2024 interior design trends are moving beyond the classic white and gray toward warmer tones that create an ambience of comfort and connection with nature. This year, the spotlight has been on warm tones paired with green accents that are both inviting and rejuvenating. This Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath client's home serves as a beautiful example getting back to warmer neutral tones of incorporates deep chocolate tones, warm browns and taupe to create a harmonious feeling as you walk through each space. Creamy gray painted walls are the perfect backdrop for the bolder design elements found in the exposed beams, backsplash, two tone cabinetry and accent walls. This home remodel has been inspired by nature. The dynamic sage green paint on the wall of the dedicated beverage station and in the living room bring life to each space. Our client has tastefully placed accent foliage and other decor throughout the home that has brought the outdoors into each room. Textures in the backsplash, natural wood grains in the cabinetry and exposed beams create a forest feel which is both inviting and peaceful. Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath Remodeling had the opportunity to help this customer achieve their dream of a fully remodeled main floor which included: kitchen, guest bathroom, dining room, kitchenette, pantry, living room and office. Extensive carpentry work was performed in what used to be a dinning and sitting room on the main level. A large wall was removed, and a new wall was created with a door entry and a recessed beverage station was installed with two tone upper and lower cabinets that house a small fridge. The upper cabinets with lighting were installed inside the glass upper cabinetry to add layered lighting to the space. Three wood beams were installed in the ceiling and a new kitchenette/pantry area was created behind the newly constructed wall. The kitchenette/pantry area includes a tall storage area as well as upper and lower cabinetry with a sink and small fridge. The kitchenette pantry is a perfect place to house countertop mixers, crock pots, air fryers or other small appliances that are accessible for immediate use. The main kitchen tops remain free of small appliance clutter and the countertops become an expansive workspace. The existing kitchen had a peninsula that made the area feel confined, prior to the kitchen remodel portion of the project. The peninsula was removed, and the fridge was relocated to the opposite wall, across the room to create a more open feel. Although a working island was installed, the flow through the kitchen feels more open and fluid than it did previously. The work island houses the microwave as well as additional storage. Spice and utensil pull outs to the left and right side of the range keep prepping utensils and seasonings conveniently tucked away. Other projects that were completed included in the home included new cabinetry and floating shelves that were installed in the living area. The two-tone aesthetic of the cabinetry is consistent with the other areas of the home and merge beautifully with the natural stacked stone feature in the fireplace wall. Darker lower cabinets anchor the room while lighter warmer upper tones provide a lighter feel without overpowering the space. The guest bathroom off of the living area was also remodeled. Taupe tones were introduced with the natural warm tones of newly installed cabinetry and countertops to maximize the storage space. 6 1/2 x 40" nut brown plank tile was installed and can be seen throughout the expanse of the first floor, giving the appearance of wood but are porcelain which are highly durable and easy to maintain. The homeowner also opted to have their main stairwell redone which included removing existing carpet, installation of stair treads and hardwood for the steps and landing area which included sanding and staining. Overall, the interior remodel of the main floor of this client's home was extensive and the impact of the changes that were made are incredible! The choices that were made with our client make this remodel not only specialized and customized to their everyday needs but a beautiful representation of how a dream home remodel can be achieved and accomplished. This home remodel checks all the boxes for what's in trend in 2024. Here are some of the items used in this project: Cabinetry: Waypoint Living Spaces: Cherry Wood Slate and Maple Wood Rye Countertops: Natural Quartzite Taj Mahal Tile: Cevica Cottage Off White, Dom Logwood Nut, San Marcos Tortora Sinks: Bianco Performa Faucets: Delta Trinsic Appliances: Zline

The backbone of the entire design is the multilevel paver system — installed using Belgard pavers, the professional-grade hardscape brand trusted by premium landscape contractors across North America for their durability, freeze-thaw resistance, and the quality of their surface and color consistency. Belgard pavers were selected for this project because this backyard needed to perform at the highest level — aesthetically and structurally — through Utah's demanding seasonal range. The multilevel layout creates distinct zones at different grades: an upper entertaining level, a main patio zone, and the sunken spa level below. Each level transitions to the next through precisely constructed steps and retaining wall elements, all in the same Belgard material palette, creating visual continuity across the full space. As a CMHA-certified contractor in pavers, Chopper Landscaping's paver installation standards go beyond surface appearance. Base preparation, drainage engineering, edge restraint specification, and compaction standards ensure that the Belgard paver system performs for decades — not just looks good on installation day.

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

Approaching this beautiful mountain home is a feast for the eyes. The allure and stunning beauty not only comes from the minute details of the home and landscaping but from the grand vistas that encompass it. Be prepared ….the moment one steps over the threshold all perception of what a typical mountain home can be changes in an instant. A perfect explanation of what is presented is modern meets mountain. The elegant, simply unique home features a fresh approach to mountain living. Consistency and continuity are the fundamental features of this special home. Certain elements run throughout the interior; engineered wide oak flooring, white horizontal plank paneling, and gray fresh split stone adorn the walls and limestone countertops in various rooms. However, as your eye follows the quiet, clean lines they are intermittently interrupted with a dash of splash here and a pop of color there that are placed precisely in the right spots. Photography: Rodger Wade

LUMINETTE® MODERN DRAPERIES Gorgeous fabrics, instant drama Strong color and texture options for maximum light control with no view through. These resemble what you’d think of as drapes or curtains, but with more design accents and a seamless consistent look. Unique panel design AN INNOVATIVE TWIST Exclusive to Modern Draperies, the Ribbon™ panel features seamless rippled fabric folds without vanes. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS When the drapery is closed, the SofTrak™ hardware rail is concealed by the fabric displaying a refined and elegant look. Exclusive hardware systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS Providing a choice of adorned rail styles and finials, Manhattan™ hardware can add an element of sophistication. Accents by the Yard ™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR Luminette Modern Draperies fabrics are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Dual Panel THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Combines Luminette® Privacy Sheers and Modern Draperies on a single SofTrak™ or Manhattan™ rail. This unique design features fixed drapery side panels boldly framing a fully functional sheer. Light Control SUPERVISE THE SUN Our beautiful modern drapery panels filter out brightness, glare, and UV rays—protecting your furniture and flooring from fading. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Luminette® Modern Draperies with Combination Wand/Cord System Hunter Douglas Luminette® Modern Draperies with Combination Wand/Cord System Fabric: Shantung Color: Golden Pagoda Operating Systems: Combination Wand/Cord System Room: Home Office Room Styles: Contemporary, Transitional, Eclectic Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Luminette #Modern_Draperies #Combination #Wand #Cord_System #Contemporary #Transitional #Eclectic #Home_Office #Home_Office_Ideas #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Neutral toned pebble is a great way to add texture and personality to a bathroom. By using it on the shower pan, on the shower wall and the backsplash, the theme is consistent and reinforced throughout the space. Using decorative elements can be distracting or busy, but this space uses continuity and neural colors to avoid those pitfalls. Adding a cabinet above the toilet can add need storage in a small secondary bath.

A complete renovation, as well as a two story addition, consisting of 6 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. The house has very modern elements, such as a very open floor plan, and several skylights throughout the house. Photos by Marty Maxwell

You are walking quietly through the tall grass next to a wide river, brown and fast moving from fresh floods. The hot sun setting slowly overhead. Just as the sun begins to touch the horizon, the whole sky is brushed in a rich orange hue. You emerge from the grass to be greeted by your first sight of African lions in their natural habitat and a Serengeti sunset that will stay with you for the rest of your life. This was the moment that began this project, inspiring the client to recreate that moment for their sport hunting trophy room in their home. The goal was to be able to recreate that experience as closely as possible, while also ensuring that every mount in the collection had the ideal amount and type of light directed at it. Nature exhibits an infinite amount of unique color and light environments. From rich color in every hue and temperature, to light of all different intensities and quality. In order to deliver the client’s expectations, we needed a solution that can reflect the diverse lighting environments the client was looking to recreate. Using a Ketra lighting system, controlled through a Lutron HomeWorks QS system, tied in seamlessly to an existing Lutron HomeWorks Illumination system, we were able to meet all of these challenges. Tying into the existing system meant that we could achieve these results in the space that the client was focused on without having to replace the whole system. In that focused space, creating dynamic lighting environments was central to several elements of the design, and Ketra’s color temperature settings enabled us to be extremely flexible while still providing high quality light in all circumstances. Using a large track system consisting of 30 S30 lamps, each individually addressed, we were able to create the ideal lighting settings for each mount. Additionally, we designed the system so that it can be set to match the unique warm standard Edison-style bulbs in the main chandelier, it can be set to a “Natural” mode that replicates the outdoor conditions throughout the day, or it can simulate the exact color temperature progression of that unforgettable Serengeti sunset. Control of the lighting environment and a smooth transition to the lighting systems in the rest of the home was also a priority. As a result, we installed 3 Lutron motorized shades in the space to account for ambient light, and 6 A20 lamps in an adjacent bar area to create a natural transition to the rest of the lighting system. This ensures that all of the lighting transitions, whether from the rest of the home to the trophy room or the trophy room to the outside, are continuous and smooth. The end result is an impressive and flexible display space with an added “wow factor” that is out of this hemisphere!

The SOLSTICE is a fixed screen or sun shade system that offers extreme flexibility to cover various outdoor space openings. The SOLSTICE is the ideal system to cover both standard and unique opening sizes and shapes. It is designed to protect you from surrounding elements and can be combined with all motorized Exosysteme systems to create a highly homogeneous and consistent look and feel.

The Best Selling Valencia Collection combines a modern classic design concept featuring a rich mocha finish, comfortable stylish arms, in a clean contemporary style. The Valencia outdoor dining set can be separated to purchase either 2 benches or all dining chairs to fit any decor. The Valencia collection is the perfect compliment to any outdoor patio or lanai. Constructed with a powder coated aluminum frame and covered with high quality hand woven resin wicker crafted to withstand today’s rigorous outdoor elements. The Valencia Collection consists of deep seating modular sectional, 3 Seat Sofa, club chair, Ottoman, Coffee Table, End Table and Chaise Lounge

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

This project consisted of stone masonry decorative walls at the front of the estate leading to the gated entry, where we also installed a decorative stone elements.

In collaboration with the Lawrenceville Corporation, Rothschild Doyno, and The Urban Redevelopment Authority, EcoCraft Homes is helping to redefine the image of affordable urban housing. Working through a newly defined mechanism called the “Community Land Trust” program Lawrenceville Corporation is pioneering a new standard for community development and affordable home ownership. Phase one of the CLT development consists of 6 new and one renovation unit that are built with materials that are equal to, or often times of a higher quality than the market rate homes that Lawrenceville has become known for. In addition, every CLT home has been designed to seamlessly integrate into existing historical fabric of Upper Lawrenceville by respecting and implementing design elements from contextual neighborhood patterns. The CLT design team’s radically different approach to sustainability, resiliency, and energy efficiency will ensure the affordability of these homes remain intact for generations, challenging the idea that affordability should equate to compromises in the quality of living.

This project consisted of stone masonry decorative walls at the front of the estate leading to the gated entry, where we also installed a decorative stone elements.

Some surfaces speak softly, but with clarity. Papyrus™ is one of those materials. Its subtle texture invites curiosity without overpowering the space, offering a calm backdrop for modern outdoor living. Belgard Papyrus™ is a contemporary paver with a distinctive etched finish, inspired by ancient textures and timeless geometry. Its clean square shape and consistent dimension make it ideal for patios, walkways, and structured garden spaces that require sophistication and minimalism. Now imagine a space where every element feels deliberate, yet effortless. A low table, morning light, and the soft feel of sculpted stone underfoot. Papyrus™ holds that visual rhythm. It does not compete for attention. It creates presence. This is not just about choosing a modern paver. It is about designing with intention, giving your space the quiet strength it needs to become your favorite place to return to. Let’s explore how this material can bring your outdoor story to life. Schedule your consultation today: 516-522-8249

Room to breathe! Here, with remodeling & design, we created effortless movement & flow from entry to dining to living space. Our floor-to-ceiling cabinetry solutions maximizes storage & frees up valuable floor space while consistent elements connect each zone seamlessly. The minimalist dining nook/craft center proves that sometimes all you need is one bold color to do just that! The vibrant mustard chairs create a stunning contrast against the clean lines of our marble tulip table and textured walls. We love how the organic curves of these statement pieces soften the modern aesthetic, while the geometric accent pillow and beautifully selected artwork ties everything together. Even the delicate branches in the handcrafted vase add natural movement to balance the sleek surfaces. With the bold yet subtle color palette, we started with a neutral foundation: whites, blacks, grays and introduced just one standout hue. Let that color appear in strategic touches throughout the space for a cohesive look that doesn’t overwhelm.

In collaboration with the Lawrenceville Corporation, Rothschild Doyno, and The Urban Redevelopment Authority, EcoCraft Homes is helping to redefine the image of affordable urban housing. Working through a newly defined mechanism called the “Community Land Trust” program Lawrenceville Corporation is pioneering a new standard for community development and affordable home ownership. Phase one of the CLT development consists of 6 new and one renovation unit that are built with materials that are equal to, or often times of a higher quality than the market rate homes that Lawrenceville has become known for. In addition, every CLT home has been designed to seamlessly integrate into existing historical fabric of Upper Lawrenceville by respecting and implementing design elements from contextual neighborhood patterns. The CLT design team’s radically different approach to sustainability, resiliency, and energy efficiency will ensure the affordability of these homes remain intact for generations, challenging the idea that affordability should equate to compromises in the quality of living.

The design leans modern while maintaining warmth through transitional elements. Perimeter cabinetry in L&C Shallow Green introduces a muted, earthy tone that moves away from traditional white kitchens while still keeping the space light and inviting. The cabinet style remains shaker but with slimmer profiles and minimal detailing, paired with Amerdeco brushed satin hardware featuring clean, straight bar pulls. Calacatta Elysio countertops add subtle movement and contrast, while the Zellige Pearl Opal backsplash in a horizontal stacked layout delivers a clean, modern texture that is enhanced by under-cabinet lighting. A Kraus Kore stainless steel apron-front sink provides a streamlined, modern take on a classic feature, and a Z Line stainless steel range hood serves as a strong visual focal point with its exposed chimney design. Decorative end panels and consistent cabinetry throughout maintain a cohesive and intentional look.

In this Ballard kitchen project, we worked with our clients to upgrade their 1905 Craftsman home. The goal was to create a space that was light, bright, and vibrant while staying true to the character of the home. We used plum marmoleum, an eco-friendly choice, for the flooring, complemented by lavender-gray cabinets and white Carrara polished quartz countertops. To maintain consistency and warmth, we incorporated natural wood elements from the kitchen into the custom cabinets along the kitchen entry way. Additionally, we relocated the fireplace to create an open living room, further enhancing the flow and functionality of the home. This project is a reflection of our clients' aesthetic preferences and highlights the importance of working with clients directly to realize their vision.