What began as a father/daughter project ended up the $75,000 winner of the Financial Times Climate Change Challenge. Inventor John Bohmer assembled the Kyoto Box , a $5 eco-oven designed to help combat global warming and world hunger. This small solar-powered oven is made from two cardboard boxes, an acrylic cover that allows in and traps the sun’s rays, and black paint and tin foil that help concentrate the heat

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Inventor Brings International Attention to $5 Eco-Oven

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

Add character with a salvaged sink – Houzz Learn more about a new tool for picking the perfect paint – Stylelist Home Find a perfect pink Valentine’s Day gift – House Beautiful Try these easy cleaning solutions for every room – Real Simple Tour gorgeous design hotels worldwide – Elle Decor Make these wall-mounted boxy shelves – Craft You won’t believe how this firehouse was renovated! – Hooked on Houses

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Link Time: Decorating With Antique Sinks, Easy Paint Tips, and Best Design Hotels

Everyone has their passions, and now’s the chance to share yours. To celebrate OnSugar’s new features , we’re challenging you to pick up your keyboard and start writing. We want to know what drives you and your passions. Are you up for the challenge? During February, we’ll post a new question each day to get you thinking. As incentive, we’re giving away four weekly HP Pavilion dv6t laptops to bloggers who have the most likes, comments, followers, and reblogs. As if four weekly laptop prizes were not enough, the blogger who inspires us the most will win the OnSugar blogging package, including an extraordinary HP Envy14 Spectre and an external drive! Keep reading to find out how to enter.

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Love. Write. Win. Introducing the OnSugar Blogging Challenge!

The lovely Brooke Shields just granted Architectural Digest an exclusive look at her Manhattan town house , and I’m in love with each room that’s featured. While a portion of the article is on the site, be sure to pick up a copy of the March issue of Architectural Digest to read the entire fascinating exclusive. Shields worked with decorator David Flint Wood on her four-story Greenwich Village town house, mixing modern art and accents with beautiful antique furniture. My favorite photo is from Shields’s living room, seen here. One of the major focal points of the living room is the pair of Louis XVI-style armchairs. A great resource for antiques like this is 1stDibs.com, and I found a near match in these 19th century French Louis XVI-style chairs ($5,900). Newly upholstered in a neutral linen, they’d become the centerpiece of any room in which they were placed. Perhaps my favorite element of this room - although it’s definitely hard to choose just one piece – is the original Keith Haring painting that was a gift to Brooke from Haring himself. While we can’t all be so lucky, we can buy a similar print from Art.com. Untitled ($150), a print featuring three of Keith Haring’s works, comes framed and ready to hang. For the rest of the look – including the French Empire commode, the Lucite-base coffee table, and gilded gold frames – check out the widget below. Vintage Gilded Gold Frame No 2 by lakesidecottage on Etsy 1STDIBS.COM – Mecox – Vintage Geometric Lucite Base Coffee Table artnet Galleries: A bout de souffle, Paris, 1959 by Raymond Cauchetier from Polka Galerie Large vintage detailed gold frame wood by jollytimeone on Etsy artnet Galleries: Gabriella, 1995 by Michael Gesinger from Photography West Gallery Lenox “Tuscany Classics” Martini Shaker Set $54 – Macy’s Decorative Bust $149 – Pottery Barn 1STDIBS.COM – Urban Archaeology – Neo-Classical White Marble Mantel Morten Table Lamp $149 – west elm Ethan Allen Pink roses with berries $149 – Ethan Allen Kilimanjaro jute rug $284 – Kohl’s Red and White Decorative Pillows Geometric by PillowThrowDecor 1STDIBS.COM – Olivier Fleury Inc. – French Empire Fruitwood Commode or Chest of Drawers 1STDIBS.COM – Robuck & Co. Antiques, LTD. – A Piemontese Louis XVI Period Carved Walnut M/T Console Table

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Get the Look: Brooke Shields’s Modern-Traditional Living Room Mix

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

Decorating for Valentine’s Day can extend beyond the pink and red cut-out hearts. If you live with your significant other, this can be a great time for you to reexamine your shared spaces and consider reorganizing and redecorating your “side of the room” to showcase your design preferences. Just because you share the same closet or bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t add a few personal twists. Here are five his-and-hers shared spaces to inspire your Valentine’s Day redesign. View Slideshow ›

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5 Harmonious His-and-Hers Spaces