Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• A Dynamic Approach to Architecture : Inverness Residence in California
• How to Decorate around your Flat Screen Television
• Simply Genius: Letto Zip, the Bed That Almost Makes Itself
• Video Cameras “Disguised” as Pigeons Raising Awareness of the Need for Privacy
• How to Choose a Place to Live when Relocating
• Eclectic Mix of Classic and Trendy on Set: Gossip Girl Interiors
• A Home So Beautiful is Hard to Come By : Hunters Hill Residence in Australia
• How to Determine if you Need an Interior Designer
• Thinking Outside the Square: The Ruiz-Maasburg Penthouse in Madrid

A Dynamic Approach to Architecture : Inverness Residence in California Posted: 27 Oct 2010 06:22 AM PDT Inverness Residence comes from Studios Architecture and has a striking, unusual design. Located 400 feet away from Tomales Bay on California's Point Reyes National Seashore, this home is very well integrated in its environment, characterized by woodlands and dairy farms. Here is more information on this stunning project from the architects: “The wooded site and its neighboring historic rural buildings inspired STUDIOS' design concept for this house of contrasts, which faces the down-slope view of the Bay. The residence appears as a wood cabin to its immediate neighbors, and as a glass and steel tree house on stilts. Wooden decks and an enclosed glass dining area thrust out from the base shed and appear to float amongst the trees. Strong, earthy materials were selected to  stand up to the harsh coastal elements and to respond to the dynamics of the steep site. Concrete walls inside and out anchor the building.  An eroded wooden shell encloses the space and positions the open, glazed steel skeleton.  An ensemble of garden walls, decks, the garage and gate house engage the site, forming an outdoor compound.” How do you appreciate this architecture approach? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Contemporary Belair Residence in California Dang Residence by Pb Elemental Architecture Spectacular House by the Ocean from Sagan Piechota Architecture Beautiful White Beach Home in California Inspiring Contemporary Home in Venice Beach, California Whistler Cay Residence in British Columbia Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Decorate around your Flat Screen Television Posted: 27 Oct 2010 05:19 AM PDT You and your living room are happier because you have just acquired a flat screen television.  Although, you seem to be having a small problem, everything around the television seems not to work. The furniture no longer faces the right direction, the wall art is being blocked, and the armoire you've placed the television in is too big.   These are all common decorating dilemmas when you acquire a flat screen television.  Read on to see how you can keep that television and make the rest of your room look beautiful around your new addition to the family. Plan for space: One of the beautiful advantages to having a flat screen television is the ability to view it from many angles of the room. This same advantage is its disadvantage when it comes to placing furniture in the room.  The challenge is that you can't have obstacles that are within the line of sight of the television.  Stand back in all angles of the room and assess what furniture is too tall and plan for space around it. Another trick is to stand at the television and look back at the room. You will easily see what is obstructing the view and space. Highlight the wall: Your television can blend or it can be the focal point.  Most people want it to be the focal point as it costs a lot of money, and you want everyone to see it! For you, painting an accent wall that your television is hung or placed in front of will draw emphasis to this wall.  If you are one that would like the television to blend, consider housing your television in a piece of furniture that can be closed, such as an armoire or entertainment center. Viewing height: Depending on the height you choose to view your television will dictate how to add artwork or decorative items around it. For those that want it stand mounted on a low console, you will be able to optimize more of the wall behind it for artwork.  While if you decide to mount it on the wall, the television can compete with artwork – which can be distracting. For larger rooms that have a long viewing range, a wall application will work better. While smaller, narrower spaces will benefit from the lower console. Hanging artwork: If you have high ceilings, artwork placed above the line of television sight viewing is a good idea.  Consider making the artwork simple, and more abstract. Artwork that has physical content will cause television viewers to concentrate on the artwork. For shorter ceilings, but longer walls, consider putting small collections of artwork, paintings, photographs etc… to the side(s) of your television.  Whichever you design preference, try to let the television compliment the space, or be left on its own.  For visual interest for wall mounted televisions add wainscoting or build decorative architectural niches into the wall. Your flat screen television can be a welcomed addition if you can determine how to decorate around it. Before you buy your television take these tips into consideration.  Remember, the smaller the room, the smaller television that is needed. Often time's people buy too large of a television for the space, and viewers can get headaches, and the picture will also appear pixilated if the viewing distance isn't enough. Placing a flat screen television above a fireplace or on an accent wall will give visual interest that may need additional décor. You decide and make your television a welcomed addition to your home. Freshome readers tell us your experience with decorating around your flat screen. Has it been easy or a huge headache? We'd love to hear your comments. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Swedish Design: North Home Street Flat in Linnestaden Swedish Inspiration, Maria Adlersson's Flat Remote Controlled Wall Mount System for your Flat Screen TV Moorhead & Moorhead’s Modular Screen Scandinavian Flat in Goteburg, Sweden Flat Life By Finn Magee Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Simply Genius: Letto Zip, the Bed That Almost Makes Itself Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:48 AM PDT We have to say we are usually very foreseeing when it comes to the new designs that are being created, but we really did not see this coming. Letto Zip comes from Florida Furniture and is a dream came true for all those people who dislike making their beds in the morning. Its appearance can be changed by simply zipping and unzipping its stylish cover. This has a major effect on the overall room design, while in the same time being very practical for the user who can prepare the bed in a fast and simple way. The furniture piece is highly modern and elegant, perfect for a large variety of contemporary interiors. With a soft and slightly curved frame, this looks like a comfortable dreamy bed. Letto Zip comes in three charming color-combinations: white-red, gray-red and white-blue. Looks inviting?- via The Design Blog Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Beautiful Black and White – Letto Reflex Bed “Genius Lasts Longer than Beauty” Clothes Hanger Chaise Lounge Shaped Like a Human Body Carlo Colombo's Cuna for Antonio Lupi Stunning Dining Table with Individual Swings : Genius or Impractical? Fun Bedding Design from Lago Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Video Cameras “Disguised” as Pigeons Raising Awareness of the Need for Privacy Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:26 AM PDT Here is an amazing idea by Thomas voor't Hekke and Bas van Oerle of the group Helden. panoptICONS is an art project meant to raise awareness and refute the idea of people being constantly “watched” by video cameras placed all over the city. Here is the project description from the developers: “The surveillance camera seems to have become a real pest that feeds on our privacy. To represent this, camera birds – city birds with cameras instead of heads – were placed throughout the city centre of Utrecht where they feed on our presence. In addition, a camera bird in captivity was displayed to show the feeding process and to make the everyday breach of our privacy more personal and tangible.” The whole project is looking to emphasize the concept of the man that gains the statute of “prey” while being in crowded urban spaces. We are looking forward to your views on this project, as it is quite controversial.- via Monkeyzen Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Furniture Disguised as a Simple Container by Edgar Navarro Disguised Lighting into Your Home Decor : Torn Lighting Sketch Furniture The reason why so few women are architects Time-lapse Video of the Construction of 11 Times Square Tower TeleSpy – Phone Alarm System Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Choose a Place to Live when Relocating Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:22 AM PDT When you are planning to relocate to a new city you are excited with the possibilities your future has in store for you. Once the excitement settles in, you realize you need to find a place to live! If you're fortunate enough to visit your future city and gather information while you're there, this is all the better. While, for some this may not be an option and you will have to gather information long distance, by internet and by phone. Here are tips on how to choose a place to live when relocating to a new city. Find resources you know first: People relocate for a variety of reasons, whether it for career, to live closer to family or to start life in a new location.  Whichever is your reason try and gain information through resources that you have already.  These could be your future employer – ask about housing information, demographics about the city, etc…. If you already know people where you are moving, ask them to send you online links to popular city information and have them help you look for a place to live.  When all else fails, the internet can be a great resource to start looking for anywhere in the world! How to choose a type of dwelling: Your personal living lifestyle and your future city's real estate opportunities will help dictate where you can live. If you are moving to a metropolitan area, you may like urban living but the price tag may be expensive for your budget.  While if you're moving to a rural location, transportation and other factors will need to be assessed before choosing your location. Decide if it would help you to visit the city and talk to Realtors before you make this big decision. This will help you see the neighborhoods and choose what type of dwelling fits your lifestyle and budget. Look for moving specials: Housing developers and apartment leasing companies are always offering incentives to move into their establishments.  If you're working with a Realtor they can help you find these great buys. If you are looking on your own, focus on the type of dwelling, then the area of the city you're looking for. Online, you may be able to find internet specials for new move ins. Specials can range from bonus items added to your new home being built or discounts in your monthly rent.  Also pick up/order apartment and housing guides in your future city that will advertise specials as well. Upgrades on finishes, superior lots and other incentives can leave you in a prime position for moving specials. Family preferences may sway your decision: If this is a family relocation consider family factors such as schools, daycare centers, doctors, and local resources to your home. A local Realtor would be best to ask about these options to save you time and energy in researching.   If you are relocating for a job, ask your future employer if they can recommend housing areas for you. They can be a good resource, as they will have your best interest in mind. Deciding to relocate to a new city can be one of the most rewarding experiences you have.  The decision as to where you live, what kind of home you live in and the amount of resources will be lifestyle choices you will need to consider. Use these tips as a guide and strongly consider using a Realtor, friend, or relative that already lives in the city to help you. What are you waiting for? Your future city is waiting on you! Freshome reader's have you recently relocated cities? Are you yet to move and are nervous about choosing a place? Tell us your experience, we'd love to hear. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Thinnest Buildings in the World or Claustrophobic Structures ? How to Choose an Exterior Paint Color for your Home Parthenon Place, Luxurious Residence in Vancouver Eclectic Old Georgian House in Portsea Place 63.02° house by Schemata Architecture Office 6 Key Elements to Designing a Beautiful Porch Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Eclectic Mix of Classic and Trendy on Set: Gossip Girl Interiors Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:11 AM PDT Gossip girl, a scandalous drama about Manhattan`s elite, sets new trends in fashion and interior design. Every set created for the show manages to express the character`s complex personalities. An eclectic mix of classic and new help build the intricate stories. The interiors from CWTV`s hit show Gossip Girl have been an amazing source of inspiration for those who seek a luxurious, glamorous and youthful interior design. Cristina Tonkin, the set decorator for Gossip Girl (also known for creating the interior for Charlotte York`s Sex and the City Upper East Side apartment) has created wonderful interior designs for each of the young and fabulous character of the show. The designer used some pretty great ideas to decorate on a budget: the headboard in Serena`s room is actually foam over plywood covered with fabric and the egg chairs in the Waldorf penthouse are knock-offs recovered with leather.  The decorator also used many reflective surfaces to give the impression of an elegant, glamorous lifestyle: silver pillows, the wall in Blair Waldorf`s bedroom, glass orbs, beautifully reflecting lamps or crystal ashtrays. Elegantly young, the bedrooms of the female characters mix   while Chuck Bass` bachelor pad is a creation that uses both a modern and contemporary style and some DiY projects: the pool table is a find that was recovered with turquoise felt. Beautiful prints were used to overheat the show`s interior design: the picture with the girl with sunglasses over Chuck`s bed is a Richard Philips creation entitled "Scout". Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! City Centre Townhouse by Fuse Interiors Teen Girl Bedroom Decorating Idea for a Small Space Beautiful Little Girls Bedroom with a Fairy-tale Ambiance Eclectic Old Georgian House in Portsea Place 25 Room Design Ideas for Teenage Girls Making a Classic Vanity Look Modern : Kult by Lacev-Mobilacev Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

A Home So Beautiful is Hard to Come By : Hunters Hill Residence in Australia Posted: 26 Oct 2010 12:21 PM PDT This beautiful and diverse home was designed by Stanic Harding Architects and is located in Hunters Hill, Australia. The project is actually a restoration and remodeling of a decaying 1950′s house situated in a privileged landscape, not far from the harbor. According to the architects, “the challenge was to create a light and airy home on this steep south facing site while maintaining connections to the garden, water and city views“. Here is how they tackled with the clients’ request: “A series of three distinct pavilions were formed linked by two open courtyards allowing the house to gradually step down the site. The courtyards let sunlight enter the house via the extensive glazing on the northern facades. The transparency and deep modulation of these facades offers protection from summer sunlight while permitting winter light to reach deeply into the house. The courtyards provide access to level gardens and external living spaces so important on such a sloping site.” Hiring a professional landscape architect studio (Jane Irwin ) ensured that this home’s exterior matched the incredible interior design. Photos by Paul Gosney. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Modern Renovation at 101 Russel Hill Road in Toronto Modern Barrow House in Melbourne, Australia Visually Stunning House in Brisbane, Australia Phenomenal Villa Built From a Solid Cliff Rock The Hill House The Walker House For Sale in Sydney Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Determine if you Need an Interior Designer Posted: 26 Oct 2010 11:17 AM PDT Your home should be a reflection of your personal style, lifestyle and attitude towards life. If you look around your home and it is lacking life and personality you may need to hire an interior designer. If you once liked your space, but now you and your family are at a different place in life and need an outsider’s view and touch, an interior designer can help. Some people have the time and know how to put towards choosing décor, colors, and finishes together while others get overwhelmed with the number of available color choices, and styles.  Read on to determine if you need to hire an interior designer. Is your home reflecting you: Anyone can buy furniture, paint colors, and move furniture around a room. An interior designer on the other hand will sit down with you and discuss what your personal style is. They will determine by your family and lifestyle what finishes work best and what will fit your budget. An interior designer can help you plan a space to fit your life, and layout the necessary components to bring it to fruition.  If you cannot say your space reflects you, you should consider hiring a designer to take away the stress. Do you enjoy recreating your space: In your spare time can you visualize how you would like your space to look like? If you were given an all white room with no furniture or finishes, could you pull together the space and be pleased with the results? Many people are good at visualizing in their head, then transposing to paper to articulate, and into the living and breathing space. If you enjoy these exercises and process, you may not need an interior designer. For you may have all the ammunition you need to seek online design inspiration to get started. Expertise can outweigh price: If you're weighing the pros and cons of hiring an interior designer, remember the expertise that an interior designer can bring, can outweigh the price of the physical service.  Remember your home is probably the most expensive asset you have. The time, energy, trips back and forth to home improvement and furniture stores, and not to mention stress could all be handled with an interior designer. While on television it appears that you can remodel a room in a weekend, the factual truth is there are countless designers, trades people and crew to pull this off. In your home, you may have a few friends, and yourself – make the decision for the right reasons and not only financial. Talk to an Interior Designer first: Most designers will offer a free consultation to come to your home and assess your design dilemmas and walk through your options. Some designers will have tier pricing where you can do work yourself and then utilize them for a few options, rather than the entire project. This is good for a do-it -yourselfer that doesn't want to take on everything.  If on the other hand you want to sit back and relax, there are always great options for you! The decision to hire an interior designer can seem difficult, but in reality is not. It will require you to figure out how much help you want, and what you enjoy doing yourself. If your budget permits then hiring an interior designer can be the most rewarding decision you can make for a quality design job of your living space. Use these tips to guide you in your decision, it's now yours to make! Freshome readers tell us what you think are the pros and cons are of hiring an interior designer for your home. We'd love hearing your feedback. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Awesome Business Card Idea for an Architect or Interior Designer Designer Quest: How to find an interior designer to suit your need Interior Design Ideas from Greg Natale Interior Design Patterns from Hand Oversized Pendant Lamp- Love It or Hate It? Spoon Bathroom Set, a Highly Original Design Approach Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Thinking Outside the Square: The Ruiz-Maasburg Penthouse in Madrid Posted: 26 Oct 2010 08:23 AM PDT Sometimes the space constrains lead to some of the most incredible home designs. This is the story of the Ruiz-Maasburg Penthouse in Madrid designed by Héctor Ruiz-Velázquez. Forced to turn an attic of only 60m2 inside and 50m2 of terrace/patio into a stylish, practical and modern living zone, the architects took advantage of every available square centimeter of space and optimized it. Using forced perspectives, a good lighting system and white painting, this apartment was turned into a dynamic crib with unusual angles. Here is more information: “A dynamic axis that emerges from the entrance leaves static spaces on both sides of the three-dimensional sinuous diagonal.  This entrance or hallway seems to defy gravity and logic and thus changes unexpectedly the perception of space according to the user and his movement trough them. Thus it creates a completely fluent and dynamic space in a static surrounding. ” Freshome salutes this highly original idea and is looking forward to more homes that seem to challenge the logics of our senses as we know it. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Stylish Pozuelo House in Madrid Green Design: Synagogue Turned Into a Modern Penthouse White Magic: Exquisite modern penthouse in the heart of Lorensberg Fiat Lux Lamp Modern Penthouse in New York Gets Green Treatment Australians Have the World’s Largest Homes, According to a Recent Reuters Study Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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