The design collaboration between Simon Laws of Anthill Construction s led to the development of an original home entitled Drew House and located in Queensland, Australia. Situated near the famous Great Barrier Reef, it goes without saying that this dwelling had to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. Here is how the architects took this challenge: “ Living and sleeping pods along with a bath house were built in Brisbane, close to construction services and transported the 500 km to the fully completed site. The prefabricated parabolic roofed structure and decks were erected on site and the various pods were connected through a large central outdoor living and dining area. Natural oiled timbers and other low-finished materials create a neutral environment that along with the dynamic indoor/outdoor spaces, allow the maximum enjoyment of the wonderful bushland setting and mild sub-tropical climate. Rainwater tanks, solar hot water and electrical panels and a passive energy efficient design make the house largely self sufficient “. Modern living, beauty all around and peacefulness: find this home as appealing as we do? You’re reading Sustainable Home with Unique Design Features Near the Great Barrier Reef originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Sustainable Home with Unique Design Features Near the Great Barrier Reef

Maybe it stems from early memories of classroom-wide Valentine’s Day card-exchanging sessions, but I’ve never pigeon-holed the holiday as a day for lovers. I like to think of it as a day to indulge the people that you care about, and what better way to indulge them than with a small soiree to celebrate the occasion? With the abundance of hearts, sweets, and the color pink associated with this time of year, I feel like it’s a shame not to take advantage of a little girl time. If you’re still toying with the idea of inviting your girlfriends over for a last-minute celebration this weekend, see if this roundup of super-stylish Valentine’s Day DIY decorations is the deciding factor. I know I’m considering it! View Slideshow ›

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15 Heart-Melting Decorating DIYs For a Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Bash

Whether your remodeling plans are big or small, you’ve probably heard that these plans often get interrupted or derailed altogether. There are lots of reasons people get off track during home renovations, causing delays that last for months or even years. Many people find the remodeling experience frustrating because there’s a high likelihood that something will go wrong. Items not fitting correctly, untimely deliveries, irresponsible workers, faulty or mismatched items, and unexpected disasters are just a few examples that cause renovation delays. It All Comes Down to Reliable Contractors How can you get back on track if these delays occur? One of the best ways to ensure that your project is completed in a timely manner is to hire a reputable contractor . Some decide to remodel on their own to save money, and they end up quitting or prolonging the project when problems occur. They either do not have the time, money, or resources to deal with the unexpected event, or they simply don’t have the skills required to complete the job efficiently. By hiring a contractor with years of experience in home renovation, you can ensure that highly-qualified professionals are working on your homes skillfully and professionally. Even if you’ve started the renovation project yourself, you can hire a contractor to work with you or to complete the job for you. For pricing on a remodel, or to search contractors, click here . Planning for the unexpected is vital as well. Therefore, before continuing your remodel, put extra money aside just in case you need to purchase additional items. For example, while replacing the sink in your bathroom remodel , you may find that your pipes need to be replaced, and not having that money will put the entire project on hold. Whether you plan to renovate your home yourself or hire a contractor, it’s vital to make sure that you have enough cash on hand. Finding Advice at Hardware Stores If you simply cannot afford to hire a contractor , visit your local hardware store and ask the store for help. Individuals who sell remodeling materials can be a great resource. Ask detailed questions about the items you need, how to properly install them, and the best tools to use during the installation process. Rounding Up Remodeling Resources You can also browse for ideas on the web. Start with bathroom remodeling pictures , or kitchen remodeling ideas . There’s even a space just for small bathroom remodel ideas . Pick up a few magazines and books on remodeling, or find information in a remodeling library . There are countless sites and forums that allow you to ask questions, and there are also many knowledgeable people in the renovation and construction industries that are willing to answer your questions . Interacting with people who have experience and reading information about remodeling will inspire you to complete your project. If you have modern house plans , completing your project as quickly as possible is the best way to ensure your home will still look modern once your renovation is complete. The majority of problems homeowners encounter during home renovations can be fixed, and they can be fixed quickly if you have the financial resources to complete the project, and are willing to ask for help. – Miguel is an avid blogger, father of 2, and recent proud homeowner. He loves studying architecture, home design and decor and plans to one day buy a custom   house plan   to build his dream home.

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How to Keep Your Remodel From Getting Completely Derailed

We received some photos and information about a contemporary home from Blueprint Designs . Here is the press release we were sent: “The owners of this luxury waterfront home were looking for a modern building design that suit canal water front living. They also wanted the house design to give the appearance of a two story home but without the price. The solution was to build a home with a central atrium that provides both light and ventilation as well giving the look. The design uses parapet walls, stone cladding, matrix sheeting and perspex paneling to the garage door. This gives the home a ultra modern feel that the owners were looking for. When entering the home the main breezeway broadens when proceeding into the living areas. Open living areas provide a vista of views of the waterfront. The modern feel of the kitchen keeps the same recessed lines used in the exterior facade helping to tie in a theme to the rest of the building. The Kitchen is also equipped with a scullery and has direct access to the outdoor barbecue and alfresco areas. The design includes 4 bedrooms, music room, family and dining as well as the triple garage. Energy efficiency is also excellent using a 3.0Kva solar photo-voltaic system and gas appliances giving a quarterly power bill under $50.00″. Does this type of modern home appeal to you? You’re reading Waterfront Modern Home with Luxurious Design Features originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Waterfront Modern Home with Luxurious Design Features

Creating a home that would answer the living and entertainment needs of the owner, was the main objective for building the Lovelli Residence , on the west coast of Bali. Studio Word of Mouth therefore envisioned and developed an enjoyable space, where different functions interact and overlap in an original way. Here is more from the architects: “ The dining area also becomes a lounge, the living zone flows seamlessly into the pool area, and each bedroom functions also as a living space. The first floor is dominated by the master bedroom, flanked on 3 sides by green terraces, which maximise natural light and enhance the perception of the size of the space. The overall aesthetic of the villa is a tribute to the Mediterranean architecture that played a role in the backgrounds of both the client and Italian-born Audrito. Rounded corners are favoured over hard edges in order to infuse a softness to the imposing lines of the structure “. Would you personally define this home as “fun”? You’re reading Serene Home in Bali, Designed for Entertainment: Lovelli Residence originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Serene Home in Bali, Designed for Entertainment: Lovelli Residence

Stinson Beach House is a contemporary residence designed by Berkeley-based studio WA Design and located in Stinson beach, California, USA. The site is connected to the ocean to the west and neighbored by another home to the east. In developing this project, the architects did not lack challenges: “ We were strictly limited by both budget and zoning regulations to a home of 1400 square feet. Space was at a premium. By developing the house plan around a great room, we were able to create an inviting and large environment for all the activities of extended family and friends. The bedrooms were downscaled to fit a bed and little more. The massing that emerged in the design process was an elevated south-sloping roofline with extensive clerestory windows that accessed the views to the ridges above. Corrugated Galvalume metal, paired with cement board siding, created a sturdy and economical exterior shell for the house “. Sustainable features of this residence include open-cell foam insulation, concrete floors, natural ventilation, and recycled materials. You’re reading Sustainable Residential Project in California: Stinson Beach House originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Sustainable Residential Project in California: Stinson Beach House

Launched to wide acclaim at Tent London , part of London Design Week , in September 2011, the furniture of Yorkshire-based designer Anthony Hartley is bright, fresh, engaging and dynamic. He produces each piece by hand, from the original drawings through to the finished products. The two pieces shown here are part of the collection. Edna 1 is an oak cabinet with a single multicoloured laminated ply drawer, hand sprayed and lacquered to a high gloss finish, with shiny metal legs. The bright shiny colours create a very tactile appeal as the unit begs to be touched. Edna 3 is a slightly larger version of the unit featuring three drawers rather than one. The duck egg blue cabinet is contrasted with incredible intense orange legs, and 3 multicoloured drawers in laminated ply. The hand sprayed high gloss and lacquer on the outside is reflected in the highly finished drawer interiors, making her as delicious inside as she is outside.  How does this colourful design make you feel? You’re reading Colourful Furniture By Anthony Hartley originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Colourful Furniture By Anthony Hartley

The architects at Vo Trong Nghia Co., ltd . completed a modern residence in Saigon, Vietnam, for a thirty-years-old couple and their mother, in the shape of a tube, 4m wide and 20m high. Entitled “ Stacking Green “, it stands out due to its original facades, featuring a large number of terraces, each adorned with flower pots. Here is more from the architects: “T he front and back façades are entirely composed of layers of concrete planters cantilevered from two side walls. The house structure is a RC frame structure widely used in Vietnam. The partition walls are very few in order to keep interior fluency and view of green façades from every point of the house. Natural ventilation through the façades and 2 top-lights allow this house to save a big energy in a harsh climate in Saigon. Concerning these ecological approaches, we referred a lot to the bioclimatic principles of traditional Vietnamese courtyard house “”. The green façades and roof top garden shelter the family from polution, noise and sunlight, How do you appreciate this project? [Photography: Hiroyuki Oki] You’re reading Originally- Designed Family Residence in Vietnam Displaying Green Facades originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Originally- Designed Family Residence in Vietnam Displaying Green Facades

Welcome to a peaceful and inspiring property in Sweden, composed of a main residence, garage, stables and a large side building with four parking spaces and private offices. The exclusive main villa is surrounded by a lovely garden with large lawns and ornamental stone. With a total floor area of 450 square meters, the inhabitants of this home have plenty of space for relaxation and family activities. The interiors are mesmerizing and blend modern comfort with elegant traditional details. Once inside, a potential visitor is overwhelmed with the spacious entrance hall, which communicates with the living room, kitchen and library. A beautiful and well-placed fireplace provides light and heat, while contributing to a romantic atmosphere. The dining area is surrounded by a glass pavilion, with views towards the garden. This home found on Skeppsholmen is definitely worth analyzing in detail, and it is our pleasure to invite you to discover each and every inspiring design element the project puts on display.     You’re reading Spacious Villa in Sweden with Mesmerizing Design Features originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Spacious Villa in Sweden with Mesmerizing Design Features

TG Studio , with architecture and design offices in London, were the ones who envisioned this serene and contemporary white space. Clearly influenced by the owner’s Norwegian upbringing, this classy Highgate Apartment in a mid terraced house near Hampstead Heath displays a sculptured interior design, carefully placed to incorporate views of Parliament Hill. Evoking memories of the owner’s mountainous and brightly landscaped homeland, the interior design spreads over three half levels that merge to shape a unitary overall design. Connected by a sculptural glass staircase with wooden steps, the levels are beautifully separated but keep a semi-transparent design that allows natural light to floor every corner of the apartment. Sheltering three bedrooms and two bathrooms on top of the bright entertaining space – kitchen, living and dining areas – the open spaces feature naturally treated Norwegian Pine floors and modern white furniture throughout. This is one of the few completely white spaces that can be considered exceptional. You’re reading Pure White Highgate Apartment Split Into Half-Levels originally posted on Freshome . If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter , Facebook and Google+

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Pure White Highgate Apartment Split Into Half-Levels