Homedit.com Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

Espace Temps Wall Clock
A sunny family home in Canada
Lenny Kravitz’s ex-Soho penthouse is on the market
What’s the best flooring for a kitchen?
A first class cotton hammock
5 beautiful roof patios
Charming private home in Tinos by Zege architects
10 different kitchen styles to adopt when redecorating
Four Reasons Your Home Needs Solar Power
A practical and functional folding furniture set

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 10:59 AM PDT

When you tell the time you usually use an expression that is made of two parts: one tells the hour and the other part the number of minutes. That is why any watch or clock has two different arms and people agreed to use the small arm for hours and the long arm for minutes. Depending on the arm you are watching you count the number of hours and minutes, so you make two interpretations at the same time on the same dial. Any way, some great designers thought it would be a lot easier and more fair to use two dials instead of one. So you can see a very unusual clock with two dials.

One of them shows only the hours, so all the numbers displayed range between 0 and 12 and the other dial shows the minutes, so the numbers displayed go from five to five from 0 to 60 – the number of minutes in an hour. It is an unusual concept, but it is rather fair and the design of the two dials suggests that they are actually halves of the whole. This is the Espace Temps Wall Clock. You can find this item on Ligne Roset web site and it is available in black for $455 and in platinum for $670.

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A sunny family home in Canada

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 09:10 AM PDT

Painter and designer Richard Roblin and his wife are living in a lovely house in Cowichan Valley that he built himself. Since he got to design and build the house, he also got to plan every little detail exactly how he and his wife wanted. They wanted to be able to enjoy the climate known to be more sunny than anywhere in Canada and they also wanted to be able to feel the connection with the outdoors.

The couple also needed to have enough space to display their art. And since it was such a big and important part of the design, they decided to use as inspiration for the whole décor. You can see how the lines of the furniture and the entire décor match with the lines from the abstract painting hanging on the walls. The same colors found in the paintings and artwork throughout the house can also be seen in the furniture and accessories such as the rugs and the lamps.

The living room is a dynamic space with lots of light, color and texture. This area is connected to the dining room through French doors. The dining room opens onto a terrace and a herb garden. The vaulted ceiling from the living room is a beautiful architectural detail that matches with the rest of the décor. The fireplace is a detail that adds warmth to the décor and creates a casual and cozy atmosphere. Since the artwork was such an important element in the décor, the owners also needed to focus on the light and the way it affects everything. They were very careful when planning the house and managed to create a perfect balance between art and interior design.

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Lenny Kravitz’s ex-Soho penthouse is on the market

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 08:34 AM PDT

This luxurious triplex is the former home of Lenny Kravitz and, as expected, it's impressive on more than one level. It's no surprise that the penthouse is luxurious and opulent since these are attributes that describe all celebrity homes. However, they each have their own style and this is also visible in the way their homes are decorated.

This penthouse is located in Soho, New York and it covers an impressive surface of 6167 square feet. To these we can also add an additional 3000 square feet of terrace. The triplex was purchased by its famous ex-owner in 2000 for $7.128 million. It was then sold to Alicia Keys in 2010 for $12.75 million. Now the home is once again on the market, this time for $17.95 million. The penthouse is filled with unique features and exquisite details that are marks of their former owners' style.

The glamorous triplex has keyed elevator entrances on each floor. Inside, it's filled with natural light coming from all sides. It has 5 luxurious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 4 powder rooms. It also includes a huge state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with a walk-in butler's pantry. A separate former dining room that faces East is encased in a glass solarium. Adjacent to this area is the living room. It has a fireplace and it's very spacious. The penthouse also has a library/media room and a series of private terraces. A floating glass staircase offers access to a separate private master suite with a spa.{found on freshome}.

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What’s the best flooring for a kitchen?

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 07:22 AM PDT

People spend a lot of time in the kitchen so the traffic can be very intense. Also, it's a space designed for cooking and it's impossible to avoid spills and scratches, regardless how careful you are. It's why the kitchen flooring is a very important element and the material needs to be carefully chosen. There are several options.

Wood is a very common material. It's also a warm and elegant material that allows you to create an inviting and cozy décor. Whether you choose solid wood or engineered wood it will wear quickly. The surface is easily damageable and there's not much you can do after that. It's why people usually prefer other alternatives for this room of the house.

Ceramic tiles are very beautiful and they are also resistant. There are many variations to choose from and there are not many inconveniences for this material, except maybe for the fact that they can be difficult to install and you may need professional help and that, because of their durability anything you might drop on the floor will probably break.

Plastic laminates can also be a great alternative. They are easy to install and they give you the advantage of a tough and durable material. They are sometimes more durable than wood when it comes to scratches and moisture. They come in a variety of colors and designs. However, they can't be refinished and large spills will also affect them.

Linoleum used to be quite popular. It's relatively resistant and it's effective against moisture, dents and sunlight. It also comes in a large variety of colors and styles. It might not be a very modern choice but it could complement nicely a kitchen.

Vinyl is also a great material because it's resistant and durable. It's not affected by sunlight, moisture and stains and they can even replicate other materials such as stone. It's very easy to install and it gives you the protection your floors need in the kitchen,

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A first class cotton hammock

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 06:16 AM PDT

What could be more relaxing than sitting in your hammock in a sunny summer day, enjoying the shade and allowing yourself to take a nap? It's an image that we all dream of. It's also an image that can be easily turned into reality. All you need is a hammock and a place to hang it from. We can only help with the first part.

This is a first-class, high-quality cotton hammock. It costs 179 euro and it's made from superlative quality cloth that's very pleasant at touch. Single and double hammocks are available and they feature similar designs are made using the same type of materials and techniques. The double hammock features a total of 1,400 continuous threads, each one being attached to the suspension lines so that to knots or loose threads will ever bother you.

The hammock is completely tear-proof and has a design that allows it to ensure optimal body-weight distribution so that you can be as comfortable as possible. Each end features adjustable wooden struts that prevent excessive sagging. Moreover, a manual tension adjusting system allows to easily adjust the length of you hammock. The suspension lines are made from durable weather and sun-resistant polyester mix. The hammock is made of pure cotton so it would be best to keep inside during the night. It's simple, beautiful and extremely comfortable.

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5 beautiful roof patios

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 05:00 AM PDT

A roof patio is an extraordinary feature. First of all, it allows you to relax and entertain your guests while admiring the views. Also, a roof patio gives you a lot of freedom in terms of design and décor. We have selected five roof patios that we think have particularly beautiful and stylish designs and we hope they will be a nice source of inspiration for those seeking to create a similar look.

1. Minimalist white patio.

Out first example is a roof patio designed by Elemental Design. It's located in Seattle, WA and it features beautiful timber flooring that was painted white. It has a minimalist look and it seems very relaxing. It features natural plants as decorations and it can be an ideal space for relaxing with friends and enjoying a drink white chatting.

2. Elegant, modern patio.

This patio was designed by Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech. It features very beautiful outdoor furniture placed on a white surface. The furniture is modern and has compact designs. It has block-like structures with wood frames and black upholstery. The color contrast is very beautiful, especially the way the black and white and complemented by the natural wood finish.

3. Cozy patio.

This is a small patio from San Francisco. It was designed by Gast Architects and it only features a small, square-shaped table with four chairs around it. It's a nice space to enjoy coffee in the morning or to even have breakfast. It's a more intimate patio not designed for large groups of people. The furniture is simple and has a casual look.

4. Expansive roof patio.

This is a more elaborate patio décor that even has a fireplace. It was designed by Natural Balance and it's located in Vancouver, CA. It's been decorated with a large sectional and a matching armchair and table. The colors of the furniture and fireplace are very similar. It's a very comfortable design wonderful for evening reunions.

5. Contemporary patio.

The last example is a contemporary patio from San Francisco, CA. It was designed by John Maniscalco Architecture and it has a linear, modern fireplace. The furniture is compact with clean-cut lines and minimalist design. It's a relatively small patio but it's been cleverly organized and the result was a comfortable and very pleasant space.

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Charming private home in Tinos by Zege architects

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 04:02 AM PDT

Tinos is a beautiful and serene island in Greece. It's an idyllic place with picturesque landscape and views and it's also where this beautiful private home is located. The house was designed by Zege architects. It has a simple design and it's like a concentrated version of the whole island. The interior was designed by its owner, Marilyn Katsaris.

This is a vacation house and it's composed of two separate structured connected by a veranda. It has been built according to the typical residential features found on the island and it doesn't really stand out. However, it has such a charming and serene look that it's hard to pass unnoticed. It features pigeon whole windows and exposed stone structures as well as several other typical examples of local architecture.

The house offers 250 square meters of living space and they are distributed on three levels in one of the volumes and two in the other. The interiors of both structures are simple, airy and very fresh. Almost everything is built-in and only the absolutely necessary pieces of furniture are loose and mobile. The atmosphere inside is typical for a vacation house. As you enter, you instantly feel free and liberated from everything. The interior décor is a combination of classical and antique elements and the accessories and decorations are particularly eye-catching. It's a very tasteful home.

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10 different kitchen styles to adopt when redecorating

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 02:15 AM PDT

The kitchen is just another room in the house. The thing that makes it so special is its specific functionality and this is also the main element that dictates the design. However, when it comes to style, there are many different options and there's no way to say which one is better than the rest because it all depends on your personal tastes and preferences. Here are ten such styles to choose from when designing a kitchen.

1. Polished concrete kitchen.

Concrete is a very basic and simple material and yet it can have so many different aspects. A polished concrete kitchen would usually have a more industrial look. Concrete floors are especially practical in the kitchen and they can be beautifully complemented by modern furniture and stainless steel appliances.{found on site}.

2. Modern farmhouse kitchen.

A modern farmhouse kitchen is a combination of rustic and contemporary. It's important to find that balance between styles. For example, you can opt for rustic colors such as beige or brown and for traditional furniture but with simple designs and a more modern appearance. The details and accessories will add the final touches.{found on source}.

3. Elegant open space kitchen.

An open floor plan I a wonderful choice for multiple reasons. It allows you to open up the space by combining two or three spaces that were previously separate rooms and the limits between them are no longer that well0-defined so you can have more liberty when decorating. The kitchen could become larger as it shares the same space with the dining room or living area and it will give you more freedom of movement.{picture from site}.

4. Modern, sleek kitchen.

The key to creating a sleek kitchen décor is to focus on the basics and give up all the unnecessary elements. The furniture, the same as the whole interior, needs to be minimalism, the color combinations chic and stylish and everything has to be well organized and functional. You need to use all the space you have available and to try to hide the storage areas for a more uniform and continuous look.{picture from here}.

5. Rustic kitchen.

When you say rustic you usually visualize a lot of wood. It's because wood is a natural material that has beautiful features, a friendly texture and a warm appearance and it's also strong and durable. A rustic décor usually also has exposed beams in the ceiling, hardwood floors and furniture made from the same material. The light also needs to be warm. Moreover, a rustic décor is more suitable to small kitchens.{picture from here}.

6. American kitchen.

This is a typical American kitchen. It's spacious and also has a breakfast area and it features built-in furniture with stainless steel appliances. The furniture is modern and simple, the walls are white and there's a beautiful kitchen island in the middle. Also, there are lots of integrated storage spaces with both open shelves and closed drawers.{found on site}.

7. French country kitchen.

It's easy to notice all the French-inspired details from this kitchen. The coq is probably the most suggestive. The furniture features a chic traditional design and it's very elegant, with lots of beautifully carved details and decorative elements. The kitchen has a rustic look mostly of because of the colors and patterns. In this case it's the details that make the décor stand out and that allow it to be integrated into a specific category.{pictutre from here}.

8. Colorful kitchen.

Regardless of the style and approach you choose for your kitchen, the choice of colors is very important. A colorful kitchen will offer as being fresh and airy whereas a too simple kitchen will seem monotonous and dull. You don't necessarily have to mix many colors for successful results. For example, it's enough to pick a vibrant and bold shade and to combine with white for a beautiful contrast.{found on site}.

9. Swedish kitchen.

This is a kitchen with a Nordic décor. As you can see, the main color is white which in this case was a great choice because the kitchen is quite small. Notice the built-in furniture and the continuous décor. This kitchen is very practical and functional, not to mention that is has a crisp, fresh look. A touch of color here and there completes this modern and stylish décor.

10. Industrial kitchen.

Industrial kitchens can be very beautiful and charming even though they have a hard time being warm and cozy. They tend to seem cold and not as inviting as other styles. Usually industrial kitchens adopt few colors such as white, black, grey and sometimes brown. They use rough materials such as metal and they feature stainless steel appliances and industrial decorations and accessories.{found on site}.

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Four Reasons Your Home Needs Solar Power

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 01:07 AM PDT

If you are debating on whether or not to invest in solar panels in 2012, here are four great reasons to make a purchase.

Save Money with Solar Panels.

One of the most popular reasons to invest in solar panels is to cut the cost of your monthly energy bills. Solar panels use the energy from the sun to heat your home and allow you to make great savings every month. It will cost you to install solar panels but in the end, there is huge savings to be made. You cannot only save money on your electricity bills every month but you can also sell any electricity that you do not use back to the National Grid. Electricity prices will undoubtedly rise in the coming years and installing solar panels will protect you and your family from this.

Go Green this Summer with Solar Panels.

Many people are making a conscious effort to lower their carbon footprint in 2012 and solar panels provide a simple way to make your home environmentally friendly. There are many things you can do to go green in 2012 including small changes for example recycling your household waste and swapping your existing light bulbs for energy efficient bulbs. If you want to make substantial savings, solar panels can provide all of these benefits and more.

Make a Quick Sale with Solar Panels.

In today's financial climate, it is now harder than ever to sell your home. Solar panels not only lower your monthly bills but also increase the value of your home. Whether you are considering putting your house up for sale or simply want to live a greener lifestyle, solar panels are a valuable addition to your home. Homeowners are now looking for homes that already boast energy efficient qualities and installing solar panels can set your home apart from the rest. If you want to give your home a unique selling point, go online to find out more information regarding solar power for your home.

Add Value to your Home with Solar Panels.

In the past, homeowners only had to apply a fresh coat of paint to attract property buyers but today it is significantly tougher to make a sale. Today, buyers are looking for eco friendly homes and are instantly attracted to homes that offer monthly savings. Installing solar panels can not only offer you great savings but also help you to get the price that you want when selling your home.

If you are wondering if your home is suitable for solar panel installation, go online to seek advice from a solar specialist. Browse the web to find a company that can advise you on all aspects of solar for your home. Many reputable companies including Mark Group provide free home surveys and you can benefit from expert advice free of charge.

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A practical and functional folding furniture set

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 12:15 AM PDT

Always taking furniture outdoors and then bringing it back inside can be tiresome. But sometimes you can't leave it outside because it would get damaged. For unprotected and uncovered outdoor areas it's best to opt for something easy to move around, something like a folding furniture set. We have the perfect one for you.

This set is composed of a table and four stools. The set costs 390 euro and it's made of water-proof birch plywood and solid beech wood. The pieces also feature nickel-plated locks, stainless steel hinges and carrier corners. The set is foldable and portable. It allows you to sit and have dinner or breakfast in any spot you want. It includes a table with a very simple design. The surface is made of plywood and has four fold-out legs with short diagonal support struts. The table weights 7 kg and its dimensions are: height 66.5 cm x length 99.5 cm x width 74 cm. The seats are made of 79% cotton and 21% canvas.

The space underneath the table can be sued to store the four folding stools. The dimensions of the stools are height 48 cm x length 35 cm x width 33 cm and they each weight 1 kg. The set also comes with a carrier case. It holds the table and the stools and it was designer to be easy to carry. It has leather handles and a simple and chic design. The set is a limited edition.

House Design News

Friday, July 20, 2012