Using large tiles in a space is going to be even more popular in 2014 because it has fewer grout lines in the final layout. Normandy Designer Karen Chanan went with large, creamy gray tile for this contemporary fireplace design.

Large tuscan stone back porch photo in Miami with a fire pit and a roof extension

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, an island, marble countertops, white appliances and gray countertops

Coronado, CA The Alameda Residence is situated on a relatively large, yet unusually shaped lot for the beachside community of Coronado, California. The orientation of the “L” shaped main home and linear shaped guest house and covered patio create a large, open courtyard central to the plan. The majority of the spaces in the home are designed to engage the courtyard, lending a sense of openness and light to the home. The aesthetics take inspiration from the simple, clean lines of a traditional “A-frame” barn, intermixed with sleek, minimal detailing that gives the home a contemporary flair. The interior and exterior materials and colors reflect the bright, vibrant hues and textures of the seaside locale.

Basement - mid-sized contemporary walk-out gray floor basement idea in Richmond with white walls and no fireplace

Large farmhouse open concept light wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling living room photo in Denver with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stacked stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Architect: Mary Brewster, Brewster Thornton Group
Mid-sized elegant master beige tile and limestone tile limestone floor and beige floor drop-in bathtub photo in Providence with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, beige walls and limestone countertops

Inspiration for a large transitional master gray tile beige floor and single-sink corner shower remodel in Charlotte with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, gray countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Photo: Nanette Wong © 2014 Houzz
Example of a trendy bathroom design in San Francisco

Mid-sized arts and crafts patio photo in Orange County with a fireplace

Enclosed dining room - mid-sized transitional limestone floor and gray floor enclosed dining room idea in Seattle with gray walls and no fireplace

Studio Nish Interior Design Master bath walk-in curbless shower. Master Suite addition in Lafayette, CA. Concept for the master bath was to create a serene and contemporary spa-like environment. Clean lines and white-on-white layering of stone, tile and cabinetry are grounded by earthy dark tones in floor tiles. Luxury fixtures underscore the comfortable yet modern aesthetic.

This smart kitchen renovation in Silver Spring, Maryland, involved removing three walls and a centrally located powder room and a closet. The powder room was relocated into the original closet area, and the patio door moved nearby. The main window was enlarged to create an anchor and focal point for the new kitchen as well as to enhance the view onto the lovely backyard. An angled island keeps the room feeling spacious and open, and a corner pantry was designed so as not to lose precious storage space.

Complete Townhome Remodel- Beautiful refreshing clean lines from Floor to Ceiling, A monochromatic color scheme of white, cream, gray with hints of blue and grayish-green and mixed brushed nickel and chrome fixtures. Kitchen, 2 1/2 Bathrooms, Staircase, Halls, Den, Bedrooms. Ted Glasoe

Example of a small danish master ceramic tile light wood floor drop-in bathtub design in Toronto with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and white walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master gray tile and marble tile marble floor, gray floor, double-sink and wainscoting freestanding bathtub remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Orange County

Contractor: AllenBuilt Inc. Interior Designer: Cecconi Simone Photographer: Connie Gauthier with HomeVisit
Trendy porcelain tile porcelain tile and white floor alcove bathtub photo in DC Metro with a wall-mount toilet and white walls