Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Elegant Suspended Balancing Barn : Silver Holiday Retreat in England
• 10 Tips to Consider when Hiring a Home Stager
• Stunning Home in Costa Rica Defined by Luxurious Tastes
• Cool Application Magnets: Transform your Fridge into a Huge iPhone
• How to Use Sleek Black in your Home Decor
• Steve Lazar`s Luxurious Beach Villa in California

Elegant Suspended Balancing Barn : Silver Holiday Retreat in England Posted: 18 Oct 2010 06:10 AM PDT An elegant silver cladding covers the exterior of this amazingly beautiful construction cantilevering over panoramic views of the woods and meadows of Suffolk, England. The traditional barn shape was altered by an exterior that tries to overcome classic design in the countryside and offer an educational goal: making architecture available and accessible in the beautifully natural rural areas. The silver cladding on the outside walls and roof reflect nature and all its changes: all four seasons take part in this uniquely constructed structure. Balancing Barn is created by architects from MVRDV furnished by interior design firm Studio Makkink Bey whose designers created an oasis of modern comfort and timeless elegance. Holidays or vacations spent in this 30 meters long cantilevered wonder can bring you an interesting experience: half of the barn seems to float over the hill and makes you a participant to nature`s changes. Looking down from the house, the terrain slopes more until the viewer has a complete tree level view of the amazing scenery. The rigid structure is supported by a concrete core that is heavier on the part where the building touches the ground. This holiday home is up for rent and it can accommodate up to 8 people. The interior design is supported by a neutral timber that acts like a canvas for the inspired colours and elements that combine old and contemporary Britain. All the interior design elements – carpets, wall-paper, textile wall-elements- create a playful and comfortable residential feeling. Ventilated by a heat recovery system and insulated, the barn also receives heat from a ground source heat pump, making it an energy efficient structure.  Fun, beautiful and unique, the Balancing Barn must be put on your next holiday list. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Swing with Style in a Suspended Bed Modern Suspended Bed : Aladino up by Alf Group Bed Suspended on a Rope Old Barn Transformed into a Stylish New Home Cool Suspended Corner Cabinet For Extra Storage Space Wall-mounted Suspended Cabinet Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

10 Tips to Consider when Hiring a Home Stager Posted: 18 Oct 2010 04:37 AM PDT When you're trying to sell your home the ability to appeal to a buyer is your main goal.  Staging your home is the process of setting the "stage" to market each room in its best light.  A home stager will help you determine what parts of your home are assets and which areas need to be minimized.  Throughout this process your home will ideally be transformed for home buyers to want to purchase it for their own.  In order for you to hire a home stager that is right for you and your home, consider these 10 tips. 1.) A home stager is not the same as a Realtor: Before you hire a home stager remember they are hired to "market" your home visually and through home buyers' senses. Unlike a Realtor who is hired to help you through the buying and selling process, and the legalities of both.  When you hire a home stager make sure you consider this distinction so you don't hire a stager thinking they will promote, guarantee, or provide realty information. 2.) Seek referrals first: Similarly to finding a doctor or a mechanic, seek the advice of neighbors or Realtors that have used home stagers in the past.  They will be able to explain what to expect as well as save you time and energy searching aimlessly for a professional stager. 3.) What to ask when a home stager visits your home: A consultation or first meeting will take place at your home for the home stager to walk through your home and give you feedback on their observations.  Questions to ask should include: *Do they use your existing furniture/decor, or do they bring in new furniture/decor? * Do they charge by room or by level of detail? *What homes have they staged in the past? 4.) What will be expected of you: When hiring a home stager, many will give you tips on how to keep your home in the staged condition after they finish.  It is important to note that unless you don't live in the home while selling it, there will be work for you. Discuss this thoroughly before agreeing to have your home staged. Make the most of this investment, as it will eventually lead to a home sale. 5.) Ask for advice to bring the price down: For your benefit, and for your home stager to quote you the lowest price, declutter and purge items in your home before they visit. Once the home stager visits ask if you can paint, clean, etc…spaces of the house yourself to bring the cost down of their services. 6.) Ask the home stager to walk through the steps: Ensure clear communication in the beginning of the relationship with the professional. Ask them to outline steps through the duration of the project so you know how long the process will take. Unlike home and garden television, one weekend may not be sufficient! 7.) Redesign may be an option instead of staging: Some professional stagers also do redesign to market your home.  This involves moving furniture for better flow through a space, or placing furniture to take advantage of better views. Often time's pieces of furniture can be swapped from other rooms of the home. Redesign generally is for homes that have very few major interior design issues: changing colors on walls, replacing fixtures, etc.. Redesign is more cosmetic and generally costs less than staging. 8.) Curb appeal is important: A good home stager will also be concerned with marketing the exterior of your home.  Ensure that they walk around your property and give you advice as to what strategy they will suggest for your yard, walkways, entry and exterior of your house. 9.) Interview several people: If you aren't convinced with one interview with a home stager, interview a few others to compare recommendations, price and strategies for your home.  You also should write down advice, as several items you can probably do yourself. 10.) If the house is vacant, it will take more work and money: All of the before mentioned steps are assuming that you are living in your home. If you have a vacant home to be sold, speak with the stager about costs for furniture, if you need to rent or if they have their own inventory. Ask questions about time to stage, and consider only having key rooms staged if cost is an issue. The master bedroom, dining and family areas are priority for home staging. Selling your home is a process you want to end as quickly as possible.  By considering hiring a home stager, statistics show your home will sell quicker and possibly for a higher amount than your competition.  Follow these 10 steps when hiring a professional stager, and your offer on your home may come sooner than you expected! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! 5 Tips to Consider When Hiring a Housekeeping Service 7 Essential Tips for Hiring a Home General Contractor Beautiful Apartment Top 4 Tips to Know Before Selling/Buying a Home for 2010 Interior Design Ideas – 7 Design Trends How to Prepare your Home for Festive Entertaining Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Stunning Home in Costa Rica Defined by Luxurious Tastes Posted: 18 Oct 2010 03:39 AM PDT Costa Rica is an exotic country in Central America with some bewilderingly various landscapes offering a unique living experience. The name of  the state is Spanish for “Rich Coast”, so there is no wonder that the house we would like to present today is defined by luxury. This modern residence is located on the beach in Playa Hermosa, Jaco and has unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Its facade is made up of floor to ceiling windows, which let in natural light during the day and allow its inhabitants and guests to enjoy the amazing landscape. This opulent home houses an incredible home cinema with places for 10 people and a cool gaming room for getting rid of the tension accumulated throughout the day. The interior design is contemporary, featuring a few subtle colorful decorating items which manage to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.- via homedit Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! $4,95 million 8400 Grand View Drive Residence in LA A world of luxury and scenic beauty: Hot home in the heart of Brisbane! Parthenon Place, Luxurious Residence in Vancouver Luxurious Home in London’s Holland Park Casa Elegante – Pure Luxury Luxurious Chestnut House in Newport Beach Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Cool Application Magnets: Transform your Fridge into a Huge iPhone Posted: 18 Oct 2010 01:50 AM PDT These iPhone application magnets are a crazy and highly original way to keep your fridge in touch with technology. They were created by a firm called Jailbreak Toys who is selling them online for $12,99.  Now the pack comes with 18 Apple applications, but it is up to the user to choose the ones he or she likes the most and unconventionally remodel the fridge. We can’t help but notice just how popular the iPod, iPad and iPhone are and how many unusual designs they have inspired since their launch. Some of these unusual creations we already presented on Freshome (iCushion, the iPod Touch Themed Bedding and the Handmade Wooden iPhone Docks) and they had a large impact on our readers. What do you think of these application magnets? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Fridge Magnet – Bottle Opener Small fridge in an under-counter cabinet : Izona Cool Drawer Give a New Look to Your Fridge IKEA Launches Catalogue as iPhone App Bi-Axis Fridge for Samsung by GRO Design Magneto Shelves by Henry Julier Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Use Sleek Black in your Home Decor Posted: 18 Oct 2010 12:42 AM PDT The color black has been associated with being sleek, sexy and mysterious. When used in home décor, black can bring a sophisticated edge to a home, and when paired with pastel colors it's contemporary and chic.  Black is a neutral that pairs with every color beautifully, and shines on its own perfectly.  If you're trying to bring sleek black into your décor, check out how to bring it into these rooms of your home. Add drama with black wall accents: Trying to find an easy way to add drama to a formal dining room or living room area?  Consider painting with a single bold black element on a wall. Whether it is a horizontal band, polka dot, or an abstract painting with black and grey hues.  This drama will leave you less to do in your furnishings, and the visual cue from the wall will take precedence. Layer your living room in black: The beautiful nature of black is to use neighboring neutrals to mix and match in fabrics and textures.  On a couch opt for white, grey, greige, and charcoal grey pillows and throw blankets to add depth and layers.  Black can be the overlying theme for the room, or you can use it more subtly in flooring, window treatments and table décor. Black can spruce up exterior home elements: Believe it or not, black makes an excellent accent to a boring home exterior.  Use high gloss black paint at your front door and accent it with brass or nickel hardware. Paint your mailbox, window shutters, and window/door trim black to complement pale color houses like yellow and light blue. A black bedroom is mysterious: Ever notice how a black bedroom adds a hint of mystery and seduction? Black can be the dominant color of walls, furnishings, bedding and accessories or use black in key minimal elements, like one piece of furniture or wall art. For a romantic bedroom consider using black and white on a canopy bed with white soft material to drape from the canopy posts. Use black flooring in an all white bedroom to add an unexpected contrast to a beautiful room. Black kitchen beckons to be cooked in: Kitchen appliances in black or stainless steel are the elite in adding finishing touches to your kitchen.  If you want to add a hint of sophistication you can add black decorative items and small countertop appliances.  For a more masculine and sleek kitchen, opt for black cabinetry, countertops and/or flooring.  Add a punch of color in an unexpected place to bring in whimsy and visual interest. Who doesn't want to cook in a kitchen that feels this great!? Use black in your baby nursery: It is said that black, red, and white décor in a nursery are better for early learning. Consider using black and white décor in bedding, furnishings and tactile toys for baby.  Add spots of hot pink or aqua blue to the room to add color and a whimsical tone. Your home loves black in abundance or in moderation.  Since black is the absence of color it compliments all the other colors in the spectrum beautifully. Throughout your home, black can be daring or it can be subtle. Take your pick and use it to bring personality and style into your home décor. Freshome reader's how do you use black in your home décor? In the bathroom or in entertaining spaces, where do you think black looks the best? Share with us, we love to learn from you! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Raiser Munny Toy by Adam Haynes Home Decor Vinyl Stickers by ARTSTICK Contemporary Sideboard – Bay Music Fan? Turn Up The Place! How to Add Modern Décor Touches to Your Home Retro Black & White Design for Your Home Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Steve Lazar`s Luxurious Beach Villa in California Posted: 17 Oct 2010 11:05 PM PDT Manhattan beach, California is the place where Steve Lazar from Lazar Design/Build built a home for his family.  The beach environment sets a perfect scene for this contemporary home that welcomes guests with an amazing array of Mangaris wood steps accompanied by a small river flowing over riverbed stones. Actually, the whole house which stands 3 floors tall is embellished on the outside with stained and polished Mangaris wood. A relaxing beach feeling fills the rooms just like the coastal breeze that gently caresses all the rooms after passing by the huge windows and sliding glass doors. The shoreline view has a spectacular effect from inside the contemporary adorned living spaces. Using brown to accentuate the comfortable feeling of home, the designer fluidly reconstructed an open space using modern furniture and accents of blue and green. The nature helps recreate the effect of sweet dreams with every sunset. White seating areas throughout the house balance the white walls for an incredible visual effect. The bathroom and kitchen mosaic tiles lay the canvas for the modern furniture with stainless steel accents. A living area on the first floor opens into an internal patio – a small luxurious retreat for evenings filled with fresh Californian air. Almost all the windows are framed with an intense shade of brown to accentuate sunlight and make a connection to the outside wood finishes. A glorious home on a perfect beach says more about the inhabitants than anything else: people who love nature and its beauty inspire others to recreate incredible interiors in their own homes. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Rustic Villa in Sweden Glamorous Glass Pavilion Residence in California Lavish Three-storey House in Manhattan Beach Beach House in Malibu, California Surfhouse in Hermosa Beach, California Beautiful White Beach Home in California Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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