has a design that is said to make the master envious on his own dog. This canine bed has an elliptical shape and is made from bent plywood with veneer finish. The cushion comes with a removable cover that can be washed whenever the owner desires. We consider this to be an original approach to an item that is usually neglected. With the Vurv Ellipse Dog Bed, this will surely not happen. Being given that the owner has to pay from $800 to $1,050 to purchase one, this item will definitely not be tucked away in a corner, but proudly displayed. What do you think? Is your pet obedient and cuddly enough for this “gift” ?-via Needs/Wants Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Ellipse Bookcase The Most Beautiful Public Sculpture : A Drop of Mercury 30 of the Most Creative Bookshelves Designs Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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