Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

Link to Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

Magnificent Folded Roof House in Sweden

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 05:15 AM PDT

Sweden is, again, the territory where good home design happens very often. On the Musko Island rises a gorgeous contemporary house designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune. This prefabricated home has only one storey on top of which lies an asymmetric folded roof. The main entrance stands in the middle of the house and shelters the living area and kitchen. The bedrooms are positioned on the sides of the building. There are two more buildings specially designed to house the guest rooms and a wonderful sauna. The Folded Roof House can be purchased from a catalogue as it is prefabricated and has the advantage of having a fixed price but at the same time to be designed by top architects.  The construction is completely handled by the building company.

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A wonderful terrain surrounds the home and acts as a natural landscape frame fitted to offer a continuation of the building into nature. Perfectly merged with the rocks around, the house`s roof acts as an edge with a beautiful visual impact. From the side, it resembles a bird`s wing span, gently sloping upward from the middle to the sides. The interior is kept clean by modern lines and a combination of white and powerful colours.  The exterior colours have been brought inside with the help of a few grass-green carpets and a soft nautical feeling comes from all the lines displayed on the cushions and houseware. Water is a strong element that surrounds this Folded Roof House – a pool, as well as the lake give that wonderful feeling of peace in the middle of nature.

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Exclusive Fine Drink Bottle Design for an Interior Design Twist

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 04:08 AM PDT

Highland Park Distillery celebrated the launch of a 50 years old island single malt whisky with an disarmingly beautiful design. Your home would be eternally greatful to have such a magnificent decoration made from precious metals. Give your collection of fine drinks a boost with this splendid acquisition.  The "Highland Park 50 year old" has only 274 siblings made so it is sure to become an exclusive collectors` love. Each of the 275 limited edition bottles is unique: each has its own intricate hand-crafted ornaments.  Harrods London was the place where this bottle first saw daylight and where it is still exclusively available until the end of October. The distillery's oldest and most prestigious drink has a design inspired by Orkney Islands. Artist Maeve Gillies (international bridal jewelery designer) constructed all the ornaments from sterling silver suited for such a magnificent drink.

Highland Park 50 years old 4 Exclusive Fine Drink Bottle Design for an Interior Design Twist

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Tree elements helped construct the bottle`s design: the influence of the sea, wild weather and the passage of time.  The sterling silver ribbon embracing the bottle squeezes the clear glass as if it was the last time that it can touch and love the complex drink. "In recognition of the famous St Magnus Cathedral and its medieval beauty, the front of each bottle features a single piece of circular Orkney sandstone into which is hand-carved the Highland Park amulette. Inside the bottle, behind this sandstone, lies a Sterling silver replica of the St Magnus rose window which is revealed over time as the whisky is enjoyed." Every great conquest comes at a price. This particular 50 years long waiting period combined with a complex taste and a monumental design has an interesting price: $ 16, 470.

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Re-Imagine Cities with Hand Cut Maps by Karen O`Lear

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 03:04 AM PDT

Karen O`Leary stunned us with a collection of paper-cut maps of San Francisco, Singapore, New York, Madrid, Vancouver and Berlin. Hand cut from Strathmore thick watercolour paper with textured surface and rough edges, these amazing original maps are 30″ in length and 22″ in height. A lot of hard work went into making these incredible maps and the price captures this: $ 1,100 for some. Every intricate design captures streets, boulevards, circles, parks, paths, all the amazing elements that make up great cities all over the world.

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The artist re-imagines maps that continuously change in real life. Gorgeous maps like these ones would help you capture a moment in time, cities that make history. Karen uses the beauty of simple vertical and horizontal lines to recreate a well known image, to raise it above practicality and put a new spin on a usual object. Put them next to other objects you collected from your trips and you will have an amazing story. The maps, as described by Karen herself: "Imagine all the sounds and smells and feelings of being in a large city……then try to transfer that to paper without using words.  Only by using a knife or a pen.  These maps reveal the density and delicacy of a modern city with a single element and infinite subtleties."

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10 Ways to Make Every Room Appeal to Buyers

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 11:23 PM PDT

Let's face it, when you are trying to sell your home, buyer appeal is the only appeal that matters! The difference between your competition's house and yours can be huge.   If you want to impress your buyers then you have to take off the owner 'hat' and put on the buyer 'hat'.  Walk through your home starting from the front curb, through every room and around the yard.  Look at your home as if you were going to buy it and make a list of what would be a major turn off, and what would appeal to you.   Here are 10 ways to make every room in your home appeal to buyers.

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1.) Consider the neighbors when creating curb appeal: Unless your neighbors are incredibly negligent of their yards, do your best to blend in.  When buyers drive through a neighborhood the appeal is for well manicured landscapes and clean drive and walkways.  Don't try and paint your home a drastically different color or buy elaborate lawn ornaments that make your home an eye sore. Clean uniformity is ideal when attracting your future homeowner.

2.) Your front entry speaks volumes: Look at the front door and ensure the paint isn't faded or chipping and the front entry mat is free of leaves and debris.  If your front entry needs some sprucing up, apply a new coat of paint to the door, trim, adjacent windows, etc…  Change door numbers and lighting to new ones to give a boost of newness to your home.

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3.) Welcome them instantly in the foyer: Even if your home doesn't have a foyer, the entry area of your home is a crucial access point to catch buyers and appeal to them instantly.  Ensure coat racks, umbrellas, keys, and kid's shoes are clear from this area.  Replace personal belongings with a clutter free entry point.  If you have the space a decorative vase of flowers on a entry table is inviting.  If you don't have space, keep the area clean and free of distractions and the buyer will continue into your home without distractions.

4.) Make your kitchen the most inviting room of the house: The kitchen is at the top of buyers lists for appeal.  Generally, if you can win them over in the kitchen, chances are the rest of the home won't be too difficult. Upgrade your kitchen appliances, materials and finishes to the extent of your budget.  Unlike other parts areas of the home, your return on investment in the kitchen has a greater chance of bringing the value of your home up.

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5.) Hallways can be distracting or inviting: If you have a traditional home that has long hallways and rooms off it, consider breaking up the walls with subtle artwork in contrasting colors and hues to the main hallway color. If you leave them bare, a buyer will perceive the hallway as too long and it could be a turn off.

6.) Main living areas should offer comfort: To appeal to buyers instantly, create family and living rooms that look like you want to stay awhile and enjoy the home.  Comfortable couches with fluffed up accent pillows, and conversational areas are ideal.  Keep area rugs under coffee tables and in front of couches.  Avoid having area rugs in main areas without them be secure. These can become tripping hazards and in turn off instantly your chance for buyer appeal.

7.) Create a master retreat in the bedroom: The master bedroom is a place where the buyers want to be able to relax, unwind and enjoy the comforts of home in.  Remove large, bulky furniture to allow ample space and create the feeling of spaciousness. The bed is usually the main focus of this retreat. Create the mood with a well made bed, quality bedding, and soft textures to make a buyer feel like they could fall asleep instantly if they were to lie down!

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8.) Ensure bedrooms offer family members plenty of amenities: Similar to the master bedroom each bedroom should be a representation of its owner. In kid's room keep clutter away with organizing toy bins and utilize hidden storage in closets and under the bed.  Group toys together, but out of the way for buyers to freely walk through the room. In guest bedrooms, create an atmosphere that a guest would truly want to stay in. Ensure window treatments are open in all bedrooms and artificial lighting is welcoming for evening showings of your home.

9.) Each bathroom should feel like a retreat: Remove all personal belongings and leave sink counters clear and free of clutter.  Add fluffy towels, area rugs, and decorative baskets with spa toiletries to give the true feeling of a retreat. Bathrooms are a prime area for buyers to make sure it's clean! Thoroughly clean so buyers don't perceive other areas as being unclean as well.

buyer appeal bathroom 10 Ways to Make Every Room Appeal to Buyers

10.) Make your backyard inviting: For those that have a backyard, buyers place a high appeal for outdoor spaces.  Ensure grounds are landscaped and manicured like the front of the home.  Pick up toys, debris and add decorative touches to porches. Play up amenities like pools, lush gardens and lake or ocean views.

Your home can be the perfect home for potential buyers buy you must appeal to them instantly.  These 10 steps will help you from uncover the hidden potential in your home and ensure you are showing a top notch home.  Remember, your home will sell; you just need to appeal to the next buyer that walks through your front door.

Freshome reader's share with us your experience in selling your home.  How did you win appeal from your buyers?  Selling a home is frustrating, share with us!

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Latest Herman Miller Office Chair Design : Sayl Chair

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 12:51 PM PDT

American office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller needs no introduction. His works speak for themselves: evolved designs with a futuristic feel that are as comfortable as a mother`s womb. Inspired by the marine form of both a sailboat and a bridge, he and his collaborator, Yves Behar, created one of the most beautiful and functional office chairs: the Sayl Chair: "People at their best live unframed, going beyond expectations to surprise and delight us. With SAYL, we set out to design and build a chair family that gives form to that spirit."

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Herman Miller SAYL Chair 9 Latest Herman Miller Office Chair Design : Sayl ChairHerman Miller SAYL Chair 8 Latest Herman Miller Office Chair Design : Sayl ChairHerman Miller SAYL Chair 3 Latest Herman Miller Office Chair Design : Sayl ChairHerman Miller SAYL Chair 5 Latest Herman Miller Office Chair Design : Sayl ChairHerman Miller SAYL Chair 2 Latest Herman Miller Office Chair Design : Sayl ChairNo frames are needed to sustain this 93 % recyclable chair made from up to 21% recycled content materials. The chair is available in many colours to suit your every need. The inspiration for the back support comes from san Francisco`s best-known landmark: the Golden Gate Bridge. A suspension tower runs along the back of the chair to strengthen it while reducing weight and use of materials. The actual comfortable support comes from the flexible elastomer suspension material that keeps you cool but also allows a great range of motions. Looking at the chair from the side reveals the sailing vessels inspiration. Take another good look from all angles and you will also understand the name: replace the "i" in "sail" with the "Y" reflected by the back support structure and you get a beautifully crafted chair with a meaningful name.

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Green Shadow House, a Diverse Approach to Architecture

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 08:48 AM PDT

Green Shadow House comes from Mutsue Hayakusa and has a very interesting design concept behind. The home was constructed on a slope and the uneven terrain seems to emphasize its originality. Surrounded by a beautiful pristine environment in Karuizawa,Nagano, the exterior of the residence harmonizes well with the landscape and it almost feels like it is camouflaged. Rectangles and parallelepipeds of different sizes are the basis for the design of this L-shaped building. Even though no geometrical shape is identical, the overall impression that this house inspires is that of unity. Indoors, the effect of these shapes is even more spectacular, as windows of different sizes turn this place into a bright crib, where natural light is welcomed and treated with the consideration it deserves. The interiors are otherwise minimalist, in tune with the simplicity and beauty of the home’s location.

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10 Tips to Create a Relaxing Home Library

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 07:48 AM PDT

Do you love to read and have a collection of books that can fit in a room by themselves? Are you an avid fan of relaxing in a quiet space, just to get away from the world and delve into a good piece of literature? Home libraries have always been a room in the home that was considered to be an extra, as opposed to the norm.  In today's world, home libraries are becoming more popular, and home offices are also sharing their space with the home library.  You don't have to have a large mansion, or even a dedicated room to achieve a beautiful library. Here are 10 tips to create a relaxing library in your home.

library modern e1286294699811 10 Tips to Create a Relaxing Home Library1.) Choose where it will be located: Depending on your home layout, and how much space you have, choose an area that isn't loud and heavily trafficked. A room is ideal that has doors, although a corner of a quiet den or guest bedroom will work well too!

2.) Determine how many books you have: For some, the library should be able to hold all the books they own, while others want a library for the peaceful setting. Assess your storage needs and decide if bookshelves from floor to ceiling are necessary.  If you have a smaller collection, consider using open shelving for a modern décor touch.

3.) Choose colors: Libraries in the past were filled with dark browns, rich burgundy and hunter greens. In today's home libraries the home owner can have a light and bright library or a deep colored traditional style décor. Choose colors that represent you, and help you and your family relax in the space.

library dark e1286294161516 10 Tips to Create a Relaxing Home Library4.) Layout a furniture plan: All libraries require a great place to sit.  Based on your space, determine how many chairs, sofa, table and lamps can fit comfortably.  If the library is only for a few people, a few oversized chairs could be perfect. Ensure a small side table and lighting can sit adjacent to your seating.

5.) Assure bookshelves are secure: Since your shelving will be holding a lot of weight, ensure it is hung with the proper anchors and supports into the studs or CMU walls.  If you aren't sure how to determine weight and point loads, hire a professional carpenter to assist in hanging and securing shelving.

6.) Sharing a space with a home office: If you plan on sharing your home library, assess what needs are necessary from the both functions.  Will multiple people use this space at a time? Will the home office require computer, printer, fax and other large equipment? Will there be enough room to share?  Ask yourselves these questions to ensure you will get the most out 4of the office and library.

library home office e1286294288886 10 Tips to Create a Relaxing Home Library7.) Install proper lighting: Lighting is crucial in a library.  In the daytime, natural light may be sufficient for reading.  In the evening, side table lamps, over head lighting and accent lighting may be required for artwork displayed on the walls. Consider adding a dimmer to overhead lighting to make the room versatile for playing board games to snuggling up with a book and hot chocolate.

8.) Assure flooring can support loads: Just as important as the walls holding the load, equally important is the flooring.  If you are unsure, locate your home library on the first floor or basement of your home.  Check with a general contractor if you have a large amount of books to store.

9.) Go vertical for optimum space saving: If space is limited, use the full height of the wall for storage and display of books. Don't forget to use over doorways as a bonus area for storage too!

library above door e1286294896379 10 Tips to Create a Relaxing Home Library10.) Maximize views: Libraries don't have to be shut in and dark spaces.  Who doesn't love reading and daydreaming out a great picture window? A view to the outside will bring in natural light and lift your creativity level while reading and enjoying your books.

Home libraries are not only for an enthusiast of books.  One can use a home library for relaxing and stimulation of the mind.  Few rooms in the house can you be catapulted to different discoveries just by opening up a book, or laying back and closing your eyes.  Enjoy your home library with these 10 tips to guide you. Freshome reader's do you have a home library? Tell us your suggestions for great book and display areas!

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