IKEA Standard Furniture Turned into Original Bookshelves by Kenyon Yeh

We recently received four amazing looking furniture projects from London-based designer Kenyon Yeh. Here is a description from the official press release: “Seeking to create personal identity out of ubiquitous uniformity, Kenyon took standard Ikea flat-pack furniture and assembled the pieces as he wanted, adding some new details along the way. One of the new elements incorporated into the designs is an old detailed English chair leg which Kenyon re-cast in resin; cleverly adding a traditional craftsmanship into a unique whole made up of mass-produced pieces. The result is whimsical, yet attractive, and serves to function, beyond its practical use, as a comment on mass-production and mass-consumption. This collection was exhibited at London Design Festival 2010, Designers Block Show.

Design project: LOPA (below)

Design project: KENN (below)

Design project: DALT (below)

Design project: BRIA (below)

LOPA, which may be used as a bookstand, features four legs which have been colored in black. The structure is a single piece and is divided into three segments that are interconnected.

KENN features three major quadrilateral shapes and a triangular niche created by the intersection of the three 4-sided parts of this piece. Two red feet support one end, while the other side rests on the angled corner of the rightmost rhomboid.

DALT, The bookrack is a two pieces structure featuring geometric shapes. The rack has two legs of contrasting green color installed on one side, while the other side is balanced with the help of a secondary structure.

BRIA is a double rhombus-like structure, which has been interconnected in a way that appears as though one of the rhombuses is being derived out of the other. It has four legs, which have been give a contrasting blue colour. Ideal for stacks of books, BRIA is a unique take on the common bookcase.”

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Creative and Sustainable Modern Home in Santa Monica: King Residence

The King Residence comes from JFAK Architects and is located in Santa Monica, California. Unlike common modern architecture projects these days, this particular home opens up into a large garden and patio facing the street. This means less privacy, but more indoor-outdoor communication. According to the architects, the house’s blurring of public/private reinforces the sense of community that the owners embrace and encourage. We have to say we salute this type of projects, as long as they are located in safe areas. But this home is not just about looks and communication. Taking up the challenge of being up-to-date with the global energy saving mechanisms, King Residence has plenty of sustainable features, as seen in the last photo of this post. Here is more information from the architects: “Echoing the openness of the house to the neighborhood, the interior is a series of free-flowing, continuous spaces that fosters a supportive, interactive family lifestyle. Generous use of skylights creates constantly changing light conditions that activate the interior. Extensive vertical glazing reduces the need for artificial lighting and enables ocean breezes to naturally ventilate the entire house, which does not include an air-conditioning system.”

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Incredible Looking Wooden Tub Paneling from BluBleu

Adding wood accents is a simple and guaranteed method to upgrading an interior. It is a known fact that wood brings warmth to a place, while in the same time contributing to an overall feeling of refinement. You’ve read about more and more creative ideas on Freshome which center around this material, but we bet you didn’t see this coming. The new freestanding Yuma Art Tub 180 from BluBleu is enriched with a stylish wood paneling that adds a natural, soothing look. Moreover, once this tub is in place, it is very easy to decorate around it (we particularly like the wooden chairs in the pictures below, as they look handmade and have a few practical features). The original wooden panels come in Wenge or Teak finishes, making a pleasant contrast with the white acrylic interior of the tub. We believe “chic” is the word, right?- via Trendir

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How Silver Tones can Sleek up your Interiors

From sleek stainless steel in your kitchen appliances, to the chrome finished pendant lamps in your dining area, silver tones can make your interiors feel cool and sophisticated. Silver tones come in a variety of metals: silver, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, and of course platinum. If you’re looking for a way to make your spaces feel modern or vintage, silver tones are the perfect choice. Even your vintage collection of silver antiques can make your home feel classy and pulled together. See how timeless silver tones can transform your interiors.

The timeless appeal of silver tones: Regardless of the age of your home, or the time period you’re trying to convey in your interior aesthetic, silver tones can deliver. Silver tones help bring a ‘cool to the touch’ look and from Victorian homes to ultra modern homes, gray tones act as a neutral and make your interiors meld together in all the right ways. Add collections of silver in varying tones on your bookshelves, counters, and display areas. Varying heights and color varieties will add visual interest and timeless appeal.

Furniture glamour: Desks, chairs and tables can all add an element of surprise when you adorn them in silver tones in small details or all over the entire piece of furniture. Chrome and stainless legs on tables and chairs give a slick and floating appearance to heavy upholstery. While using silver paint or metallic faux finishes over your furniture can bring an outdated piece to sleek contemporary without any fuss. Try mixing and matching leather, wood, and textiles with silver tone metals to contrast and complement your furniture style.

Adding silver tones to your walls: The usual thought of silver tones involves metal in your furniture and accessories. Try adding silvery metallic tones to wallpaper and paint to give an added dimension to your room. Whether you use as an accent wall or use for your entire space, be mindful of how reflective your wall surfaces are. If using highly reflective surfaces in a room with a lot of natural light, a glare could be produced. Opt for duller sheens for rooms with ample natural light, and for darker rooms add more reflective wallpapers and paints to maximize light.

Mix and match your favorite tones: The beauty of silver tones is the versatility of mixing and matching various metals, tones, and finishes. Highly polished chrome and stainless steel can look great paired with matte finish nickel, for example. In your bathroom, consider using matte finish chrome plumbing fixtures for your sink and shower area. Add a variety of finishes with light fixtures, towel racks, and bath accessories throughout your room. Choose any room to mix and match and see how silver tone metals can work beautifully together or apart.

You will be surprised how silver tones can cool down your interiors while visually adding sophistication. Home decor trends show silver tones woven in fabrics and then used in area rugs or flooring. Experiment in your home and see how creative you can be. If you’re tired of boring interiors, add reflectivity in your flooring, ceiling, or walls, they will instantly add life to your space. Silver tones can be bold with glamour or subtly add sophistication. Choose your style and marvel in the transformation of your space with silver tones.

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Elegant Multifunctional Bathtub Panels from Roca

Here’s an elegant and surprising method that comes as an alternative to bathtub finishes. These chic water resistant panels from Roca can add charm and personality to any bathroom. The uncommon elegant additions will wrap your tub in glamor and instantly transform it into an attention grabber, all at an affordable cost. Moreover, their modern style complements a range of decors, making the products highly adaptable. But these panels are not just about looks. They also come with laundry baskets and towel supports, thus saving space for similar items. We consider this to be an appealing design idea, one that manages to blend functionality and aesthetics. The bathtub panels are available in oak or walnut and can be ordered online by contacting the producer. Visit Roca official page for more functional bathroom ideas.

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How to Decorate around your Flat Screen Television

You and your living room are happier because you have just acquired a flat screen television. Although, you seem to be having a small problem, everything around the television seems not to work. The furniture no longer faces the right direction, the wall art is being blocked, and the armoire you’ve placed the television in is too big. These are all common decorating dilemmas when you acquire a flat screen television. Read on to see how you can keep that television and make the rest of your room look beautiful around your new addition to the family.

Plan for space: One of the beautiful advantages to having a flat screen television is the ability to view it from many angles of the room. This same advantage is its disadvantage when it comes to placing furniture in the room. The challenge is that you can’t have obstacles that are within the line of sight of the television. Stand back in all angles of the room and assess what furniture is too tall and plan for space around it. Another trick is to stand at the television and look back at the room. You will easily see what is obstructing the view and space.

Highlight the wall: Your television can blend or it can be the focal point. Most people want it to be the focal point as it costs a lot of money, and you want everyone to see it! For you, painting an accent wall that your television is hung or placed in front of will draw emphasis to this wall. If you are one that would like the television to blend, consider housing your television in a piece of furniture that can be closed, such as an armoire or entertainment center.

Viewing height: Depending on the height you choose to view your television will dictate how to add artwork or decorative items around it. For those that want it stand mounted on a low console, you will be able to optimize more of the wall behind it for artwork. While if you decide to mount it on the wall, the television can compete with artwork – which can be distracting. For larger rooms that have a long viewing range, a wall application will work better. While smaller, narrower spaces will benefit from the lower console.

Hanging artwork: If you have high ceilings, artwork placed above the line of television sight viewing is a good idea. Consider making the artwork simple, and more abstract. Artwork that has physical content will cause television viewers to concentrate on the artwork. For shorter ceilings, but longer walls, consider putting small collections of artwork, paintings, photographs etc… to the side(s) of your television. Whichever you design preference, try to let the television compliment the space, or be left on its own. For visual interest for wall mounted televisions add wainscoting or build decorative architectural niches into the wall.

Your flat screen television can be a welcomed addition if you can determine how to decorate around it. Before you buy your television take these tips into consideration. Remember, the smaller the room, the smaller television that is needed. Often time’s people buy too large of a television for the space, and viewers can get headaches, and the picture will also appear pixilated if the viewing distance isn’t enough. Placing a flat screen television above a fireplace or on an accent wall will give visual interest that may need additional décor. You decide and make your television a welcomed addition to your home. Freshome readers tell us your experience with decorating around your flat screen. Has it been easy or a huge headache? We’d love to hear your comments.

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Modern Aquarium Kitchen With a Strong Visual Impact by Darren Morgan

Kitchens are no longer static zones, where nothing interesting ever happens. Northern Ireland based designer Darren Morgan created this Dynamic Kitchen to demonstrate just how “alive” a kitchen may become. Here is some information from the designer: “I wanted this kitchen to literally come alive within the architecture surrounding it while still performing beyond expectation on functional level. My aim is to encourage a relationship between user and kitchen right down to knowing the names of the fish and having the functionality tailored to the user’s lifestyle. The remotely operated doors and custom made aquarium breath life into this kitchen while the island introduces softer geometry and mood setting colour. This kitchen fits any social occasion or time of day. Achieving ergonomic efficiency and aesthetic satisfaction on every level is the reason for this design.” The design below features a three meter long aquarium, interactive light settings and low energy LEDs that can transform a common dining area into a night club, a restaurant, a coffee shop or a living room, whatever the user feels is appropriate. Could this kitchen design be more versatile?

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