Contemporary Street Art in NYC: Pixel Pour 2.0

The streets of the city that never sleeps are filled with amazing things: from street art to installations and mind-blowing artistic projects. These expressions of artistic minds can be found all throughout the city. Take for example, this next art installation, caught on camera by gnom3sayin and uploaded on his Flickr photostream. The 3D interpretation of a huge pouring faucet can be found on Mercer Street in New York City. Before the three-dimensional version, named Pixel Pour 2.0, there was the simple Pixel Pour, a beautiful street art figure that you can see in the images. The upgraded version has a modern design and it encapsulates the idea of pixelated water pouring from a black faucet.

10 Most Interesting Architecture Projects of 2010

Brace yourselves for a post that will get your design and architecture senses racing! We decided to make a very special list that includes the 10 best homes of 2010 according to your Facebook shares (as they are currently registered on Freshome). So sit back, enjoy the ride and be sure to let us know if you recognize any of these fabulous architecture projects and/or contributed to this honorary countdown. PS : Click on each picture to see more pictures & details about each project.

#10 We’ve seen so many impressive displays of architecture from A-Cero that it is no wonder they made it into your top 10 list. The Concrete House II is a family project located in Madrid and stretches over a surface of no less than 1.600 square meters. The first impression when seeing its unusual architecture with gray concrete and vegetation ramps is that you are looking at a bunker entrance. The roof ensures this project’s ecological features as it contains solar tubular collectors, making this residence a sustainable project.

9# This unbelievable looking residence seems sprung out of a science-fiction movie. Rising on the edge of a cliff measuring no less than seventy meters, House Holman has a spectacular architecture. The project comes from Durbach Block Architects and is located in Dover Heights, a coastal, eastern suburb of Sydney. According to the designers, the project was inspired by a famous art work belonging to Picasso, entitled “The Bathers”.

#8 For those of you who are easily impressed by gold, glamor, glitter and gadgets, this Majorca residence has all these and more. This giant home stretches over an area of 10,700-square-feet and was  recently available for sale on eBay, for the sum of $28,000,000. The golden residence was inspired by the creations of Lugi Colani, a renowned German industrial designer whose works have a rounded, organic form. More than 1,230 square feet of 24-carat gold are said to be a part of this opulent residence whose appearance definitely has a strong effect.

#7 An 1870 Gothic Church in Utrecht was transformed into a contemporary home by Zecc Architects and Thomas Haukes in 2009.“WoonkerkXL” (“Residential Church XL”) impresses due to the unexpected perspectives and overall immaculate feel. Several art works and decorative elements create a more friendly atmosphere and divulge the true nature of this seemingly holy space, which ranked 7 in your countdown.

#6 Juvet Landscape Hotel was designed by Jensen & Skodvin Arkitektkontor(JSA) and is located in the heart of a picturesque forest, on the banks of the river Valdolla, in Norway. Surrounded by scenic views, this type of crib is an oasis of peacefulness. #5 This magnificent looking home comes from Architectural Bureau G. Natkevicius & Partners and is located in Lithuania.This project was resembled with “Noah’s Ark”, a place where all the family gets together in order to escape the urban jungle.  Featuring a fascinated cantilevered volume, a garage hidden underneath, floor to ceiling windows and contemporary arrangements, this home is a true display of art and good taste.

#4 The Fab Lab House comes from Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and is a tribute to eco-living. This Madrid-based project generates three times the energy it consumes and also houses an orchard in order to produce food. It may not look very appealing, but it is a sustainable project that certainly sets an example.

#3 This incredible looking home was designed by Spanish architect Ramón Esteve and combines contemporary living with the freedom of a holiday home. The focal point of this residence is its amazing infinity pool that creates a dream-like atmosphere. Some of the exterior walls have an impressive rocky finish probably inspired by the beautiful natural landscape surrounding this construction.

#2 Querosene House comes from architects grupoSP and is located in São Paulo, Brazil.  Amazingly enough, this project was especially developed in order to “accommodate” no less that 7500 books. We find this home truly spectacular and educational from all points of view. And you guys obviously share our opinion, since this mind-blowing crib ranks 2 on your list.

# 1 The Fish House is an exotic residence designed by Guz Architects and located in Singapore. Said to be a “modern tropical bungalow”, this home is perfectly integrated in its climate and environment. The curved roofs, which symbolize the sea waves, are almost totally covered with thin bendable photovoltaic panels supplying enough energy to the house, while the remaining area is used as a green roof giving residents some outdoor leisure spaces. Sustainable, eccentric and displaying a tasteful opulence- just some of the characteristics that make this architecture project number one in your Top 10 Homes for 2010.

How to Bring Retro Style into your Modern Home

Every twenty to thirty years, the world of design seems to make a comeback, but in a slightly better way. Whether it’s is the world of fashion, colors or home decor, retro style is an eclectic mix of old styles and new forms, or new forms with old materials and finishes. From the psychedelic prints of the seventies to the fifties appeal of oversized light fixtures and bubbly forms, retro style home decor is back in a big way! Here are a few ways to get the look in your modern home.

Bold patterns and colors: Retro styling brings together bold patterns and colors into your home. If you enjoy large patterns, try using them on your walls with wallpaper, paint or murals. For the same affect throughout your furniture, consider using bold fabrics and coordinating textiles such as rugs, and window treatments. Try and keep the bold patterns and colors within a few colors for the palette. Too many colors will make your room look scattered, and uninviting.Subtle hints of retro style: If you prefer to bring retro styling into your home more subtly, consider using smaller prints and geometric repetitive patterns. Instead of bold colors, modernize your interiors with pastels and muted variations of the bold. Use patterns in smaller quantities, and infuse neutrals into furnishings, flooring and wall coverings. Mix and match solids and patterns to also play down big and bold retro styling.

Retro lines of furniture with modern finishes: Curvilinear and circular forms are classic characteristics of retro furniture. Pair these up with modern leather, wood, and lacquer finished furniture, and the marriage of the two is gorgeous. Scour online classifieds, garage sales and vintage stores that you can reupholster or repurpose old furniture to look new. Replace an outdated fabric with a new and funky colored one. Shop furniture stores that carry retro looking furniture lines, which look old, but are brand new.

Sleek modernism: If your decorative style leans more toward modern minimalism, opt for a few retro pieces that have simple curves and lines. Remove large quantities of furniture from your space so the eye can focus on a few focal points of the room. A dining room set, reminiscent of retro design styles, and adorned with a dramatic pendant light can modernize your interiors, instantly. Leave intricate and detailed woodworking for another style. Retro modern style enjoys free forms that are fluid in nature and appeal.

If you enjoy the look of retro interior styles, use these tips to help bring them alive in your home. Get inspiration from retro movies, books, magazines and celebrity designers who enjoy retelling these styles through their clients’ homes. From the simplest of patterns to the boldest of colors, design through the years has evolved, but it still keeps the same passion and ideas of high design. See how your home can come alive with retro styling, and be amazed how modern and retro interiors can make you forget what era you actually live in.

Freshome reader’s do you utilize retro styled interiors in your home? Have a cool lamp, or have you turned your entire home into a retro home? We’d love to hear your comments.

Exceptional Bright Interior Design Inside an Amsterdam Townhouse

Some time ago, we showcased one of Kate Hume`s interior design. Today it`s time to go deeper into her artistic decorating and see the amazing interiors of this next Amsterdam townhouse. The skillful artist constructed interiors that are both pleasant and highly detailed. Each piece of furniture and pattern, every shape and colour has been carefully chosen to express a comfortable and distinguished living style. The playful switch between light interiors with dark accents and dark interiors punctuated with light coloured decorations is an astounding ability seen all throughout the townhouse. Sunshine, happiness and concentration all appear in the form of yellow, gold and bronze elements like chairs, art pieces, pillows and Kate Hume`s glass creations. Solid design comes in many forms, but this interior design is unique and refreshing. The custom cabinetry was designed by Frans van der Heyden for Birdman and it allows the space to breathe.

Eye-Catching Seating Items with a “Light Vintage” Look

Feast your eyes on these incredible looking armchairs from a furniture set especially created to dazzle. Light Vintage was designed by Italian company Moda Collection and features chic seating items developed in an old-school style, yet adapted to contemporary fashion needs. The upholstered furniture pieces come in various colors and fabric models. These were especially chosen to complement the artistic frames and create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing design approach. Each one of the armchairs below could easily become the focal point of a classy living-room or a vintage-like kitchen. Vivid and intriguing looking, the items in the collection have the ability to freshen up a place and add value. Moreover, the collection has a high degree of comfort, ensuring a relaxing and noble seating experience.

Ultimate Luxury: Mind-Blowing $59,500,000 Mansion in the Cayman Islands

Nothing short of mind-blowing, this opulent single family residence is located in Grand Cayman, one of the three exotic islands that make up the Caymans. And for a price of almost $60 million (as listed on Sotheby’s), one can only expect the unexpected. The behemoth building stretches over an area of 48,000 Sq Ft. /4,459 m2 . Compare this to a regular 100m2 apartment and you may just get a clue about just how atypical and imposing this project really is. Needless to say, the residence has it all. It includes amenities such as a 4 car garage, an outdoor kitchen, billiards and exercise room, spa, home theater, steam room, fitness center, wine cellar, an outdoor tennis court and many many more. And did we mention this was an ocean front property? If you’re much into opulence, take all these, add year-long sunshine and the lack of local taxes and you may get quite an appealing crib. Be sure to also check out the video at the end of this post, for a better understanding of this home’s features.