Full home renovation of a Burnaby single-family home completed over nine months. The project involved a complete structural rework of the main floor to create an open-concept layout, including steel beam installation to remove load-bearing walls, a full kitchen renovation, 4.5 bathroom renovations, new HVAC throughout, and structural repairs across the home. The scale and complexity of this project required careful sequencing — structural work, mechanical systems, and finish trades coordinated across an occupied neighbourhood site over a nine-month build. Every scope was managed under one process by Roka Projects, from engineer coordination and permit applications through to final finishes. Photography by Tracey Ayton Photography, interiors by JJ Interiors.

Full home renovation of a Burnaby single-family home completed over nine months. The project involved a complete structural rework of the main floor to create an open-concept layout, including steel beam installation to remove load-bearing walls, a full kitchen renovation, 4.5 bathroom renovations, new HVAC throughout, and structural repairs across the home. The scale and complexity of this project required careful sequencing — structural work, mechanical systems, and finish trades coordinated across an occupied neighbourhood site over a nine-month build. Every scope was managed under one process by Roka Projects, from engineer coordination and permit applications through to final finishes. Photography by Tracey Ayton Photography, interiors by JJ Interiors.

Photo: Michaela Dodd © 2017 Houzz

Kansas City Brick & Masonry is the craft of shaping rough pieces of rock into accurate geometrical shapes, at times simple, but some of considerable complexity, and then arranging the resulting stones, often together with mortar, to form structures. Quarrymen split veins, or sheets of rock, and extract the resulting blocks of stone from the ground. Sawyers cut these rough blocks into cuboids, to required size with diamond-tipped saws. The resulting block if ordered for a specific component is known as sawn six sides (SSS). Banker masons are workshop based, and specialize in working the stones into the shapes required by a building's design, this set out on templets and a bed mould. They can produce anything from stones with simple chamfers to tracery windows, detailed mouldings and the more classical architectural building masonry. When working a stone from a sawn block, the mason ensures that the stone is bedded in the right way, so the finished work sits in the building in the same orientation as it was formed on the ground. Occasionally though some stones need to be orientated correctly for the application; this includes voussoirs, jambs, coping sand cornice. The basic tools, methods and skills of the banker mason have existed as a trade for thousands of years. Carvers cross the line from craft to art, and use their artistic ability to carve stone into foliage, figures, animals or abstract designs. Fixer masons specialize in the fixing of stones onto buildings, using lifting tackle, and traditional lime mortars and grouts. Sometimes modern cements, mastics and epoxy resins are used, usually on specialist applications such as stone cladding. Metal fixings, from simple dowels and cramps to specialised single application fixings, are also used. The precise tolerances necessary make this a highly skilled job. Memorial masons or monumental masons carve gravestones and inscriptions. The modern stonemason undergoes comprehensive training, both in the classroom and in the working environment. Hands-on skill is complemented by intimate knowledge of each stone type, its application and best uses, and how to work and fix each stone in place. The mason may be skilled and competent to carry out one or all of the various branches of stonemasonry. In some areas the trend is towards specialization, in other areas towards adaptability.

Kansas City Brick & Masonry is the craft of shaping rough pieces of rock into accurate geometrical shapes, at times simple, but some of considerable complexity, and then arranging the resulting stones, often together with mortar, to form structures. Quarrymen split veins, or sheets of rock, and extract the resulting blocks of stone from the ground. Sawyers cut these rough blocks into cuboids, to required size with diamond-tipped saws. The resulting block if ordered for a specific component is known as sawn six sides (SSS). Banker masons are workshop based, and specialize in working the stones into the shapes required by a building's design, this set out on templets and a bed mould. They can produce anything from stones with simple chamfers to tracery windows, detailed mouldings and the more classical architectural building masonry. When working a stone from a sawn block, the mason ensures that the stone is bedded in the right way, so the finished work sits in the building in the same orientation as it was formed on the ground. Occasionally though some stones need to be orientated correctly for the application; this includes voussoirs, jambs, coping sand cornice. The basic tools, methods and skills of the banker mason have existed as a trade for thousands of years. Carvers cross the line from craft to art, and use their artistic ability to carve stone into foliage, figures, animals or abstract designs. Fixer masons specialize in the fixing of stones onto buildings, using lifting tackle, and traditional lime mortars and grouts. Sometimes modern cements, mastics and epoxy resins are used, usually on specialist applications such as stone cladding. Metal fixings, from simple dowels and cramps to specialised single application fixings, are also used. The precise tolerances necessary make this a highly skilled job. Memorial masons or monumental masons carve gravestones and inscriptions. The modern stonemason undergoes comprehensive training, both in the classroom and in the working environment. Hands-on skill is complemented by intimate knowledge of each stone type, its application and best uses, and how to work and fix each stone in place. The mason may be skilled and competent to carry out one or all of the various branches of stonemasonry. In some areas the trend is towards specialization, in other areas towards adaptability.

Aesthetic Value: This rustic stairway and balustrade provide a dramatic focal point to the entry area of a mountain home. The burnt treads and metal oiled iron accent the stone wall and water feature under the stair. Stair Safety: Consistent run at the walk line throughout the dancing winders offers comfortable stride on an asymmetrical stair layout. An additional hammered iron handrail provides continuous graspability despite the oversized guard rail. Lighting under each tread. Quality: All solid white oak construction of wood components. Hand forged iron newel caps in conjunction with intricate tree bark design elements and custom twisted hammered balusters. Custom finish provided on the wood and iron components. Technical Challenge: Complex geometry of asymmetrical stair layout, complicated tread notches into the stringer, concealed lighting chases, sand blasted and torched wood prior to application of finish, intense design consultation, and distant jobsite for turnkey project.

Aesthetic Value: This rustic stairway and balustrade provide a dramatic focal point to the entry area of a mountain home. The burnt treads and metal oiled iron accent the stone wall and water feature under the stair. Stair Safety: Consistent run at the walk line throughout the dancing winders offers comfortable stride on an asymmetrical stair layout. An additional hammered iron handrail provides continuous graspability despite the oversized guard rail. Lighting under each tread. Quality: All solid white oak construction of wood components. Hand forged iron newel caps in conjunction with intricate tree bark design elements and custom twisted hammered balusters. Custom finish provided on the wood and iron components. Technical Challenge: Complex geometry of asymmetrical stair layout, complicated tread notches into the stringer, concealed lighting chases, sand blasted and torched wood prior to application of finish, intense design consultation, and distant jobsite for turnkey project.

Example of a mid-sized country gender-neutral medium tone wood floor walk-in closet design in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets and gray cabinets

Aesthetic Value: This rustic stairway and balustrade provide a dramatic focal point to the entry area of a mountain home. The burnt treads and metal oiled iron accent the stone wall and water feature under the stair. Stair Safety: Consistent run at the walk line throughout the dancing winders offers comfortable stride on an asymmetrical stair layout. An additional hammered iron handrail provides continuous graspability despite the oversized guard rail. Lighting under each tread. Quality: All solid white oak construction of wood components. Hand forged iron newel caps in conjunction with intricate tree bark design elements and custom twisted hammered balusters. Custom finish provided on the wood and iron components. Technical Challenge: Complex geometry of asymmetrical stair layout, complicated tread notches into the stringer, concealed lighting chases, sand blasted and torched wood prior to application of finish, intense design consultation, and distant jobsite for turnkey project.

Aesthetic Value: This rustic stairway and balustrade provide a dramatic focal point to the entry area of a mountain home. The burnt treads and metal oiled iron accent the stone wall and water feature under the stair. Stair Safety: Consistent run at the walk line throughout the dancing winders offers comfortable stride on an asymmetrical stair layout. An additional hammered iron handrail provides continuous graspability despite the oversized guard rail. Lighting under each tread. Quality: All solid white oak construction of wood components. Hand forged iron newel caps in conjunction with intricate tree bark design elements and custom twisted hammered balusters. Custom finish provided on the wood and iron components. Technical Challenge: Complex geometry of asymmetrical stair layout, complicated tread notches into the stringer, concealed lighting chases, sand blasted and torched wood prior to application of finish, intense design consultation, and distant jobsite for turnkey project.

Aesthetic Value: This rustic stairway and balustrade provide a dramatic focal point to the entry area of a mountain home. The burnt treads and metal oiled iron accent the stone wall and water feature under the stair. Stair Safety: Consistent run at the walk line throughout the dancing winders offers comfortable stride on an asymmetrical stair layout. An additional hammered iron handrail provides continuous graspability despite the oversized guard rail. Lighting under each tread. Quality: All solid white oak construction of wood components. Hand forged iron newel caps in conjunction with intricate tree bark design elements and custom twisted hammered balusters. Custom finish provided on the wood and iron components. Technical Challenge: Complex geometry of asymmetrical stair layout, complicated tread notches into the stringer, concealed lighting chases, sand blasted and torched wood prior to application of finish, intense design consultation, and distant jobsite for turnkey project.

Product: Kronos Antique Stone Floors By: Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.ancientsurfaces.com/Kronos-Stone.html The Kronos Limestone evokes a tranquil and soothing ambiance that both unworldly and anachronistic to our modern day era without being type casted under a specific style of design or architecture. The complexity of its surface textured that’s been created by centuries of exposure to the natural elements, is at the same time diametrically opposed yet complementary to its harmonic and muted shades of beige and gray tonality. Making the Kronos stone your choice for stone surfacing and accenting is always a wise one considering its Promethean attributes and its ability to blend seamlessly with any design style, application, environment and function. To learn more please visit us or call us at, Ancient Surfaces Web: http://www.ancientsurfaces.com Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Phone: (212) 461-0245

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

Interior Design Trends for 2021/2022 It is largely expected that the interior design trends of 2021/2022 will feature a lot of innovation and experimentation on the part of designers. As a result, these trends will surely present themselves as narkedly unconventional while still posing a challenge to designers to forge designs with a strong aesthetic appeal. Certain defining features inform the innovative trends that will highlight the approach to interior design in 2021/2022: • The modern-day, and ever-growing, eco-friendly culture will require that interior designs take the conservation of nature into strong consideration. The application of technology will be in greater harmony with the natural environment. • Redesigning the interior space will also be influenced by the sweeping changes that are occurring in the modern-day world. Technologies are rapidly evolving and thus rapidly changing our lifestyles. The interior space will have to support these changes and make room for the emergence of future technologies. • Nostalgia for the retro style will also take centre stage in the 2021/2022 season. Vintage-inspired designs – from the 70's and 90's, for instance – will come out in stark relief. • The modern-day way of living has become more complex, and this increase in complexity will have to be reflected in the interior space where we live and work. The conventional approach of delineating spaces for the different parts of a home will largely be replaced with a more integrated interior. • Also, modern technology and the constraints of the pandemic have actually succeeded in opening up the possibility of working from home. More and more companies find this more convenient and cost-effective. Hence, the future home will need to have an integrated workplace. • The conservationist culture of our time will dictate that the materials used in interior design be made of such things as are eco-friendly. As a result, there will be a decrease in the use of plastics and a strong preference for natural materials such as wood, marble, stone, ceramics, sea grass, bamboo and corn. https://www.ferriss.co/ #ferriss #We_bring_objects_to_life #3drendering #architecture #San_Francisco

There are a small number of cities in the world where luxury and lifestyle enthusiasts would aim to live. One of them is Dubai, a realm of high end living, glamour and complexity. Possessing a luxury address in this culturally rich city is for sure a exceptional treat. For those of you who can actually afford one, this penthouse which is Signature Stagers’ end of the year work of art is a very engaging proposal. This penthouse we staged at the start of November 2015 has been lingering on the market for about 2 years prior to our meeting the owner. It is located in the exclusive Dubai Marina district among a few other select buildings and is currently for sale with Verzun on a POA (Price on application) basis due to its unique stature and lifestyle element which removes it from the “square foot” mentality and elevates it from its competition within the same building. The penthouse was renovated prior to staging, and the apartment itself displays a fresh and modern look whilst keeping its classic and initial fit out and design. Although a few key elements of the penthouse’s original architecture were retained, this neo-classical approach we decided on contributed to the dwellings select and sophisticated appeal numerous novel and sharply modern features which are also present around the residence, thus safeguarding its uniqueness and extremely fascinating form. Swaggering 14,000 square feet this splendid home is apposite to a family as much as it is for the traveling executive who desires an exclusive and ultra-private address in Dubai. Enjoying 5 bedrooms all en-suite including a master bedroom with a sunset that decorates the floor to ceiling windows with a purple-orange and that by itself is a deal closer! Mo Younes

There are a small number of cities in the world where luxury and lifestyle enthusiasts would aim to live. One of them is Dubai, a realm of high end living, glamour and complexity. Possessing a luxury address in this culturally rich city is for sure a exceptional treat. For those of you who can actually afford one, this penthouse which is Signature Stagers’ end of the year work of art is a very engaging proposal. This penthouse we staged at the start of November 2015 has been lingering on the market for about 2 years prior to our meeting the owner. It is located in the exclusive Dubai Marina district among a few other select buildings and is currently for sale with Verzun on a POA (Price on application) basis due to its unique stature and lifestyle element which removes it from the “square foot” mentality and elevates it from its competition within the same building. The penthouse was renovated prior to staging, and the apartment itself displays a fresh and modern look whilst keeping its classic and initial fit out and design. Although a few key elements of the penthouse’s original architecture were retained, this neo-classical approach we decided on contributed to the dwellings select and sophisticated appeal numerous novel and sharply modern features which are also present around the residence, thus safeguarding its uniqueness and extremely fascinating form. Swaggering 14,000 square feet this splendid home is apposite to a family as much as it is for the traveling executive who desires an exclusive and ultra-private address in Dubai. Enjoying 5 bedrooms all en-suite including a master bedroom with a sunset that decorates the floor to ceiling windows with a purple-orange and that by itself is a deal closer! Photo credit: Mo Younes

Inspiration for a timeless multicolored tile home design remodel in Denver

Product: Kronos Antique Stone Floors By: Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.ancientsurfaces.com/Kronos-Stone.html The Kronos Limestone evokes a tranquil and soothing ambiance that both unworldly and anachronistic to our modern day era without being type casted under a specific style of design or architecture. The complexity of its surface textured that’s been created by centuries of exposure to the natural elements, is at the same time diametrically opposed yet complementary to its harmonic and muted shades of beige and gray tonality. Making the Kronos stone your choice for stone surfacing and accenting is always a wise one considering its Promethean attributes and its ability to blend seamlessly with any design style, application, environment and function. To learn more please visit us or call us at, Ancient Surfaces Web: http://www.ancientsurfaces.com Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Phone: (212) 461-0245

Product: Kronos Antique Stone Floors By: Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.ancientsurfaces.com/Kronos-Stone.html The Kronos Limestone evokes a tranquil and soothing ambiance that both unworldly and anachronistic to our modern day era without being type casted under a specific style of design or architecture. The complexity of its surface textured that’s been created by centuries of exposure to the natural elements, is at the same time diametrically opposed yet complementary to its harmonic and muted shades of beige and gray tonality. Making the Kronos stone your choice for stone surfacing and accenting is always a wise one considering its Promethean attributes and its ability to blend seamlessly with any design style, application, environment and function. To learn more please visit us or call us at, Ancient Surfaces Web: http://www.ancientsurfaces.com Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Phone: (212) 461-0245