Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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• 10 Amenities to Look for when Buying a Home
• Reader DIY Project: King-Size Bed by Jason Ackerman
• Royal Mix of Traditional Styles: The Kingold Demo Apartment in China
• Artist’s Crib with an Intriguing Architecture in Melbourne
• 5 Ways Fabrics Beautifully Enhance your Home
• Pop-up Books Exhibition for Both Children and Grown-Ups in in Brunswick, USA [Video]
• Freshome Giveaway: Win 3 x 500 Business Cards!
• Small Fifth Floor Apartment with a Lovely Interior Design and Great Layout
• Customisable Floor Plan Light Switch by Taewon Hwang
• Sculptural Seating Unit Inspired by the Art of Origami: “Forum”

10 Amenities to Look for when Buying a Home Posted: 25 Mar 2011 07:04 AM PDT Now that spring is here, buying and selling homes is an objective for many of you, who have waited patiently all winter to start your home search. Whether this is your first home or you are a veteran, there are amenities that you should keep an eye out for when looking to buy a home. While many people can stage and make a house look good, remember once their belongings are taken with them, the house will remain. Therefore, look at these 10 amenities when considering buying a home, to help assure you of getting a worthwhile investment. 1. Look at the kitchen appliances: One of the most expensive parts of homes are the appliances. The age, care, and condition of the kitchen appliances in the home will have a direct impact as to whether you will need to buy new ones, or if they will need to be serviced anytime soon. Go ahead… open the refrigerator! 2. Finishes and materials: Once you know your price range, know what finishes are expected in your price point.  Less expensive home will use vinyl flooring, lower end carpet and possible plastic laminate counters in kitchen and baths. While higher end homes may use more resilient flooring such as tile and wood, and solid surfacing in kitchens, such as granite or slate. Knowing what is expected in your price category will help you determine if the home you're looking at is a deal or not. 3. Pay attention to the ceiling: The ceiling is a telltale place for water spots to show from possible leaks and cracks from structural damage. Pay attention to cracks in drywall, wall surfaces, and where the ceiling meets the wall for warning signs. 4. Outdoor areas of the home: Don't forget to look at the roof, gutters, downspouts, and inspect the outdoor condition of the home. Especially older homes, try to find out from your Realtor or the previous homeowner when maintenance or replacements have been conducted in the past. 5. Look at the neighborhood: Yes, your house is important, but the safety, location, and proximity to several amenities should be considered as well. Research nearby schools if you have children, as well as travel time to work, stores, and how your neighborhood is laid out. Feel just as comfortable with your neighborhood as your house. 6. Upgrades versus standard amenities: If you are purchasing a brand new home from a builder, know what are upgrades versus standard amenities when looking at homes. Most model homes will have quite a few upgrades to show the homes in their "highest quality" state.  While upgrades don't mean the home is built any better or worse than homes with less upgrades. Once again, this information will help you be an informed homebuyer. Don't allow yourself to buy a more expensive home than you budgeted for because of upgrades. Knowing your price point will keep you disciplined. 7. Bathroom amenities: Similarly to the kitchen, look at the bathroom plumbing fixtures, shower/tub to see what condition these amenities are in. For older homes, if you know you will need to do a remodel or renovation in the future, you should be prepared to know this reality when looking at the home, not after you move in. 8. Major systems: Take a look at the heating/air conditioner unit, hot water heater, and other major systems in the house when looking at homes. These systems can be costly if they are left in disrepair for too long. While you may not need to look at these until you are settling on one specific house, its good to keep on your checklist. 9. Homeowner added amenities: For resale homes, many homeowners have already upgraded the home on their own. From adding a swimming pool and deck in the backyard to crown molding and built in cabinets in the living room. Most homeowners will state what upgrades they have put into the house, and what the approximate cost it was to upgrade. Use this information when comparing like properties in a similar neighborhood, city, etc… 10. Look for a paper trail: Especially when buying a resale home, seek a paper trail, or a list of receipts and/or documents of repairs, upgrades, and services added to the home over the years. Similarly to buying a used car, the more informed you are, the more ideal buying a home from that individual will feel. Amenities in a home can be attractive, but if the homeowner can't tell you who upgraded it and when, you may want to move on to the next house. Looking for a new home can be exciting, and at times nerve racking! Even though it can be both of these, looking for a home is an essential part of life, and believe it or not, it is the best investment you can ever make. Decide what amenities you have to have, and which ones you’d prefer, but don’t have to have. Use this 10 amenities list to help you know what to look for when looking for the perfect home. Freshome readers have you started looking for your next home yet? What amenities do you look for first? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! The Pros and Cons of Buying a New vs. Pre-owned Home What was the last product you’ve bought online for your home ? How to Plan a Personalized Gym for your Home Top Home Improvement Retailer Home Depot hit by Recession How to Plan a Recreational Bar for your Home The Pros and Cons of Hardwood vs. Laminate Wood Flooring Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Reader DIY Project: King-Size Bed by Jason Ackerman Posted: 25 Mar 2011 05:41 AM PDT We recently received an interesting DIY project from Jason Ackerman, president of Imagine This Design Group, a company in Buffalo/Niagara, USA. We thought that sharing it could only have a positive effect, so here it is: “I just completed a king size bed I was commissioned to make for a client. The bed was designed around one thought: reuse. The client wanted a reclaimed distress look so we went to our local reuse dealer and found a batch of wood. 100 year old pine from a building in downtown Buffalo, NY. The material is 3″ x 8″ and I thought there would be great design play using the thick material and incorporating a delicate basket weave pattern in the headboard.“- Jason wrote us. Freshome readers, we would like to read your honest opinions about this project and invite you to share your own design creations by e-mail or Facebook! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! King King Bed King of Siam Shelf Elegant and Minimalist Apartment Decorated with Recycled Furniture Serene “Upside-Down” Apartment Enriched by Contemporary Art Works Fenced-In Coffee Table from Jason Horvath Do-it-Yourself : Some Cute Stereo Speakers Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Royal Mix of Traditional Styles: The Kingold Demo Apartment in China Posted: 25 Mar 2011 04:29 AM PDT Alberto Apostoli from Verona, Italy designed an intriguing looking apartment in Guangzhou (China).  Here is the project description we received from the architect: “Kingold Demo apartment was designed for a Chinese real estate company planning to built a residence in Guangzhou (China). The Client researched a project for a sample apartment where the neoclassic Italian style faded with a more international architectural concept, especially French and Anglo-Saxon. Italian architect Alberto Apostoli was the right person to realize this project thanks to his worldwide experiences. In this project, classical Italian elements such as columns and statues are mixed with French lacquered wood boiserie and British colonial furniture. Clean lines, symmetry and geometric forms are fused with frivolous baroque details and decorations like the pompous curtains and the luxury chandeliers. The geometric design of the (Italian) marble floor was inspired by the classic style but instead of "chiaroscuro" its colors are pastel green.The space for these quality furniture pieces and materials needed also to be refined, resplendent and very bright, so architect Apostoli create big windows and added many mirrors in every room, playing with the effects of light and perspective.” Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Stylish Mosaic Flooring with a Traditional, Royal Touch Gemma Ahern Apartment Renovation – Cost Effective Designing Ravishing Apartment Combines Contemporary and Vintage Styles Royal Bathroom Cabinet and Mirror, Milan 2010 Queen Elizabeth II Stamp Rugs, a Royal Indoor Addition Royal Oak, Like You’ve Never Seen It Before Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Artist’s Crib with an Intriguing Architecture in Melbourne Posted: 25 Mar 2011 03:17 AM PDT The Prahran House in located in Melbourne, Australia and was designed by Nervegna Reed in collaboration with PH Architects. The brief of the project was based on the client’s wish to live in a contemporary home that hosted a gallery and a studio for artists’ meetings. Here is more on the structure of the residence from the architects: “The house extends over 3 levels; the entry is on the middle, ground level, where all the living spaces flow around a courtyard, which is a slice of a circle. The dispersed placement of objects, materials and functions on this level works much like a layout of a pinball machine, each surface hinting at a multitude of possible routes that one could take through the building, sometimes encouraging a certain movement, sometimes not. The front study with adjoining bathroom is for visiting artists. Downstairs is a basement gallery, indirectly lit by a concrete light shaft / skylight which also functions as a seat and a sculpture podium.” We appreciate the original approach to this contemporary living project, as well as the indoor-outdoor design similarities. What do you think? Is this place fit for an artist’s crib?     Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Modern Barrow House in Melbourne, Australia The art of concealment: Melbourne's Trojan House Modern Home in Fitzroy, Melbourne Monaco House in Melbourne Home with an Intriguing Modern Look : West Seattle Residence An Artists Crib : Inviting Summer Home in Sweden Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

5 Ways Fabrics Beautifully Enhance your Home Posted: 25 Mar 2011 01:19 AM PDT Do you ever walk into a room of your house and are bored by what you've seen for ages?  Embroidered fabrics can be a wonderful way to accent a room. The three dimensional quality of these fabrics and their tactile nature make for a unique feature that most fabrics don't have.  Despite what you have heard in the past, not everything in your home needs to be a neutral solid.  A patterned fabric can complement and enhance an existing space that might fall flat with simple, solid colors.  Incorporating these embroidered fabrics into your home might be easier than you think with these straightforward tips. Add an upholstered headboard: A headboard always gives structure and focus to a room.  Note the padded and gathered headboard in Camilla David Textiles embroidered pattern in the picture below.  The white background with a modern floral design adds new dimension and pops from the deep purple wall.  Additionally, adding another piece of furniture in the same fabric adds an unexpected fun element that helps tie the room together. Camilla David Textiles Ballerinas in Plum Beautify your bed: Add some interest to your bedroom with an embroidered duvet cover or bed skirt.  Embroidered fabrics are classic, enhance the texture and give color to what might be a simple space.   Not to mention, a comfy duvet is always nice to cuddle up to. Freshen your look with bright pillows: Ever fallen in love with a bold fabric and didn't know how to integrate into your room?  Pillows are an easy and quick solution to add flavor to a living room or bedroom.  Embroidered fabrics come in many shades and patterns that help to create texture, as seen in the picture below.  Try a contrasting trim to bring even more interest to the room. Camilla David Textiles Nandini in Powder Blue, Stepping Stones in Smoke, and Gardenia Seeds in Margarita (from top to bottom) Consider embroidered fabrics for draperies/shades: If you have wondered about how to add a focal point to a room but don't want to splurge on new furniture, think about installing patterned shades or draperies.  Try to choose a large pattern that will draw in the eye and create contrast.  This breaks up the monotony of a room otherwise filled up by solid colors.  The look can pull the room together in a way that you won't tire of quickly. Shades: Camilla David Textiles Nandini in Powder Blue (Interior Design: Heather Safferstone of Sally Steponkus Interiors, Photographer: Angie Seckingerer) Accent a room with upholstered furniture: Whether it be a sofa, ottoman or accent chair, an upholstered piece of furniture in an embroidered fabric can be the missing ingredient to the room.  A stand out piece always adds interest and variety, keeping the room unique and fresh. Camilla David Textiles Drapery: Rose Trellis in Champagne; Stools: Tesora in Gold Remember embroidered fabrics when you are looking for ways to create focal points, accentuate your existing furniture or just update your style. This guest post was provided by Camilla David Textiles Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! 10 Ways Ottomans Can Enhance a Room 10 Ways Open Shelving will Enhance your Home Designs for Rent : 5 Tips for Decorating your Rental 10 Ways to Change your Space with Tone on Tone Color Understanding Fabrics in your Interior Decorating Beautifying your Front Entry with Architectural Details Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Pop-up Books Exhibition for Both Children and Grown-Ups in in Brunswick, USA [Video] Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:53 PM PDT Pop-up books have always been a fascination for children worldwide. But this type of ingenious paper engineering doesn’t just appeal to kids. Pop-up books have been launched in more “serious” domains and architecture is one of the approached fields. Bowdoin College from Brunswick, USA has a collection of over 1,800 pop-up books and they will all be on display this spring as part of a unique exhibition. So if you are in the area, know that the event takes place at the Hawthorne- Longfellow Library, 2nd Floor Gallery. You can watch a fun presentation of the history of Pop-up books in the video below and see just how various and fascinating pop-up books can get. Will you be attending the exhibition? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Books Shaped Furniture Bedroom Ideas for Kids : Tiramolla Loft Bedrooms from Tumidei Children's bedrooms by Dearkids: A splash of color and a dash of delight Falling Books Bookend : Books Appear to Almost Crush The Little Man Exhibition in Spain by Cadaval & Solà-Morales Growing A Natural Crystal Chair Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Freshome Giveaway: Win 3 x 500 Business Cards! Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:04 PM PDT Whether you have a main business, a side business or want to start creating a name for yourself, having great looking business cards is essential. Have you looked at your business card lately? If it needs a revamping or you want to start fresh, All Business Cards wants to help you make a great first impression. They are giving 3 Freshome readers their own personalized set of business cards! All Business Cards uses environmentally friendly soy based ink in all of their products, and they have thousands of templates to choose from to make your business cards look personalized and unique to you. Follow the Freshome guidelines below for your chance to win: What you will win: 3 winners will be awarded 500 business cards in their choice of 14pt or 16pt (thicker) card stock, and choice of matte or glossy finish How to Enter: Tell us in a sentence how you would creatively tell someone about yourself on your business card in 100 words or less. Leave your response in the comment section below of the Freshome website, and leave on our Facebook page for a second chance. Original comment must be left below. Also make sure you like this post on Facebook or ReTweet it for a 3rd chance. Winners will be chosen based on creativity and originality. Official Guidelines: Contest will run from Thursday, March 24th – Thursday, March 31st. 3 Winners will be announced on Friday, April 1st Each winner will have 24 hours to contact Freshome at: Admin @ Freshome . com to claim your prize information. Good Luck! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Win 1000 Free Business Cards from Freshome and UPrinting Freshome Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! Inmod 4 Right On Chairs Giveaway – Winner Announced Amazon $100.00 Gift Card Giveaway Winner Announced! World’s Largest Architecture Project Built From Playing Cards Giveaway : Win 4 Right On Plywood Chairs Offered by Inmod Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Small Fifth Floor Apartment with a Lovely Interior Design and Great Layout Posted: 24 Mar 2011 11:27 AM PDT Located in a serene Goteborg neighbourhood, Linnéstaden, the apartment you are about to see can be found on the fifth floor of a 7 floor building. Featuring four rooms, the apartment covers an area of 85 m2. The floor plan is perfectly balanced between the open social space and the secluded private rooms. Try to imagine how it feels like to take a tour of the apartment. Extensively renovated, the dwelling welcomes you with a wide and airy hallway that connects almost every room in the house. Once you take a closer look, the living spaces seem to have been designed to take advantage of the apartment’s layout and convey a sense of architectural stability and perfect colour harmony. A west-facing window in the living room offers natural light that bounces off the white walls and beautifully contrasts with the dark flooring. A glass door leads out to the sheltered balcony. The kitchen features solid work surfaces, ample storage and planned lighting. The main bedroom offers a modern combination of white-painted pine floors and flower-filled wallpaper. A workroom completes the layout of the apartment and offers private space for work related problems. For rent al Alvhem, the apartment seems to have everything necessary for a bright and fun lifestyle, don’t you think?     Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Simple and Elegant White Apartment Small Apartment Ideas by Tori Golub Swedish Inspiration: Turning a Small Apartment into a Gemstone Well Planned Small Apartment with an Inviting Interior Design Beautiful Small Apartment Design Cute Small Apartment on the Edge of Modern Style Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Customisable Floor Plan Light Switch by Taewon Hwang Posted: 24 Mar 2011 09:23 AM PDT We have come a long way from using candles to light our way in the dark. We got used to turning a light on and off with the use of a switch. Proving to be a good idea, almost everyone got used to it. But what if you could turn the lights on/off in all the rooms in the house with the help of only one simple to use switch? This must have been the question in designer Taewon Hwang’s mind when creating the Floor Plan Light Switch. This creative solution, found on Yanko Design, is based on customising the light switch to imitate your own house plan. By using a switch modified after your house plans, you know exactly what button to press. Life is easier with the help of customisable merchandise. Enjoy! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Ingenious and Highly Practical Mobile Wall Addition for Small Apartments Switch Table Chair by Ellen Ectors The Pros and Cons of Having an Open Floor Plan Home Create a 3D Illustion with these Vinyl Wall Stickers Hanged Floor Light 8 Wall Stickers for Eco Friendly Light Switches Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Sculptural Seating Unit Inspired by the Art of Origami: “Forum” Posted: 24 Mar 2011 08:16 AM PDT We received an interesting project from ModelArt Studio in cooperation with Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, Serbia. Here is a description from the designers: “Origami Forum is a utilitarian space installation, intended to be used both outdoors and indoors. It is a multifunctional street furniture for sitting, lying, friendship, which can accommodate multiple users simultaneously, alone or in groups. In this sense, the object / sculptural installation is a very flexible unit that functionally meets the needs of different user groups. In addition, it also has visual quality, which enriches the urban – public space (open or closed) and is a benchmark of gathering or meeting place. Therefore we have chosen the name ”Forum”, which refers to gathering, socializing, fellowship, exchange of ideas. By multiplication of a modular element, we got the origami-like structure, the Japanese art of paper folding. The advantages of such origami structures is that they feature relatively small elements which facilitates transportation and reduces the cost of production, and their multiplication can result in a very dynamic composition.” Would you like to see this design displayed in public spaces? Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Origami Chair Original and Modern Armchair Inspired by the Art of Origami Modular and Multi-functional Seating Unit – M-cube Down Low Seating 3-D Textured WallPapers by Hanna Nyman J House by Isolation Unit & Yosuke Ichii Architect Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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