The renovations to this 50-storey half-level home in Mont-Royal include several interventions affecting the appearance of the building. While being part of a conceptual approach respectful of the material qualities, the original proportions of the building and its openings, our intervention rationalizes the distribution of the materials on the facades. The installation of a continuous stone wall above the windows of the ground floor all around the building separates the facades of the DRC with stone or brick from the new coating of anthracite gray fiber cement panels used on all upstairs. The modulation of the panels and the position of the joints aligning with the mullions of the new windows give a coherent and dynamic rhythm to these wall surfaces. The large eaves are highlighted by the replacement of the aluminum soffits with wooden boards dyed in the color of the new mahogany double entry door. A new steel entrance canopy with integrated lighting and a wooden ceiling such as the new soffits complete the sensitive and respectful modernization of the original characteristics of the house.

Interior Designer Brad McCallum Creates Two Stunning Spaces The first of these two projects features a unique basement designed for Canadian gold-medal Olympian, Ben Herbert. He and his wife wanted to create a space that offered versatility so they could not only host company in it but also display memorabilia from Herbert’s travels and career as a professional curler. Keeping the couple’s design goals in mind, interior designer Brad McCallum incorporated Eldorado Stone’s Chapel Hill Stacked stone with refined wood cabinetry. McCallum beautifully reflected the home’s close proximity to the Canadian Rocky Mountains through the addition of rough hewn stone, all the while maintaining a sense of refinement with clean lines, lustrous stainless steel fixtures, and horizontal design. The second of McCallum’s projects was to overhaul the design of a family’s wet bar and devise a way to achieve the owners’ hopes for a design that married rustic and contemporary styles together. McCallum combined opposing pastoral elements to create an unexpected harmony between the textures of stone and did so successfully. The smoothness of maple wood evoked modern characteristics accentuated by the tight joints and horizontal lines of Eldorado Stone’s Chapel Hill Stacked Stone. In both projects, McCallum created a sense of continuity with the design that paved the way for his clients’ spaces to be one-of-a-kind. Eldorado Stone Featured: Chapel Hill Stacked Stone Designer/ Photographer/ Builder: Brad McCallum Website: www.urban-abode.com

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Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Los Angeles

Example of a farmhouse home bar design in New York

Our wooden fireplace mantels will be custom-cut to your specified length, surface de-nailed, treated for insects, pressure washed and kiln dried to ensure durability and sustainability. Every reclaimed beam is an organically unique structure, please contact one of our representatives to specify desired width and surface grade. Our vast inventory lets you hand select the best piece for your space, then choose the surface type you prefer, including heavy or bold characteristics, smooth sides or special features. Our antique timbers are normally shipped as raw pieces, but we also offer a natural wax finish if you prefer a softer look.

Our client’s charming cottage was no longer meeting the needs of their family. We needed to give them more space but not lose the quaint characteristics that make this little historic home so unique. So we didn’t go up, and we didn’t go wide, instead we took this master suite addition straight out into the backyard and maintained 100% of the original historic façade. Master Suite This master suite is truly a private retreat. We were able to create a variety of zones in this suite to allow room for a good night’s sleep, reading by a roaring fire, or catching up on correspondence. The fireplace became the real focal point in this suite. Wrapped in herringbone whitewashed wood planks and accented with a dark stone hearth and wood mantle, we can’t take our eyes off this beauty. With its own private deck and access to the backyard, there is really no reason to ever leave this little sanctuary. Master Bathroom The master bathroom meets all the homeowner’s modern needs but has plenty of cozy accents that make it feel right at home in the rest of the space. A natural wood vanity with a mixture of brass and bronze metals gives us the right amount of warmth, and contrasts beautifully with the off-white floor tile and its vintage hex shape. Now the shower is where we had a little fun, we introduced the soft matte blue/green tile with satin brass accents, and solid quartz floor (do you see those veins?!). And the commode room is where we had a lot fun, the leopard print wallpaper gives us all lux vibes (rawr!) and pairs just perfectly with the hex floor tile and vintage door hardware. Hall Bathroom We wanted the hall bathroom to drip with vintage charm as well but opted to play with a simpler color palette in this space. We utilized black and white tile with fun patterns (like the little boarder on the floor) and kept this room feeling crisp and bright.

Situated on this 2.5-acre lake site, four new structures have been created. A main residence, guesthouse, guest cabin, and a detached garage fully unite the site and support a strong desire for family fun and large gatherings. Kept in a similar material palette, each structure is clad in beautifully stained shingles and vertical board paneling, with natural timber brackets detailing the gable ends. Details throughout the residences mark each structure as uniquely connected, and yet provides individual characteristics; a fieldstone veneer was added to the base of the main house to create a hierarchy among the structures. This rustic gathering space boasts large roof overhangs and beautifully landscaped outdoor entertaining areas. Stunning views of the lake and distant mountains can be appreciated from the entire southern front of the site, whether through the large windows or from the comfort of the porch, moments of breathtaking beauty reconnect the spaces with the surrounding environment. The main residence hosts fully connected living room, kitchen, dining room and screened porch on the main level with a private master suite at the edge. Located on the upper level of the lodge are three guest bedrooms and a large bunkroom. Photographer: MTA

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

This mid-century modern kitchen was developed with the original architectural elements of its mid-century shell at the heart of its design. Throughout the space, the kitchen’s repetition of alternating dark walnut and light wood uses in the cabinetry and framework reflect the contrast of the dark wooden beams running along the white ceiling. The playful use of two tones intentionally develops unified work zones using all modern day elements and conveniences. For instance, the 5’ galley workstation stands apart with grain-matched walnut cabinetry and stone wrap detail for a furniture-like feeling. The mid-century architecture continued to be an emphasis through design details such as a flush venting system within a drywall structure that conscientiously disappears into the ceiling affording the existing post-and-beams structures and clerestory windows to stand in the forefront. Along with celebrating the characteristic of the mid-century home the clients wanted to bring the outdoors in. We chose to emphasis the view even more by incorporating a large window centered over the galley kitchen sink. The final result produced a translucent wall that provokes a dialog between the outdoor elements and the natural color tones and materials used throughout the kitchen. While the natural light and views are visible because of the spacious windows, the contemporary kitchens clean geometric lines emphasize the newly introduced natural materials and further integrate the outdoors within the space. The clients desired to have a designated area for hot drinks such as coffee and tea. To create a station that could house all the small appliances & accessories and was easily accessible we incorporated two aluminum tambours together with integrated power lift doors. One tambour acting as the hot drink station and the other acting as an appliance garage. Overall, this minimalistic kitchen is nothing short of functionality and mid-century character. Photo Credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

Hallmark Floors Ventura Sandal. The Ventura Hardwood Floors Collection with our NuOil Finish from Hallmark Hardwoods is finished with NuOil® which employs a revolutionary new technology. The finish has unique performance characteristics and durability that make it a great choice for someone who wants the visual character that only oil can provide. Oil finishes have been used for centuries on floors and furniture. NuOil® uses proprietary technology in the application of numerous coats of oil finish in the factory that make it the industry leader in wear-ability and stain resistance in oil finish. Due to the unique hybrid multi-coat technology of NuOil®, it is not necessary to apply an additional coat of oil at time of installation. That can be reserved for a later date when it becomes desirable to refresh and renovate the floor. Simply Better…Discover Why. www.hallmarkfloors.com

Another requirement of the Backyard Habitate Certification was a selective list of plants, proven to be favorites of local bird life. Many are natives and others meet other plant characteristics allowed. Japanese Forest Grass, a variety of ferns, Snowberry, Bleeding Heart and the like call out to to those soaring overhead. Photography by: Joe Hollowell

Our client’s charming cottage was no longer meeting the needs of their family. We needed to give them more space but not lose the quaint characteristics that make this little historic home so unique. So we didn’t go up, and we didn’t go wide, instead we took this master suite addition straight out into the backyard and maintained 100% of the original historic façade. Master Suite This master suite is truly a private retreat. We were able to create a variety of zones in this suite to allow room for a good night’s sleep, reading by a roaring fire, or catching up on correspondence. The fireplace became the real focal point in this suite. Wrapped in herringbone whitewashed wood planks and accented with a dark stone hearth and wood mantle, we can’t take our eyes off this beauty. With its own private deck and access to the backyard, there is really no reason to ever leave this little sanctuary. Master Bathroom The master bathroom meets all the homeowner’s modern needs but has plenty of cozy accents that make it feel right at home in the rest of the space. A natural wood vanity with a mixture of brass and bronze metals gives us the right amount of warmth, and contrasts beautifully with the off-white floor tile and its vintage hex shape. Now the shower is where we had a little fun, we introduced the soft matte blue/green tile with satin brass accents, and solid quartz floor (do you see those veins?!). And the commode room is where we had a lot fun, the leopard print wallpaper gives us all lux vibes (rawr!) and pairs just perfectly with the hex floor tile and vintage door hardware. Hall Bathroom We wanted the hall bathroom to drip with vintage charm as well but opted to play with a simpler color palette in this space. We utilized black and white tile with fun patterns (like the little boarder on the floor) and kept this room feeling crisp and bright.

This kitchen remodel of a 70’s home reflects the character of the existing home and some design features of that era while giving it a fresh, modern look. The client wanted the remodeled space to blend in with the rest of the home, retaining some of the 1970’s character while including all the best features of today’s kitchens. Removing the wall separating the informal eating area from the family room provided a nice open space allowing for a larger kitchen footprint and plenty of light throughout. A combination of Decor's Dove Wing painted and Natural stained Walnut cabinetry was chosen. The dark walnut, slab lower cabinets unite the kitchen with the darker wood theme found throughout the home, while the white, slim-shaker upper cabinets give the space a light and airy feeling. The beautiful vertical grain of the walnut is the foundation of a theme that is echoed throughout the space: tall & thin vertical lines without bulk or needless ornamentation. The unique design detail gives the kitchen a great balance of depth and character while still brightening the space. Walnut crown molding throughout defines the space and ties everything together. The vertical-set green Japanese tile from Virginia Tile, also characteristic of the 1970’s, serves as the backsplash and fills the range wall. The tall & slim theme is underscored by several design elements from the vertical tile and tall cabinet pulls in matte black from Top Knobs, to the thin quartz countertops, skinny shaker cabinet door style, and tall, slim refrigerator doors, all meant to eliminate excess bulk and lighten up the space. An impressive focal point in this kitchen is the custom walnut reeded hood, designed to reflect a popular 1970’s feature. Narrow walnut shelves below the white upper cabinets near the refrigerator provide a nice surprise to the eye. An extra long island, decked in polished 2cm Corian Quartz countertop in Novello, provides ample seating, storage, and task space, making it an ideal surface for serving, eating, meal prep, gathering, and entertaining. The client desired a long island with comfortable counter seating at one end for a family of five, including space for a baby’s high chair. High-end Bosch appliances and functional storage were also priorities. The dry bar on the opposite wall features additional storage and an Elica beverage refrigerator, framed by tall walnut larder cabinets on each end. The white larder cabinet doors pocket into the sides, revealing beautiful finished walnut interiors. Wall cabinets feature Decor’s integrated under-cabinet lighting, while puck lights illuminate the beverage center counter. This kitchen is bursting with integrated storage. Many deep drawers feature interior double drawers making smaller items more accessible. Decor’s spice drawer to the right of the range keeps spices organized, while divided tray storage on the left of the range keeps these taller items handy. While the design is inspired by the 1970’s, it exemplifies the best of the 2020’s, and the new space is open, bright, and functional for this family with young children.

Engineered hardwood flooring by Hallmark Floors. To see the rest of the colors in the collection visit HallmarkFloors.com or contact us to order your new floors today! Hallmark Floors Alta Vista engineered hardwood floors. ALTA VISTA COLLECTION URL http://hallmarkfloors.com/hallmark-hardwoods/alta-vista-hardwood-collection/ Alta Vista Hardwood Collection 7.5″ wide wood planks are beautifully hand sculpted & lightly wire brushed. The contemporary to traditional style comes in a wide range of modern colors that will suit any lifestyle. The Alta Vista hardwood floors collection is finished with Hallmark’s NuOil®, which employs a revolutionary new technology. The finish on our Alta Vista hardwood collection has a unique performance characteristics that make it a great choice for someone who wants the visuals that only oil can provide. Oil finishes have been used for centuries on floors and furniture. NuOil® uses proprietary technology in the application of numerous coats of oil finish in the factory that make it the industry leader in wear-ability and stain resistance in oil finish. Due to the unique hybrid multi-coat technology of NuOil®, it is not necessary to apply an additional coat of oil at time of installation. That can be reserved for a later date when it becomes desirable to refresh and renovate the floor. With NuOil® you get the best of all worlds: durability, amazing visuals, and a natural finish. Alta Vista hardwood collection is simply beautiful.

Chilton's Acadia Live Edge Collection is crafted in Maine from solid walnut, cherry or Spalted Maple. Each piece features clean minimalist lines with a contrasting unfinished edge from the bark line of the tree. This raw "live edge" ensures that each piece is both dynamic and unique. Inspired by George Nakashima, this bed marries a modern aesthetic with a reverence for the tree from which it was hewn. Also available as a stand-alone frame without headboard. Headboard height and shape vary from piece to piece based on the individual characteristics of the wood. This bed is a platform bed that only requires a mattress. A foundation is not necessary.

Hallmark engineered hardwood flooring. This is the color Marina. To see the rest of the colors in the collection visit HallmarkFloors.com or contact us to order your new floors today! Hallmark Floors Ventura Marina Collection, Engineered flooring VENTURA COLLECTION URL http://hallmarkfloors.com/hallmark-hardwoods/ventura-hardwood-collection/ Simply natural The Ventura Hardwood Floors Collection with our NuOil® Finish from Hallmark Hardwoods is finished with NuOil® which employs a revolutionary new technology. The finish has unique performance characteristics and durability that make it a great choice for someone who wants the visual character that only oil can provide. Oil finishes have been used for centuries on floors and furniture. NuOil® uses proprietary technology in the application of numerous coats of oil finish in the factory that make it the industry leader in wear-ability and stain resistance in oil finish. Due to the unique hybrid multi-coat technology of NuOil®, it is not necessary to apply an additional coat of oil at time of installation. That can be reserved for a later date when it becomes desirable to refresh and renovate the floor. Simply Better…Discover Why.

Design ideas for a modern landscaping in Los Angeles.

Inserts are engineered to fit into existing wood-burning fireplace openings and vent through existing chimney systems. Most fireplace inserts are at least 80% efficient, with some almost 99%. One of the more attractive characteristic of a gas fireplace insert is its ability to turn on instantly. Shown here are just a few of the manufacturers and styles of gas fireplace inserts Okell's Fireplace carries.

Interior Designer Brad McCallum Creates Two Stunning Spaces The first of these two projects features a unique basement designed for Canadian gold-medal Olympian, Ben Herbert. He and his wife wanted to create a space that offered versatility so they could not only host company in it but also display memorabilia from Herbert’s travels and career as a professional curler. Keeping the couple’s design goals in mind, interior designer Brad McCallum incorporated Eldorado Stone’s Chapel Hill Stacked stone with refined wood cabinetry. McCallum beautifully reflected the home’s close proximity to the Canadian Rocky Mountains through the addition of rough hewn stone, all the while maintaining a sense of refinement with clean lines, lustrous stainless steel fixtures, and horizontal design. The second of McCallum’s projects was to overhaul the design of a family’s wet bar and devise a way to achieve the owners’ hopes for a design that married rustic and contemporary styles together. McCallum combined opposing pastoral elements to create an unexpected harmony between the textures of stone and did so successfully. The smoothness of maple wood evoked modern characteristics accentuated by the tight joints and horizontal lines of Eldorado Stone’s Chapel Hill Stacked Stone. In both projects, McCallum created a sense of continuity with the design that paved the way for his clients’ spaces to be one-of-a-kind. Eldorado Stone Featured: Chapel Hill Stacked Stone Designer/ Photographer/ Builder: Brad McCallum Website: www.urban-abode.com