Photo by: Lucas Finlay A successful entrepreneur and self-proclaimed bachelor, the owner of this 1,100-square-foot Yaletown property sought a complete renovation in time for Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. The goal: make it party central and keep the neighbours happy. For the latter, we added acoustical insulation to walls, ceilings, floors and doors. For the former, we designed the kitchen to provide ample catering space and keep guests oriented around the bar top and living area. Concrete counters, stainless steel cabinets, tin doors and concrete floors were chosen for durability and easy cleaning. The black, high-gloss lacquered pantry cabinets reflect light from the single window, and amplify the industrial space’s masculinity. To add depth and highlight the history of the 100-year-old garment factory building, the original brick and concrete walls were exposed. In the living room, a drywall ceiling and steel beams were clad in Douglas Fir to reference the old, original post and beam structure. We juxtaposed these raw elements with clean lines and bold statements with a nod to overnight guests. In the ensuite, the sculptural Spoon XL tub provides room for two; the vanity has a pop-up make-up mirror and extra storage; and, LED lighting in the steam shower to shift the mood from refreshing to sensual.

Exposed brick and timber set the tone for this San Francisco SOMA loft bedroom. Photo Credit: David Duncan Livingston

Photo Credit: Andy Beasley Sliding doors lead onto a tucked away patio area with wood clad wall. Texture and materials create an exciting space with a contrast to the large format grey floor tiles. Exposed brick walls are a great way to make a feature in any space this client did not want to use brick slips so real brick was exposed and the variation in tones makes for a warm and dynamic dining area. The wrap around glazing and slot window makes the space feel lightweight without overexposing the area. Wall Colour - Farrow & Ball Strong White. Floor tiles - Worlds End Tiles (Around £45sqm)

Inject bold floral design with French Connection Screen printed Poppy Field Rug. Large framed headdress North American influenced Print exclusive to French Connection.

With a generous amount of natural light flooding this open plan kitchen diner and exposed brick creating an indoor outdoor feel, this open-plan dining space works well with the kitchen space, that we installed according to the brief and specification of Architect - Michel Schranz. We installed a polished concrete worktop with an under mounted sink and recessed drain as well as a sunken gas hob, creating a sleek finish to this contemporary kitchen. Stainless steel cabinetry complements the worktop. We fitted a bespoke shelf (solid oak) with an overall length of over 5 meters, providing warmth to the space. Photo credit: David Giles

Julie Florio Photography

Photo - Jessica Glynn Photography

the rear of the open loft was divided and separated off from the main space to great two bedrooms. the dividing wall has a glass transom to allow as much light to travel between the spaces as possible. the master bedroom has an exposed brick wall. in the bedrooms the hardwood floors were painted white for some differentiation.

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz

Phillip Handforth

Graffiti Wall as art and exposed wall is a palimpsest illustrating the building history of many uses over a century of use Don Wong Photo, Inc

Photography by Eduard Hueber / archphoto North and south exposures in this 3000 square foot loft in Tribeca allowed us to line the south facing wall with two guest bedrooms and a 900 sf master suite. The trapezoid shaped plan creates an exaggerated perspective as one looks through the main living space space to the kitchen. The ceilings and columns are stripped to bring the industrial space back to its most elemental state. The blackened steel canopy and blackened steel doors were designed to complement the raw wood and wrought iron columns of the stripped space. Salvaged materials such as reclaimed barn wood for the counters and reclaimed marble slabs in the master bathroom were used to enhance the industrial feel of the space.

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz

A bright and charming basement kitchen creates a coherent scheme with each colour complementing the next. A white Corian work top wraps around grey silk finished lacquered cupboard doors and draws. The look is complete with hexagonal terracotta floor tiles that bounce off the original brick work above the oven adding a traditional element.

A four bedroom, two bathroom functional design that wraps around a central courtyard. This home embraces Mother Nature's natural light as much as possible. Whatever the season the sun has been embraced in the solar passive home, from the strategically placed north face openings directing light to the thermal mass exposed concrete slab, to the clerestory windows harnessing the sun into the exposed feature brick wall. Feature brickwork and concrete flooring flow from the interior to the exterior, marrying together to create a seamless connection. Rooftop gardens, thoughtful landscaping and cascading plants surrounding the alfresco and balcony further blurs this indoor/outdoor line. Designer: Dalecki Design Photographer: Dion Robeson

Homeowners in hip, downtown Chicago wanted a contemporary update for their open-concept kitchen and living room. Designer, Hannah Tindall, paired pops of bright orange and chartreuse with sleek gray cabinets and furnishings. We added a white, exposed brick wall as a unique accent piece to the living room. The custom kitchen island with waterfall edges adds extra space for cooking, while dropping down several inches on one end to become the homeowner's dining area. The final home result is a true blend of utility, sophistication, and cheer.

Richard Warburton Photography