3 Modern Tile Ideas Trending for Today’s Homeowners – Porcelain Wood, Painted Glass and Faux Stone

To change the look and feel of a home without spending huge money on renovations, homeowners are turning to tiles. From country to modern to chic, every type of design aesthetic can be updated with new tiles.

Porcelain Wood Tiles
Porcelain tiles that emulate wood grain are the newest trends available to homeowners (also known as “faux wood”). It has been building for a few years with tiles being introduced as a modern update to wood floors. Now, wood tiles come in different shapes and sizes. From walls to floors to ceilings, porcelain wood tiles are being used all over the home. Mixed wood tiles are the newest trends in wood. Light tiles that appear distressed and aged are popular. It can transform a kitchen or bath into a coastal-cottage inspired home design. It’s the new and improved shabby chic look.

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With the popularity of reclaimed wood, homeowners want that aged patina in their homes, but it can be difficult to find the perfect piece without scouring the countryside personally. Wood tile gives homeowners choices that they wouldn’t be able to find naturally. Colors of porcelain wood tiles range from faded-blue, weathered-gray and light brown to white, rust or tan. Weathered, peeling and distressed wood has hazards like paint chips, lead from old paint or splinters. With wood tile, homeowners get all the good attributes of weathered wood with none of the bad.

Painted Glass
Instead of glass mosaic tiles, homeowners now get a more ethereal tile choice for the bathroom or as a tile for the back splash in the kitchen. The back of the glass tile is painted with the color of choice. This gives the tile a shiny patina that fits in with polished kitchens. High-gloss counter tops and shiny appliances are a growing trend that allows the addition of these stunning pieces of glass. These glass tiles fit in with modern kitchen designs quite beautifully.

In the bathroom, these glass tiles can add to the feel of a seaside retreat. Popular color choices like blue, green or sand can make the homeowner feel like they are in a cottage by the sea. It gives an added dimension that can’t be matched with traditional tiles.

Faux Stone
Homeowners that might want the look of stone flooring without the disadvantages are turning to a ceramic alternative. Faux stone has the timeless appearance of traditional slate, travertine or sandstone flooring with none of the hassles.

Natural stone needs to be sealed against damage repeated through the life of the floor, and still after sealing, it is not completely resistant to chemicals or stains. Something as simple as lemon juice can stain a natural stone floor. Each natural stone tile might be a different color than the next. There’s no real uniformity to the color scheme of the tiles. For some homeowners, that can present a design problem.

Faux stone tiles are easier to install. They are stain-resistant without the constant sealing that natural stone requires. They cost less to buy and to install than natural stone. They are becoming a natural choice for homeowners who don’t want the fuss or expense of natural stone floors, walls or counter tops. Faux stone tiles can be used to create a floor or a wall with uniform color and design.

The Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodeling Project

Homeowners who undertake remodeling projects are typically altering either their kitchens or their bathrooms. As one of the most frequently occupied rooms in the house, bathrooms see a lot of wear and tear in a short amount of time. Toilets begin to leak, tiles loosen around bathtubs and showers, and mold forms in the flooring grout. Even with cost-reducing quick fixes over the years, these issues pile up until nothing will resolve them except a complete bathroom makeover.

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The difficulty with bathroom remodeling projects is that the room is one of the most complex and compact spaces in the entire house. With all that water in one small room, there are many opportunities to make costly choices and mistakes. The best way to keep the costs of a bathroom remodeling project in check is to start the process with a set budget and to make design choices based on needs that fit within those specifications.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
The average cost for a bathroom remodel varies greatly depending on the type of bathroom. Master bathrooms are generally more expensive, averaging approximately $16,000 nationwide, while non-master full bathrooms average closer to $11,000. This difference in cost is based largely on the upgrades added in a master bathroom.

Because a master bathroom is still considered a luxury, building or remodeling these spaces is generally more costly. Homeowners working on their master suites are more apt to include more expensive accessories that are frequently nonessential. For example, master bathrooms often feature larger-than-normal soaker tubs or separate spaces for bathtubs and showers. These features are not essential to the functionality of the bathroom space, but they are luxuries that many homeowners wish to include in their master suites. These types of add-ons will greatly increase the cost of a bathroom remodeling project.

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Another variant in determining the average cost of a bathroom remodel is the location of the home. Homeowners across the nation spend varying amounts of money on very similar remodeling projects. Pacific coast homeowners tend to spend the greatest amount of money, averaging nearly $1,000 more per project than anyone else in the country. Residents of the Mid-Atlantic and New England states spend the second most on their remodels, while the South Atlantic states are third on the list. The least expensive remodeling projects seem to be located in the Mountain region where the average remodeling project is nearly $6,000 less than those on the Pacific coast.

Despite with these regional disparities in remodeling costs, even greater differences exist between urban and rural projects. Homeowners in major cities, such as New York and San Francisco, frequently spend more than $20,000 on non-master full bathroom remodels. Similar projects in smaller metropolitan areas, such as Oklahoma City and Dallas, average closer to $7,000. These regional and location differences are based on the availability of materials and more importantly on the cost of labor.

What factors most influence the cost of a bathroom remodel?
The largest single cost in a bathroom remodeling project is labor for the contractor and crew that will be handling the project. The cost of labor usually amounts to around one-third of the entire budget of the remodel. This fee is nearly non-negotiable unless the homeowner does some of the work himself to cut costs. Therefore, if the budget of the remodeling project needs to be trimmed, the savings most likely will need to come from some of the luxuries and not from the labor budget.

Another costly factor in bathroom remodeling projects is the plumbing itself. If the bathroom project is mainly cosmetic, this may not be a large factor in the remodeling, but many bathrooms are altered because of leaking faucets or bathtubs. Correcting leaks and replacing bad pipes can be very time-consuming for the construction crew and plumber which will drive up the labor costs in addition to the fees for the new pipes. This can be especially true if the leaking pipe is difficult to find or if the house is older and features non-compliant types of pipes. These hidden costs can become budget-busting very quickly.

Beyond the cost of labor and plumbing, the other major expenses in a bathroom remodeling project mainly involve cosmetic choices. While it is necessary to place a floor, walls, and ceiling in the bathroom, the types of materials and their costs can vary widely to fit within any remodeling budget. For example, although radiant (heated) flooring that will keep feet warm on cold mornings is exceptionally comfortable and luxurious, it is not a necessary feature for a bathroom remodeling project. Therefore, radiant flooring is an added expense that will drive up the cost of the project rather than keep it within budget.

What are some common luxury features used in bathroom remodeling projects?
In addition to radiant flooring, there are several common luxury features that can take any bathroom remodeling project to another luxurious level. Many interior bathrooms that do not have windows are being given natural light through the addition of skylights. These features can flood a room with natural light during the day while also giving a romantic view of the moon and stars during the night.

Deep soaking bathtubs and rain-inspired shower heads are luxurious additions to many master bathroom remodeling projects. These powerful yet calming additions to cleanliness help to create an at-home spa atmosphere for any bathroom. In addition, many tubs and showers are surrounded by elaborately designed bathroom tile designs with stain-resistant grout that withstand the threat of mold while looking stylish and modern.

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No matter the budget of a bathroom remodeling project, there are many options and variables to help keep the costs reasonable while creating a functional and attractive space. We hope you enjoyed this post on the average cost of bathroom remodeling projects!

DIY – How to Refinish / Resurface Exposed Brick in Your Home

People have loved the look of brick inside the home for decades now. The two most common DIY in-home brick projects are exposed brick and faux brick projects.

Exposed brick in your home can be part of a wall or used to create a fireplace surround. This material is both durable and attractive, but the finish can be compromised by cracking mortar and stains. Paint may also start to crack and peel. If you have exposed brick that is becoming unsightly, then there are many ways for you can refinish or resurface it.

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Tools Needed
The tools used for refinishing or resurfacing brick can be found at any home improvement store. Basic tools needed for this task include gloves, a face mask, an angle grinder, a heat gun, a scraper, a putty knife, a paint sprayer, and paint brushes. You will also need a wire brush and eye protection.

Clean the Brick
Brick that looks dirty can easily be refinished by simple cleaning. White crystals that form on the brick is a form of Efflorescence. This chalky white coating leaches to the surface of the mortar in the form of mineral salts. There are many ways you can clean the brick to restore it to its original appearance.

The easiest way to clean efflorescence from brick is to mix a solution of water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Lightly spray the brick with the solution and let is set for a few minutes. If the efflorescence on the brick is thick in places, then scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush may be necessary. You may also mix a solution of 10 percent diluted muriatic acid to spray on the brick.

Stains that appear on exposed brick can be cleaned using a solution of water and oxalic acid. Mix up to 10 parts water with one part acid in container and pour it into a spray bottle. If you have copper fittings on the brick, then water drips can cause bluish stains. You can clean bluish stains on any exposed brick by mixing a four parts of talc with one part of ammonium chloride. A thick paste can be made by using a small amount of ammonia. Apply the paste to the stains on the brick and brush it off once the paste is dry. Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves when working with any type of chemicals.

Stripping
Old paint that shows signs of peeling and cracking can be stripped from the brick. Stripping is a way to restore your brick to its original appearance. You can strip paint from exposed brick with a commercial paint stripper. This is a chemical product that softens old paint. A scraper is then used to remove all old paint from the surface of the brick. Another option to strip paint is to use a heat gun. Paint can be taken off of the brick using a wire brush or a putty knife.

The use of chemical paint strippers creates fumes and will require a face mask or respirator is the brick is located inside. Paint strippers are also flammable. If you choose to use a heat gun, then old paint will give off fumes as it begins to melt.

Repoint the Brick
Cracks in the mortar of a brick wall can be repaired using a process called repointing. You need to have an angle grinder to complete this task. The angle grinder is used to grind away any cracked mortar on a brick wall. Mortar should be ground down to a depth of one-half to three-quarters of an inch. Clean out mortar joints with compressed air and a metal brush.

Mix a batch of mortar in a bucket using a power drill with a paddle attachment. Spray a water into your mortar joints to dampen the existing mortar. This will help the new mortar to stick. Apply the mortar into the joint by using a pointing trowel. Repoint vertical sections first and then move to horizontal areas of the wall. A striking tool then needs to be used to create a smooth looking mortar joint. Allow the mortar to dry and cure for at least two days before applying a masonry sealer.

Painting / Sealing / Staining
The easiest way to resurface brick is to use Portland cement-based paint, latex paint or stain or a silicone sealant. The stain and sealant options can give you the look that you often find in a modern city row-home. Applying paint or stain that is designed to resist moisture penetration is a good option for brick walls in a basement. The use of paint that allows water vapor to escape will prevent most water issues with your brick. If you choose to paint a brick wall, then make sure to repair all defects first. This includes any cracks and staining that is on the brick. Clean the brick thoroughly to ensure the new paint will stick to the brick. A paint brush or a paint sprayer can then be used to apply paint to any exposed brick. You can apply a brown and red colored paint to create the look of new bricks. Another option is to use gray paint on your existing mortar joints.

Bathroom Remodeling and Design Ideas and Pictures

As we love to do here at HomeOwnerIdeas.com we created this post for the homeowners who love to visualize design and remodeling ideas. Below you will find a wide variety of modern, contemporary, luxury, vintage etc. bathroom pictures that you can feel free to share with your remodeling contractor to get ideas for your new bathroom redesign. Enjoy!

The traditional modern bathroom these days often looks like the picture below. To best utilize space a glass shower is attached to a sunken bath tub. This bathroom also utilizes natural light. Tile, granite and wood cabinets tie the luxury feel together here.

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In this next modern bathroom design the homeowners wanted to incorporate more color in to the actual design, which is often most easy to do through the use of small glass or ceramic tiles.

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The luxury bathroom below uses every ounce of available natural light but also incorporates uniquely designed stainless steel raised plumbing features, custom window coverings, granite countertops, wood cabinetry and medium tile flooring.

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The next bathroom picture shows a design to make a smaller space look much larger. Carefully placed recessed lighting echoes off of the full tile walls in this bathroom while mixing in the natural light giving the bathroom an illusion of being much larger than it actually is.

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The following bathroom has a classic “natural look”. Large and small stone faced tile, natural wood cabinets and earthy colors complete the look for this bathroom.

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Sometimes in cases like city condos or row houses, a homeowner only has a small space to work with. In this very small bathroom below you see a small bathroom still transformed into a luxury setting. Large tile can give the appearance of a larger space and a pedestal sink is always the best bet. The modern, narrow toilet also allows for greater floor space.

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This ultra-modern, super-contemporary bathroom has really been designed to “wow”. The large oval bathtub is a rare but stunning focal point while just past the tub is a walk-in shower with a single glass wall. To complete the contemporary look, the remodel included extra-large, over-sized tile on the floors and walls.

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Becoming more common these days is the tranquility of adding a fireplace to your bathroom. Nothing accentuates the peacefulness of a jacuzzi tub like a gas fireplace.

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Lately, many bathrooms include flat screen televisions. This country style bathroom seems to truly be a place to spend time.

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The bathroom picture below is quite a unique and artistic idea indeed. Natural but bright coloring and a wide open design with cabin shower mixed together with large tiles, small tiles, stone tiles and glass tiles.

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This bathroom features a sink that stems from the wall, small tile design and a large walk-in shower.

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This next picture gives the homeowners looking for contemporary children’s bathroom ideas plenty to think about. A citrus color designed is tied together by the orange tile.

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Finally we finish with an ultra-luxurious white toned bathroom. This space features custom cabinets, lots of marble and large jacuzzi tub. Mix in the large window and the small window and this bathroom will truly wake you up in the morning.

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We hope you enjoyed our collection of bathroom design and remodeling pictures and ideas. If you are looking for a contractor for your renovation project, use the form on the upper right hand corner of this page. Best of luck with your new bathroom!

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas and Pictures

If you are coming up on a kitchen remodel or renovation and you are looking for some great designs and ideas to incorporate into your plans, have a look below. We have put together a collection of kitchen pictures that you can then use to share with your builder. Use the form on the right to get in touch with a local top rated kitchen remodeling company if you have yet to take that step. We hope you enjoy these great kitchen ideas!!

Here is a modern traditional kitchen. Notice the island which mixes white into a otherwise wood look.

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The long and narrow kitchen below uses a great deal of white colors to accentuate the natural light. The mix of stainless steel appliances and antique finished cabinets is more common in kitchen remodeling plans lately.

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The kitchen below also incorporates a great deal of white that blends with the stainless steel appliances. However, this kitchen is contemporary / modern because of the cabinets and lighting.

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This luxury kitchen below is designed to accentuate the vaulted ceiling. The built in wine space on the right includes a wine rack above and wine cooler below. Glass cabinetry and classic lighting and chairs give this kitchen a unique, sophisticated look.

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Below is a bright, modern country style kitchen that features contrasting colors and a stand out kitchen island.

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To contrast the kitchen above, this pic below shows a modern city style kitchen. This type of kitchen is great for a condo in city highrise. True stainless steel with dark cabinets and white oversized tile flooring, this kitchen is perfect for city-slickers.

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Many people these days are building their stovetops into their island. This usually comes with an exhaust fan directly above the cooking unit which can often be a centerpiece of the kitchen.

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Some kitchens feature a backsplash that is worth building around. In this case, the backsplash sets the look of the kitchen and gives is a country and comfortable feel.

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This kitchen is designed to accentuate the eccentric vaulted ceiling.

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This kitchen exudes a look and feel of a rustic cabin in the woods.

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Here is a modern version of the 1950’s kitchen. The use of light wood and the general color scheme give it the 1950’s style look while the modern sleek appliances and contemporary exhaust fan bring it in to the future.

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We hope you enjoyed our collection of kitchen pictures and ideas!

How to Give Your Bathroom a Modern Antique Look

Remodeling a bathroom can be rewarding, even with only minor renovations and on a budget. Combining the clean lines of modern décor with period-style or antique-look fixtures and accessories transforms a tired, outdated bathroom into a room with a distinctive look.

Evaluate what is already there and in good shape. If the basic plumbing and flooring of the bathroom are sound, a re-do can be accomplished without major construction. Painting the walls, replacing bathroom hardware like taps and sinks, changing the shower curtain and towels to reflect the new style and adding well-chosen cabinets or vanities will result in a new look with minor effort. Lighting, mirrors and wall hangings can complement the new look.

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First, decide whether you want an eclectic look that combines design motifs and styles from several periods or if you prefer to go with a single decorative style. When you decide on a style, be it Art Deco or Victorian, select hardware fittings for the bathtub, shower, sink and cutoffs that complement the style. New taps give a new look to old fixtures, so you may not need to replace the sink or tub. Manufacturers feature lines of hardware that embody classic design styles but are modern. Do-it-yourself hardware stores have a large selection of styles and finishes in materials like stainless steel, brass, ceramic, bronze and copper.

To accent an Art Deco theme, look for hardware with simple, clean lines or geometric shapes. For a Victorian look, choose cross-handle faucets with ceramic buttons labeled hot and cold. Match the taps with a shepherd’s crook spout for an elegant touch. For a more authentic antique look, replace single-handle faucets with two-handled models. Make sure that the sink has the correct hole openings for the new fittings.

Match towel racks, soap holders and other accessory hardware with the plumbing fittings to enhance the style, but don’t feel that you must use all new accessories. Flea markets often have accessories that lend a charming accent to new décor. Wall-mounted ceramic soap dishes give a vintage look to any décor.

If your bath has an under sink vanity, refinish it to reflect the new style. Updating hardware and repainting may transform a tired-looking vanity into a chic addition to the new scheme. For an Art Deco look, add chrome trim to the outside. For a Victorian look, try distressed paint in off-white with an accent color for trim.

If you choose to replace the vanity, consider refurbishing an old wooden dresser or small cabinet. A wooden cabinet can be converted to a vanity by adding a marble top and wash basin, running piping through the back and refinishing the wood. Another choice is to replace the sink vanity with a legged sink console.

If your bath has a tub, it need not be replaced. An old tub can be refinished with good results. For a built-in tub, replace the shower curtain with one that that complements the period look you want. For a clean, modern touch, add frameless, clear tempered glass panels or a glass swinging door across the tub opening.

Lighting plays an integral role in an interior design scheme. Make sure that the light fixtures complement the new style. Glass and mirrored fixtures blend well with almost any period décor and lend a modern, clean look as well. Wall sconces, ceiling lights and accent lights can be placed appropriately to enhance the mood of the room.

Are the floors of tile, hardwood or some other material? If the bath is carpeted, will the dominant color go with your new decorative scheme? Can carpets be replaced or updated? If the carpet covers another type of flooring like tile or hardwood, you may want to remove the carpet and use the original material. If the original flooring is in bad shape and should be covered, replacing the carpet may be preferred.

Of particular importance when remodeling is attention to scale. For a modern look, a small bathroom should not be overwhelmed with heavy or large furniture or too many knick-knacks. A large mirror mounted over the sink reflects light and gives the illusion of space. Light-colored walls also make a room look bigger. For larger bathrooms, furniture should be on a scale with the size of the room. Too many items may look crowded, but well-chosen pieces like an antique vanity and a stand-alone tub will give an authentic touch while keeping modern lines of simplicity and uncluttered space.

Five Modern Backyard Patio Design Ideas and Pictures

Does your backyard need a face lift? If so, a modern patio may be the way to go. While there’s something to be said for traditional styles, a contemporary patio can breathe new life into any backyard. The clean, sleek designs of these patios make them work well with many different landscaping styles. In most cases, a minimal amount of maintenance is needed to keep modern backyard patios looking great. As an added bonus, modern patio design usually has a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, so you can enhance your backyard while doing your part to help the environment. If you need inspiration, check out the following five modern backyard patio design ideas.

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1. Get Creative with Flagstone Pavers

Flagstone pavers are popular options for modern backyard patios. Their irregular lines and eye-catching textures can have a very positive impact on the appearance of any outdoor space. For a thoroughly modern look, choose oversize flagstone pavers in a variety of muted colors. Due to the irregular shaping of these pavers, it’s not possible to create neat, orderly patterns. That’s part of the charm, actually, so play around with them until you achieve the look that’s right for you.

A great way to spice up a flagstone paver patio is by adding a border. If you’re going to go through the trouble of building a patio made out of flagstone pavers, why not put in a little extra work and add a border too? You can take your pick from many different stones and pavers for your border, but make sure that they stand out dramatically on your patio. Don’t just choose stones or pavers that have contrasting colors; look for contrasting textures too. River rocks are wonderful options in this situation. Arrange them so that your border has a bumpy surface. The end result is sure to be fantastic.

2. Try Oversized Concrete Pavers

There’s no law that says you have to cover every last inch of your patio with pavers and other materials. Why not let nature do its thing too? A great way to add a dose of green to your patio is by arranging oversize rectangular or square concrete tiles in creative ways. Instead of filling the spaces between the pavers with concrete or gravel, you could just allow grass to grow. If you’d rather not deal with cutting the grass and sweeping the patio, try planting Scotch moss between the pavers instead. Just keep in mind that it takes a long time for moss to fill in all the spaces.

The great thing about using oversize square or rectangular concrete pavers is that you can arrange them in so many different ways. You could even try mixing and matching different shapes and sizes. There are many colors, textures and styles available too, so the possibilities here are truly endless. Just make sure to plan ahead for things like tables, chairs and other furniture so that table and chair legs have sturdy places to rest.

Oversized Patio Pavers

3. Freshen Up an Existing Patio with Deck Tiles

If your patio has seen better days but you can’t afford to build a new one from scratch, you might want to consider deck tiles instead. Deck tiles are also excellent options for renters because they can be removed quickly and easily. Unlike so many modern patio ideas, deck tiles simply snap into place. No thin set or glue is required. There’s a dizzying array of options, so coming up with a customized, modern look is a snap. They work just as well on compact patios as they do on large ones, which is also convenient.

The most popular deck tiles are squares of wood planks. A variety of woods is available, but tropical hardwoods like eucalyptus and ipe tend to be the most popular. You can also choose from many finishes, which allows you to mix and match colors for a richly textured look that somewhat resembles parquet. Wood deck tiles are lovely, but stone and ceramic styles are worth your consideration too. Because deck tiles aren’t permanent, they give you a lot of flexibility. If you grow tired of them, just remove them and replace them with something else. The one caveat here is that these tiles must be installed on a stable, steady surface.

iStock_000006234131_ExtraSmall 4. Enhance Your Yard and Help the Environment with Permeable Pavers

Like many homeowners, you may be looking for ways to help save the environment. It’s easy to waste a lot of water to keep a yard looking great, but you can minimize your impact with the right patio materials. Permeable pavers are a prime example. These popular pavers allow water to seep through to the ground instead of forcing it to run off elsewhere. This helps to recharge the groundwater below, which has enormous benefits for the environment.

Permeable pavers also help to filter pollutants to help keep them out of the ground. If you think you have to trade style for sustainability, think again. Thanks to the growing popularity of these pavers, there are more options than ever.

5. Spice Things Up with Brazilian Ipe Wood Decking

When most people think of patios, pavers made of stone, concrete and brick usually spring to mind. Pavers can definitely be used to achieve a chic, modern look, but why limit yourself? Wood decking is a viable option for modern patios too, and ipe is one of the best options of all. Ipe is a durable, sturdy Brazilian hardwood that naturally stands up well to a variety of forces. In addition to being strong, ipe is absolutely gorgeous.

If you’re going to use ipe decking for your modern backyard patio, select long, narrow planks. Arrange them so they are all running in the same direction. This design manages to look sleek and contemporary while also having a nice dose of eye-catching texture. Unlike many types of wood that are used for decks and patios, ipe doesn’t need to be sanded and refinished constantly. However, it is on the pricier end of the scale, so keep that in mind.

Why bother putting in a new patio if you’re not excited about it? By considering a few of today’s best ideas for modern backyard patios, you’re sure to find something that truly inspires you. In addition to sprucing up your yard and creating a lovely place to spend time outside, the right patio will have a sustainable design that lets you do your part to help the environment. If you have a backyard, you can do whatever you’d like to it. Broaden your horizons by choosing a stylish, eco-friendly patio design.

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Three Unique Kitchen Cabinet Looks for a Contemporary Kitchen

Whether you are designing the kitchen for your new home or remodeling an outdated kitchen to accomplish a more contemporary look, you will want cabinets that not only bring the whole space together, but give your kitchen a unique style all its own. Some of the more modern materials used in making contemporary cabinets include glass, exotic woods, and stainless steel. While there are dozens of contemporary design schemes to choose from, here are three unique kitchen cabinet looks you may be interested in when considering your contemporary kitchen design.

Black, White and a Splash of Color

Black and white has always been at the forefront of the classic kitchen design, but now it is coming into its own as a wonderful combination color palette for contemporary kitchen cabinets. Try installing glossy white kitchen cabinets and pairing them with black marble or granite countertops. Once you have the basic cabinetry down, you can choose one or two colorful accessories, such as fire-red pendant lighting above the black and white island/bar seating area or a vivid color tile for the kitchen backsplash. The cabinets in this design should be sleek and tall with little or no adornment on the doors to give the area a clean, industrial look. This design is perfect for smaller kitchens because the slim, light design can make the space appear larger.

Smooth as Glass

The open cabinet design is used when you have an eclectic mix of beautiful dinner and glassware you intend to showcase, but the openness of the design doesn’t quite fit within a contemporary kitchen where everything must appear in order. To be able to display your wares without giving your kitchen a farmhouse look, you might want to consider using glass inserts in your cabinets. Glass can be used many ways. It can be etched, fluted, or frosted to obscure the contents behind.

Dark wood such as mahogany turns any kitchen into a contemporary masterpiece. The glass inserts fit nicely into this type of cabinet. Stainless steel cabinets, by themselves, can appear too stark for some modern kitchens, but if you use glass inserts, such as the fluted type, it can transform your kitchen into a most inviting modern space.

Contemporary Glass Kitchen Cabinets

The New Green

One of the best ways you can do your part to save the environment is to consider using green materials in your contemporary kitchen cabinet design. Thinking outside the box will enable you to create a unique-looking kitchen starting with the cabinets. Renewable materials such as bamboo/plywood and lyptus, taken from a hybrid of the eucalyptus tree, are not only as sturdy as traditional hardwoods, but they are extremely beautiful woods that fit perfectly within the contemporary design scheme. In addition to their unique appeal, cabinets fashioned from green materials also offer additional health benefits by emitting less chemicals into your environment than those made from traditional cabinet materials.

Whichever contemporary cabinet design you choose, be sure that it fits within your overall modern design scheme. A qualified interior design expert can help you decide which materials and colors to choose to accomplish a unique look that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come