Stone: Chalkdust - TundraBrick TundraBrick is a classically-shaped profile with all the surface character you could want. Slightly squared edges are chiseled and worn as if they’d braved the elements for decades. TundraBrick is roughly 2.5″ high and 7.875″ long. Get a Sample of Chalkdust: http://www.eldoradostone.com/products/tundrabrick/chalk-dust/

A stunning rustic modern exterior blends organic materials and sleek design in this energy-efficient mountain retreat, showcasing sustainable construction and luxurious craftsmanship.

Stephani Buchman
Example of a mid-sized trendy master gray tile and stone tile marble floor alcove shower design in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops and white walls

Inspiration for a small contemporary bathroom remodel in DC Metro

Although the home is in its 100th year, the owners wanted to create an updated urban style reflective of their downtown location. The new styling, while sleek and contemporary, kept a traditional feel with a paneled door styling, crystal chandeliers and an updated glass version of subway tile. We were also able to create an open kitchen with a 3’8 ½” x 7’ 5 ½” island centered on a gourmet Wolf cooking area. Perimeter Cabinets: Brand: Omega Door Style: Metro Species & Finish: Maple, Magnolia Island & Upper Cabinets: Brand: Omega Door Style: Metro Species & Finish: Maple, Magnolia Perimeter Countertops: Quartz, Metro Concerto w/ a 2" Mitered Edge Detail Cabinet Door Glass: Starphire Low Iron Glass Island Countertops: Caesarstone Quartz, 5141 Frosty Carina w/ a 2" thick mitered edge details Pot Filler: Waterstone 3200 Contemporary Wall Mounted Pot Filler in Polished Chrome Kitchen Sink: Signature Hardware 314144 27" Hazelton Stainless Steel Retrofit Farmhouse Sink Kitchen Faucet: Julien Wave 306001 Single Lever Kitchen Sink Faucet in Polished Chrome Mosaic Feature Tile: Ann Sacks, 2x2 Random Blend; Sandblasted, vibrated & brushed aluminum Kate Benjamin Photography

Example of a trendy dark wood floor great room design in Salt Lake City with white walls

Another view into her water closet calls attention to the variety of materials used. Designer: Debra Owens Photographer: Michael Hunter
Example of a trendy gray tile and mosaic tile toilet room design in Dallas with a two-piece toilet and brown walls

This bathroom features a great sized double Vanity with a full wall mirror, double sconces and decorative shevling. Brass faucets and hardware compliment the tile feature over the tub and match the shower hardware perfectly. Photos by Chris Veith.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Photography: Nathan Schroder
Example of a trendy l-shaped kitchen design in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Barry Grossman Photography
Example of a trendy family room design in Miami

Trendy gray floor and limestone floor bathroom photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and marble countertops

Michael Alan Kaskel
Eat-in kitchen - traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and orange floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, beige backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This barrier free (curbless) shower was designed for easy access. The perfect solution for the elderly or anyone who wants to enter the shower without any issues. The dark gray concrete look floor tile extends uninterrupted into the shower. Satin nickel fixtures and a teak shower stool provide some contrast. Walls are also built with plywood substrate in order to any grab bars if the situation ever arises. Photo: Stephen Allen

Kitchen - modern l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

Dove White shaker Grabill Cabinetry and soft 4”x8” stacked glass backsplash tiles create a sleek and rectilinear design. The White Galaxy granite countertop, with a radius seating area, marries the two tones, while breaking up the rigid hard lines of the design by creating a visually appealing cohesive room. Ceiling height cabinetry adds volume to the space. The stainless steel appliances contemporize this kitchen while details, like the crown molding, add a traditional touch to this overall transitionally timeless design.

©2014 Kyle Born
Inspiration for a mid-century modern light wood floor living room library remodel in Philadelphia with white walls

Urban single-wall kitchen photo in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel countertops, an island, an integrated sink, stainless steel appliances and brown backsplash

This amazing powder room features an elevated waterfall sink that overflows into a raised bowl. Ultramodern lighting and mirrors complete this striking minimalistic contemporary bathroom.