Inspiring Visual Break Between Old and New: The Hawthorn Extension in Melbourne

Chan Architecture completed the Hawthorn Extension, a project consisting of a rear addition to a double fronted Victorian terrace house in Melbourne, Australia. According to the project developers, the main challenge was to design “a new family area without sacrificing too much of the backyard, whilst being respectful of the existing house. The approach was to create a visual break between the old and the new, to clearly delineate the different zones.” A jacuzzi and swimming pool area add a contemporary vibe to the new extension, while offering soothing spaces for family interaction.Featuring clear lines, extensive use of windows and high ceilings, the new addition meets the contemporary living needs of the owners, without interfering with the traditional personality of the main Victorian construction: “The existing house has four good sized bedrooms at the front, but the living, dining and kitchen rooms were small with low ceilings. So the proposal was to demolish the existing rear of the house and construct a new, modern, open planned kitchen/living/dining room with new laundry, two bathrooms and a new master bedroom.” Enjoy the virtual tour of the property and let us know what you think! [Photos by Folded Bird Photography – Brendan Finn] The post Inspiring Visual Break Between Old and New: The Hawthorn Extension in Melbourne appeared first on Freshome.com.
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Australian Beachfront Home Encouraging Outdoor Living

Living under the Australian sun provides ample palm tree sun protection and the occasional breeze. Living in a modern Australian home connected to the outdoors is a dream. Designed by Davis Architects, this beachfront home in Byron Bay, Australia, is prepared to offer its inhabitants the best mix between indoor and outdoor living. The existing sub-tropical climate by the coast implies a lifestyle lived partly outdoors. Invited to spend quality time under the sun, the owners of this beachfront home can rest assured that their time will be well spent in an attractive home.Any beachlover would feel at home here, where sleek design lines meet complementary trendy colors. Large floor-to-ceiling windows compose a bright and cheery atmosphere and invite surrounding views inside. This makes the luxury beachfront Australian home a place where dreams come true. And according to the architects, “this luxury beachfront property in Byron Bay has been designed to take advantage of the wonderful coastal sub-tropical climate. Indoor-outdoor living, large breezeway windows and overly generous covered outdoor areas are key in the design “conception” of this project. The four bedroom house also features a separate self-contained 2 storey terrace house to accommodate guests. As Byron Bay Architects we love using locally sourced materials. Hardwood doors, privacy screens, timber floors and sandstone walls all feature prominently in this design.”Head over to this small bungalow converted into a contemporary family home in Perth, Australia, to see another one of Davis Architects’ portfolio pieces. Maybe you’ll find the inspiration you were looking for there. Enjoy and share! The post Australian Beachfront Home Encouraging Outdoor Living appeared first on Freshome.com.
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9 Ways to Decorate the Dining Room with Eye-Catching Wallpaper

Whether it is adding color, pattern, style or texture, there are few easier ways of transforming the ambiance of an interior than wallpaper. The last few years have seen a surge in wallpaper patterns and all those who shunned it in the 90s and worked super-hard in trying to scrub wallpaper off of their bedroom and living room walls are once again shopping for new patterns! While we will not call it a full-blown revival, wallpaper sure ranks high on the trends chart in 2015. Adding it to the dining room is one of the easiest ways to get in on the wallpaper bandwagon before trying it out in the bedroom or living area.Wallpaper shapes the perfect backdrop for the brilliant blue accents [Design: Atmosphere Interior Design]There are plenty of fun ways in which you can add wallpaper to your existing dining room. There is no lack of patterns or colors to choose from and you can pick one that exactly matches your dining room ambiance. So delve in and find out more about adding wallpaper to the dining room –1. Enliven the WallsThis is an obvious and easy starting point for every homeowner as you can simply drape the walls in a wallpaper of your choice. The wallpaper that you pick most not only complement the theme of the room, but should sync with the existing decor and accessories. While cool wallpapers with neutral hues are generally the preferred choice and easier to work with, do not miss out on the opportunity to add color to the dining room with wallpaper. As the inspirations below showcase, it can be a world of delightful fun!Trendy dining room draped in wallpaper [Design: Pal + Smith]Refined use of exciting colors in the dining room [Design: Jorge Castillo Design]Black wallpaper is for those who have a flair for the dramatic! [Design: Atmosphere Interior Design]2. Think of TextureWhen you start browsing through wallpaper choices, think about things beyond just color and pattern. Maybe what your monotonous, contemporary dining room needs is a bit of texture. Grasscloth wallcoverings or even faux leather wallpapers can get this done with ease and elegance. There are other amazing wallpapers around that can create the visual effect of materials ranging from metal to cork!Grasscloth wall covering adds texture to the dining room walls [Design: BNL Interior Design]Unique wallpaper brings the texture of cork to the dining room [Design: Garrison Hullinger Interior Design]3. Geometric BeautyRetro, midcentury modern, vintage and art deco; the trend these days is to bring back patterns and designs that were considered hot several decades ago! Take advantage of this change in the decorating cycle and use bold wallpaper with fun geometric patterns to add to the vibe of your midcentury of vintage dining room. These ultra-cool designs work beautifully well in minimal settings as well.The Imperial Trellis wallpaper is a favorite among modern designers [Design: Tobi Fairley Interior Design]Perfect wallpaper choice for small midcentury dining room [Design: Squarefoot Interior Design]Minimal wallpaper adds pattern to the dining space [Design: CCG Interiors]4. Dress up the CeilingThere are plenty of times when we are left wondering who homeowners do not pay more attention to the ceiling and the untapped potential that it holds. (Really, do look upwards sometimes and move away from boring white) Well, now is your chance to add spunk and sizzle to the dining room with an unexpected twist by opting for a wallpapered ceiling. You can still leave the walls out as they are and let the bold wallpaper steal the spotlight for a change.Ceiling wallpaper enhances the luxurious look of the dining room [Design: Favreau Design]How about some color for the dining room ceiling? [Design: Laura U]Design of the dining room puts the focus on wallpapered ceiling [Design: Sleeping Dog Properties]5. Go Quirky!Maybe you prefer a dining room that is playful, unique and even a touch eccentric with its special design. Styles such as bohemian, shabby chic and eclectic get a great lift when wallpaper that is equally unconventional shapes the backdrop. This approach looks even more engaging in case of small dining areas in an open plan living space as it gives the tiny nook a distinct identity and aura of its own. Try this quirky variation this summer and you will be pleasantly surprised!Eclectic dining room with a unique wallpapered backdrop [From: Lisa Borgnes Giramonti]Cool wallpaper for the shabby chic dining room [Design: Sarah Phipps Design]Custom handmade wallpaper in the Victorian style dining room [Design: Crisp Architects]6. Frame it with FlairWe have come across several Decoist readers who have complained about trying out new wallpaper patterns because they are just not sure about making such a major commitment in one leap. So here is a wonderful little bridge for those with design commitment issues as you can test the waters out with these lovely framed wallpaper pieces. Just hang them as art pieces in the dining room and if you really love them, then you can think about a quick overhaul in coming months.An exquisite way of adding wallpaper to the dining room [From: Houzz]Fun way of using wallpaper in the dining room [From: Alexander Johnson Photography]Turn the wallpaper into a work of art [Design: Collage Interiors]7. Define the Accent WallsThis one is really simple and it is pretty much the same approach you take towards an accent wall in the dining room that uses paint. Take a different route this time by doing away with paint and opting for wallpaper instead. As we discussed earlier, wallpaper gives you greater variety in terms or pattern and finish when compared to paint. Make sure though that you have the right lighting to let the accent wall shine through.Stylish wallpaper brings golden elegance to the contemporary dining room [Design: Incorporated]Lighting adds to the appeal of the striking black and white wallpaper in the dining room [Design: Amitzi Architects]Create a lovely accent wall with beautiful wallpaper [Design: Charmean Neithart Interiors]8. Striped SplendorStripes and wallpaper seems like the perfect combination of two current, hot style statements! But instead of draping all the walls in the dining room in stripes (which can become monotonous), we suggest you take a sleeker option by using the striped wallpaper to highlight a specific architectural feature or nook in the room. Smaller stripes are ideal for more modern settings while traditional dining rooms benefit from broader strokes. And then there is the exciting chevron pattern for those who wish to mix things up to drive away boredom.Striped yellow wallpaper in the modern dining room [Design: Avocado Sweets Interior Design Studio]Wallpaper brings chevron style to the small, shabby chic dining space [Design: AS you see it!]Fun dining room design with striped wallpaper [Design: Hudson Interior Design]9. Wallpaper Halfway UpThey say that the classic, tried and tested methods are precisely that for a reason; because they work so well across eras. Using the wallpaper halfway up in the dining room is one such timeless approach that never fails. It gives the room a tasteful elegance that is unmatched and turns even the gaudiest wallpaper into a visual treat.Covering half the wall with wallpaper is a popular choice in the dining room [Design: Globus Builder]Classy use of wallpaper in the dining room [Design: Dufner Heighes]Smart color scheme in the traditional dining room [Design: Andrea Schumacher Interiors]You’re reading 9 Ways to Decorate the Dining Room with Eye-Catching Wallpaper, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
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Converted Industrial Space Becomes a Pretty, Sunny Apartment

If you enjoyed the our feature on industrial spaces converted to modern apartments yesterday, here is more of the same but with a different vibe. The industrial space featured here, converted with the help of UK interior design firm Cloud, is anything but dark and dreary. Instead, light colors, clean lines, and plenty of sunlight have created an enviable and welcoming space that has left only a few hints of the apartment’s past.
The large space was converted into two private bedrooms and wide open living space that encompasses the living room, kitchen, and dining area. White walls allow the light streaming in from the industrial-inspired windows to open up the entire area easily while Douglas fir floorboards create the illusion of more floorspace. Plenty of shelving and a bright, sunny work area is perfect for a young, creative resident who needs to be able to work from home and get inspired at the same time. The ceiling is whitewashed concrete and a few exposed pipes throughout keep with the industrial feel. In contrast, soft and pretty accessories like the lovely blue sofa and creative custom light fixtures make it easy to forget this wasn’t an airy home all along. Vertical book storage eliminates the need for extra shelving, turning stacks of books into a design focal point all on their own. The open kitchen has tons of counterspace and a long, simple dining table practically begs for a dinner party. The effect of the conversion in the bedrooms is perhaps even more dramatic. Feminine touches from a pale pink club chair to scalloped mirrors and delicately decorated wallpaper makes for a stunning bedroom with a Parisian aura. The bathroom, too, has a distinctly European vibe with its white brick tiles and simple shallow sink.
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Related Posts: Inspirationally Modern Interiors From Pavel Voytov Contemporary Apartment Design with Classical Features (Floor Plans Included) Industrial Loft 5 Lovely Homes in Poland with Soft, Feminine Elements Two Modern Apartments with Perfectly Placed Bursts of Colors His and Hers Apartment Interior Design by Angelina Alexeeva [Visualized]
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8 DIY Backsplash Ideas to Refresh Your Kitchen on a Budget

Installing or updating a backsplash is an effective way to give your kitchen a makeover, but it can seem like an intimidating task for anyone who has never done it before. Hiring a professional is one (pricier) way to go about it, but if you’re hoping to cut costs, why not go the DIY route? Putting in a little elbow grease will allow you to refresh your kitchen on a budget, and there are lots of cool ways to go about it using inexpensive and recycled materials for a one-of-a-kind look.Timeless Tiled LookHaving to use thinset (otherwise known as mess-making gloppy goop) to apply tile is one of the reasons many of us find installing a backsplash so daunting, but did you know there is a much tidier alternative? Rachel of I Like What I’m Herring used a Simple Mat setting mat to get her tiles on the wall with no thinset needed. Check out the full tutorial here.Subway tile remains one of the most timeless and popular of all kitchen tile options, but it can be tricky to apply yourself. For a much easier shortcut, follow Nikki of Sweet Parrish Place‘s faux painted backsplash tutorial and get a surprisingly similar look without all of the labor.Colorful Creativity!To create a playful backsplash with a pop of color, reach into your child’s toybox for some inspiration. This whimsical kitchen was updated using hundreds of LEGO building blocks.If you need an excuse to host a huge party, just tell your friends you’re collecting bottlecaps for your new backsplash. The colorful caps act as little mosaic tiles, and you can display your favorite beer brands.For a trendy vibe that looks like it came right out of a home furnishings catalog, how about a chalkboard backsplash like this one seen at A Storied Style? The finish is easy to apply, and as an added bonus, can be changed up whenever you wish – just erase and redraw the details!Touch of Textural BeautyAnd if you prefer wine over beer, how about using your corks to create a one-of-a-kind vino-themed backsplash? You’ll have to drink quite a bit though, as this unique wall effect was achieved using a whopping 800 corks!Peel and stick planks aren’t just for your floors. Clever DIYer Jessica from Mom4Real used the adhesive-backed faux flooring to create a this gorgeous white backsplash. Can you tell that the look was achieved using inexpensive adhesive floorboards?Or for a more rustic feel, check out this DIY backsplash made from affordable river stones purchased at a gardening supply store. The irregular shapes of the rocks form a soothing, organic facade. [Photo: Homedit]Now that you’ve mastered these DIY backsplash techniques, how about applying them in a bathroom or other room of your home?You’re reading 8 DIY Backsplash Ideas to Refresh Your Kitchen on a Budget, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
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17 Beautiful Rustic Kitchen Interiors Every Rustic Residence Needs

The rustic kitchen interior design as opposed to the contemporary kitchen interior design that we featured in our most recent contemporary design showcase in our collection of 15 Bespoke Contemporary Kitchens – Perfect Cooking Motivation, is quite different. The main differences […]
The post 17 Beautiful Rustic Kitchen Interiors Every Rustic Residence Needs appeared first on Architecture Art Designs.
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What to Consider When Choosing a New Bathtub

As home decor has evolved, it has changed how people think about their bathtub. No more is it merely a place to get clean before school or after a long day at work. Today, your […]
The post What to Consider When Choosing a New Bathtub appeared first on Architecture Art Designs.
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See What a Buyer Sees: Looking At Your Bathroom With New Eyes

If you plan to sell your home at any time in the future, you’ve likely thought about how to maximize the price your home will command. But if you’ve lived in your house for a […]
The post See What a Buyer Sees: Looking At Your Bathroom With New Eyes appeared first on Architecture Art Designs.
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Reclaimed Barn Wood Shapes Vintage Modern Loft in Vancouver

At first glance, this elegant loft in Vancouver, British Columbia looks like many other private residences in the region that have a typical industrial look. Yet, look closely and you will immediately notice the one big feature that truly sets it apart. While most industrial lofts in Vancouver are draped in brick, glass and metal, the Mecca loft building turns to reclaimed barn wood for an inviting and inimitable interior. The 1350 square foot home designed by The Macnabs embraces a ‘vintage modern’ style that is firmly anchored in the historic roots of the region.With a neutral color palette, lovely blend of textures and a cheerful atmosphere, the loft draws you in instantly. The double height lower level contains the relaxed living area, a small yet ergonomic kitchen, a secret home office concealed cleverly and a wonderful dining space with distinct industrial lighting. White and gray are colors that define the setting even as reclaimed barn wood is used extensively in every area to craft features such as the living room feature wall, custom dining table, barn door for the nursery and window trims. It is this use of reclaimed timber that gives the various rooms a sense of connectivity in terms of style and ambiance.The master bedroom and a contemporary nursery are housed on the top level with a lovely skylight bringing in plenty of natural light. Bright colors are kept to a bare minimum inside the loft as the decor also blends in with the muted color palette. A chic urban loft that brings together the rustic and the industrial touches in a comforting fashion…You’re reading Reclaimed Barn Wood Shapes Vintage Modern Loft in Vancouver, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
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G House in Bucharest Celebrating Relaxation and Social Interaction

Envisioned by Nuca Studio (you may remember their playful family cafe design we presented on Freshome a while back), G House is a contemporary residence located in Bucharest, Romania. According to the architects, the owners are constantly surrounded by friends and relatives, which dictated the layout of the project: “The building was thus designed as a shifted, irregular volume, ensuring the existence of several centres of interest on each of the two levels, and, at the same time, the opening of several areas towards the outside.” Fluidity is the main attribute of the design scheme, meant to encourage a high degree of interaction.Ensuring a healthy family ambiance mean tintegrating outdoor spaces for relaxation in the overall design: “In order to include the courtyard into this structure, the passage to the outside, namely to the terrace, itself partially covered by the upper floor volume, is done through a large glazed surface, for which the architects used the narrowest available frame. The ground floor contains several technical areas, the entry access, a few bathrooms as well as a working space, while the upper level houses the four differently sized bedrooms, their originally decorated adjacent bathroom and a play area.” Enjoy the virtual tour! The post G House in Bucharest Celebrating Relaxation and Social Interaction appeared first on Freshome.com.
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