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Here’s a stunning summer cottage in the Baltic Island of Gotland. I love the simple treatments and major architectural statements. The loft is amazing, and I really like the light and airy kitchen.

The important thing to consider when trying to achieve a space like this is super smooth walls (this requires skim coating) and nice floors of a high quality, such as a nice real wood. The large windows also help, as well as the raised ceilings and skylights. Mainly though, attention to detail is important for achieving the feel of a nice modern structure.

[posted by kris]

I probably played Tetris for hours on end in 6th grade. I have been reacquainted with Tetris recently while at a friend’s house who still has her old Nintendo, so it’s great to see it being used here in a home application. I’m not quite sure it would be a match in my home, but I do really love the idea. Perfect for a kids bath perhaps?

[posted by kris]

Here’s a doorbell which can be programmed to record custom sounds by loading it with mp3’s.

[posted by kris]

This slim line drain is pretty amazing.

[posted by kris]

I stumbled upon the I29 architecture portfolio today and I have to say that I was blown away by how they created lovely, small spaces which in which every detail is considered. In this space they managed to fit a tiny kitchen in a very narrow space without it looking like they were skimping on anything.

Another thing I noticed while perusing the portfolio is that they seem to use very simple materials, such as cement, plywood, walnut and simple drywall. Here’s where the craftsmanship and architecture comes into play, making it a simple, modern space.

[posted by kris]

In the right home, and on the right wall–this astronaut mural just might work. Think hallways or on a small wall. Mount it flush with the bottom of the floor and paint the rest of the wall above it a matte black.

8’10” w x 6’4″ h

Look at this light filled attic space! I love the simplicity. The large, rustic wood planks and the simple treatments really make this a great space.

[posted by kris]

If you’re working on the exterior of your home, a good Saturday afternoon project would be updating your house numbers. Weston has multiple type-faces and finishes available, and they send you everything you need to do it yourself. It costs a little more to add spacers (which mount the numbers slightly away from the house instead of flush against the wall) but I’d recommend that unless your particular house lends itself to having flush mount numbers, that the spacers are worth the extra expense.

Available from Architectural Numbers.

There were some rough remarks on the comments of from some of the readers at Fresh Home about this Tokyo residence by Yasuhiro Yamashita, but I think it is quite lovely. I love the idea of taking a small piece of land and really making the most of it. The thing about this structure is that it has a small square footage, but on the inside I bet it feels much larger due to the interesting angles.

[posted by kris]

If faced with obtaining new flooring in a remodel or new construction, I would never opt for new wood because of the sustainability issues, but these reclaimed floors are quite stunning and would be a great juxtapose for super sleek and modern white walls and furnishings. Ideally, you could find a local reclaiming mill so you’re not paying for transport of wood for long distances.

[posted by kris]

German company Baumraum combines the expertise of a landscape architect, a tree expert, and established, reputable craftsmen to conceive and construct these amazingly inspirational and architectural tree houses. They do build in United States if you’re interested. Or, if you’re like me, you can just peruse the projects and wish you had a big tree.

[posted by kris]

I just found out that Flavor Paper does custom wallpaper. Astek has been doing custom wallpaper for a while but it’s nice to know that there’s another resource. Flavor Paper can even customize inks if you’re going for a specific color that may be difficult to match.

Shown above: Limited Edition wallpaper Chinatown Toile
Designed by Dan Funderburgh

Here’s a great architectural piece by Jackson Clements Burrows. I’m especially drawn to the ‘black cube’ execution of the kitchen and it reminds me of the black cube at the FCET house.

[posted by kris]

Here are photos from an inspired use of space. I love how little areas are “carved” out with dark paint.

[posted by kris]

Here’s a nice modern vanity which used to be $3000 and now it’s less than a grand. I’m not sure I’m a big fan of the giant portion above the counter surface, but that part is optional. The vanity itself is perfect for tight spaces.

[posted by kris]