INTERIOR DESIGN

Revamped Inner City Residence Featuring Contemporary Interior Design

2011-03-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Luxurious inner city living means either a superb apartment or an extraordinary house. Owning an urban residence is probably one of the best things for active people. They can enjoy the benefits of a well-designed home and a fresh garden in the proximity of social and entertainment facilities. Located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, this next residence was renovated and exceptionally lit up by natural light to offer the perfect background for a relaxed lifestyle. Respecting its traditional roots, the interior design shows the residence in a new light: a modern, sophisticated and bright place to live. Describing the residence, Judy Goodger, the realtor, says: “A beautiful reflection of old meeting new, classic features include VJ walls, high ceilings, fretwork, restored timber floors and a front elevated veranda overlooking the pretty surrounding suburb. All 4 bedrooms plus study are spacious with the master suite located on the upper level, boasting a private balcony that overlooks the pool area, and is serviced by a simple and stylish bathroom.”

Reclaimed Beauty Combined with Modern Architecture: Potrero House

2011-03-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Featuring exceptional bright interiors and a wonderful panorama of San Francisco, California, the residence known as Potrero House was transformed from an old cottage on a triple-wide lot into a magnificent contemporary residence surrounded by lush vegetation. Designed by Cary Bernstein Architect, the house features spaces that tell the story of the inhabitant’s transition from bachelor to father of three. The structure was built with sustainability in mind, integrating modern architecture into the 100-years old building. The minimal architecture and furnishings are beautifully accentuated by reclaimed wood floors from a 19th century barn or reupholstered family items. Using stone slabs used on the fireplace and kitchen counters, the architect releases the contemporary feeling of the home and mixes it with refined metal railings, trellis details and glass rails panels. “Furnishings combine refurbished and reupholstered family items that support sustainable reuse with new modern pieces such as a sculptural, custom-fabricated walnut kitchen island, geometric breakfast table, mid-century chairs and iconic fabrics. The integrated architectural and interior design engenders sophistication and playfulness, creating a portrait of this modern family in its early years.”

How to Make your Home Look Larger when Selling your Home

2011-03-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

What is the number one amenity that homebuyers look for when buying a home? Space… and of course value. They both go hand in hand when you think about it. The more space your home has, the more expensive it is correct? Usually, although giving the illusion of space can make homebuyers feel better and you feel better to ask more for the price of your home than you once thought. Bringing in light, using neutral colors, and getting rid of large, bulky furniture is a start. Here are more tips to help your home look larger.
Purge and de-clutter: While this step seems like a no-brainer, every home usually has excess ‘stuff’ that is not needed. Whether it is in your home office, kitchen counters, or kids toys lying around, you can purge and de-clutter to make your home look larger. A home staging trick? In every room you should be able to see portions of the baseboards (where the wall meets the floor). Look around the room; if you can’t see the baseboard on most walls, you may need to get rid of some items.
Use neutral colors that are pleasing: Bringing in neutral colors into your home palette will keep homebuyers eyes moving throughout your home as the rooms flow into one another. While these colors may not be your ideal if you were living there for the next 20 years, your home is now on the market. Just like selling a car, you need to shine up the exterior, interior and give it a tune-up. Consider using a neutral palette of browns, grays, or muted greens and blues to appeal to a wider range of homebuyers. You will be surprised how large your home will look once you bring in neutrals to open the rooms.

Bring in light and ditch the dark window treatments: Look at your windows and determine if your rooms are letting in as much natural light as possible. Dark window treatments can be hindering your source for natural light, as well as large furniture may be blocking natural light. Ensure that large armoires, entertainment centers and headboards do not block natural light. The other issue is being able to see views. Homebuyers want to feel like they are looking out at a beautiful view. If you have furniture, or heavy drapery blocking their view, they will assume you are hiding something!

Only use essential furniture: Have you ever walked into a model home, and wondered why the bedroom only had a bed and a dresser? While this may seem a little drastic, depending on the size of the bedroom, this may be sufficient to give the illusion of more space. While you don’t want the room to look stark, the room should look livable, and inviting. If you have too much large pieces, consider putting them in storage, moving to another room in your home, or selling pieces you may not need for the next home you move into. Your rooms will grow considerably in visual space, just by following this tip.

Open up your home with the addition of these helpful staging tips. While you aren’t trying to fool the homebuyer, you are trying to showcase the best amenities about your home. Size is crucial, and an over cluttered, over furnished and dark home will sit on the market much longer than one that has been carefully staged with the above tips. If you are having troubles visualizing how your home should look, seek the advice of a professional home stager, or ask a friend who may have a better eye than you. Before you know it, your “Sold” sign will be going up in the front yard!

Freshome readers tell us how you make your home look larger when you have your home on the market.

Modern Home in Bainbridge Island with Sustainable Features: Ellice Residence

2011-03-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ellice Residence was completed by Coates Design and is located in Bainbridge Island, Washington. According to Trendir, the residence is situated on top of the Yeomalt Bluff and has panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline. The building has a highly welcoming exterior, featuring large windows contrasting the wood and the stone. All these make it integrate well in its beautiful natural surroundings. Ellice Residence is actually a makeover of an old villa. In order to raise the current building, the architects used more than 80% of the materials that resulted from the deconstruction. Moreover, the project has plenty of sustainable characteristics, such as geothermal and photovoltaic systems, heat-recovery technologies, as well as solar water heating systems which ensure a low electric energy consumption.

2010 modern living room designs

2011-03-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Bright Residence Near Water in the Stockholm Archipelago

2011-03-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

Residences built near water seem to draw a vivid lifestyle from the surroundings. Built to have as much access to water as possible, this next house has an amazing location in the Stockholm archipelago. Resting in a private area in the Swedish Värmdö municipality, the interior and exterior design of the residence is based on light, modern features and awesome accents. Large entertaining areas both inside and outside create the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon accompanied by friends and family. Predominantly white, the walls bounce light around to create a bright atmosphere, accentuated by details like the stone fireplaces and walls and the dark seating facilities. The bedroom conveys a feeling of total surrender to the beautiful landscape with the incorporated spa and large glass walls. For sale at Eklund Stockholm New York, the residence beneficiates from both a great interior living space and a select placement in the archipelago.

Best of 2010 Modern Interior Design

2011-03-11T05:20:00.000-08:00

best interior design 2010

2011-03-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

2011-03-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

Refinement and Inspiration from the Heart of New York

2011-03-09T01:59:00.000-08:00

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 ?

Interesting Storage Space for Books and Films: The Swollen Wall Apartment

2011-03-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

Creating a personalized space inside an apartment can mean many things, depending on the inhabitant’s needs and wishes. This is why designer paulcoudamy chose to differentiate the interior design of this Parisian apartment according to the client’s love for books and films collection. He created a unique bookcase with undulating shapes and many versatile storage spaces. Names Swollen Wall Apartment, the residence features a floor to ceiling grid inserted along two main load bearing walls: “It goes above walls, through the bedroom’s dressing and can either create a half area in the entrance, or spread on the corner walls of the office which accommodate a guest bedding under the elevated desk platform.” The 20 x 20 cm squared grid is perfect for pocket books and some are enlarged to fit speakers, A4 files, vases etc. Here and there, closed blocks act like enclosed storage spaces for a mini bar, a dressing or devices storage. Thanks to digital manipulation, the bookcase features swollen or cut areas, creating an undulating second wall in the apartment.

interior ideas

2011-03-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

Impecable Modern Home Design: Art and Surf Residence in Montauk

2011-03-08T04:54:00.001-08:00

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.

30 Thrilling Open Plan Living Rooms with a View

2011-03-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

What is the first aspect that comes to mind when thinking about modern living rooms? For us it’s openness. And since we already featured a post on Freshome showcasing 26 wonderful living room ideas, we decided to continue this amazing display with 30 open plan living rooms that are very much in agreement with the modern interior design trends. Not too long ago, Ronique wrote a post called The Pros and Cons of Having an Open Floor Plan Home, where she mentioned how today the open floor plan is a sought after amenity in any home, as half walls and visual dividers allow a family to converse and interact. In this post we did not only gather interiors that have the ability to connect, but also fascinating rooms with a well defined personality and a highly appealing look. Colors that sometimes inspire audacity, modern furniture elements, beautiful art-works and incredible arrangements are just some of the elements we think you will find inspiring. But we left the best for last: all of these living rooms feature wide windows, which allow the owners to experience the lack of indoor-outdoor boundaries. Take a deep breath and prepare for a thrilling living room spectacle …

Spectacular Waterfront Residence with Infinity Pool in Miami Beach

2011-03-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Villa Valentina is an impressive looking modern residence situated in Miami Beach, Florida, United States. You are looking at a glamorous home featuring no less than 6 bathrooms and 6 bedrooms. Its multi-level terraces and wide windows allow unobstructed views of the beautiful bay, while the strategically placed patio furniture ensures unforgeable moments outdoors- as if the beach were not close enough. Moreover, this building’s amenities include an entertainment center, a business center, home theater, wine cellar, state-of-the-art kitchen equipment (we would be really interested to know who thinks of cooking while renting an incredibly expensive villa for a few days, meals included), barbecue and parking for six cars.This home is currently available for rent, for the opulent cost of $6000 – $11100 per night and the villa policies don’t allow more than 14 guests at once. Slightly overpriced, but the interiors are quite inspiring, have a look!

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Bright and Charming Modern Residence Surrounded by Nature

2011-02-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

The designers express their view on the beautifully created residence: “Cantilevered framed structures are anchored to the site with monolithic limestone walls. Expansive glazing opens the interior to the valley bush land views beyond. Light filled spaces with a direct connection to garden courts and the natural bush surrounding the property. An open external fire pit to enjoy the summer evenings. Soft casual furniture and finishes set the mood, a sanctuary from the hustle of city life.” Every room in the house was exploited by the architects from Dane Design Australia to its full potential.

Exotic Residence in Singapore : The Fish House

2011-02-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

The Fish House is an exotic residence designed by

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Comfortable and Contemporary: The Kendrick House in Aspen

2011-02-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Kendrick house was designed by Studio B Architects and is locate din Aspen, Colorado. According to the architects, the project was required to ‘respond’ to its immediate Swiss-Style neighbor in its massing, proportions and materials. The house is three levels with a floating stair linking them and also serves as a light shaft to the lower level with its open detailing and light. The public upper level is wrapped by a large walkway serving two decks and there is a spiral staircase from the rear deck that accesses the rooftop terrace. This walkway provides privacy for the house and acts as a roof for the entry into the house. Its exterior design is unusual and eye-catching. The usage of wood makes the home blend with its environment while contributing to the project’s contemporary facade. Large windows, modern furniture and tasteful arrangements make this home a comfortable, stylish crib.

An Interesting Approach to Residential Architecture: Dalene Cabin in Norway

2011-02-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

Delen Cabin was designed by architect Tommie Wilhelmsen and is located in Østhusvik, Rennesøy island, Norway. This project was developed under the motto: “Good architecture is a place that its never easy to leave”. Its total surface is 120 square meters, which makes it perfect for a comfortable nature family retreat. The architecture of the residence is original and intriguing, featuring unexpected angles and curves. The association of wood, glass and rock creates great visual effects. The consequences- an appealing exterior design, interesting to observe in detail from every corner of the construction site. Once inside, the guest is welcomed by a unique mix of wood and concrete which, surprisingly, manages to create a cozy living area. The sober color palette and the minimalist furniture create an interesting ambiance and complete the otherwise traditional decor.

Incredible Conference Table/Office Desk Hybrid by Jovo Bozhinovski

2011-02-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

This astonishing desk was designed by Bulgarian designer Jovo Bozhinovski and produced byElza Design. Here is the description we received from the developers: “The project is created as per order of a construction company from Bulgaria. The assignment was to design an office, which to be different and remembered. Constructing the functions, we had the idea to make a hybrid between the desk of the manager of the company and a conference table, which he needs in order to organize meetings with clients, as well as the working meetings with its personnel. This piece of furniture turned into and accent of this office and gave it a unique appearance. Led by the fact that the main activity of the company is construction, we have decided that we have to design a product, which to be clearly constructively built with a visible construction, a modern vision and innovation in the organizing of the working space. We have tried to embody the main principles of this construction company in a unique piece of furniture, which occupies a central place in this office and has a unique appearance.” Can you see the elegance behind a deign created by a construction company?

Contemporary Living Room Interior Ideas

2011-02-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

So here is a new set of 6 pictures with some beautiful living rooms. Finally one thing you should keep in mind if you want to create a contemporary living room design is simplicity, low furniture arrangements, modular sofas, abstract lighting sources, pedestal tables, sleek sideboards, etc.

Dazzling Living Room Layouts from Hülsta

2011-02-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

German Furniture maker Hülsta has unveiled some really stunning living room ideas that can be adopted by the style-conscious people who want to give their home an ergonomic and futuristic look. The seamless blend of the slim design with bold black and bright red colors gives the entire set up a very refreshing, yet a space-age look. Leather has been added for an authentic and regal touch with a minimalist effect adding to the ‘cool factor’. You can either go for that all-black metallic look or judiciously throw in the reds and whites while still maintaining the class and elegance. Take your pick!

2011-02-21T12:07:00.001-08:00

Intriguing Residence of Various Design Rhythms: River Road House

2011-02-21T03:49:00.000-08:00

How to Keep your Countertops Organized and Clutter-Free

2011-02-21T03:40:00.000-08:00

Get rid of items that are seldom used: For many kitchens and bathrooms the culprit’s of large amounts of space being used is through seldom used appliances, toiletry items and old decorative items. In your kitchen assess which small appliances you don’t use every day. Utilize under counter space, as well as pull out shelves to gain more space on the counters, in your bathroom store hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors below the sink or in adjacent cabinets.

Replace old countertops: If you don’t like your countertops, you won’t mind filling every inch of space with unneeded items. If your countertops have old plastic laminate, chipping tiles, or an outdated color on them, spruce them up! Consider replacing countertops with granite, solid surfacing or a new and trending color to match the rest of your décor. If your budget is small, consider replacing broken tiles, or disguise the old counter with a new ‘shell’. Overlay countertops made from resin/granite, or even replacing with a concrete slab may be more affordable than you think.

Store household items where they correctly belong: Instead of storing your tool set, and the baby’s toys, and the dog’s leash and brush all on the kitchen or bathroom counter, how about finding designated storage for all your household goods? Counter tops become a catchall haven for everything under the sun in your home; this will keep your countertops cluttered. If you have a utility or laundry room, store pet accessories and tools in a closet, or cabinet. If you have space in your garage, build shelves or organizational space for multipurpose items. In your home, utilize vertical storage in closets, and have an area for baby toys in the appropriate areas of your home.
Add décor to your counter to be proud of: Similarly, to the cluttered counter with items on it, a counter with a beautiful vase of flowers or an antique heirloom from your family can be displayed proudly on an uncluttered countertop. In fact, you will want to display it proudly, and intuitively you will start to keep you counters cleaner and free of unwanted household supplies and clutter. Consider doing a clean sweep of your counters and start fresh. Meaning, remove everything and one-by-one assess whether the item should be kept, tossed, or put away, it will really help!

Your countertops can be kept clean and orderly with the use of these tips and your diligence. If you live in a home with roommates or a family, explain your goal in keeping the countertops clean. Believe it or not, many household germs, and allergens are passed by everyday items coming in contact with your food, toothbrush, etc… So if you don’t keep them clean for the aesthetics, at least keep them clean for your health.

Freshome reader’s what is the hardest part about keeping your countertops clean? Mine is my family! Leave your comments below, we’d love to hear from you