Homedit.com Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

7 Tips For Decorating The Breakfast Bar
Customizable Coffee Cubes by Kazuko Okamoto
The Severin Bookshelf by Alex de Rouvray
Sustainable two-family residence in New Orleans by Frank Gehry
The Carbon Mesa property in Malibu, California
The artificial Ome islands
Contemporary house in Israel with a sustainable design
Andromeda Tactical Lighting For Your Office
5 Ultra rustic bathrooms
The glass and concrete Coretube pendant lamp

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 11:43 AM PDT

If you are one of the lucky ones and have a breakfast bar in your kitchen, I really hope you know how lucky you really are! Breakfast bars are a great place to get a quick snack, decorate cookies and cupcakes, make nice spreads for fun get-togethers, chat with your loved ones or just read the morning paper with a nice cup of coffee. But you obviously need more than just some plain, boring stools! Take the extra time to figure out what the space needs and jazz it up a bit. And take the extra time to take a peek at some of our decorating tips to get you started.

1. Add funky stools.

We must say it again. Wooden, plain and boring stools just don’t cut it in the stylish department. Find some stools or taller, comfy chairs that have some personality. Color, shape, design … whatever fits your vision!

2. Shine some light on it.

Grab some great light fixtures to add something special to the breakfast bar. Highlight the space and add something more than just regular lampshades and light bulbs. Plus, the extra light will be great for decorating on the extra counter tops!

3. Display your home.

Create a warm, welcoming space by adding family photos. It’s a great place to display some of your favorite memories, starts fun conversations and add some punch to a usually bare tabletop.

4. Keep it colorful.

Breakfast is a time to wake up and smell the coffee! So add some color to the space. Breakfast bards are obviously associated with morning time and it should reflect that! The colors you choose should pop and remain cheerful.

5. Flowers are healthy.

Yes, flowers add color. Yes, flowers add a happy ethos. But they’re also great for your health. Fresh flowers brighten up your space and are good for your spirit. So, keep a vase full of your beautiful favorites.

6. Natural light, as always.

We’re big believers in natural light, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Breakfast nook or breakfast bar, bright sun is always a plus. And if you end up creating your own nook or bar, place is right in front of the window!

7. Pay attention to counter tops.

Make sure whatever counter top you have is functional for you. Even if you use your breakfast bar as extra workspace, as an “island,” then make sure you have a butcher block or granite … whatever works for you.

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Customizable Coffee Cubes by Kazuko Okamoto

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 11:00 AM PDT

The Coffee Cubes is a collection of armchairs and versatile seating units made from recycled materials. It was designed by Kazuko Okamoto in 2010 for Green Furniture Sweden. The pieces are made from modules with geometrical shapes and minimalist forms. The modules are covered in recycled coffee bean sacks. Now the name of the collection has become transparent.

The modules, or cubes as they can also be called, feature original prints from coffee plantations around the world. The idea of using coffee bean sacks as fabric for the armchairs is original and makes each piece unique and different. The prints and the overall look of the armchairs depend on which coffee is most popular in Stockholm at the time that they are created. If you would rather like your cubes to be wrapped in other type of fabric there are other options as well.

The armchairs feature durable jute cloth on the seat area but other types of fabric are available as well, like for example BENE eco-cotton fabric or vegetable-based organically tanned leather. Also, you can choose your own fabric or leather and send it to the manufacturer. The armchair will feature you own choice of material. The dimensions of the cubes vary from 76×57 cm to 76×76 cm or 76×76 cm with backrest. They are very versatile and have an original look, being suitable for a variety of spaces.

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The Severin Bookshelf by Alex de Rouvray

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:40 AM PDT

The Severin bookshelf is a very interesting piece that was a creation of Paris-based designer Alex de Rouvray. The name of the bookshelf makes it stand out even before you can see it but the actual design and shape also support the same theory. This is a freestanding unit with a minimalist design and a modern and versatile look.

The unit is actually very versatile and it can be used as a shelving unit for storing books but also as a room divider or a media unit for CDs, DVDs and other items. The shelves can also be sued to display an unlimited number of decorations, personal treasures and collections. The shape and design of the unit make it easy to adapt and easy to integrate in a variety of different decors. It can easily double as a room divider if necessary.

The Severin bookshelf is made from powder-coated steel and American walnut veneer. It's a part of the Severin Line that was launched earlier in 2012 and that also includes other similar pieces. They all share the same cantilever structures and minimalist designs and can be sued to elegantly furnish any modern and contemporary living room. The collection includes a coffee table with either wood of glass top, a series of side tables and even a dining or office table. They are made from similar materials and share in common the same details that make them all stand out.

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Sustainable two-family residence in New Orleans by Frank Gehry

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 09:30 AM PDT

A while ago the Make It Right Foundation was created by Brad Pitt. The foundation was devoted to trying to find new way of building innovative and sustainable houses since 2007. Their latest creation is this sunny home located in New Orleans. The house was designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry.

The residence has an eye-catching design. The exterior is painted in pink and purple which is quite funny since it's a green home. The house has a contemporary design. It has been organized in two volumes. That's because it's a two-family home. It has two separate entrances placed on opposite sides. Each of the two units has 1,000 square feet of balcony space. The house is not only beautiful, eye-catching and very well organized but it's also sustainable.

It's expected for this new building to obtain LEED Platinum certification thanks to its energy-saving and sustainable features. This house is the foundation's 86th project. The plan is to build all the 150 new green homes that Brad Pitts promised to the residents of New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward neighborhood who lost their homes because of Hurricane Katrina. This colorful home is just one more completed project.The house features 1,780 square feet of indoor space. It contains two units, each with two bedrooms and bathrooms. They also contain separate living spaces. They were built with SIP panels and fiber cement board siding.

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The Carbon Mesa property in Malibu, California

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:50 AM PDT

Carbon Mesa is a luxurious property located in Malibu, California. It's situated on an expansive lot with panoramic views of the ocean. It's a spectacular area that offers some of the most beautiful sunsets and unique views. It's also serene and perfect for relaxation and recreation. The estate includes an imposing residence with a dramatic dark interior.

There are plans to build a series of new buildings on the property. They will include a two-bedroom guest quarters, a private garage and a state-of-the-art wellness center. There will also be a sunken tennis court, a bocci court, an exercise room and a swimming pool that will be built on the other side of the infinity waterfall edge. A spa will be created next to the main pool and a hydrotherapy whirlpool inside the wellness center. The center will include a private sauna, a steam room, massage treatment spaces, a lounge area, an exercise room and a yoga space and there will also be private gardens with water features.

As you can see, the plans of development for this property are very impressive. Not only that, but the 180 degree ocean views are more than enough to want this estate to be yours. This wish could become reality. The property is on the market at the price of $35,000,000. This wonderful residence with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, a chef's kitchen, a library, home theatre, wine cellar, home gym, garage, pool and expansive balconies could be your dream home.Listed on site.

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The artificial Ome islands

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:12 AM PDT

Artificial islands are something that people have been dreaming about for a long time and that has eventually become reality. Several designers are architects have devoted their time to creating floating islands but few of them have managed to reach Donald Starkey's level. He is the creator of the Ome island.

Ome is an artificial island that will be located off the coast of Dubai. It's a double decker with 1,400 meters of living space. The island will have five bedrooms but the structure can be changed according to the user's preferences. Since it's an island, it will benefit from wonderful views and surrounding landscape. Not only that, but Ome will also have the ability to move between destinations and it will generate its own electricity.

The lower deck of the island will include an open lounge, a swimming pool and a dining area with a bar. The upper level will contain the private areas such as the five bedrooms and a relaxation area. Moreover, the design can be customized and rooms can be removed or added to the structure of the island. The price for such as island is estimate at $20 million. It sounds like a lot of money but it's in fact a very convenient acquisition if we compare it with the cost of a natural island and all the things Ome offers.

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Contemporary house in Israel with a sustainable design

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:40 AM PDT

This residence is located in Herzliya, Israel. It occupies an area of 215.0 square meters on an 800 square meter site. The house was designed by Sharon Neuman Architects in 2011. Since it sits on a long and narrow plot, building it was a challenge. There are multiple problems, one of them being the fact that the west area didn't benefit from enough light. The solution found by the architects was to create a series of protruding segments on the west side that would provide light and airflow to that area. The eastern wall only features a few openings.

The house has a contemporary design and it's composed of a series of compact blocks. It's a two-story structure with one portion featuring large windows and glass walls. They let in lots of natural light and they also allow panoramic views of the surrounding area. The rest of the volumes only have a few narrow windows but that's because the owners wanted privacy.

The residence is also featuring a sustainable design. It's an energy-efficient structure and it was built with efficient insulating materials, extra thick southern walls, solar water heating, composting devices as well as a system that stored and recycles rainwater. The interior of the residence is minimalist and mostly white. The furniture is modern ad stylish and it's beautifully complemented by accent features.{found on archdaily}.

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Andromeda Tactical Lighting For Your Office

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 06:50 AM PDT

All I know about this lamp is that is called Andromeda Tactical Lighting. To be honest this looks more like a mini missile launcher than a lamp but hey who I am to judge. It is made from aluminum, but not any kind of aluminum, this is made from black anodized aluminum. The whole item is fitted with special rail systems that not only allow you to independently move the legs but the shades too.

The legs look a little bit like the ones on the Lunar Module and very similar with some of the legs the Transformers have. Let's make something clear from the start this is not a lighting device. It is closer to a decorative star-wars item than to a lamp. Those shades look like satellite antennas for military telecommunications attached to a special device that shoots high speed bullets and lasers shooting towards the sky. First this is too complicated. Second- it doesn't really fit into a nice cozy home.

Third- is unnecessary and fourth- this is not a lamp. I went to a rock concert recently and they had a metal support just like this one on which a large speaker was mounted. Do you want to hear about the price? Well, the retail price for this monster is around $ 500+. I would pay that amount of money if this thing will suddenly change its name in " TV-Satelite Antena" and when I hook it to my TV I get all the all TV stations in the world.

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5 Ultra rustic bathrooms

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 06:07 AM PDT

Since the bathroom is an intimate space, a rustic décor would suit it very well. It's easy to create a rustic bathroom. You just need to focus on using a lot of wood and include details such a beams in the ceiling if possible or weathered finishes. We have selected a few examples to use as inspiration.

1. This is a bathroom designed by Highline Partners, and it's from a home in Big Sky, MT. Since the bathroom was tiny, a mirror was added on the wall. The space was cleverly used the washbasin was placed on a rustic storage unit with several drawers as well as open space for boxes and containers. The sink has a texture very similar to wood.

2. This is a more spacious bathroom designed by PSCBATH. It's particularly beautiful because of the exposed beams in the ceiling and the inclined roof. The interior is not very bright and this creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The most eye-catching detail would have to be bathtub with brown interior and alternating spots resembling cowhide.

3. This is a tiny bathroom from Crosslake, MN. It was designed by Lands End and it's almost entirely wrapped in wood. The washbasin is placed on a storage unit with a weathered finish. A shelf was also installed above the toilet and a very small shower in the corner. Again, the light is subtle.

4. This bathroom is part of a western mine-style home located in Steamboat Springs, CO. It was designed by Lynne Barton Bier. It features a corten ceiling with weather-resistant properties and rustic lanterns. The most original and suggestive feature is the bucket used as a sink. This is probably the most authentic design yet.

5. This is a rather eclectic bathroom décor. The walls and floor tend to have a simpler and more modern look while the furniture and accessories bring a strong rustic and vintage influence. The mirror, the light fixtures and the three antique clocks and very beautiful details. The bathroom also features an antique pine dry sink with a retro look.{found on Michael Angus}.

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The glass and concrete Coretube pendant lamp

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 04:54 AM PDT

The list of materials that can be combined in order to create an original accessory such as a pendant lamp is unlimited. A nice example is the Coretube pendant that is made from glass and concrete. Glass is a top choice for this type of accessories. However, concrete is not. We could say that the combination is well-balanced.

Considering the design of the pendant, Coretube is not that unusual. It was designed for Betolux and it's a part of the Translucent Collection. The combination of glass and concrete make this a very high-quality accessory. The pendant lamp features a cylindrical design and it's suspended by a red textile cord. The sensational lighting effect is the consequence of the ingenious choice of material and, of course, the way they were combined.

The Coretube pendant lamp features stainless steel framework and it has a simple and modern design. It has a versatile look that allows it to be included in a variety of space including living rooms, dining areas, kitchens, even bedrooms, offices and libraries. It's not only functional but also a very beautiful decoration that impresses with its simplicity and elegance. The overall dimensions of the pendant lamp are Diam. 115 mm, H 250 mm. It's a glamorous accessory and it would be a nice detail for any modern and contemporary home.

House Design News

Thursday, July 19, 2012