Tekno Home Design and Decoration

Here is an interesting and very cool idea for some bookcase extra storage space. “Plus One” comes from Matthias Ries and it has a fresh and youthful feel. This unusual shelving addition is not only functional, but also surprisingly sleek. It can help improve the look of a dull bookcase and it can also emphasize on those books or magazines one considers special. An the same time, it makes them a lot easier to access. “Plus One” could also be used for storing CDs, pencils and so on. This cool shelving extension comes in a walnut or maple finish, which makes it pretty exclusive. There is also a knitted “decorative” element available, in order to connect the addition to the shelves. What’s your opinion? Could this item really be useful?

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This magnificent mountain home belongs to Spanish architects Cadaval & Solà-Morales and is located in Canejan, Catalonia, Spain. Its surrounding environment is absolutely breathtaking, as the house stands on a high spot, having visibility over two spectacular valleys. We do not know if it’s the mist or the winter landscape, but this residence seems cut and pasted from a movie or a fairytale. Here is further information from the architects: “By preserving the original structure and doing a minimal yet contrasted intervention, the idea is to generate new and contemporary spaces for living, respecting the historic envelope. On the basement of the house, and responding to a structural weakness of a section of the existing wall, a big opening is shaped within the dry stone wall.  Such opening permits amazing views and interior natural lighting to a second living and dining room; the rest of spaces accommodated within the old enclosure have a remnant sense of the old construction, although they are distributed according to new ways of living, in a more contemporary reading of architecture.”

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One of the misconceptions in selling your home is to not put money into it. Often times, home sellers want to get out of their home quickly, and forget that marketing your home is crucial. Here are ten ways to improve the value of your home, and boost you above your competition.

1.)    Curb Appeal: Homebuyers make up their mind about your home before they step in the front door. Ensure your landscaping, lawn, and flowering beds are free of weeds and debris. Walk around the entire house and remove toys, fix lighting, and sprinkler heads.  At the front entry consider repainting the front door and adding a pot of fresh flowers.

2.)    Declutter: Believe it or not space is one of the top selling points for a home. Before you spend one penny on improvements, sort, donate, and declutter all rooms in your home.

3.)    Clean: This tip seems obvious, but the level of cleanliness needs to feel like you’re staying at a posh hotel. Clean all windows, carpets, furniture, closets, and bathrooms thoroughly. Consider buying new towels, rugs, bedding, and window treatments to inexpensively add value to your home.

4.)    Paint: Fresh paint in neutral colors will attract many a homebuyer. Don’t forget the baseboards and trim! Just like a lawn without edging, painting walls without the trim looks unfinished and dirty.

5.)    Master Bedroom/Bathroom: The Master’s quarters are the homebuyers retreat. Ensure all closets, drawers and table surfaces have minimal content. If you need to put belongings in storage, under bed containers, or in others closets, do so! In the bathroom, similar to the kitchen, upgrade where affordable. Showers/tubs, mirrors, floors, toilet, countertops must be clean and free of excess toiletries.

6.)    Update the Kitchen: Do what you can afford, comfortably. Appliances, cabinetry, countertops and flooring can always be updated. For cheaper solutions, make sure appliances are clean and working, Resurface or paint cabinets. Adding new door pulls can make cabinets feel fresh and new. If countertops or flooring is damaged, replace with like material.

7.)    Storage: Closets, organization in cabinets, and shelving are crucial in home buying. When decluttering don’t forget these spaces. Homebuyers will look in your closets! Is more space needed? Consider buying closet organizers to increase the vertical use of your walls. Pay special attention in garages, basements and kids rooms. These areas tend to collect unneeded items and may need to be donated to charity, or sold.

8.)    Light: Make sure all windows are operational, and let in natural light. Are the fixtures in your home outdated? Consider upgrading fixtures or adding lamps and sconces to rooms that are dark.  Homebuyers don’t only view homes in the daytime. Consider higher wattage bulbs throughout your home to illuminate all the amenities.

9.)    Get a Home Inspection: A home inspector can point out unforeseen issues that you never would have found. Issues like roofing, plumbing, heating/air conditioning, and electrical need to be addressed before an offer is made on your home. Remember, a potential buyer can walk away from their offer if your home fails a quality home inspection.

10.)  Senses: Homebuyers are swayed by their emotions that are linked to the five senses. Smell: Do not clean with harsh chemicals when your home will be viewed. Consider cleaning the day before. Remember pet areas should be as clean as the rest of the home.  Sound: Have light, soft music playing during an open house or showing. Sight: Bright and airy feeling is appealing and comforting. Touch: Make furniture and bedrooms feel livable and desirable. Taste: Have a warm batch of fresh chocolate chip cookies ready? You may get an offer on the spot!

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“Bucefalo” comes from Emanuele Canova and is a project with a triple function: it can be a chair, a couch and also a bookcase. What we consider to be  extremely fascinating is the fact that its functionality doesn’t stand in the way of its impeccable design. Classy and elegant, this furniture piece fits wonderfully in a stylish contemporary home. Once integrated in an interior, it will probably become the room’s focal point. A subtle book shelving system is located below the seating area which provides enough storage space for a small reading arrangement. The design is available in black and white and some models feature wood finishes. The complementary pillows add charm without affecting the overall soberness of the product. -via Totonko

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You’ve seen a lot of energy efficient houses on Freshome, yet we didn’t have a residence that was completely self-sustainable. The IKAROS House was recently unveiled in Germany at the European Solar Decathlon.  Built by the University of Applied Sciences in Rosenheim, this project produces energy that exceeds the home’s needs. How is this possible? By using a variety of green technology such as solar panels, vacuum insulation panels, efficient mechanical systems and natural ventilation. The home was built for a family of four and is a small compact building with a very interesting design. Its price is said to be 275,000 €, but being given that it is able to save about 4,600 € on energy costs every year, it is definitely worth it.- via Inhabitat

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In every room there is ‘hidden’ space that we never think about. Hidden space is the key to successful organization, storage and having room to live! Kid’s rooms are the ideal room to find these hidden spaces. If your kids could have fun in their room AND store lots of stuff, wouldn’t that be ideal?

WALLS: Vertical space is an area that we forget about. Your upper walls have just as much square footage as the lower walls. This means if you can use shelving, vertical organizers, and vertical toy bins, floor space can be maximized.

TOY STORAGE: Determine what items your kid’s have. If a lot of small pieces and parts is a hassle, consider clear, see-through bins that your kids can see. Do your kid’s have large toy’s that don’t fit in bins? Consider using closet floors, or shelving installed low on walls for little hands to reach.

DESKS: We often think of desks as the place to get homework done, and that’s it.  Desks are a prime real estate for storage, display, and function. Consider getting desks that have a hutch on top, for displaying collectibles, and books. Desks that have drawers are good for storage of school supplies, and small nick knacks.

BEDS: Storage in drawers and book shelves is popular in kid’s beds. Consider loft-style beds that allow storage and furniture to go under the bed. This concept is popular in college dormitories, and now in homes. Bunk beds are still a great option, because they free up floor space and allow for more sleeping area.

CLOSETS: Take an inventory of what items are stored in the closet. Is it clothes, toys, books, and unused items? Before you tackle the storage, declutter your closets. They should be free of items that will not be used again. Use under-bed storage bins for out of season clothing.  This will allow for more space in the closet and storage for everyday used items.

FURNITURE: Chairs and seats with casters are great hidden storage places. They provide seating and by lifting the seat cushion, organization. Consider visiting retail stores that specialize in organization for kids. IKEA, The Container Store, Pottery Barn, Target, and many other retailers have ideas that we haven’t thought of yet!

DISPLAY AREA: Kids will always have ‘stuff’! Kids have school crafts, awards, and sports memorabilia, consider using decorative display items to help show them off. Bulletin boards have come a long way from the traditional wood borders. Today there are fabrics and stylish materials, which go with your kid’s décor and hold everything from pictures, to charge an IPod!  Cable wire hanging systems are a modern way to display art work without using tacks and nails. Kids can change out their own artwork, and the room still looks clutter-free. Help your kids help themselves by using some of these hidden storage ideas for their rooms.

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“Capillair’ comes from Duch designer Carolijn Slottje and is a project in the shape of an ingenious adaptable storage system idea. in case you are wondering what is so special about it, you should know that Capillair is a modular furniture piece made from flexible materials such as rubber or felt. Its structure makes it possible for it to adapt and take the shape of its surrounding environment. Another interesting aspect of this design is its cell-like components, which are various in form and also have different sizes. We would add their unusual ability of adapting to the items placed inside. This storage system could act as a regular bookcase or as a cool decorative element. What do you think? Would you buy this for your home?- via Designboom

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How do you choose colors for the interiors of your home? Did you know the colors you like are mainly based on what emotion you feel when you’re in the space? Your emotional connection to the space relates to your style.

BLUE: is calming and soothing, and is commonly used in bathrooms and bedrooms. If your style is for a more Zen-like décor, blue is for you. From robin’s egg light blue to deep turquoise, use blues in the relaxing spaces of your home. Deep royal and navy blue spark creativity. Use this stylish color in your home office and art studio.

GREEN: is associated with nature and freshness. Your style is geared towards the outdoors and renewal of the spirit. Use greens also in bathrooms, bedrooms, living spaces, and kid’s rooms. Grass green and sage green are perfect for a baby’s nursery. Deeper hunter and army greens are good in more energizing entertaining spaces and home libraries.

RED: the boldest and vibrant of the color spectrum. Your style is exotic and energetic if you prefer a large amount of red in your interiors. Red evokes the senses of vitality, hunger, and energy.  For a more subtle interior, use red in accent pillows, drapery, and decorative vases.  Red can be used in kitchens, dining rooms, and in areas that energy is important.

YELLOW: Is your personality cheerful and bright? Those who choose yellow like a happy and cheerful style. Muted tones of yellow are welcoming in a foyer, while buttery yellows are appreciated in laundry rooms and basements. Use yellow in accents to blue and green, and mix fresh tones with cheery styling.

Neutrals:

BROWN: Depending on your style, brown can be deep like Espresso coffee or muted like camel tan. Browns give a feel of security, and strength.  If your styling is for sophistication and subtlety, brown is for you.  Use brown in combination with pastel colors for a modern compliment in your interiors.  Popular in décor these days are brown paired with pink, light blue, sage green, and light yellow.

GRAY: Considered the more creative white, gray is a great pairing up color. This neutral color’s styling is great for home offices and areas of the home rich in mental activity. The new color hit? Griege – A combination of gray and beige, very modern and when used in décor, can be warmer than a traditional gray. Your style is hip and modern with a sense of purpose if you choose gray interiors.

BLACK: When using black in décor, your styling could be sophisticated and dramatic, or it can be dark and gloomy.  When using black, pair it with lighter colors to reduce a ‘cave-like’ feeling in your spaces. Consider how much light is in your space when using black, the darker the color, the more light you need in the space for it to feel inviting.

WHITE: Your style is fresh, timeless and secure with white. White can be refreshing in sunrooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces. Consider the traffic and how often the space will be used when decorating with white. The color looks fresh when clean, and uninviting when dirty. For interiors that evoke a cottage style living, add punches of color and mix and match textures of the entire neutral palette.

Depending on the hue and saturation of any color, your home can be evoke the styling you crave!

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It’s been a while since we had some lovely white interiors on Freshome. Balham House is a  fantastic looking residence located in London, and when we say “fantastic”, we take in consideration both the interior design and its calm,  serene atmosphere. The white home is a mixture of classic and modern, an elegant association of traditional furniture- beautiful cabinets, an appealing fireplace- and contemporary elements. You can particularly observe this contrast by paying attention to the living room and kitchen in comparison to the rest of the interiors. But what is really great about this place is the fact that the difference is not striking and distasteful, but contributes to the overall charm of this gracious residence.  Have a look at the photos and tell us what you think.-via Inspiring Interiors

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The outdoors has a natural appeal to humans. The sky, earth, water, and other outdoor elements make us feel refreshed, calm, and one with the earth. How do we get these elements from the outdoors, inside of our home? The obvious way is by bringing plants into our living space. Although, a wonderful idea, here’s 10 other simple ways to bring the outdoors in.

1.) Bring in Natural Fibers, Textures and Patterns: Wicker, Rattan, Hemp, and Jute are all materials that are inspired by nature. Choose these materials in your furniture for a comfortable oasis to relax. In decor – baskets, rugs, and even lampshades will bring the outdoors to your relaxing space.

2.) Use colors that are inspired by the outdoors: Green’s remind us of the earth, grass and plants. Blues are refreshing like water and the sky. Yellows evoke a sense of freshness, like the sun and fresh flowers. Neutral tones such as whites, tans and beige’s make your interiors feel natural, and clean. Use these colors on your walls, window coverings, bedding, and decor.

3.) Use natural flooring instead of man-made flooring:  Wood, cork, bamboo are all flooring materials that feel warm, natural and inviting under foot. By bringing these flooring choices into your home, your body will appeal to the organic elements of natural flooring, instead of cold man-made materials.

4.) Use elements found in nature in your decor: Rocks, sea shells, jars of beach sand, wood, and straw are just a few elements which you can incorporate into your everyday living, to bring the outdoors in. Try adding photographs and murals of these elements if you don’t have the real thing on hand.

5.) Entice your senses with outdoor cues: Woodsy incense, and floral potpourri scents are always a treat. Sounds of rain, wind, and the beach are used in luxury spas to make the body feel relaxed and in tune with nature. This same feeling can be brought into your home.

6.) Let in natural light: Natural light is absolutely free and it makes humans feel wonderful! Replace heavy drapery with lighter fabrics and/or sheers.  Let natural light into your home daily, and see how the outdoors pours into your space.

7.) Open your windows and breathe in fresh air: As humans, we require fresh air to feel alive and at peace. Bring the outdoors inside by installing screens in your windows, and turning the air conditioning off occasionally and letting in fresh air.

8.) Ensure all windows have a gorgeous view: If you have overgrown bushes, or trash dumpsters blocking your view, clear it up! Bring the outdoors in by enjoying views of landscaping, pools, or just your kids playing out in the yard.

9.) Decorate with fruits and vegetables: The latest interior décor trend is to decorate with food. Use lemons, limes, and mint for a visual and aromatic outdoor inspiration!

10.) Choose eco-friendly materials for your home: Bedding, towels, cleaning products, and even paint, all come in eco-friendly varieties.  Try using earth friendly products on a daily basis; you’ll feel closer to nature, and the earth will thank you.

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