Homedit.com Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

Leather Swivel Lounge Chairs
Outdoor Hanging Lantern from Shades of Light
5 tips for a cottage kitchen interior
A “Dark Knight” themed custom home theater
Interior decor tips for a theatrical home
Step2 Play Patio Set
Advantages and disadvantages of having a sofa in the living room
5 walk-in shower ideas we love
Cozy getaway cabin in Hungary
Inspiring interiors photographed by James Braund

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 09:34 AM PDT

As most modern people, I have a desk with a computer at home where I work, I surf the Internet looking for ideas and do other things we normally do behind a desk. Well, since i spend more than three hours every day in front of that desk i decided i needed a comfortable chair. And, I also decided it should be a swivel chair because I move a lot and I must always turn around and talk to my kids and show them different things or just give them instructions what to do. This dynamic style needs a dynamic chair and I think these Leather Swivel Lounge Chairs are perfect for me. I do not need them both, but the offer comes in pair, so I present it to you like this.

These chairs are not new, but they are vintage and very good quality. Actually I confess I have found many things I love this way, not necessarily buying them new in stores. What is really interesting about these chairs is the fact that they are actually made of a combination of different materials. The base supporting the chair is made of solid wood with a metal swivel that confers resistance and support. Then the backrest and the seating are made of plywood – but this is only the skeleton of the chair that is afterwards wrapped in two fine thick leather pieces of upholstery. The button upholstery is very elegant and smart and looks great against the light brown plywood. The perfect condition allows the owner to ask for $1695.00 each.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

Outdoor Hanging Lantern from Shades of Light

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 08:49 AM PDT

The weather is lovely for this time of year, so everybody wants to spend as much time as possible outdoors. You go walking in the park, in the forest, near a lake when you are free, usually at the weekends, but when you have only little time you go out in the garden and enjoy the evening there. Of course, you will need some light out there and this Outdoor Hanging Lantern from Shades of Light is my recommendation for you. It is great to be used in a garden or patio, but you can also bring it indoors if you like.

I know there is a great variety of lamps for outdoors, hanging or not, but I like this one because it combines in a very nice way the traditional with the modern. I mean the lamp is obviously modern because it uses modern materials like iron and 100 watt light bulbs that can be economic, too, but it is designed in a particular traditional way that is inspired from the Mediterranean culture. It has a metal scrollwork frame outside and a nice crisp white glass inside and this contrast shows incredibly well. It casts a gentle light that calls for intimacy and can be purchased for $199.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

5 tips for a cottage kitchen interior

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 08:16 AM PDT

Cottage-style interiors are always characterized by elements such as cozy atmosphere, unpretentious details and use of natural materials. It's a style as well as an attitude and it suits all the rooms of the house, even the kitchen, especially since lately it has become a social area more than a work space. There are a few elements that should be taken into consideration when designing such a space. These are a few examples.

1. A soft color palette.

The colors in a cottage-style kitchen need to be light and delicate. It's something to be applied for other rooms as well. The color palette could include colors such as the timeless white in combination with soft shades of yellow or pale turquoise. Pastel blue is also nice, as well as light khaki. The idea is to use fresh colors in soft tones and not to exaggerate with their number.

2. Hardwood flooring.

Hardwood floors give a sense of cozyness and they help create a warm and inviting décor. The kitchen usually has tiles but for a cottage-style interior it would be more suitable to opt for hardwood flooring. It would also create continuity with the rest of the house and it's not that difficult to maintain. Of course, it depends on the type of flooring you choose, the materials and finish. As for the color, natural finishes are the most suitable ones.

3. Low-hanging pendant lights.

Lighting fixtures are not an easy choice, regardless of the style you opted for. In this case, low-hanging pendant lamps will create a warm and cozy atmosphere and they will feel less impersonal than spotlights for example. Opt for retro or vintage designs in soothing colors and with simple details. Shades with frosted glass or brushed nickel would be a nice choice.

4. Furniture-style cabinets.

Even though the kitchen usually has a particular type of furniture, if you want a cottage-style kitchen it needs to share a design similar to the pieces usually used in the living room and the rest of the house. Built-in pieces should be avoided if possible. Instead you can opt for vintage armoires or lower cabinets with retro or traditional designs

5. Cup-style drawer pools.

Just finding a cabinet that could work for this style is not enough. You must also pay special attention to details. For example, even though your cabinets are not pure vintage or retro, you can add extra charm with the help of cup-style drawer pools. Finish them with oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel for a nice patina.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

A “Dark Knight” themed custom home theater

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 07:40 AM PDT

There are many Batman fans out there but few of them can be compared to the owner of this impressive home theater. Inspired by the Dark Knight trilogy, this amazing Elite Home Theater Seating was designed for a private residence in Greenwich, Connecticut. It was a $2 million dollar project and it replicates many of the details from the movies.

This is not just another room of the residence. It's a 12,000 square foot area that resembles a secret underground chamber. The study completely transforms itself. It's decorated with a Grandfather clock and William Shakespeare stacked bookshelves. You might wonder how will the room transform and reveal all those Dark-Knight-inspired features. Well, the clock swings and a set of elevator doors in uncovered.

In order to enter the elevator you need to scan your fingerprint. A glowing Bat symbol can be found at the base of the button panel. After that you can access the Batcave home theater. Inside it there are six backlit life-size Batsuits placed throughout the room. Two of them flank a 180'' screen. To make things even more interesting, a secret book can be found on a bookshelf. When you pull it, the 15 feet long and 19 feet wide size replica of the Batmobile Tumbler is revealed. It's indeed an impressive space that any fan would love to have for himself.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

Interior decor tips for a theatrical home

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 07:04 AM PDT

It's all very well having a subtle, modest style to your interior décor; but for some people this just doesn't cut it. For some people their home needs a bit more drama!If you want a bold, beautiful home that shouts and sings and dances, here are a few tips that could help:

Curtains.

What is a theatre without curtains? Nothing of course, and this goes for your home if you want to create a dramatic impression. So which curtains should you choose? Think of a theatre, or old fashioned cinema and the answer will come: plush red curtains are ideal and they can be complimented perfectly with some gold tassel curtain ties.

Sumptuous seats.

Sumptuous seating is an absolute must in your theatrical home, so go for chairs that are comfortable and make a bold impression. Rich colours and bling are all fine here, so think red, black, gold and even silver or purple. Tall dining chairs with flourishes will work well, and for lounging there's nothing more dramatic and stylish than a chaise longue.

Flock wallpaper.

Flock wallpaper may once have been the tackiest thing around. Maybe it is still is, but used with the right section of furniture and features and it could complete a fabulous living room, bedroom or dining room. Choose plain flock wallpaper in colours to match the rest of your space, or patterns for some extra spectacle.

The stage!

It may not be practical to install a full size stage in your living room, but if you have some outdoor space you could build a deck! This could be your very own stage as well as a great space to entertain friends and have al fresco food and drinks.

Decadent dining.

A dramatic home is not complete without a fabulous feasting area – or dining room, as mere mortals refer to it. We have already mentioned chairs and they should sit proudly around a grand wooden table, itself decorated with table runners, sparkling cutlery and glistening glasses.

Of course, not all homes have the ample space and the luxurious interiors to ensure that they can be transformed into a theatrical masterpiece. And often that means you are left searching for a new spacious house which you can transform into the one of your dreams. That will take effort, patience and some spending and most likely a sale of your current house.

And as you are busy searching for that beautiful new abode, you need to fret about placing typically expensive ads that shout out "buy my house" as the likes of House Buyer Bureau can help get that done easily and in a jiffy, leaving you ample time and providing enough dough to plan for your majestic new layer.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

Step2 Play Patio Set

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 06:07 AM PDT

Kids are uncomfortable when sitting at the adults’ table or desk because they feel like being dwarves in the land of giants. That is why parents are very careful about the right size of the furniture they choose for the kids’ room. This amazing Step2 Play Patio Set can used for many years with a guaranteed success. It is more than just a set containing a small table and two small chairs; it is the perfect furniture for kids and you have the advantage that you can use it both indoors and outdoors.

Being a mother of two, I am very much concerned in children’s safety first and only after that in comfort and design of the furniture I choose for them. That is why I made sure this set is perfectly safe. I noticed the X design of the legs, both for the table and for the small chairs, and this means a lot more stability for them. Then the comfortable seating and back rest follow the children’s natural curves and this makes it so nice for them. The set is made of plastic, but it is strong and weather resistant plastic and the table even has a special hole in the middle for the sunbrella. This patio set can be purchased for $59.99.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

Advantages and disadvantages of having a sofa in the living room

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 05:25 AM PDT

Sofas are very commonly used in living rooms. They come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes so there are plenty of options to choose from regardless of the décor of your home. A sofa can be quite cozy and it allows for close interaction with the others. However, not everyone prefers sofas. In fact, there are plenty of disadvantages when you think about it.

First of all, since most modern and contemporary living room have an open plan, each wall is occupied by either a window, wall unit or TV. This makes the sofa almost impossible to be placed there as anyone who will be sitting on it will always have their back turned on someone else or on something important.

Secondly, even though they encourage socialization and interaction, sofas offer little room for privacy. It means that, when sitting on a sofa, you share the space with several other people and you don't really have your own space. Most people, if given the choice, will opt for an armchair or other type of individual seating unit.

If you would rather not have a sofa in your living room, you'll be happy to know that there are other options as well. For example, you can replace the sofa with a daybed of small dimensions and also add a couple of individual armchairs. Put a coffee table in the middle and you'll get a cozy and chic décor. Another option is a classic arrangement with four armchairs placed around a coffee table. If you're worried that it won't be enough space for everyone to sit down, this problem can be easily solved with some stools, ottomans, poufs or foldable chairs. They can be scattered around the house and only brought in when needed or they can be safely stored somewhere.{pictures found on:1,2,3,4,5}.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

5 walk-in shower ideas we love

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 04:29 AM PDT

Walk-in showers are elegant and functional for any bathroom. Whether you also have a bathtub or just this area, your décor will be functional and chic. It will also give your bathroom a modern appeal and it will give you the possibility to efficiently use the space you have available. Get creative or find some inspiration somewhere else. We have selected five designs to get you started.

1. Glass-enclosed shower.

If you want to create a seamless transition between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom, transparent glass is the perfect materials to help you with that. In this example the shower is encased in floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Inside there's a bench and small, practical shelves mounted on the wall. The oversized showerhead is an interesting statement element.

2. Light-filled shower.

A window in the bathroom, regardless of its dimensions, can make a huge difference. It's an especially beautiful addition in the shower. The sensation that you get when you see and feel the light embrace you is unique. Of course, a skylight would be even better. The shower will be bathed in natural light and will have an almost divine look. The decorations you choose for this space can also make a big difference.

3. Shower and steam room in one space.

A designer shower enclosures walk-in and a steam generator can be combined to create your very own steam room. It's a simple way of making your own spa. The amenities are critical is this case. It would be wise to include a small window that can be opened when you use the shower alone to let the air circulate. You'll be able to use this space both as a regular shower and a steam room and you can enjoy relaxing moments right there in your own home.

4. Small shower unit.

If you have a small bathroom you can still have the walk-in shower you wanted without sacrificing too much space. It would simply be a smaller version of the ones presented previously. To avoid making the bathroom feel cramped you can opt for simple lines and materials such as glass that would ensure a seamless transition. In this case, the frameless shower door was a clever choice.

5. Private spa.

If you have the space and resources, you can take these ideas one step further and create your own spa. In this example we have a beautiful and spacious spa-like shower with a limestone bench and white and black mosaic tiles. A wall niche ensures the storage space needed for the usual products used in the shower and a large window lets in lots of natural light.{all pics from bhg}.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

Cozy getaway cabin in Hungary

Posted: 03 Aug 2012 01:31 AM PDT

This small cabin is located in Pomaz, Hungary. It's a charming getaway designed by Imre Kovacs and it was a project with a total cost of $4,350, a price that also includes labor. The cabin covers an area of 107 square feet and it was built using almost exclusively reclaimed materials. The materials came mostly from demolition sites.

The architect and builder gathered timber, bricks, roof tiles and even rocks and repurposed them. By using reclaimed materials, he gave the cabin a unique charm. Even though it's a new construction, the cabin already has a long and rich history behind it. Its story is not just beginning but it's rather continuing on this site. Besides these reclaimed pieces, some new materials were also used in the process. The cabin got new roof insulation and windows. The wood was treated with linseed oil.

The architect and builder of the cabin is also its owner. He designed this place as a small retreat for him and his wife, a place where they can escape the city, where they can relax, enjoy the simplicity and beauty of the nature and where they can go far away from the city and its busy street and noisy neighborhoods. The cabin is simple and charming both inside and out. It's lightly decorated with wooden furniture and it has few details and decorations. The lighting comes from candles so the atmosphere is romantic and cozy.

Subscribe to Homedit's Feed to get constant updates of our Awesome Posts!

Inspiring interiors photographed by James Braund

Posted: 02 Aug 2012 11:29 PM PDT

Designing an interior is difficult and takes time, talent and inspiration. But being able to capture its beauty once it's finished is not easy either. Photographers have a very difficult task. They need to be able to encapsulate the best features of a space and interior décor and to know where to focus in order to bring out the best in it. Photographer James Braund shows us how it's done.

While analyzing his portfolio, it's difficult to make a selection. All his work is fascinating and it's obvious that he really known how to make a space seem captivating. These are a few examples in which we can see a series of inspiring interior decors. These pictures are not just static representations of those spaces but they actually tell a story. A picture needs to be able to transmit information and a certain feeling without using words or gestures but only elements such as light or color.

When creating an instantaneous representation or a picture, you need to know how to redirect the attention towards focal points. It's why a panoramic picture with an entire room makes it hard for us to focus and to see all the beautiful accents and details of that space. But when looking at this portfolio, it becomes certain that they are made by a professional and a very talented photographer.

House Design News

Friday, August 3, 2012