Homedit.com Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

Restored 18th century farmhouse in Tuscany for sale
The Chic Bella Mini Chest
The retro Library Chandelier
8 stunning buildings due for completion in 2012
The traditional Covington rug
Modern loft remodel by Shirry Dolgin
Los Feliz guest house by Alexandra Angle
Contemporary Bauhaus Residence in Israel
Original suitcase drawers by Fabio Vinella
Dots Petal Bath Mat from Dwell Studio

Restored 18th century farmhouse in Tuscany for sale

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 08:22 AM PST

This beautiful five-bedroom stone farmhouse is located in southern Tuscany and it's currently on the market for 1.95 million euros ($2.64 million). The residence dates back to the 18th century so it's a real piece of history. It has been restored in the past 10 years so it's not as old as it sounds.

The farmhouse was built of local stone, with wood shutters and a tile roof. It's located on a hill thus allowing panoramic views over the Tuscan farmland and the Mediterranean coast in the distance. There's not much to say about the exterior, except for the fact that it looks pretty good for a 1700s house. As for the interior, the farmhouse has exposed stone walls and traditional brick tiles on the floors.

Other elements worth to be mentioned are the exposed beams in the ceiling that are not original but reproductions. Inside, there's also a beautiful arched doorway that connects the living room and dining room. The residence includes a gallery-style kitchen with a fireplace and a beautiful stone sink.

There's also a bedroom on the ground floor, a master bedroom upstairs and a patio connected to the living room. Outdoor, there's also a swimming pool. At the time the residence was renovated, a guest house was also built nearby. It's a small, one-bedroom guest house and it's as cozy and inviting as the actual house.{found on nytimes}

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The Chic Bella Mini Chest

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 06:28 AM PST

Nowadays furniture tends to be less and less mysterious and gets simpler and more basic. Still, there are certain designers that like to recreate that nostalgia of old times and to bring something from the past in our lives. It’s the case of this lovely table or chest.

The unit has two functional drawers carefully hidden behind this elegant and delicate shape. The table or mini chest as it is also called, has been hand painted with a vintage leaf and scroll design on an antiqued beige background. The chest is handcrafted of hardwood solids, laminated lumber and veneers. It measures 24″W x 16″D x 29″T so it’s a rather small unit. This also means that it’s easy to integrate it into just about any décor.

The Bella Mini Chest is as functional as it is beautiful. It features two deep I especially like the shape of the chest. It has elegant curves and an overall delicate shape. The vintage leaf and scroll design also has an influence on the overall vintage look. The chest can be purchased for the price of $699. It would make a very beautiful addition to the living room or even to the bedroom. Of course, it can be adapted to the décor. It’s very distinguished piece, not as easy to match with anything else but worth the trouble.

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The retro Library Chandelier

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 05:43 AM PST

A chandelier is always an elegant touch to any interior. It adds a certain style, it creates a certain distinguished atmosphere that can’t really be recreated with anything else. Chandeliers are usually antique or retro, sometimes modern. The so called Modern Library Chandelier is not as much modern as it is retro.

The chandelier has a sophisticated design, not that complex but elegant and chic. It’s been handcrafted of a combination of wood and brass.The choice of materials has also been a factor when determining the particular style this chandelier approaches. It’s also been hand finished and it has a rich texture, not the kind you get using other types of techniques. In order to make it seem even more authentic and also to try to recreate a certain antique look, the chandelier also has natural parchment shades.

The Modern Library Chandelier’s general dimensions are 27″Dia. x 46.5″T with 6′L chain. It comes with a ceiling canopy and it uses eight 60=watt bulbs that need to be purchased separately. Professional installation is required. This lovely rustic chandelier can be purchased for the price of $1,725,00. It would look beautiful in a chic living room but it would also make a great addition to other spaces as well, like the dining room for example or the library, since the name already suggests that.

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8 stunning buildings due for completion in 2012

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 04:14 AM PST

Since man first learned how to make the natural elements of the Earth work for him, building things has become a product of form and function. From the Lighthouse of Alexandria to the Great Pyramids, the production of inspirational and useful structures has stood as a beacon of human achievement. Here are 8 more awe-inspiring structures that will be completed in 2012.

1) Shard London Bridge – Upon its completion in May of 2012, Shard London Bridge will be the tallest building in the European Union. Located in Southwark, London, the 1017 foot, irregular triangle structure will be entirely encased in glass. The architect for this mega-structure, Renzo Piano, used an advanced form of glazing that gives the building a different appearance in the changing weather and seasons.

2) Marlins Stadium – The Miami Marlins (formerly the Florida Marlins) are going to be playing baseball in their new stadium starting in the 2012 season. In terms of a baseball stadium, it is small, but what makes this building stunning is the dome shaped retractable roof and the nearly 15,000 square feet of retractable, transparent panes that allow for the stadium-goer to have an amazing view of the vibrant Miami skyline. Further adding to the flair will be the two seawater tanks behind home plate that will feature various forms of local sea life. The stadium is designed for the casual fan to have a fantastic experience that will be unrelated to the game itself.

3) Tokyo Sky Tree – Located in the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, Japan, this 2080-foot structure is the tallest artificial structure in Japan even before its completion and also doubles as the tallest tower in the world. In July 2011, Japan ceased all analog broadcasts for televisions. The Tokyo Sky Tree was built, in large part, to serve as the digital broadcast antenna for the country. It will also feature restaurants and observation decks and serve as a disaster prevention broadcast signal.

4) Ryugyoung Hotel – Located in Pyongyang, North Korea, this 1080-foot mountain-shaped structure is far and away the tallest building in North Korea. The hotel has the 4th largest amount of floors of any building in the world, 105, and doubles as the 40th tallest. The original completion date was set for 1989, but due to the fall of the Soviet Union, the supply of raw materials dwindled and construction was stopped in 1992. Since 2008 construction has been restarted and 2012 is a tentative date for this long-awaited hotel.

5) Lycee Jean Moulin High School – A high school, you say? Designed by OFF Architecture, this Revin, France school is built into the contours of the land. From above, the school appears to be nothing more than a terraced landscape on a rolling hill. With its vegetative and green roof, this sustainable building has many tiers and represents some of the newest designs in green building.

6) London Olympic Complex – With most of the major work done, only the finishing touches are left for the grandest sporting stages. From the Olympic Stadium, where the roof design was inspired by the form of the human muscle, to the Aquatic Center with its dramatic, S-shaped roof, many of the buildings stand on their own, in terms of form and function. As a collective group, the Olympic complex is truly fit for a celebration of the world’s greatest athletes.

7) Museum of Natural Sciences – One of the centerpieces of the revitalization of Trento, Italy, this museum is built of the site of a former Michelin Tire plant. This is another excellent example in form from Renzo Piano, but what really sets this building apart is its sustainability. With roof panels for electricity production, a geothermal system for heating and cooling and a rainwater collection system for a 50% reduction in water usage, the Museum of Natural Sciences seems to be a look into the future of major sustainable building projects.

Delanoe Tower – This 50-story building will be the first skyscraper in Paris. Mayor Bertrand Delanoe was able to overturn Parisian law limiting buildings heights to under 37 meters. Also known as Projet Triangle, the office and residential building was designed by the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, and will use solar and wind power. Delanoe Tower resembles the Dancing Towers in Dubai and is so slim that it casts virtually no shadow.

With a continuing desire and determination to push into unfounded territories of building, in both form and function, 2012 will see the opening of some the most stunning buildings in the world. They are tributes to the ideas and intrepid spirit of humanity.

Contributed by James, a writer for Wish.co.uk and thanks wikipedia for pics.

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The traditional Covington rug

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 03:14 AM PST

If you need a rug to complete your décor or if you just don't want to walk barefooted during winter, there are lots of options out there. Nowadays, modern rugs are the most popular. They tend to be more versatile and have simpler designs that allow them to be placed just about anywhere. But if you prefer something a little more traditional, allow us to suggest the Covington rug.

It's a traditional rug and it has been hand tufted of high-mountain wool. As most traditional rugs, this one also has those typical prints symbolizing floral patterns and geometrical figures. And, as most traditional rugs also do, this one features colors from the same palette, different color tones that have been combined in order to obtain a versatile palette. It has mainly brown and yellow tones, with some blue accents for contrast.

In order to minimize everyday wear and tear, we recommend using a rug pad. This will help prologue the rug's beauty and it will also prevent fiber damage. The pad will also help stabilize the rug by reducing slippage on hard floors. As for the dimensions, the Covington rug comes in several different sizes and shapes: 2’6″ x 8′, 3’6″ x 5’6″, 6′ Round, 5’6″ x 8’6″ and 8′ x 11′. The price varies according to the size.

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Modern loft remodel by Shirry Dolgin

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 02:47 AM PST

A remodel is always a good alternative instead of something more radical like moving out or simply continuing to live in the same old and boring apartment or house. A remodel can completely change the way a home looks and it can make it feel fresh and new again. We've presented you several different remodels by now but the list is far from over.

So let's take at yet another impressive remodel. This time it's a loft that we honestly have no idea where is located. Nevertheless, that's not important anyway. The loft has been remodeled and redecorated by Shirry Dolgin from A.S.D. Interiors. Shirry is a well traveled designer and award winning artist that has an eye for seeing the potential in each space. After working with several important clients, she decided, in 2004, to open her own interior design company serving clients nationwide.

This particular loft was at first nothing but a large empty space. It had gray walls, gray floor and a gray ceiling and the atmosphere was very depressing. But the designer knew what she had to do so, after a lot of work, she managed to turn that sad place into a bright, colorful, modern, chic and very inviting loft. It's now a very beautiful home with stylish furniture and, even though the windows seem to be missing, there are plenty of artificial lights that know how to do their job.{found on asdinteriors}

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Los Feliz guest house by Alexandra Angle

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 01:34 AM PST

This lovely house is located in Los Feliz, a hilly neighborhood in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California. The location is beautiful and quiet, perfect for a family home. This particular structure is actually a guest house and it was designed by Alexandra Angle Interior Design, a full service interior design company that combines interior architecture, fine craftsmanship, well-curated furnishings and art to give their clients exactly what they want.

In the case of this lovely guest house, the team working at the project decided to go with a combination of mid-century Scandinavian designs and a Southern California Palette, just so that they could capture that cozy and yet modern atmosphere the client's requested. Notice how cozy and inviting the bedroom looks. It even has a rocking chair.

The living area is also very inviting and it has a rather simple décor. The wood-burning fireplace was definitely a nice touch. The furniture seems very comfortable and the colors are beautifully combined. There are lots of remarkably beautiful details, like the paintings from the walls or even some of the furniture. I especially like that simple chair from one of the pictures. It seems so timeless and authentic. I also like the fact that the bedroom opens directly to the green lawn. It's a great feeling to wake up in the morning and to go outside for a fresh start.{pics by Lucas Allen}

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Contemporary Bauhaus Residence in Israel

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 12:00 AM PST

This spacious and luxurious private residence is located in Haifa, Israel. It was a project by Pitsou Kedem Architects. The house sits on a 1.000 square meter plot and the actual residence occupies a total area of 450 square meters. The planning and the construction started in 2008 and ended in 2010. This contemporary residence sits in the center a historic avenue and at the very heart of Haifa’s French Carmel neighborhood.

The house is filled with natural light and it has a bright and spacious interior with a free plan. Everything is centered around a large and open space while the other areas are being spread around it.The central space allows interaction as it is connected to all the levels. That central space is the living room and it overlooks the courtyard and the pool.

The residence could be characterized by its minimalist architecture, spacious interior and luxurious décor. It has a simple and clean design in tones of white and gray. Bright touches of colors can be seen here and there and they have been strategically placed in key areas for a more dynamic effect. The residence has large windows and a lot of floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide natural light and also allow the connection with the outdoor spaces. Also, the large pool is very appealing.{found on yatzer}

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Original suitcase drawers by Fabio Vinella

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 10:50 PM PST

The idea of turning old suitcases into furniture is actually not that original. There are several different designs that basically started from the same idea. It's a way of creating something different and unique and a way of including something that brings back memories in your home while also making it functional and useful.

Original suitcase drawers

Fabio Vinella has created a series of suitcase drawers. It's actually a cabinet made from three matching suitcases featuring different sizes. The suitcases have been places one on top of the others thus resulting the cabinet. Of course, it's much complicated than that. First the suitcase had to be taken apart and only then pieces from the suitcase have been incorporated into what later became a drawer.The result was this original piece of furniture that would be perfect for those who like to travel and want a reminder of that in their home.

Original suitcase drawers

The piece is called Travel Drawers, a simple but inspired name. The drawers are not actually made of old suitcases. They only copy the shape and design of those items. Travel Drawers is a series of modular wooden drawers inspired by old suitcases. They can be placed basically anywhere and create a unique atmosphere. The Travel Drawers come in two versions in terms of color: tobacco and warm gray. Also, they are available in three sizes. They can either be placed one on top of the others or simply used separately.

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Dots Petal Bath Mat from Dwell Studio

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 10:01 PM PST

I was raised to be a tough girl and to face all problems and hardships instead of running away from them. At the same time I was taught to never complain and to deal with bad weather and diseases without too many worries. That is why I do not wear any slippers in my home, even in winter. And i have no problem with that. But I do take care of my children because I don’t want to see them lying in bed with fever. So it was them I had in mind when I saw this nice Dots Petal Bath Mat from Dwell Studio.

It is perfect for the kids bathroom as it is pretty fluffy and keeps their tiny feet warm. Besides, it has a very nice design, appropriate for kids – Polka dots on a white background. The dots are pretty big in size and look great. The mat is double sided and made of cotton, so if there is some water splashing out of the sink, the mat will absorb it and it will not get on the floor , ready to cause accidents. Because the dots are coloured and they have a white background we recommend you to wash the mat with cold water. If you order it now you will have a special offer of just $39.20.

House Design News

Thursday, November 24, 2011