In case you were on a lookout for a stylish way to decorate your walls, here is an idea. According to the producers over at NappaTile, the collection presented below “combines the luxurious look of faux leathers with the artistic element of mosaic tiles. Unlike commonly used stone, ceramic or porcelain tiles, faux leathers emanate a feeling of warmth & comfort to an entire interior. The padded version will provide an added depth to a room. Perfect as an accent piece or luxurious undertone for living rooms, libraries or headboards. Permanent installation only takes a few minutes with its peel & stick backing. The company offers a standard selection of patterns as well as complete customization with the option to choose from thousands of different faux leathers, faux suedes, textiles & glass beads for an infinite number of possibilities“. We were pleasantly surprised by the refinement these faux leather tiles seem to add to an interior and are really enthusiastic about your reactions.













Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/26/faux-leather-tiles-for-stylish-creative-wall-decors/

Faux Leather Tiles for Stylish & Creative Wall Decors

Sam Hughes has been making and selling handmade lamps and lampshades for several years. Sam is a trained textile designer at Central St. Martins school of Art, London and has worked as a print designer for a wide variety of companies in the fashion and interiors businesses in London and New York. He started the lamp making business out of a desire to make design as well (we find out he is also a trained counselor! ). Since he launched Sam Hughes Lighting, the firm has grown steadily and become a busy business with a base of customers who look for individual and beautiful items for their homes. e decided to challenge Sam for an interview and find out how his business is going.

• Freshome: What triggered the idea of designing a range of lamps and lampshades ?
• Sam Hughes: I was inspired by my collection of vintage fabrics and noticed that there was a gap in the market for more interesting and patterned lighting. I wanted to make something original and retro inspired to compliment modern interiors.

• Freshome: What materials do you use for creating these designs?
• Sam Hughes: I draw by hand with pen, paint and ink and experiment with shapes and images. I then scan images into my computer and rework them on screen to develop repeat patterns and colourways that will work as shades. They are then digitally printed onto high quality cotton and I make the fabric pieces into shades. I also hand make the bases (with the help of a wood turner!) and wire the lamps. I feel very proud that I entirely make the product myself.

• Freshome: Where do you find your inspiration?
• Sam Hughes: I find my inspiration from vintage surface pattern. I collect textiles, ceramics and crockery from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I also look at illustration from those decades.

• Freshome: How long ago did you start your business?
• Sam Hughes: I started my business in 2005, at first using my vintage textile collection to make all the shades. In the last year I have designed my own fabrics for the shades and now sell those alongside the vintage pieces.

• Freshome: What are the reaction you usually get from your target/ buyers? 
• Sam Hughes: People seem to love them! Quite often customers come back to me for a second or third lamp once they have bought one. Everyone comments on how original they are and how much they love the colours, designs and quality.

• Freshome: What are your plans for the future?
• Sam Hughes: I would like to continue to expand the business and hope at some point to develop some designs with a major retailer.

• Freshome: Are you interested in other work field (except design) ?
• Sam Hughes: I am also a trained counselor!

• Freshome: Tell us something unusual that happened since you started your business.
• Sam Hughes: Nothing crazy, but I have been truly delighted by how much value people place in hand made products and carefully crafted, thoughtful design.

• Freshome: In case there is anything else you would like the world to know about you or your ideas, here is your chance to share.
• Sam Hughes: I pride myself on producing original, interesting and beautiful hand made products in a commercial world that is more and more dominated by mass production and mass selling. People really respond to good design, personal service and they love the idea of buying something that is truly a one off or part of a limited edition.

Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/26/interview-passion-for-handmade-designs-in-a-commercial-world-with-sam-hughes/

Interview: Passion for Handmade Designs in a Commercial World with Sam Hughes

Jory Brigham Design is a furniture fabrication business located in San Luis Obispo, California. For today, we decided to showcase some of the beautiful works of the person behind the company, which consists of sustainable and unconventional furniture items. The producer of these delightful projects told us that for each handcrafted piece, he strives to incorporate many styles, eras, colors, and textures. The materials used, sometimes unconventionally, are always utilized to their fullest potential. Sustainable hardwood, concrete, and plywood are just some of the materials Jory employs in his one-of-a-kind creations. Learning from his father at a very young age, many skills were passed down to him. As you can see in the photos below, the products have an original appearance and at the same time, diverse. The furniture array presented below includes cabinets, end tables and benches, all of them displaying a creative design.

Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/26/sustainable-and-unconventional-furniture-items-by-jory-brigham-design/

Sustainable and Unconventional Furniture Items by Jory Brigham Design

After having a look at the photos taken in this lovely Scandinavian crib, one can only guess the last thing this apartment lacks is space. You will probably be pleasantly surprised to know that in fact, the total surface of this one room home is 44 square meters. Located in Vasastan, Stockholm, this bright and cozy studio seems to have it all: a delightful contemporary design, function and an overall welcoming atmosphere. According to Alvhem Makleri & Interior, this is an apartment that exudes peace and tranquility. The living room is a bright and social space with openness to both the kitchen and sleeping area. Large glass walls dissolve the border between inside and outside allowing natural light to reign. We are certain you already noticed the alcove, large enough for a king-sized bed. This may be a small apartment, but the design approach used to enhance it inspires only “over-sized” ideas.

















Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/26/inspiring-all-in-one-room-apartment-in-stockholm/

Inspiring All-In-One-Room Apartment in Stockholm

When it comes to integrating a modern addition within a space characterized by traditional architecture, things become delicate. Architektur Steinbacher Thierrichter designed this highly intriguing open space bar in Murau, Austria. The extension complements an existing building which dates back to the 13th century. The new project is said to offer spectacular panoramic views in a place where no such buildings exist. The unusual-shaped elevation consists of a cantilevered volume which most find to be quite spectacular. However, due to this project’s placement in a historical small town, there are people that argue against it. We are curious to find out your honest opinions about the design of this contemporary open space bar. Moreover, we would like to know how you feel about integrating this project in a historical context.

Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/26/levitating-open-space-bar-in-austria-by-architektur-steinbacher-thierrichter/

Levitating Open Space Bar in Austria by Architektur Steinbacher Thierrichter