Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Minimalist Contemporary Home with Amazing Interiors: OM House
• 30 Ways to Decorate your Home for Halloween
• 10 Decorating Handmade Prints for Modern Interiors by Bold&Noble
• Fascinating White Contemporary Home in Ekali, Greece
• How to Hire the Right Architect for your Home Project
• Vivid Apartment with Charming Colorful Interiors
• Contemporary Arizona Living: The Yerger Residence
• How to Care for your Lawn and Landscaping Before the Winter

Minimalist Contemporary Home with Amazing Interiors: OM House Posted: 21 Oct 2010 04:30 AM PDT OM House was designed by Studio Guilherme Torres and is located in Londrina, Brazil. For us, this home is a great example of minimalist architecture, achieved while respecting the exigency of modern design. The compact exterior resembles a “contemporary fortress”, charming due to its simplicity.Here is more on the material used to build this home: “The project uses few coating materials, which can be easily found in the region. The rusty texture on the brick walls was done directly on the plaster. The house floors as well as some walls are a mix of cement planks and wood rulers. The French windows in the bedrooms were built in wood by local handicraftsmen, a more economical and sustainable alternative rather than the use of synthetic materials.” The interiors are truly astonishing, featuring large windows, contemporary furniture, tasteful contrasting colors and delightful art works. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! How To Create a Minimalist Home Simple artistry: Minimalist modern home in the heart of Copenhagen Minimalist House by Marià Castelló Martinez Luxurious Residence With Stunning Views Over Los Angeles Warm and Natural Interiors Created by K2LD Architects, Laced With Wood Contemporary Concrete Home with Amazing Interiors in New New Zealand Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

30 Ways to Decorate your Home for Halloween Posted: 21 Oct 2010 03:27 AM PDT Bats, pumpkins, skulls, candles, black cats, vampires, scarecrows, skeletons, witches, demons, ghosts, horror stories, creepy movies, weird food, weirder beverage – bring the Halloween to your home with these gorgeous ideas for the night of October 31st. Prepare with these 30 visual inspirations grouped into 5 sections. Let the party be prepared! 1. Pumpkins Halloween pumpkins have been around for many years symbolising the need for protection. With carved faces and placed in windows Halloween pumpkins are supposed to ward off evil spirits. Put them together with horror movies and frightening stories to create a gloomy feeling for all that take part in the celebration. On the night when the border between this world and the Otherworld becomes thin enough to let spirits roam free, the tradition says that we must wear costumes to be left out of harm`s way. 2. Pillows These orange and black pillows set the mood for Halloween. In a beautiful, modern and contemporary home, you might not want to have just any kind of decoration. So prepare for Halloween with these beautiful pillows that can be used as autumn accents all throughout the fall season. Celebrations are always a good reason to change the feeling of your home for a short period just to get in the mood for the holiday. 3. Lights Lights are an immense part of decorating for Halloween. Candles everywhere, dim lighting and corners with almost no light at all make a party successful. The Halloween motifs are a great way to change how  your home looks for a few days. Jack-o-lanterns and spider webs, even this modern Halloween light will surely not let you rest on this magical night. 4. Houseware In the kitchen is where all the action happens before Halloween: finger food and ghoulish goodies, potions and atrocious appetisers, all of them will begin their story in the kitchen. Getting in the Halloween spirit means never being scared by a little interior redecorating.  A pumpkin here, some dark beverages there and many items to remind you of the night when magic happens can lift up your spirit and prepare the perfect party mix for your guests. 5. Decoration mix Gothic elements in a creepy surrounding or just a pinch of orange and black chosen wisely will serve as the basis for this Halloween. Trick-or-treating will have kids showing up on your doorstep and guests will be looking for a personal touch in your home.  These inspiring interiors will guide you to the perfect choice for your Halloween party. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Halloween Decor : Noose Hanging Lamp Interior Design Advice for a Freshome.com Fan Grizzly Bear Table 10 Ways to Decorate your View with Window Film Freeing Up Space: How to Get Rid of Clutter 10 Simple Ways to Bring the Outdoors Inside Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

10 Decorating Handmade Prints for Modern Interiors by Bold&Noble Posted: 21 Oct 2010 02:17 AM PDT We ran through these unusual prints from Bold&Noble and thought each of them would be an interesting wall addition worthy of taking into consideration when decorating. Featuring original maps (of USA, Australia and Great Britain) composed by letters and words, inspirational messages and other graphic compositions, these types of paintings would go great in a modern, minimalist decor. You can look at them as abstract decorating elements that bring a plus of creativity to a room. The artworks are hand-made! on recycled cardboard, they are 50cm x 70cm in size and available in a variety of colors. The prices start at 38 GBP. For more information or for ordering these some of these prints online, you can contact the producers here. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Unique Handmade Chair by Reed Hansuld Swedish Apartment Renovated With Modern Interiors Beautiful Poufs in an Array of Stunning Colors by John Derian Modern Retail Interiors by Kata’s Wonderful Handmade Carpet Rugs from Liz Eeuwes Sleek and Sizzling Interiors from West Chin Team Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Fascinating White Contemporary Home in Ekali, Greece Posted: 21 Oct 2010 12:42 AM PDT If you thought Greek homes were all about conserving tradition, have another look. This white contemporary home was designed by Greek architect Thanos Athanasopoulos and comes with quite a few amazing features. Located in Ekali, an Athens suburb, the residence is a single-family crib, a true showcase of modern living. Its architecture was developed in relationship with the environment. The large windows ensure great views of the natural landscape and pool, while allowing natural light inside. The roof is particularly interesting and original. Here is more on this structure from the architects: “The main building volume is covered by a pitched double-curved roof which is clad with conventional ceramic roof tiles. The roof-tile cladding cascades down the surface of the north wall, creating a rainscreen that contributes to the environmental performance of the house and conceptually to the visual impression of a seamless protective blanket. This element, which provides coherence to the whole scheme reinterpreting the traditional ceramic-tile roof, is part of an attempt to shape an appropriate architectural identity –material and spatial- in a suburban context where traditional imagery and contemporary desires are fused and confused.“  As far as its interior design is concerned, we were intrigued by the open living room, impressive in size, elegance and modernity. a Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Back from Greece Western Minneapolis Residence Contemporary Sideboard – Bay Beautiful White Beach Home in California Original Design And Architecture: Modern Home in Spain by OmasC Architects Modern Mountain Home Design by Ulisses Morato Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Hire the Right Architect for your Home Project Posted: 20 Oct 2010 11:29 PM PDT When you decide to build a new home or renovate an existing one, an architect can help you put your ideas in motion. Architects help people take an idea of a space(s) and determine if the idea melds with reality to making your home the way you have dreamed.  Although it is an exciting process to hire an architect, there are tips for helping it go smoother.  Read on for tips for hiring an architect, and what to expect in the process. Research your local architecture governing body: Depending on where you live, architects will have a governing regulation body that helps the professional and the consumer. From negotiating fees, to contracts and rights of the architect and owner. This is a good place to research architects in your area and specifically for the job you are interested in them performing. Have an idea of what you'd like: Architects can walk through how to transform your space into a new space, but will need guidance. Similar to a doctor who needs to know where it hurts, an architect will best serve you if you know what you'd like to change. If you want an area larger or smaller? Does the current space meet your family needs but you want it to be aesthetically nicer? Have general guidelines for what you need your architect to help you with. Determining if you need an architect: An architect helps design a space and how it interacts with other spaces in your home. If you need help with structural or mechanical, electrical or plumbing concerns, then an architect will call on an engineer. If you a specific design challenge, like your kitchen is too closed in and needs to be opened up into the living room, then an architect can help. If you have a doorway that wants to be made into an opening and that is all, a general contractor may be helpful, as there is no 'design' involved. Ask for referrals: If you have a neighbor who hired an architect recently or you went to a friends' home and saw design work by an architect, ask the owner for more information. If you don't have access to any referrals, consider contacting the local architecture governing body for a list of architects in your area. Questions to ask an architect: When you meet with an architect, have a list of questions prepared if they don't answer them first. *How are they paid? By retainer first and then by milestones throughout the project? *Do you pay for materials and labor by the hour? *If problems or unforeseen circumstances arise, how do they handle the original contract terms and price?  All architects work differently, so find this info out in advance. Also ask to review the contract in advance and consider hiring an attorney or outside entity to review on your behalf. Ask about schedule and supervision: Depending on the size of your project and the size of the architectural firm you hire, the schedule could be pushed off into the future due to waiting lists. Ensure in writing when design work will begin, and when each phase should be expected to take place. Once construction begins, ask the architect how often they will supervise the project and/or if they have representatives that will come on their behalf. When you decide to make design changes to your home, hiring an architect is an important step to make.  An architect can help you with the design and solve troublesome challenges that your home and family have faced in the past. Take your time and interview several architects to determine the right architect for your needs. Once you have chosen them, your home is on its way to how you always dreamed it would be. Freshome readers tell us your experience with hiring an architect for your home. Are you an architect? Feel free to add on to the tips above! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Brad Pitt to Design a Luxury Eco-friendly Hotel in Dubai Adventurer's Bridge House by Max Pritchard Architect Ultra-minimalist Home in Pousos, Straight Lines and Sleek Form Awesome Business Card Idea for an Architect or Interior Designer Villa Bio Modern Mountain Home Design by Ulisses Morato Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Vivid Apartment with Charming Colorful Interiors Posted: 20 Oct 2010 11:16 AM PDT It is amazing how adding just a few colorful decorating items can transform a dull apartment into a vivid and youthful crib. Here is a home that feels alive and this is especially due to the fact that it features a few colorful items that stand out and disrupt the “common” feel that this apartment would otherwise inspire. The focal point of the loft is a spacious and charming living room, a perfect place for parties or friend gatherings. Wide enough to include a dining table and a reading corner, this interior is brightened up by the unusual paintings on the wall and the playful sofa pillows. The bedroom is absolutely delightful with its overall white design (white walls, sheets and closets), contrasted by the youthful colorful paintings. The bedroom is connected to a mesmerizing balcony which completes the overall playful image of this apartment. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Art and Good Taste in A Flat: Turquoise Themed Apartment in Sweden Swedish Apartment Renovated With Modern Interiors Charming and Bright Apartment with a Homey Feel Fluffy and Colorful Landcarpets for Interiors with a Perspective Colorful Tetris Bookcase for a Cheerful Room Swedish Inspiration – White Apartment in Goteborg Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Contemporary Arizona Living: The Yerger Residence Posted: 20 Oct 2010 10:14 AM PDT The Yerger Residence comes from Chen + Suchart Studio and is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Since Camelback Mountain dominates the landscape, the architects developed the eastern wing of this residence so as to take full advantage of the fantastic views. From the exterior, the house has a highly interesting look which from afar doesn’t give away that this building is in fact a family home. As one approaches the construction, the “homey” details emerge. This residence features generous windows, an impressive outdoor pool and some amazing interior design elements. Here is more information on its structure from the architects: “The main living space of the house maintains an open plan configuration and borrows Camelback Mountain and brings it into this space. This relationship is further maintained by the ability to slide sliding glass doors completely away for an uninhibited view.  Two guest bedrooms, also part of this open-ended volume, afford the view due to the plan configuration of the bathroom and closet spaces along the west elevation.” We’ve uploaded plenty of interior photos that should serve as inspiration. Enjoy!  Photography by Bill Timmerman. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Modern House in Tempe, Arizona 007 House Contemporary Residence in Brighton, Australia Contemporary Riverfront Amalfi Residence Contemporary Belair Residence in California Luxurious Residence With Stunning Views Over Los Angeles Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Care for your Lawn and Landscaping Before the Winter Posted: 20 Oct 2010 09:14 AM PDT When the fall sets in, the cooler temperatures and the obsession about your lawn tends to go away, right? The reality is, you still have care and maintenance chores to do for your yard in order for it to come up green in the spring. To prevent winter and cold damage follow these tips to help you prepare your lawn and landscaping before the cold sets in.  After all, you wouldn't want your hard work from this year to be repeated again next spring, would you? Continue watering: One misconception during winter about grass is that is stops growing, dies, and doesn't need watering until spring.  This couldn't be further from the truth. If you live in a climate where it snows, the melting snow will be sufficient to keep water levels in the grass. While if you live in a warmer climate, you can cut back on watering your lawn but not stop.  The grass becomes dormant and doesn't have a quick growth output in the winter, but it still needs moisture. Fertilize and feed: Your grass and landscaping plants should be given fertilizer before the winter sets in. Visit your local home improvement center or garden center to learn what products are good for your climate and region.  Plants need food to feed on throughout the winter season, and fertilizer will help make the grass roots stronger for the following season. Do this during the fall before the first snow fall. Grass should be mowed until it slows in growing: The length of your grass is vital in keeping it healthy during its dormant stage. If the grass is too short the cold wind can reach the roots and cause dead sections later in the season. If the grass is too long, the blades can get mold or disease. Stop cutting grass after you notice it stop growing and leave it for a few weeks. This should ensure a good length. Rake leaves and debris regularly: Grass still needs access to sunlight during the winter months. Rake up leaves and debris throughout the season to ensure grass receives ample light and air.  Mold, and disease, is common in winter months when leaves and debris are left over grass. Do not leave trash bags, trash cans or other heavy items on grass for long periods of time as well. Prune trees and shrubbery: Depending on your climate, shrubs, and trees should be pruned before the winter season. Visit your garden & home improvement store for tips for pruning times and how far to cut limbs. Flowering plants and trees have different pruning schedules and should be researched before you start cutting. Aerate and de-weed your lawn: Placing holes in your yard and pulling out soil is called aeration. This helps fertilizer; water and air get deep into the grass.  Consider aerating your lawn before the winter season sets in. Consider removing weeds and foreign plants before the winter sets in.  Spray weed killer before the winter sets in. This will ensure when spring comes weeds from the fall will not affect your new lawn. Your yard and landscaping will come back better and fresher in the spring with fall maintenance now. With preventative maintenance, your lawn will be shielded from disease and harmful cold as the winter months set in.  Consider mulching plant beds and landscaping areas to give an extra barrier against cold and harsh winter winds.  Together with your garden center you can prepare your lawn and landscaping for the upcoming winter months. Freshome reader's what fall rituals do you routinely do to keep your lawn fresh for the spring? We'd love to hear your gardening tips! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Indoor Lawn Rugs Original Bookcase Design Inspired by a Tree Winter Beach Residence by Schuchart/Dow 10 Home Maintenance Tips for this Fall Season Garden Furniture by Patricia Urquiola Gargoyle Spout Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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