Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• Refinement and Inspiration from the Heart of New York
• How to Beautify an Unused Fireplace in your Home
• Beautiful Modern “Fortress” Tucked Away in Nature: McLeod Residence
• Park Your Bicycle Indoors and Enjoy Its Chair Function: The Bike Desk
• Impecable Modern Home Design: Art and Surf Residence in Montauk
• Freshome Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
• How to Prepare your Home for Sale Before the Spring

Refinement and Inspiration from the Heart of New York Posted: 08 Mar 2011 05:09 AM PST The stylish interiors in the photos below were photographed in a building located on Park Avenue, New York, USA. Combining modern amenities with classic refinement, the design of this duplex features some interesting details which could serve as inspiration when decorating. The living room is spacious and diverse, presenting a large window overlooking Park Avenue instead of a traditional wall and highly creative arrangements. We consider that the gray wallpaper manages to stand out and create a very interesting effect. The color palette is simple (white, gray, black and sober yellow), but leads to a perfect visual harmony. The bedrooms are large and also connect with the outdoors through floor to ceiling windows. An all-equipped kitchen completes this project’s “dream crib” image. What do you like most about this home that seems to defy the rush on Park Avenue ?     Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Exquisite W Hotel in New York by BBG-BBGM Cutler House in Montauk, New York Girls Bedroom Decorating Ideas W Hotel & Residences in New York Small Apartment Ideas by Tori Golub Bedroom Inspiration #1 Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Beautify an Unused Fireplace in your Home Posted: 08 Mar 2011 04:07 AM PST So, you just moved into your beautiful historic home, but there is one not-so beautiful item – the fireplace isn't operable. Don't think that you have to just keep it a black hole! A fireplace can actually be made to look decorative and still remain the focal point of the room, without it being operable. The beauty of fireplaces is that you still have plenty of space to display decorative items, bring in color to your space by decorating the surrounding area, or bring in household items to make it functional. Whichever way you choose, beautifying your unused fireplace can be a breeze. Use your fireplace for display: The wonderful part of home decor is that the rules on what you can and can't do don't exist. Sure there will be trends towards certain styles, colors, etc… but the reality is, your home should reflect your personal style. An unused fireplace can make a beautiful place to display artwork, decorative vases, floral arrangements and more. The mantle is always a good place to start when adding display. Try a "mantlescape" – which would include bringing in varying elements that add height, texture, and set the scene for a "landscape" of decorative elements. Function and practicality: If you would prefer that your unused fireplace has a function, how about storing items in it? You can start off by cleaning the inside of the firebox, and even painting it with fire safe paint. Once you have let it dry, now it can be used like a book shelf or decorative wall display. Store books, artificial fire logs, or use decorative wrought iron tiered log holders to display collectibles and heirloom items. Think outside the "firebox", and you will probably find a function you have never thought about before. Besides, who can't use more decorative and functional areas in your home? Conceal your fireplace: If your unused fireplace would look better closing up the firebox, there are ways to still beautify it. Consider boarding up the firebox hole with plywood and then painting the exterior of the wood. Once you have done this feel free to add colorful artwork in front of it, or make this a backdrop for artwork or floor mounted sculptures that can sit on the floor in front of the fireplace. To accentuate the beauty of the fireplace, consider adding mosaic tile or decorative metal to the fireplace surround (the area around the firebox.) This will help make a focal point to your fireplace, and you can incorporate colors from your room to tie into the paint color of the plywood. Change with the seasons: For many people, the fireplace mantel is treated like their front door wreath – ever changing colors and inspiration based on the season. Consider the same for your unused fireplace. At the holidays, fill your fireplace with autumn inspiration with branches, leaves, and pumpkins. For Christmas time, fresh or artificial evergreen is beautiful and during the spring and summer months, consider adding fresh flowers, and natural elements, like bamboo reeds, raffia, and other organic elements. Take a walk around your neighborhood for inspiration, you usually can find a plethora of items in your own backyard. An unused fireplace doesn't have to be an eye sore; in fact the above mentioned items can give you ideas for beautifying your space, without having to get rid of the fireplace! Other ideas include: placing a decorative folding screen in front of the firebox hole, or even place an LED fish aquarium or digital fireplace in its place! While some ideas sound against the normal decor ideas, that's what gets your creative mind thinking! See what you can create in your home. Freshome reader's do any of you have unused fireplaces? How do you decorate them, or do you live them bare? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Indoor Pool Transformed into a Home Theater Fireplace – Home Flame Collection Take Advantage of Unused Corners in Your Home : Lorna Corner Shelf Modern Fireplace Based on Technology Contemporary Fireplaces from Edilkamin Mobile Raphael Fireplace Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Beautiful Modern “Fortress” Tucked Away in Nature: McLeod Residence Posted: 08 Mar 2011 03:07 AM PST McLeod residence is a beautiful contemporary home located in a green and peaceful environment in Middlebury, Vermont. The project comes from John Mcleod Architect and it was well adapted to the climate, topography and community. Seen on HomeDSGN, the house stretches over an area of 1500 square feet. According to the architect, the home is tucked into a thicket of trees at the edge of a local nature preserve has a modest single story at the west end facing the road, in keeping with the scale of the neighborhood. The resulting sloped roof exposed back to the road is covered with haybales from a nearby farmer's field. Grasses, sedges, and wildflowers grow out of the hay mulch, providing a living roof which absorbs rainwater, helps insulate the house, and gives the neighbors—both the human variety and the critters in the nature preserve—something akin to what they were accustomed to looking at before the house came to be.” The interiors are bright and airy and seem to contrast the exterior “fortress” appearance by displaying an obvious warmth. A massive brick fireplace creates an atmosphere that is perfect for cozy gatherings between friends and family.   Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! The Rising Glen Residence: Seamless blend of the indoors and outdoors Gorgeous Residence Combining Historic and Modern Features Exotic Transformation of a Residence into a Sunshine Filled Oasis Personalized Small and Cosy Apartment in West Stockholm The Yorkville Residence by Taylor Smyth Beautiful Lodge in The Middle of Nature by Logg Architects Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Park Your Bicycle Indoors and Enjoy Its Chair Function: The Bike Desk Posted: 08 Mar 2011 01:03 AM PST PIT IN table is an unusual and highly creative design that can serve as a fun desk while ensuring that your bicycle is neatly parked indoors. How is this possible? PIT IN has a cool shape, perfect for maintaining the balance of any bicycle. According to bookofjoe, the owner can use this wooden furniture item for placing various objects, such as a phone, laptop, a coffee cup and so on and can rest on the bike’s saddle while surfing the Internet or having a drink. Ingenious or what? The dimensions of this odd, but functional bike table are 71cm L x 90cm D x 115cm H (28″ x 35″ x 45″), which makes it okay when it comes to it being integrated within a medium-sized room. What is your opinion on this bike desk? Would you consider having one at home and if so, where would you place it? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Write a Bike, the Ultimate Way to Personalize a Bicycle A Desk with Built in Chair Most Practical and Creative Bike Storage Idea Bicycle Trailers on Loan at IKEA The Coolest Way to Exercise at Home : Ciclotte Stationary Bicycle Cafe Chair by Kamilla Lang Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Impecable Modern Home Design: Art and Surf Residence in Montauk Posted: 07 Mar 2011 11:50 PM PST Art and Surf is a beautiful modern residence designed by Steven Harris Architects and located in Montauk, New York. The villa is situated just a few steps away from the ocean and its generous windows allow unobstructed views of the surfers and waves. For sale on Sotheby’s, this home is not expensive, it is outrageously costly: $11,995,000. The residence features four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a 4,585 Sq Ft. / 426 square meters interior, two fireplaces, basement windows with a view into the swimming pool, sliding walls of glass, and stairs down to a private beach. Designed in a charming contemporary style, the interiors are fascinating, some of them displaying minimalist decors with strong aesthetic effects. Modern and elegant inside and out, the Art and Surf House could serve as the perfect permanent getaway.     Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Oceanfront Home Invaded by Color: Montauk Residence Cutler House in Montauk, New York Oceanfront Estate: Tranquil Retreat Away From the City Glitz Superb Spacious Residence with Industrial Design Elements Personalized Small and Cosy Apartment in West Stockholm Gorgeous Residence Combining Historic and Modern Features Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Freshome Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! Posted: 07 Mar 2011 12:36 PM PST Have you ever thought about winning a gift card to your favorite store and thought about what you would buy? Thanks to GiftCardRescue, they are giving you a chance to win a $100.00 Amazon.com gift card, just for following the simple rules below. GiftCardRescue is an online marketplace for people to buy and sell gift cards at discounted prices. GiftCardRescue buys unwanted gift cards from people and then sells them on its website for up to 30% off the face value. Official Rules: 1.) To enter the giveaway, visit: GiftCardRescue.com, look at the cards that are available on the site, and choose a retailer that you would love to have a $100.00 gift card from. 2.) Write in the Freshome comments section below, the retailer that you chose, and what you would buy with your gift card from that retailer if you won! 3.) The winner will be chosen from the most clever and original comments. All comments must be left in this post comments section. Liking this post on Facebook will get you a second vote, but the original must be on the Freshome site. 4.) The winner will be announced on Monday, March 14th. 5.) The winner will win a $100.00 gift card to Amazon.com. (You are not winning the retailer’s gift card you choose for your answering the giveaway.) 6.) The winner will have 24 hours to contact us to claim your prize. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Ikea Giftcard – Discount 20% CEIVA 8-inch Digital Photo Frame Gift Ideas for a House Inauguration Win 1000 Free Business Cards from Freshome and UPrinting Hi I’m Mat – Door Mat Lovers Breakfast Table Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

How to Prepare your Home for Sale Before the Spring Posted: 07 Mar 2011 09:04 AM PST Before you know it, spring will be here. Spring time is the ideal time for home buyers and home owners to buy and sell homes. In the winter, homes sales slow down and people focus on the holidays. Once spring hits, your home can shine its brightest. To prepare your home for sale before the spring hits, here are a few tips. Use them to help your prepare mentally as well as to help you budget your time and money, you will be glad you did. Spruce up your curb appeal: The first part of your home that buyers will see is your yard. Believe it or not, buyers will make up their mind whether they like your house from your curb appeal. Take the time and tidy around plant beds with new mulch, cut and trim your lawn and remove unsightly plants and debris. Clean up your front entry, porch furniture and beautify with fresh potted plants to ensure your front entry area is ready to welcome guests. Start upgrading now: if you are trying to get the most return on your investment (ROI), look at your home to see if any upgrades are necessary. Upgrades can mean repairing and restoring finishes and appliances or it can mean taking your existing finishes and purchasing higher quality ones. A vinyl floor upgraded to wood or a standard refrigerator upgraded to stainless steel are examples of well worth it upgrades, that you will see a positive return on your investment. Do your homework: Research what other homes in your neighborhood that have recently sold or are currently up for sale are offering. Compare their sale prices, home area, amenities and how long their home has been on the market. This will give you an idea of how much to ask for, for the sale of your home, as well as what upgrades your competition offers(ed). This is important, to help you determine how much money you will need to spend to be competitive as well as gauge what home buyers are looking for. Your home is guaranteed to stay on the market longer if it’s considerably over or under the competition, so get armed with the information now. Being well informed will also help you for your next home. Budget your money and time: Preparing your home for sale can be expensive and time consuming if you aren’t prepared. Take the time to thoroughly assess what parts of your home you are going to tackle first.  Hiring a Realtor to help you prioritize may help if you’re getting overwhelmed.  Keeping yourself sane during selling your home is often a challenge. By planning how much money and time you can dedicate to your home renovations, and preparations will help. The better you can do this, the more enjoyable the home selling process will be. The spring is the ideal time to prepare your home for selling. While the weather is still mild, start preparing your home for sale now. For specific items to tackle in your home have a professional appraisal as well as a home inspection performed. Both of these will these provide valuable information to prioritize and plan your home selling checklist. Also remember, a professional Realtor can also help you make many of these key decisions and may save you time and money in the long run. Freshome Reader's have you decided to sell your home this spring? What parts of your home are you sprucing up before the spring? We'd love to hear your comments. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Exclusive and Surprising Luxury Home for Sale in LA How to Prepare your Home for the Spring Season How to Care for your Lawn and Landscaping Before the Winter IKEA Spring 2008 Catalog House Prices Decline, Again Rare Michael Jackson Portrait By Andy Warhol Up For Sale Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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