Showcased at [D3] Design Talents during imm cologne 2010, the “Blow Sofa” by Malafor is a simple yet functional unit that lets you carry and use your furniture anywhere, anytime with minimum fuss. The size of the sofa when fully inflated is 180 cm in width and 90cm in height. Made of 100% recycled dunnage paper bags blown up and connected to a metal frame with rubber bands, the Blow Sofa is certainly an innovative take on living room seating, but it is something you could live with? To be honest I don’t think that a lot of people will love this idea, but let’s see what do you have to say in the comments section. – Via – Bookofjoe

From Archivision, this unusual architecture project is called “Fujitsubo” and is located  in the area of Omote-Sando in Tokyo, one of the centers of  “trend setting” in matters of buildings and design.  The construction has three openings in the deck leading natural light into the interior, which is carried through open light shafts between floors to bring light to the lower inner levels. The external pyramids are the main external pillars that help guiding the light. The house also sends a message. In an urban world, filled with sky-scrapers and conventional energy sources which drain most of the region’s supplies, building a place which uses more natural light than artificial sets an example.  The walls are covered in an isolating material which acts as a method of thermal isolation. The interior was painted in white, in order to create the feeling of space.  -via Platforma Arquitectura

In case you are tired of black, white and gray, here’s something flashy. The QBig  sofa is made out of three individual armchairs that can be combined together to create a whole. Vivid colors and an overall heterogeneous graphic model are the main things that characterize this sofa. The product features low profile stainless steel legs and two small accent pillows, which come in the same colors. Even though this item is said to be one hundred percent European and contemporary, we can’t help but notice an Asian influence. The couch can be bought online here for the sum of $7,995, which we consider to be a little extreme. But we will let you be the judge of that as well.

We keep recommending you all sorts of wallpapers and wall art themes here on Freshome. Today we’d like to show you something new. A stunning three-dimensional graphic drawing of a DeLorean Sports Car. Indoors.  As you start watching the video, you will probably have the impression that what you see is not real. I mean- really, who would have a sketch of a flying car hanging in the middle of the room? But as the video unfolds, you will see that in fact the drawing was made on three different walls, perfectly combining in order to create a great optical illusion. This is a YouTube video submitted by someone who had this model created in their basement by only using painter’s tape and elbow grease.

Pretty impressive, don’t you think? What would be your choice for a 3D drawing is you had the chance of placing one in your crib?

Masahiro Minami is a student in Japan currently learning the tricks of the design industry. So far it seems he he has no problems with doing that, as some of the artist’s projects (in design as well as in architecture) spell “creativity” and “talent”. This lovely piece of furniture, especially created for kids, brings together a table or a mini-writing desk, a few elements resembling kitchen items and a dresser. Put them all together and you have a compact, organized and totally not messy toy for children. And if the “tidy” part of the project does not impress that much, just think how much fun and educational this kind of a project could turn out for the kids.- via Handmade Charlotte

“Embedded”  in the  exotic Antiparos lands in Greece, this stunning home comes to demonstrate, once again, that stone homes are a real trend of the 21st Century. The amazing architecture plans belong to Deca, a company based in Athens.  This place literally fusions with the environment, and its design “is a dual response to the particular topography of the site and to the rural domestication techniques that in the past shaped the raw ‘Cycladic island’ landscape”. The architects took advantage of the meeting between two slopes in order to build the “Aloni” residence, which seems naturally camouflaged in its environment.

Here is some further information on the design from Deca Architects: “The presence of the house is revealed by the four courtyards carved into the flowing landscape. The courtyards separate the living spaces into five interior areas, an arrangement which resembles the fifth side of a dice. As a result, the house is protected from the elements yet is full of natural light, generous views and a compact but rich relationship to its setting. The name of the house itself, Aloni, refers to the remains of a crop-harvesting circle that was found and preserved as part of the agricultural past of the site”. The place is located in a rustic area, far away from the noise and hustle of the big city life. Its interior, with simple elements, has a contemporary feel. Who knows- this may just become another attraction of the Greek Islands.

Because we know these ideas might come handy one day, we would like to continue showing you interesting and efficient ways to decorate small apartments. This particular arrangement gives the feeling of space, even if this is just an illusion, as the area is really no that big (just 46 sq m). The place features a long, narrow hall with tiles and plenty of room storage, a bedroom, a small bathroom and a kitchen connected to the living-room. White walls, herringbone parquet and beautiful windows with a glazing bar.”fill up” the main room.  The sofa houses plenty of space for objects you don’t normally want lying around the house.  The bedroom has white walls,  parquet floors and  paned windows facing a quiet courtyard. The bathroom and kitchen are all-equipped. – via Innerstadtspecialisten

It seems that modular furniture is becoming more and more popular these days but I don’t think Freshome has featured such a beautiful furniture piece as this La Bande one. Designed by Sarah Lovgren this modular lounge named “la bande” can be modified to be used as both a seat and a recliner. Developed in comparison with Franzi Kohlhoff, the furniture splits up into two independent sections at one end of the bande, while the longitudinal split and the flexibility of the material allows the two sections to bend separately to form space. Both the sections of the bande are hooked into a slot in the base, which gives stability of the furniture to rest the users in utmost comfort. This project was a result of the designer’s bachelor thesis, “space in the context of its sensual perception” and Sarah had Franzi Kohlhoff as a project partner. – Via – Thedesignblog

The Robern Uplift Collection of bathroom cabinets offers contemporary styling, with minimalist flair and innovative technology. Setting a new benchmark in mirrored cabinetry design, the Uplift cabinets feature a door that opens vertically, offering the aesthetics of a seamless mirror and flexible storage and design options. The sleek mirrored door of the cabinet opens upward, allowing the seamless mirror to span up to four feet wide. An aluminum handle enables effortless two-finger lifting of the door to avoid smudging the mirror, while the door has a position-hold feature that allows it to remain in a partially open position.

The Uplift cabinet provides storage solutions for many of the diverse items kept in a bathroom. If a homeowner needs to organize makeup, tweezers, first aid supplies and medicines, the Uplift cabinet includes an option for a flexible organizer shelf with movable compartments to meet changing needs.

Now if the Robern Uplift Collection of bathroom cabinets got your attention check out this video to see them in action.

Designed by the Hong Kong designer Leo Yiu the Insert Clock was designed as a simple idea to change the way we see the clock. The clock has a slice cut from one side of the face that creates a flat edge for hanging it. Some people might say that this idea is not to practical, but at least it’s fun and innovative. What do you think about the Insert Clock ? – Via – Dezeen

I’m pretty sure that you saw a lot of creative bookends here on Freshome and on other websites or even in shop, but have you ever tought at bookends that are actually a glass fishbowl cut in half ? The flat side lets your favorite books and friend flipper stay in place while giving your bookshelf a bold new look. These cool dual purpose bookends function as bookends and a fish bowl or vase. Whether you use them to hold gardenias or goldfish, these bookends are sure to brighten up your bookshelf. – Available from Stainbox for $50.

This Crystal chair; multi-faceted like a precious gem, could possibly turn out to be an iconic piece for Fendi Casa. A design triumph, its iconic form will certainly add a sparkle to your modern home. Radiating timeless beauty like a sculpture, this chair has a faultless finish. The sumptuous seat cushion is available in leather or fabric to tone with your interior. The chair stands on a metal base available in a variety of finishes, such as chrome. The seamless lacquered-polyurethane shell comes in black, ivory, platinum, or silver and with a number of variations for the seat cushion and metal base. Not cheap at USD $3,000, but think of it as an investment buy for those of you who can afford it. Available at Louvre.

I’ve always dreamed of unconventionally placed heaters (in my boots or in my clothes for example). After all, when you’re out in the cold weather, the most unusual thoughts run through your head. However, I never really considered the idea of  someone eventually coming up with something like this.Today we would like to present ChiliBed from Chili Technology, the world’s  first mattress to heat up and cool off at a touch of a button. How does it work? The mattress is filled with water and there is a special system integrated which can bring the water from 46 to 118 degrees F and the other way around. It is great for winter nights, but also for hot summer days. The cool thing about it is that the temperature can be adjusted for both sides of the bed, in case the partners respond to heat differently.- via Gizmodo

SHH is a company based in London, founded in 1992. Interior design is not their only strong point, as the firm also takes on architecture projects. However, today we would like to show you how a room can be converted in a stylish and contemporary space in their vision. We’ve gathered up 15 different interiors which stand out and can become a real source of inspiration. Whether we are dealing with the living-room,  the bedroom or the hallway, boredom is left out and surprising elements are added in order to create pleasant spaces. The white ones are airy and give the feeling of serenity, while the funky ones feed the more rebel spirits. Color and unusual light is present in some of the arrangements with great results. Which one would you go for?- via Desire to Inspire

It’s nice to see an example of how architecture and sports evolve together. The pictures below were made in Cape Town, South Africa and they represent the new Greenpoint Stadium which will house the South Africa World Cup in 2010. The previous stadium in Cape Town had a capacity of 18,000 spectators, which apparently was not nearly enough, as the project from Gmp Architekten has a capacity of no less than 65,000 seats. The stadium is not only famous for its future matches, but also for its great architecture.  Here is some technical information from the architects concerning the giant building: “The lightweight membrane structure consists of extensive concave features forming a uniform, flowing facade that follows the undulations.

The light-colored glass fiber mesh boosts this effect, its coloration generating depth and vitality. The translucent surface absorbs and reflects the changing atmosphere of the daylight.The angle of inclination means that all the seats have the best possible sighting of the pitch. The interior of the stadium is designed to focus all attention on the pitch, thereby generating an atmosphere of intimacy and excitement”. How is this for an additional reason to stay in touch with the World Cup events? -via Arch Daily

Wondering what is the latest trend in bathroom showers ? Here is the Egg Shower by Arina Komarova, an inventive egg-shaped shaped Cocoon Shower Stall that when you enter in to take the shower shuts down and appears to be protecting you like a nice shell. Besides shower, it has a bathtub, hydro massage (Jacuzzi) & mood lighting system to complete your relaxing session in the bath. Finally the Egg Shower by Arina Komarova is just a concept and it can’t be purchased right now. Do you think this could become a a new trend in bathroom design ? – Via – Yanko & Gizmodo

Located in one of Stockholm’s most attractive and exclusive areas,this small apartment is an example of how to make the best of a limited living space.This well-planned apartment features large windows giving good natural light, wide spaces and excellent storage opportunities, including a large basement. The living room is airy and decorated in light materials. On the floor lies a very beautiful Dutch patterned parquet floor. The wall-mounted lockers are welcomed in a space like this.The kitchen is located between the hall and the room and it offers plenty of cooking space.  There is an ingenious built-in-wardrobe in the hall way. As you can see, the secret to this arrangement is finding creative storage spaces. It is amazing how things are not crowded, even though we are dealing with a one-room home. -via Innerstadsspecialisten

Who doesn’t love the idea of large windows, sometimes so wide that they they become the house’s walls? This is the main thing we liked about this place, but as we discovered it, many interesting elements surfaced. The Ansley Park Glass House belongs to architects  Brian Bell and David Yocum and is located in a historic neighborhood in Atlanta. The project consisted in a renovation of a 1910’s house which the architecture company turned into a contemporary, comfortable living space. Due to the dark colors, the house gives away a mysterious feeling that is only softened by the presence of the large windows, allowing the visitor to glimpse inside. Interiors as, as expected, very spacious. However, the wooden furniture and the color palette strengthen the idea of a “dark”‘, enigmatic residence-via SwipeLife

Up for some unusual accommodation? Or perhaps you would like to catch up on your History lessons in an unconventional way. Either way, for today we’ve prepared something unexpected: a plane dating back to The Cold War that was transformed into a luxurious and intimate hotel. The aircraft had a capacity of 120 seats and was recycled and rearranged until it became a comfortable retreat for two. This odd looking suite has it all: an all-equipped kitchen, with furniture that blends in the plane’s wings, a 100% functional bathroom, a reading-room and a bedroom with typical furniture. The only place that was not remodeled was the pilot’s cabin, which is probably for the best, stating the aircraft’s authenticity and not making it lose its true nature. -via – Hotelsuites.nl

From Duch artist Jeroen Verhoeven, we would like to present a table that definitely does not lack personality. In fact, its identity can be searched back into the 17th century, in the times of “archetypal shapes of tables and commodes” , as it was inspired by the how furniture looked four centuries ago. What is striking about this product is its elaborate production method. Here is a statement from the designer:  “This process took three months to perfect. The virtual design was ’sliced’ and each of the 57 slices, each 80mm thick (a total of 741 layers of plywood), was fabricated by CNC (computer numerically controlled) cutting machines, working on three, and sometimes five axes.  Each slice was cut from the front and from the back to perfect the curves and undercuts, pushing the boundaries of the technology. All the slices were assembled and the entire object, which is a hollow plywood form, was finished by hand.” A lot of work for an apparently easy-to-make table, don’t you think? There were only 20 of these  made, most of them purchased by museums. – via BookofJoe