The interior of the wharf cottage appears boat like and clad in tongue and groove Douglas fir. A small galley kitchen sits at the far end right. Nearby an open serving island, dining area and living area are all open to the soaring ceiling and custom fireplace. The fireplace consists of a 12,000# monolith carved to received a custom gas fireplace element. The chimney is cantilevered from the ceiling. The structural steel columns seen supporting the building from the exterior are thin and light. This lightness is enhanced by the taught stainless steel tie rods spanning the space. Eric Reinholdt - Project Architect/Lead Designer with Elliott + Elliott Architecture Photo: Tom Crane Photography, Inc.

The Alta Gate Latch accommodates both in-swinging and out-swinging gates. For out-swinging gates, the latch-arm portion of the latch is installed on the street-side of the gate. This view is of the interior (patio) side of the fencing and gate. The client used a horizontal orientation to accentuate the modern design of her townhouse. Because there is a step down right in front of the gate, the gate swings out into the communal walkway. Photos by 360 Yardware

The Moda Contemporary Gate Latch is ideal for coastal locations. The Moda is crafted of 316 Stainless Steel for the best protection against the elements. FSC-certified Tigerwood gives a warm addition to the lever handles. The lever handles are spring-loaded for smooth operation. This gate latch is precision-machined for flawless function. Photo by T.S. Whalen, Portland, OR.

On the verge of a move across the country, these homeowners built a beautiful gate and fence line in their yard. The contemporary lines of the fence is simply lovely (see full photos of the finished project at photographer Eva Brennan’s site: http//www.evabrennan.com/1/post/2013/09/mission-accomplished.html). The family used two different latches: The Modern Tapered Ring Latch and the Stainless Steel Ring Latch. They chose 10” Stainless Steel Strap Hinges with Pintles, as well as 18” Cranked Band Hinges. The finished product was really a really wonderful gift to leave for their neighbors! Eva Brennan (www.evabrennan.com)

Front plastered walls, entry gates, an arbor structure and raised planters were developed to provide privacy for the exterior front courtyard beyond. Smooth plaster, metal framed gates with wood panels, and slate paving add a clean simple feel to the front elevation of this residence.

The stainless steel column in the centre of this design clads a supporting central pillar that was an essential part of the room's extension. By incorporating a seating area around this column it becomes an interesting focal point, integral to the design. The stainless steel echoes the Sub-Zero fridge freezer on the back wall, bringing together different areas of the room.

Custom Contemporary Home in a Northwest Modern Style utilizing warm natural materials such as cedar rainscreen siding, douglas fir beams, ceilings and cabinetry to soften the hard edges and clean lines generated with durable materials such as quartz counters, porcelain tile floors, custom steel railings and cast-in-place concrete hardscapes. Photographs by Miguel Edwards

Peter Venderwarker

Michael Hunter Photography

JC Buck Photography

An industrial modern design + build project placed among the trees at the top of a hill. More projects at www.IversonSignatureHomes.com 2012 KaDa Photography

Modern materials were chosen to fit the existing style of the home. Mahogany cabinets topped with Caesarstone countertops in Nougat and Raven were accented by 24×24-inch recycled porcelain tile with 1-inch glass penny round decos. Elsewhere in the kitchen, quality appliances were re-used. The oven was located in its original brick wall location. The microwave convection oven was located neatly under the island countertop. A tall pull out pantry was included to the left of the refrigerator. The island became the focus of the design. It provided the main food prep and cooking area, and helped direct traffic through the space, keeping guests comfortable on one side and cooks on the other. Large porcelain tiles clad the back side of the island to protect the surface from feet on stools and accent the surrounding surfaces.

Casey Dunn

We chose a very dramatic and modern stainless steel door for the front entry. The dark-sky compliant sconces are hand-forged wrought iron. Photograph © Darren Edwards, San Diego

This beautiful Spanish/Mediterranean Modern kitchen features UltraCraft's Stickley door style in Rustic Alder with Natural finish and Lakeway door style in Maple with Blue Ash paint. A celebration of natural light and green plants, this kitchen has a warm feel that shouldn't be missed!

White shaker-style cabinets with a chocolate brown stained island. Quartzite countertops and glass backsplash. Modern fixtures and stainless steel appliances. Impeccable storage solutions in kitchen cabinets and the walk-through pantry to mudroom. F8 Photography