Freshome’s 10 Most Popular Apartment Designs of 2010

After putting together a list with 10 most interesting architecture projects of 2010, we decided to take this idea further and also display a countdown of the best apartments in 2010, according to your Facebook shares, as they are currently registered on Freshome. You can click on every picture for more photos & details about each loft. Here they are:

#10. We begin our list with this stylish apartment by UNStudio located in downtown Manhattan, New York. Called The Collector’s Loft, this beautiful crib combines the elegance of an art gallery with the coziness of a common apartment. The owner wanted a special place for depositing his books and different artifacts he had collected throughout the years, a crib that would offer him the comfort of interacting with art.

#9. Red Nest is an ingenious apartment located in Paris. Envisioned by designer Paul Coudamy,  this original project houses a bedroom, a dressing area and a home office, all “squeezed” into just 23 square meters. This red and white apartment features incredible solutions that counterweight the lack of space, turning it into an ideal home, without making any compromises regarding style or function.

#8. Here is a delightful and spectacular looking apartment located in Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia. Designed by Weir Phillips Architects, this three bedroom apartment bursts with freedom and craziness, which is what inspired us to say that this is the ultimate bachelor’s crib. The living room is the focal point of the house and accommodates some of the wackiest elements this loft has to offer, such as a SPA and a BBQ section. Other spectacular features of this apartment include a retractable roof, a concrete floor, a large study area and an indoor office with abundant storage space, intriguing art works and many, many more.

#7. This 94 square meter apartment has a privileged location on the corner of the building. You are looking at a nicely arranged flat (where else but in Sweden?) with three rooms, one beside the park, with unobstructed views over the green expanse outside, and one facing the street, while the kitchen overlooks the pleasant and peaceful courtyard. Appealing indeed.

#6. Everyone loves a home with a view! This incredible apartment in Darling Point, Sydney has an incredible location which allows its inhabitants to enjoy stunning views of the harbor and Opera House. This apartment takes up the whole 16'th floor of a circular tower, which makes things… panoramic.

#5. In one of the most populated cities in the world, where 30 square meter apartments are a way of living, one has to be creative. How many rooms can fit in a 30 sq meters apartment? One? Ok, maybe two, if you count the hallway. Prepare to get shocked: Gary Chang managed to fit 24 rooms in such a place and each and everyone of them has its unique personality. Be sure to click the photo below and go to the original post for more information on this unique project.

#4. My Life in 80m² is an ingenious residential living project meant to demonstrate that the size of a crib has little to do with the comfort and design quality it can provide. This idea comes from Italian company Poliform and its originality can be found in a series of unusual combinations of elements and colors.

#3. This next exquisite penthouse comes from the amazing collection of Sotheby`s for sale portfolio. Located in New York City`s gorgeous TriBeCa neighborhood , the luxurious penthouse apartment has an extended space that measures over 10,000 square feet, all designed and carefully maintained so that luxury can be recognized in every corner.

#2. Your second best happens to be a beautiful small apartment (61 sqare meters) located in Sweden. You are looking at a crib that is perfect for socializing but also for meditation in solitude. The color palette is cheerful, yet subtle and tasteful. With wide and spacious interiors, this home looks very warm and inviting.

#1. Looks familiar? This crib was unofficially voted the best apartment of 2010 by our Freshome readers and it is a project that manages to maximize space and create a cozy living environment as well. The East Village Studio comes from JPDA Architects, stretches over an area of 46 square meters (500 square feet) and was built as a little “nest” for the owners who also work here. It has all the utilities a common looking contemporary home has and dare we say a lot more.

Tips and Trick to Make Apartment Safe

There are special dangers involved with apartment living. This is because you live so close to many other people. Their actions can jeopardize your safety and so it’s very important for you to be aware of what you must do to safeguard yourself, your family and your possessions.

Fire Safety . . .

Fire is perhaps the greatest danger in apartment buildings. With so many units joined together, it doesn’t take long for fire to spread from one to another. The following guidelines are critical to your safety:

• Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, all bedrooms, the laundry area and hallways. You must test them every month and replace the batteries every 6 months. They won’t do you any good if they aren’t in working order.

• Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen, laundry area and near your outside grill.

• Develop an escape plan. This plan should include two ways of exiting – in most cases, this will probably include the main door and either a window or door wall. If you live on a higher floor and don’t have access to a fire escape, purchase a rope ladder to use for exiting from windows or a balcony. Practice your escape plan regularly so each member of your family knows exactly what to do in case of fire.

• Never use an elevator during a fire.

• Never park in front of fire hydrants or in fire lanes and make sure your guests don’t either.


General Safety . . .

Fire isn’t the only danger in an apartment building. You must also be aware of hazards that can exist no matter where you live and take precautions to prevent them.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector.

• Install screen guards or window stops and doorstops on your patio door to protect your children from falling.

• Keep your apartment and building number near the telephone so your family or babysitter can access it in case of an emergency. Remember that memories can fail during emergencies.

• Make certain your apartment number is clearly marked on your door.

• Be sure that each person in your family knows how to dial 911.


Protecting from Intruders . . .

There are many people coming and going in an apartment complex. Criminals count on this anonymity. That makes it very important to get to know the other tenants. When you do, not only are you better able to identify someone who doesn’t belong, it also makes it more likely that tenants will look out for one another.

• Consider forming an “apartment watch”. This is similar to a neighborhood watch but confined to your apartment complex. If a group of tenants is on the alert for suspicious behavior, they can prevent many problems from arising.

• Install quality deadbolt locks on your door and place a wooden rod or steel brace on sliding doors. One caution about deadbolt locks – don’t purchase those that require a key. In an emergency, you won’t have time to search for the key.

• Make sure your landlord has installed good lighting in all stairways, hallways, and common areas like the laundry room.

• Make sure that if your building has a common entry, the entry door locks so that only tenants can enter. Never open that door for strangers.

If you follow these guidelines, practice good common sense, and are alert to what’s going on around you, your apartment will provide a safe home for you and your family.