The grey trend has evolved in the last twelve months. Nowadays browns, beige and a touch of grey are in demand. Greige is the new buzzword. Heavier hand scraped or contoured products, the rage that started around 2005 has taken a back seat in most areas, while a softer wire brushed "ceruse effect" seen mostly on White Oak has been remarkably strong showing no effects of becoming “dated” like the others mentioned. Ceruse Color Possibilities There are numerous color combinations to the "cerused" process with the most popular being white or off white. This design trend in hardwood flooring can have darker gray white oak with a mild ceruse off white effect. There are limitless possibilities in either a prefinished hardwood floor or with what we can create for you in a custom on-site finished hardwood floor. If something suits your fancy, contact us and we can work on creating just the look and sense of style you are looking for.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Paris

Before we redesigned the basement of this charming but compact 1950's North Vancouver home, this space was an unfinished utility room that housed nothing more than an outdated furnace and hot water tank. Since space was at a premium we recommended replacing the furnace with a high efficiency model and converting the hot water tank to an on-demand system, both of which could be housed in the adjacent crawl space. That left room for a generous laundry room conveniently located at the back entrance of the house where family members returning from a mountain bike ride can undress, drop muddy clothes into the washing machine and proceed to shower in the bathroom just across the hall. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

This contemporary bath is accentuated with cool tones of natural materials and unified by repetition of simple geometry. The recurrence of clean lines deliberately elongates the bathroom, which leads the eye through the space with ease. Updated LED lights and fixtures brighten the room and fill the space with a light and airy ambiance. Among the cool tones, a modernized vanity cabinet not only provides privacy behind the partition wall but also demands attention by breaking up the cool tones with a splash of warm pommele sapele wood texture. Within the shower, the grid of interesting lines is once again intentionally interrupted by a dynamic asymmetrical curved step sweeping along the shower wall.

Driven by a desire to create spaces of equal quality, what started as a kitchen redesign for this 1930s Tudor evolved into a nearly full home renovation. The flat roof over the family room, a remnant of a 1970s renovation, was replaced with steeply pitched roof, which blends perfectly with the existing structures. Slate shingles add to the historic character of the home. A stone turret was incorporated, providing a whimsical, rustic element to the exterior. Built on a diagonal to the existing house, the garage follows the contours of a hill leading to a play area. The details reflect those of the period of the original house, while adding a bit more formality in the spaces that demanded it. Photo by: Chris Kendall

True Hardwood Flooring THE TRUE DIFFERENCE The new True hardwood flooring collection is truly amazing with stunning colors and features. Hallmark Floors is the first to master this revolutionary technology of replicating “the bog-wood process” that occurs when logs lie buried in lakes, river, and waterways for hundreds of years, deprived of oxygen and sunlight. This process in nature can take centuries for the wood to turn from its natural color to deep golden brown or even completely black. Hallmark has emulated nature’s methods to create saturated colors throughout the top layer, creating stunning, weathered patinas. True bog-wood, driftwood, and weathered barn wood are all very rare. These cherished wood treasures are in high demand worldwide for use in furniture and flooring. Now Hallmark has made these prized finishes available to everyone through our True hardwood flooring collection.

True Hardwood Flooring THE TRUE DIFFERENCE The new True hardwood flooring collection is truly amazing with stunning colors and features. Hallmark Floors is the first to master this revolutionary technology of replicating “the bog-wood process” that occurs when logs lie buried in lakes, river, and waterways for hundreds of years, deprived of oxygen and sunlight. This process in nature can take centuries for the wood to turn from its natural color to deep golden brown or even completely black. Hallmark has emulated nature’s methods to create saturated colors throughout the top layer, creating stunning, weathered patinas. True bog-wood, driftwood, and weathered barn wood are all very rare. These cherished wood treasures are in high demand worldwide for use in furniture and flooring. Now Hallmark has made these prized finishes available to everyone through our True hardwood flooring collection.

Before we redesigned the basement of this charming but compact 1950's North Vancouver home, this space was an unfinished utility room that housed nothing more than an outdated furnace and hot water tank. Since space was at a premium we recommended replacing the furnace with a high efficiency model and converting the hot water tank to an on-demand system, both of which could be housed in the adjacent crawl space. That left room for a generous laundry room conveniently located at the back entrance of the house where family members returning from a mountain bike ride can undress, drop muddy clothes into the washing machine and proceed to shower in the bathroom just across the hall. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

True Hardwood Flooring THE TRUE DIFFERENCE The new True hardwood flooring collection is truly amazing with stunning colors and features. Hallmark Floors is the first to master this revolutionary technology of replicating “the bog-wood process” that occurs when logs lie buried in lakes, river, and waterways for hundreds of years, deprived of oxygen and sunlight. This process in nature can take centuries for the wood to turn from its natural color to deep golden brown or even completely black. Hallmark has emulated nature’s methods to create saturated colors throughout the top layer, creating stunning, weathered patinas. True bog-wood, driftwood, and weathered barn wood are all very rare. These cherished wood treasures are in high demand worldwide for use in furniture and flooring. Now Hallmark has made these prized finishes available to everyone through our True hardwood flooring collection.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Large beach style concrete floor, gray floor and wood wall living room photo in New York with brown walls, a hanging fireplace and a concrete fireplace

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Jungalow, a word created by combining jungle and bungalow, describes a decorating style that has recently gained in popularity. The jungalow style focuses on comfort and coziness with a bold expression of colour. Plants are a big part of the jungalow design

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Chic & contemporary 2 bedroom 2 bathroom with private Ipe’ deck & Freedom Tower views in Hoboken's landmark boutique building. Formerly a coconut warehouse, now an in demand visionary LEED GOLD certified building. With 1550 sq. ft. & floor to ceiling windows, this swanky south facing condo has it all; fantastic light, a sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen, Viking refrigerator, integrated Miele DW, Viking 6 burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler & tempered glass counters. Master suite with walk in closet & spa bath featuring imported Zen soaking tub, separate shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink & Lightolier sconces. Sonos music system, custom closets throughout, bamboo floors, planted green living roof with residents area featuring fabulous NYC & Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage & bike room. Concrete sub floors and Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the newly established Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door & only 3 blocks to ferry. LEED certified GOLD building.

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Chic & contemporary 2 bedroom 2 bathroom with private Ipe’ deck & Freedom Tower views in Hoboken's landmark boutique building. Formerly a coconut warehouse, now an in demand visionary LEED GOLD certified building. With 1550 sq. ft. & floor to ceiling windows, this swanky south facing condo has it all; fantastic light, a sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen, Viking refrigerator, integrated Miele DW, Viking 6 burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler & tempered glass counters. Master suite with walk in closet & spa bath featuring imported Zen soaking tub, separate shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink & Lightolier sconces. Sonos music system, custom closets throughout, bamboo floors, planted green living roof with residents area featuring fabulous NYC & Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage & bike room. Concrete sub floors and Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the newly established Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door & only 3 blocks to ferry. LEED certified GOLD building.

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Chic & contemporary 2 bedroom 2 bathroom with private Ipe’ deck & Freedom Tower views in Hoboken's landmark boutique building. Formerly a coconut warehouse, now an in demand visionary LEED GOLD certified building. With 1550 sq. ft. & floor to ceiling windows, this swanky south facing condo has it all; fantastic light, a sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen, Viking refrigerator, integrated Miele DW, Viking 6 burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler & tempered glass counters. Master suite with walk in closet & spa bath featuring imported Zen soaking tub, separate shower, linen closet, Duravit double sink & Lightolier sconces. Sonos music system, custom closets throughout, bamboo floors, planted green living roof with residents area featuring fabulous NYC & Hudson River views, filtered fresh air system, private storage & bike room. Concrete sub floors and Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the newly established Garden Street Mews pedestrian area, parks, shopping, waterfront and all transportation. NYC bus at door & only 3 blocks to ferry. LEED certified GOLD building.

True Hardwood Flooring THE TRUE DIFFERENCE The new True hardwood flooring collection is truly amazing with stunning colors and features. Hallmark Floors is the first to master this revolutionary technology of replicating “the bog-wood process” that occurs when logs lie buried in lakes, river, and waterways for hundreds of years, deprived of oxygen and sunlight. This process in nature can take centuries for the wood to turn from its natural color to deep golden brown or even completely black. Hallmark has emulated nature’s methods to create saturated colors throughout the top layer, creating stunning, weathered patinas. True bog-wood, driftwood, and weathered barn wood are all very rare. These cherished wood treasures are in high demand worldwide for use in furniture and flooring. Now Hallmark has made these prized finishes available to everyone through our True hardwood flooring collection.

Harmonize your bath with Novatto's hand painted glass vessel and matching brushed nickel waterfall faucet. The Godere vessel features a bold hand-painted design of black and silver. Novatto uses advanced technology, including computerized glass processing and Italian furnaces, to produce glass basins of unmatched structural integrity. This vessel sink and faucet combo is a great way to harmonize the decor by unifying the color and textural design of your bathroom. The matching faucet disc directs the water flow into a graceful waterfall. When a bath demands superior design and quality, Novatto's glass vessels add that touch. Each glass sink and faucet features its own beauty of color, structural character and texture, adding a sense of purity, elegance and distinctive look to any design. Glass vessel sinks can be used either in a powder room as a focal point or in a master bedroom for everyday use. Novatto’s tempered glass cannot be compared to the everyday synthetic porcelains and ceramics. The vessel is constructed from thick half-inch high tempered glass. The waterfall faucet is constructed from solid brass with a high pressure ceramic cartridge. Faucet is AB1953 Low Lead compliant.

True Hardwood Flooring THE TRUE DIFFERENCE The new True hardwood flooring collection is truly amazing with stunning colors and features. Hallmark Floors is the first to master this revolutionary technology of replicating “the bog-wood process” that occurs when logs lie buried in lakes, river, and waterways for hundreds of years, deprived of oxygen and sunlight. This process in nature can take centuries for the wood to turn from its natural color to deep golden brown or even completely black. Hallmark has emulated nature’s methods to create saturated colors throughout the top layer, creating stunning, weathered patinas. True bog-wood, driftwood, and weathered barn wood are all very rare. These cherished wood treasures are in high demand worldwide for use in furniture and flooring. Now Hallmark has made these prized finishes available to everyone through our True hardwood flooring collection.