Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter |  |
- 10 Tips to Obtaining an Urban Loft Feel in your Home
- Unique Artistic Sound Frames from Rebaroque
- Crooked House in the Swiss Countryside by FOVEA Architects
| 10 Tips to Obtaining an Urban Loft Feel in your Home Posted: 17 Oct 2010 05:47 AM PDT Recently, the interest in urban lofts has gained popularity amongst urban goers and rural home owners. Exposed flooring and overhead mechanical ductwork bring the contemporary feel of the city to your home. What is it that makes urban loft living so desirable? I think it's the feeling of a cosmopolitan lifestyle looking over a city with industrial décor with a soft edge interplayed is the appeal. If you want to bring the urban loft feel into your home, follow these 10 tips to feel on top of the world!
2.) Exposed heating and air ductwork: Since most urban lofts are inside of warehouses or urban industrial buildings they have been turned into residential spaces and high ceilings are the norm. For heating and air ductwork, leave the pipelines exposed and consider painting black, brown or leave with metallic finish for a truly industrial feel. 3.) Leave floors bare: Urban loft living brings the industrial nature into your daily living with finishes that are exposed, bare and 'unfinished'. For flooring consider leaving concrete exposed and adding a concrete stain to seal it, and add a patina of color. Hardwood flooring and slate are also typical for flooring. To soften sitting and conversational areas add area rugs to match the décor.
5.) Open space means less storage: In urban lofts the feeling of multiple rooms occupying one open space is the appeal. Although, when considering storage bookshelves, armoires and storage units will need to be low in height or back up against walls. Take advantage of multifunctional ottomans, storage benches and furniture that doubles as display and storage. 6.) An open kitchen is great for entertaining: To get the urban loft kitchen feel in your home leave one side open to the living and dining spaces. The appeal of urban living is to be able to entertain and interact with your guest while you cook and prepare food and drink. Industrial and professional stainless steel or black appliances pulls the entire look together, coupled with an eye catching range hood.
8.) Consider lighting: In the daytime natural light pouring into your space is an asset. In the evening hours, ensure you have ample lighting throughout your home. If your ceilings are very high, wall sconces, floor lamps that extend over couches and table lamps should be considered. 9) Multiple levels create the true urban loft experience: For lofts that have the option of having another split level for a bedroom, bathroom or entertaining space have a great experience. To look out over the main living floor and to see great views outside. Remember that this also can be a noise problem for multiple people sharing a loft. In your home, consider this lifestyle before opting for a multilevel – open urban living environment.
Urban loft living and décor is a lifestyle that many love. While not for everyone, open outdoor spaces are replaced with expansive windows and views over metropolitan vistas. Depending on your lifestyle and your preference for architectural layouts you can bring urban loft details into your home or opt to live in the real deal. Whichever you choose, urban loft living will always have a favorable appeal. Freshome reader's tell us if you like urban loft living. Do you live in one? Share with us, and tell us the pros and cons! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below !
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| Unique Artistic Sound Frames from Rebaroque Posted: 17 Oct 2010 03:36 AM PDT Custom made "sound frames" from Rebaroque meet your needs for a stylish sound system that easily embellishes your home`s walls. Artists Rebecca Paul and Mikal Hameed created these artistic wall sound systems as a means of embodying sound into design. Each of the sound paintings has a wire that connects your portable music player or smart phone to the frames and helps you enjoy your favourite music with eye-catching style. Rebaroque`s mission is to gather history, design and music into one large entertaining product that allows customers to focus on both visual and auditory senses for an enchanting experience. Made from wood, reclaimed vintage frames, pieces of fabric and old speakers, the sustainable design of these artistic "sound frames" recreate a world of design that incorporates more than one sense. The superior sound quality is given by one speaker that is completely new. Gorgeously creating music art, the artist duo worked on this project for months, but the final result is astonishing.
Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below !
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| Crooked House in the Swiss Countryside by FOVEA Architects Posted: 16 Oct 2010 07:09 AM PDT This prefab house with two floors on the Swiss countryside was built taking into account the inhabitants need for privacy and light. FOVEA Architects integrated this modern reminder of a farmhouse into the rural background of the countryside and created the Crooked House. The upper floor is inclined to 40 degrees and rests on top of the first rectangular floor. An angular architectural idea helps protect the privacy of the people living here and will be very helpful once other homes are built next to it. The need for natural light was met by installing huge windows that guide the light indoors. The simple patio in the front of the house offers a calming view and the possibility to enjoy outdoors and the fresh air. The house faces south and the exterior is made from painted planks of pine that helps the design look more natural and inviting. The asymmetrical structure balances light and privacy while offering a modern house design in the countryside. On the inside, the rooms are painted in light colours to bring in even more natural light. All the ceilings are also made from wood and inspire a sustainable way of living.
Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below !
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1.) Modern furnishings: Minimalistic and modern furniture is the idealistic 'look' of an urban loft. Clean lines of seating areas, décor, and few decorative items are key. Use simple forms and allow for plenty of space to walk around furniture to take full advantage of space, height and views.
4.) Simple window treatments: The view takes center stage in an urban loft. Ensure your window treatments don't interfere with the view by choosing simple sheer fabric or sheer blinds for covering. Depending on the height of your home and privacy issues you may not need window treatments. For homes with tall windows consider motorized treatments that are remote controlled.
7.) Artwork and color: Urban living can still have beautiful colors amidst the greys and blacks of industrial finishes. Choose furniture that has punches of color along with colorful artwork to adorn the walls. Add colorful area rugs, throw pillows and decorative décor for table tops and display areas.
10.) Bring nature in: To stay well balanced with nature, bring live plants, running water fountains and nature inspired materials into your urban loft. Even though you feel far above the city below, your home and you will always benefit from nature at hand.
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