Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Cute Lord of the Rings Hobbit Houses in New Zealand
• A Bookcase Defying Gravity: Equilibrium by Malagana Design
• How to Cure Your Boring Kitchen with Pink
• Taking Architecture Originality to Another Level: Villa Nefkens
• How to Bring Powerful Purple into your Décor
• Freshome Reader Help – Needs Advice for Layout of Flat
• Compact Residence Embedded in a Dreamy Landscape: The Ecomo Home
• How to Keep your Home Always Smelling Fresh

Cute Lord of the Rings Hobbit Houses in New Zealand Posted: 25 Oct 2010 06:51 AM PDT The Hobbit scenes from Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy were filmed on a hillside lot in Matamata, New Zealand. Now the little Hobbit Homes have become a tourist attraction, but also they became homes for some of the sheep from a nearby farm. The interiors of these white structures were never finished because the scenes shot inside were actually filmed on a studio set. Although the place where these Hobbit houses rest under the sun are not an intimidating fun Disneyland-like  amusement park, one can visit the countryside and get a chance to learn more about the sheep raised here and even pet the lambs. From inside the little houses the scenery opens to a beautiful valley with trees scattered here and there. The panorama is almost untouched by humans and it gives one the feeling of being in the right place at the right time. Round entrances and windows blend beautifully with the green grass creating a surreal environment that could give Lord of the Rings fans an exquisite travel experience. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! The Hobbit House Lord of the Rings Residence in Barbados Camelback Houses by GRAFT Architects Futuristic Resort Hingarae in New Zealand Architecture Rings Featuring Paris, New York, Moscow and Archipolis Bathroom Mat – Drops of Water Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

A Bookcase Defying Gravity: Equilibrium by Malagana Design Posted: 25 Oct 2010 06:29 AM PDT Equilibrium Bookcase is an original and surprising product by Malagana Design, a studio in Colombia. We like to call it gravity defying, but in reality the bookcase is very solid. The design concept was just really well implemented which is why, even if it seems that the cantilevered modules are going to collapse, they are in fact in equilibrium. Moreover, they are able to sustain no less than 50 kilos. The bookcase consists of five separate volumes, which the owner can customize in any way he pleases. It might prove to be useful if the owners stored books on one shelf, CDs on another and so on. However, due to their inclinations, the shelves can’t host small objects or other products that would slip and fall. All in all, we find this idea highly creative and we think it would go great in a modern, personalized interior. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Ellipse Bookcase Gravity Defying Interior Decor Dedalo Bookcase Xel Bookcase by Luca Nichetto Cloud Bookcase Interesting Bookcase Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Cure Your Boring Kitchen with Pink Posted: 25 Oct 2010 05:34 AM PDT The color pink has long been associated with girls and femininity, but in October pink represents a cause that doesn't know gender, it is breast cancer awareness.  Breast cancer awareness charities have spanned from athletic events to home décor. In your home, from the vacuum you use on your floor to the kitchen mixer your use to make a cake, pink is now fashionable for more reasons than just appearance. Your kitchen loves this trend and if you're trying to bring a boring kitchen into the modern day, see how pink is the perfect color! Add accents of color with pink: If you're thinking you have to use the "hit-yourself-over-the-head" pink, you are wrong. Consider taking a neutral palette and add bar stools and pops of color with countertop appliances and décor.  Ever notice that the cook is happier when they love their kitchen? Neutral concrete countertops and white cabinetry can make your kitchen sophisticated with an edge of whimsy. Don't forget your 'little' chefs: What child doesn't love their own kitchen that looks like mom and dads? Kitchen toys that mimic the real thing look great adjacent to your kitchen or in your child's room. Look online for specials around holiday time in popular furniture home catalogs or purchase online. Pink isn't exclusive for girls either! Boys and girls can learn to play on any color toy – role playing is crucial for childhood development! Wall color can transform your kitchen: Wall color is the easiest and cheapest way to transform your kitchen. How about using creamy beige above your cabinets and then use a shot of flamingo pink from your countertop to the underside of the upper cabinet instead of a backsplash? Paint can change as easy as your personality! If you're daring, bring pink into your flooring, wall art and cookware. Your kitchen is an extension of you; love the space you cook in! Kitchen cabinetry makes the space: Have you ever noticed how a gorgeous color of cabinetry can make or break your space? Pink doesn't have to be refrained to only walls and fabrics. Pale pink lacquered cabinetry to hot pink painted wood cabinets, pink is the unthought-of color that's the perfect conversation for your kitchen. To counter balance bright pink; consider using neutral countertops in black or white. Door cabinetry should be kept neutral as well, to keep the eye from bouncing around the kitchen. Kitchen appliances are all popular in pink: Do you remember when the only pink appliance you could get was a toaster or a blender? Today, kitchen appliances that aren't outfitted in pink are rare! Use them to add color to your kitchen cabinet and support a worthy cause at the same time! Pair pink with rich color: To add contrast to pink, pair it with rich colors that will bring visual interest and mask the 'femininity' of the color. Pair pink with espresso brown, navy blue, apple green, or heather gray to give your kitchen a modern chic appeal.  For a contemporary look pair your favorite stainless steel appliances, espresso brown cabinetry and light bamboo colored flooring. You'll love the look and the feel! Your kitchen can be cured from its boring look with the addition of pink. If you want a one of a kind kitchen ask a local artisan in your area to paint you an inspirational piece of artwork to hang in your kitchen with hints of pink. Take color cues for your kitchen from the painting for a designer approach. Make your kitchen a joy to be in, and support breast cancer awareness for those that can't. Who thought your kitchen could have this much class? Freshome reader's what do you think of a pink kitchen? Love it or hate it? Share with us! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Custom Furniture Made from Car Parts Betsey Johnson – Pink Apartment "Dark Side of the Moon"-Inspired Pink Floyd Chair Beautiful Little Girls Bedroom with a Fairy-tale Ambiance Bathroom Simplicity and Style : ‘Lilac’ Bathroom Sets by Aquaplus Children’s Bedroom Ideas from Dearkids Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Taking Architecture Originality to Another Level: Villa Nefkens Posted: 25 Oct 2010 04:33 AM PDT Here is a residence that spells “originality”. Designed by Mecanoo Architects and located in Wageningen, The Netherlands, Villa Nefkens is a remarkable project. Overlooking the Rhine, this residence is a masterpiece of architecture embedded in a diverse and astonishing environment. If you are curious about the origins of the idea behind this house, here is some info from the architects: “The design for the Nefkins villa takes its inspiration from the beautiful views from the living room and main bedrooms and also from the spacious kitchen/lounge area toward the big garden. Large terraces elevate the house to just above grade, making the house appear as if it is floating. The villa's transition from interior to exterior is gradual and a canopy surrounding the whole house provides beautifully framed views while allowing the outdoor spaces to be enjoyed in the summer and fall. The round forms of the villa express the wish of the family to stay close to nature while simultaneously realizing an individual design.” Do you find this project’s architecture as impressive as we do? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Nordic Architecture: Norwegian Contemporary Villa Design Single-Family House in Mera-La Coruña by A-cero Villa Hrozno in Bratislava’ Old Town Contemporary Residence with Spectacular Panoramic Views in Austria Modern Floating Villa – Villa Nackros Enveloppe Sofa, Originality and Comfort Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Bring Powerful Purple into your Décor Posted: 25 Oct 2010 02:01 AM PDT Purple in history has been long associated with mystery, wealth, and wisdom by royalty and those in higher power. From deep royal purple to lilac fresh light purple, the color is gorgeous in your home and décor. The color purple has feng shui and meditation connections and makes your home feel more powerful and secure. Have you ever noticed a lot of professional sports teams use the color purple as their dominant color? Purple can symbolize power and those who know how to use it in their homes can have a home of strength and security. Here are tips to bringing the color purple into your home décor. Deep purple is powerful: Purple symbolizes prosperity and therefore should be used throughout your home and décor. Consider using it in your home's front entry as guests enter your home, artwork, accents, and main wall colors can give off a powerful aura. Wallpaper trends love purple: Purple has taken on a new look with modern wallpaper. Big, bold prints are being paired with light lavenders to dark plums.  Whether you like small prints, or you prefer textured wallpaper, purple has a big presence in the wallpaper world of home décor. Pair bold wallpaper with subtle neutral furnishings to prevent clashing of patterns. Decorate your home office with purple: It is believed that purple is associated with wealth, nobility and stature. In your home office consider using purple in your desk supplies, desk and furnishings.  Beautiful purples in window treatments and office lighting can bring a spark of enlightenment and creativity to your space! Welcome guest with a purple entry door: The first impression of your home will be memorable with a purple door. Purple palette can be an eggplant color to a deep maroon.  A purple door represents that your home is prosperous and attracting a healthy life. Matching window shutters and or trim around your front entry add to the presence of your home. Pairing with purple is beautiful: Depending on the shade of purple you choose, there is a color that matches flawlessly with it. The contrast between light purples and dark browns, and mustard yellows is modern and sophisticated. Deeper purples work better paired with lighter gold, and oranges. Purple encompasses the fire or red and mellowness of blue which always gives a lively feel to a room. Children love purple: According to studies, children prefer the color purple over most other colors. Purple can be found in children's toys, belongings, furnishings and décor. Purple works beautifully in a girl's room paired with hot pink or in a soft lilac color. While boys feel at home with dark purple paired with red or orange. Either way purple adapts to its surroundings. Purple has healing powers: It is believed that purple helps with ailments of the head and nervous system. Consider using muted tones of purple where calmness and tranquility are desired. Elderly and overly stressed people may enjoy in their bedrooms and retreat areas. Purple is majestic and it gives individuals a sense of accomplishment and power when in the same presence with it. From the exterior of your home to the walls of your interior, purple welcomes and gives its occupants strength. For any space that you want to feel healthy and secure, bring purple into area rugs, wall artwork and fabrics. Purple can be an accent or can stand on its own and command a presence. You choose how you bring it into your home; it will make you feel great, wherever you use it. Freshome reader's do you like the color purple? Do you use it in your home? We'd love to hear how it empowers your home! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Home Decor Vinyl Stickers by ARTSTICK Modern Purple Bathtub from Devon$Devon Purple Cafe Interior Design by Jan Schreiner Slant Table by Rhubarb Decor Raiser Munny Toy by Adam Haynes 26 Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Home Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Freshome Reader Help – Needs Advice for Layout of Flat Posted: 25 Oct 2010 01:57 AM PDT Original Floor Plan Aadi idea for his space AADI: I own one flat which is on Ground floor and have some open space. Open space remains open always (no construction except plastic sheds, to protect from light and rain) I can change living area which 396 sq ft… currently its 1BHK apartment. I want it to make 2BHK apartment. also want all rooms connected with Bathroom(s). I am also attaching the idea what I have decided. However I am not satisfied with this So please share your ideas. Any idea will be appreciated. EDITOR: Freshome reader’s help Aadi with ideas for arranging his flat.  Leave him suggestions below. If you would like to enter Help My Space Freshome! Click here for all the details. Freshome reader’s will comment on your space and help you solve your design dilemma. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Freshome Reader Help: Needs Advice on Room Layout Freshome Reader Help: Advice for Home Office Layout Swedish Inspiration, Maria Adlersson's Flat Freshome Reader Help: Wants to Make Flat a Wonderful Space Scandinavian Flat in Goteburg, Sweden Modern Old-Fashioned Flat in Sweden Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Compact Residence Embedded in a Dreamy Landscape: The Ecomo Home Posted: 25 Oct 2010 12:42 AM PDT The beautiful and compact home comes from Pietro Russo – Ecomo and is located in Franschhoek, South Africa. The architecture took advantage of the mesmerizing landscape and created a home that communicates with its natural environment. Based on green, sustainable features, the home offers a secluded nature escape while in the same time obeying by the rules of contemporary design.  Its exterior is simply charming and the wooden finish makes it blend well in the scenery. “Eat”, “play” and “live” are the main units that form this home, each with its own well defined personality and functionality. The Ecomo home consists of three bedrooms and one large living-room (which includes a dining table and a lounge area). With views like that, large windows were inevitable. Besides, how else could its inhabitants feel the seasons changing in this magnificent location?- via Arch Daily Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Circled Kitchen by Compact Concepts Compact Bathroom Suites by Laufen The Rising Glen Residence: Seamless blend of the indoors and outdoors Wood Furnished Butler Residence in Portland, Oregon Mountain and Ocean: Sea Ranch Residence Contemporary Residence in Santa Ynez Valley, USA Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Keep your Home Always Smelling Fresh Posted: 24 Oct 2010 10:05 AM PDT The atmosphere of your home is one of the 'unsaid' aesthetics that keeps you loving your home. When you are in it day in and day out, the way your home smells and feels will actually have a stronger impact then the décor in your space! So what factors keep your home smelling fresh and which one's contribute to their bad odor? Read on to see how to keep your home always smelling fresh and clean! Determine the culprits of odor: There are different sources that can contribute to your home's odors including: must, old age, pets, food and daily regimen, poor air circulation, smoke, old finishes – carpet/wallpaper, etc.. and a host of others.  Depending on the odor you will first have to determine where the odor is coming from.  When you have lived in your home for a while, you may be insensitive to the odor, and will need to ask a friend or neighbor for advice on the source of odor in your home. Solving the issue: Once you found the issues use the following tips to keep the smell away: o   Musty odors: If musty odors are caused from an aging home consider painting walls, changing wallpaper, replacing carpet, and refinishing wood floors.  If odor is from old furniture, read our Freshome post about removing musty odors from furniture. Musty odors are some of the hardest to get rid of due to age and the smell could be embedded into the home. o   Pets: Odors from pets can be from pet stains in carpet/pad or furnishings, or it can be from wet fur of animals.  Try getting your carpets steam cleaned on a regular basis and get pets house trained to keep carpets smelling fresh. Consider using a carpet powder or light baby powder on carpet and vacuum. o   Food & Daily regimen: Your household regimen and food that you cook on a regular basis could be the source of odor in your home. It doesn't mean you have to change your cooking habits, but the routine of cleaning and airing out your kitchen may need to.  Use the range hood vent when cooking to remove cooking odors from the air. Empty the trash immediately after disposing of food, and consider double bagging if necessary. Have neutralizers in your kitchen to expel odor while you create them. Turn on garbage disposal immediately after placing food in – and put fresh lemons down drain to keep clean and odor free. o   Poor air circulation and smoke: Both of these causes can be addressed by opening up windows on a regular basis to let fresh air move throughout your home. Change your air filters on your heating/air conditioner unit per the manufacturer's instructions. You can also buy scented inserts especially made for your vented system to disperse smell throughout your home. Consider not smoking in your home to truly expel smoke odor in your home. Smoke settles into finishes and can stay for years into the future. Keeping your home smelling fresh: Once you have solved the issue you will need to take on a new regimen for routinely keeping your house smelling fresh. If your home's source is from being unclean, it will be important to clean more often and more thoroughly. Consider hiring a cleaning service for an initial clean that you can later maintain, or hire on a regular basis. Teach teenager's to wash athletic clothes, bed linen, and bath linen on a regular basis. Believe it or not, these can harbor germs quickly and cause odors. Your home can smell clean all the time with diligence and identifying the source of the odors. Take the time to make your home smell inviting and fresh. You will feel better in your home and notice guests will enjoy it too. You just may find a new reason to stay at home and entertain more once your home is more inviting to all! Freshome reader's tell us what makes your home smell fantastic! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Fresh Home an Unexpected Surprise from Readers Digest Fresh Washbasin by Ekateryna Sokolova Swedish Design: North Home Street Flat in Linnestaden Exceptional Green Home in the Forest Fresh and Playful Interiors : Up For Some Color? Fresh and Inspiring Sky&Clouds Interior Theme Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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