Blog

BY: JULIA KILBERG

MOSS transformed this beautiful McLean, Virginia, home to encompass the homeowner’s love of timeless design with functional style and simple sophistication. The home had great bones but was in need of MOSS’ design team to deliver that “wow” factor.

While the kitchen remodel was a priority, other updates to the first-floor living room and second-floor master bathroom made the new updated design carry throughout the home.

The MOSS project managers, design team, and contractors adeptly communicated with the homeowners, who traveled internationally during the renovation, to surpass expectation on this marvelous Northern Virginia remodel.

McLean Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home – and one you can reap the benefits of daily. This McLean kitchen was originally dated by the light wood cabinetry, so the homeowner completely updated the room with a classic white design. The painted fine maple cabinetry from Landmark features soft close doors – a must-have in all new kitchen designs.

The white Carrara marble and grey Caesarstone countertops and island marry elegance with functionality for long-standing durability in this kitchen. Caesarstone is a great kitchen countertop choice versus granite because it doesn’t require any sealant to resist spills.

The darker wood flooring adds to the updated look and wonderfully complements the white cabinets and enlarged island.

Even though the homeowner kept the original stainless steel appliances and two hanging pendant lights above the island, the other renovations make the space look completely new.

Living Room Remodeling Upgrades

This living room needed a few touches to make the home renovation complete throughout the home. A simple stone masonry fireplace was transformed into a more modern white mantle and hearth that makes the space look fresh and new.

The same dark hardwood flooring from the kitchen is carried through to the open-concept living space for continuity. Finally, updated paint colors and new furniture finish off the space.

Master Bathroom Remodel

This home’s large master bathroom offered the MOSS team a lot of real estate to complete a stunning bathroom update. The original brown and white colors of the room are drab compared to the new updates to the vanity countertops and flooring. The gorgeous gray stone tile floor adds rich warmth to the room.

Framed mirrors are very trendy. They make the vanity area pop and add color and depth to walls. The large mirrors in this bathroom remodel look great with the darker frames to help them stand out from the white and gray cabinetry and countertops.

Italian marble from Mosaic Tile was placed in the walk-in shower and around the adjacent deep bathing tub. We love the square Kohler rainhead fixture as well, which makes any shower feel like a spa experience.

Check out more pictures of this stunning remodel in our Houzz photo album here.

Is it time to fall in love with your home all over again? Contact Moss Building & Design to help you bring your design concepts to life at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

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This uniquely built, round house in Oakton, Virginia, presented design challenges that the MOSS team adeptly navigated with a modern touch to make it more updated and usable for the homeowners. Modern updates can be seen throughout the house with the use of gray and white paint, new hardwood flooring, the creation of ensuite bathrooms, and a general opening up of dead space.

MOSS’ team of interior designers, project managers, and skilled carpenters completely reconfigured the living areas and applied new paint and flooring throughout the house in a renovation timeline of only seven months. This room, for example, was transformed from drab living space to a fabulous guest room ensuite bathroom.

The exterior of the home also went through a transition from its original dark brown color to white with James Hardie siding. A new roof was also installed.

Living Room Remodel

The living room was given a much-needed face lift with replacement floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring stunning 17-foot by 5-foot pieces of glass; new, modern wide-plank hardwood floor; and an updated staircase. The existing frame of the circular staircase was kept in place, but the MOSS team installed new treads and rails to give it a fresh look. An updated orb light fixture and the removal of brick and wood paneling ornamentation completed the remodel.

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen layout was completely reconfigured, and the homeowner and MOSS team didn’t shy away from moving and removing walls. To open up the space, the team took out a large stone cooktop island, changed the location of the staircase that descends into the living room, and removed a wall between the living and dining rooms. The homeowner chose to mix light and dark colors with classic white Stonebridge by Hampshire, semi-custom cabinets, a unique wood range hood, and a dark wood island. Stainless steel appliances and orb light fixtures complement the modern look.

Master Bathroom Remodel

Another hallmark of this remodel is the master bath. The rectangular, white Wyndham Collection acrylic, freestanding soaking tub is eye-catching along with the vertical brick-pattern Travertini tile that extends from the shower and onto the entire wall behind the tub. Similar to the kitchen, this room blends light and dark colors beautifully with Kraftmaid Cabinetry for a blended look.

See more of this fabulous, whole-house transformation by visiting our photo gallery on Houzz. Then, check out another stunning Before and After profile of a McLean, VA remodeled home.

Want to learn more about a home remodel of your own? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

If you think completing an entire home remodel is daunting, this remodel completed by Moss Building & Design, Northern Virginia’s top remodeler, will have you awestruck.

This uniquely built, round house in Oakton, Virginia, presented design challenges that the MOSS team adeptly navigated with a modern touch to make it more updated and usable for the homeowners. Modern updates can be seen throughout the house with the use of gray and white paint, new hardwood flooring, the creation of ensuite bathrooms, and a general opening up of dead space.

MOSS’ team of interior designers, project managers, and skilled carpenters completely reconfigured the living areas and applied new paint and flooring throughout the house in a renovation timeline of only seven months. This room, for example, was transformed from drab living space to a fabulous guest room ensuite bathroom.

The exterior of the home also went through a transition from its original dark brown color to white with James Hardie siding. A new roof was also installed.

Living Room Remodel

The living room was given a much-needed face lift with replacement floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring stunning 17-foot by 5-foot pieces of glass; new, modern wide-plank hardwood floor; and an updated staircase. The existing frame of the circular staircase was kept in place, but the MOSS team installed new treads and rails to give it a fresh look. An updated orb light fixture and the removal of brick and wood paneling ornamentation completed the remodel.

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen layout was completely reconfigured, and the homeowner and MOSS team didn’t shy away from moving and removing walls. To open up the space, the team took out a large stone cooktop island, changed the location of the staircase that descends into the living room, and removed a wall between the living and dining rooms. The homeowner chose to mix light and dark colors with classic white Stonebridge by Hampshire, semi-custom cabinets, a unique wood range hood, and a dark wood island. Stainless steel appliances and orb light fixtures complement the modern look.

Master Bathroom Remodel

Another hallmark of this remodel is the master bath. The rectangular, white Wyndham Collection acrylic, freestanding soaking tub is eye-catching along with the vertical brick-pattern Travertini tile that extends from the shower and onto the entire wall behind the tub. Similar to the kitchen, this room blends light and dark colors beautifully with Kraftmaid Cabinetry for a blended look.

See more of this fabulous, whole-house transformation by visiting our photo gallery on Houzz. Then, check out another stunning Before and After profile of a McLean, VA remodeled home.

Want to learn more about a home remodel of your own? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Floors. Walls. Backsplashes.

What do they have in common? These days, more than you can imagine.

At Moss Building & Design, we’re always keeping a finger on the pulse of design trends in home remodeling, and one thing that we’ve noticed is the use of tile that looks like wood. Whether it’s porcelain or LVT (luxury vinyl tile), the wood-look trend is everywhere these days. 

Using Porcelain Tile In Your Remodel

In this gorgeous bathroom in Vienna, Virginia, our client truly embraced this trend for their floors and shower walls. Using porcelain tile that looks incredibly like hardwood, the design and use of this tile showcases our client’s taste and decor style. It stunningly creates a calming, almost outdoorsy backdrop feeling for anyone who uses the bathroom or shower.

Remodeling With Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Another trend that’s being used a great deal, especially on floors that are heavily used, is Luxury Vinyl Tile, better known as LVT. Coming in a range of colors, this tile bears a striking resemblance to hardwood and is incredibly durable.

In addition, it’s affordable. If you think about your family and kitchen, an LVT floor is an option to consider, as it’s impervious to water damage unlike actual hardwood flooring. 

Tile Size & Shape Options

The great part about choosing a wood-like tile, whether porcelain or LVT, is that options vary. Choose panel shapes, single vinyl sheets, or parquet sized pieces. Installation is relatively simple, and within a few days, you have an entirely new look to your remodel. 

Educate Yourself Before Remodeling

Wood-look flooring burst onto the scene with a force, but remember that not all tile is created equal. Knowing what you want for your floor, walls, or backsplash is wonderful, but if you need more ideas and are interested in seeing options, here’s a good article.

It dives into the details involved with the range of options on today’s market. Take the time to educate yourself and really understand the choices available. 

Interested in learning more about a home remodel of your own? Email MOSS at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com or call us at 703.961.7707.

Few words describe this amazing home remodel in McLean, Virginia, by Moss Building & Design, Northern Virginia’s top remodeler.

Buoyed by the vision of the homeowner and fulfilled by our team of interior designers and project managers, this renovation truly demonstrates the capabilities of Moss Building & Design — not only in structural changes, but in listening to our clients and providing them with the home remodel of their dreams. 

This McLean, Virginia, home, purchased by our client to be nearer to family, was beautiful to begin with. Our client, however, wanted the space to feel differently for them.

In addition to major updates to the kitchen, master bedroom, and master bathroom, MOSS provided new floors on the main level, redid the living room mantle, painted the entire home, and installed a new front door. 

Kitchen Renovation

To fulfill our client’s vision for their kitchen, MOSS opened up walls into the dining room, creating a more open and fluid space. In traditional design style, this kitchen remodel included new quartzite countertops and custom-made Ken Mason Tile backsplash. Semi-custom Hampshire cabinets and new appliances, including a second dishwasher, were installed. 

Master Suite Remodel

Renovating a master bedroom is very personal. Our client wanted a more open space and to utilize additional room from other nearby bedrooms. MOSS created a new walk-in closet for the master bedroom from a smaller bedroom, and then transformed the original closet into a small seating area.

In addition, MOSS installed a tray ceiling, which made the master bedroom appear larger and more light-filled. The master bedroom, therefore, became more of a master suite. 

Master Bathroom Remodel

Our client had a specific vision for their master bathroom: To create a larger space with a “wet room.” MOSS took on the challenge and combined the original master bathroom with an adjoining hallway bath to create a truly incredible bathroom.

The shower area and large tub were built in the same area, surrounded by fixed panel glass with no doorway. The “wet room” allows young visitors to splash as they wish without worry of the flooring. MOSS installed a porcelain, marble-like tile on the floors, walls, and shower floor. The chosen vanity top was Mother Of Pearl quartzite. 

See more photos of this beautiful before and after transformation by visiting our gallery of images on Houzz. 

Want to learn more about a home remodel of your own? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Many people mistakenly interchange the terms contemporary and modern when describing their home design style. Contemporary design style is fluid and ever-changing.

Unlike traditional design style, which can become over-the-top with ornamentation, and modern design style, which can be overly sharp and stark, contemporary design blends the two in perfect balance. While I must admit, it’s a little confusing, some distinct differences exist between the two.

Modern Design Reflects A Particular Period

As you may remember from our modern design series of blogs in December, modern design is a style that rose to popularity in the 1920s to 1950s. Its minimalism, sleekness, and airiness has a very distinct look. You’ll likely see sharp lines and bold colors standing out from a stark white, black, or gray color palette, as well as plastic, glass, or wood furniture.

In the following McLean, Virginia, home that MOSS remodeled in 2015, you see a perfect example of modern design style through accent furniture used in this hallway.

What Is Contemporary Home Design?

Contemporary home design is up-to-date and “modern”. It’s ever-changing and in-the-moment. It adopts some elements of modern design, such as a clutter-free environment and a lack of ornamentation and embellishments.

However, in a contemporary home, you also see the latest trends or a homeowner’s eclectic personality shine through.

This Arlington, Virginia remodel features a lot of natural light and open space. It uses neutral gray colors and is clutter-free but still very comfortable and inviting. The recessed lighting is a must-have in today’s homes, but the lamps on the end tables still make the room feel very cozy.

Finally, the nailhead trim headboard on the bed is a very contemporary trend. If this bedroom were more modern (instead of contemporary), you’d see furniture and accent pieces with sharper, straighter lines.

How Do You Achieve Contemporary Design Style?

Newly remodeled contemporary homes focus on finishes like fir, cedar, and stone, which are popular at this time, according to Relish Interiors.

Another highly utilized trend is luxury vinyl plank flooring, which is hot right now in just about any room of your home from kitchens and bathrooms to basements. This is such a desirable floor option because of its versatility and durability. It’s very difficult to scratch or tarnish and holds up well against changing temperatures and moisture levels.

See the picture below of a MOSS bathroom remodel that features plank flooring in Arlington, Virginia.

Sometimes, being “contemporary” means embracing vintage elements that have become trendy again. In our blog, Our Predictions for Popular 2018 Design Trends, we outline some of the top remodeling trends we’ve seen rise over the past year. A few of those trends lean toward rustic or vintage design styles, including farmhouse sinks, vintage pendant lights, and touches of brass.

When done right, you can add any of these trends into your design while still remaining contemporary.

For more tips on how to incorporate a contemporary home design into your living space, download our style guide by clicking on the button below. We outline best practices for creating the best contemporary kitchen design, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

If you’re thinking of a contemporary home design for your next remodeling project, work with Northern Virginia’s top remodeler. Call Moss Building & Design at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

What I like about contemporary design style, as cited by HGTV, is its fluidity and ever-changing personality. Unlike traditional design style, which can become over-the-top with ornamentation, and modern design style, which seems overly sharp and stark, contemporary design blends the two in perfect harmony. It’s never exactly the same with any project.

Every year, contemporary design offers something new or unique from that season’s trend. However, some common elements recur in almost all seasons of contemporary design. Trends, like neutral colors, smooth lines, and natural elements, are hallmarks of the style.

Read more about how to achieve this design style in our style guide by clicking here.

The Best Contemporary Kitchen Remodels

For kitchen remodels, you’ll typically see contemporary design reflected in white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a minimalist, clutter-free environment. This McLean, Virginia, kitchen shown below (remodeled by Moss Building and Design) perfectly showcases contemporary style.

Its white countertops and stainless steel appliances are neutral and use clean lines but also have character.

When you’re considering a contemporary kitchen remodel, add additional touches, like a bold backsplash, a vintage butcher block, or metallic accents. Don’t be afraid to make the kitchen your own! These personal touches are exactly what contemporary design style is all about.

This photo of a kitchen backsplash in McLean, Virginia, shows a great use of beautiful, rectangular tiles. Using creative and colorful tiles adds texture to your space and creates a lovely focal point for the room.

Contemporary kitchens don’t have to predominantly use the color white. For example, this MOSS-designed Arlington, Virginia, kitchen uses darker wood cabinetry to add warmth while adhering to contemporary style. You also see very creative and modern light fixtures and bar stools, as well as a colorful tiled geometric backsplash that runs the length of the kitchen remodel.

Another example of a darker contemporary kitchen in Arlington focuses on hardwoods from the floor to the cabinets.

The Best Contemporary Bathroom Remodels

Bathrooms remodeled in contemporary design style are very elegant and spa-like. They create a calming atmosphere with updated fixtures and flooring and often feature geometric shapes in the tile or vanity and mirror.

Glass and natural elements, like stone, real plants, or greenery, are also common. Contemporary bathrooms are nearly always remodeled with new material and technologies in mind, according to HGTV.

For example, many contemporary bathrooms of today use laminate or luxury vinyl plank flooring that resembles real wood but holds up better under moisture conditions.

This example of a MOSS bathroom remodel in Arlington, Virginia, showcases a beautiful, oval mirror behind the sink. The mirror becomes one of the focal points of the room in addition to the geometric tiled wall. The dark wood cabinets of the bathroom complement the light plank flooring.

For a look that’s more common, this Oakton, Virginia, bathroom remodel focuses on the tile artistry in the shower. It also matches contemporary style with sleek lines and a clean, updated look.

Learn More About Northern Virginia’s Top Remodeler

Kitchens and bathrooms are where you really have fun with home design during a remodeling project. These rooms need the most attention because of their daily use and how quickly appliances and fixtures become outdated. What better way to bring in your eclectic flair than through a contemporary home design in your bathroom or kitchen?

If you’re thinking of a contemporary home design for your next remodeling project, call Moss Building & Design at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com. 

Transitional Design Style For Your Northern Virginia Home

Transitional design takes components from traditional and modern design to create a harmonious space. It’s really the best of both worlds!

Transitional interior design is great for homeowners who don’t want the overly embellished look of traditional design or the starkness of modern design.

A transitional home design can be difficult to achieve. The last thing you want is for both design styles to be standing on their own within your space. Contact us for a design consultation, if you want expert advice on creating a cohesive transitional home design.

Before jumping into how to make each room transitional, let’s review some of the hallmark elements of transitional design.

Color Palettes

When designing a transitional room, stick to a neutral color palette. Use beiges, grays, and other neutral colors on the walls to allow other elements and accent colors to take center stage in your space.

Remember, transitional design blends traditional and modern elements, so a consistent color scheme with a pop of color works well for a transitional space.

Minimalism

When blending modern and traditional design, find the sweet spot with enough decorative details, without overdoing it. Stick to the simplistic, clean look of modern interior design. Avoid clutter, but add smaller decorative pieces to incorporate traditional design.

Understated Sophistication

Stephen G. of Interiors by Stephen, describes transitional design as “understated sophistication,” and we couldn’t agree more. Blending two of the most popular design styles into one creates an elegant and beautiful outcome. This design avoids the clutter that comes from overly traditional spaces, yet it includes decorative traditional pieces into a modern space, creating a look that’s clean and elegant.

Now, let’s talk about how to make each room in your home transitional.

Transitional Bathroom Design

When it comes to designing a transitional bathroom, have fun with it! Pick and choose which elements of modern interior design and traditional design that you like the most.

Consider the following transitional interior design ideas for your bathroom remodel:

• Neutral tile
• Freestanding tub
• Neutral color palette
• Incorporate curved and straight lines
• Small amounts of decorative fixtures
• Transitional faucets from Houzz

Be cautious to not favor traditional or modern design elements to avoid creating a space that isn’t transitional at all.

Transitional Kitchen Design

The possibilities are endless when creating a transitional kitchen. Have fun with your design! Transitional interior design adds texture to the space, like this kitchen remodel in Arlington, Virginia, which adds texture through the backsplash.

Consider the following elements to make your kitchen more transitional:

• Hardwood floors
• Neutral colors, including whites and beiges
• Combining natural materials and manufactured ones
• Granite, marble, and limestone countertops
• Simple paneled cabinet doors with sleek hardware

Other Transitional Elements To Consider For Your Home Design

For every traditional element in a room, balance it with one of your favorite modern elements. For example, decorative details in traditional design should be on a small scale. The clean, minimal element of modern design allows for a clutter-free space in transitional interior design, but you can spice it up with enjoyable decorative elements.

To learn more about traditional and modern design, check out our recent blogs to help you blend the two designs into a beautiful transitional space.

The Best Remodelers In Northern VA

If you’re in the market for home remodeling or you’d like to talk to a professional about making your home more transitional, call us at 703-961-7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Modern design appeals to many people. It’s known for its straight, clean lines and simple decor. There are many modern design elements that you can use to achieve a modern design style in your bedroom. As your expert Northern Virginia remodeler, we’ve designed many modern homes and can share tips to help you create a modern home design.

Less Is More

When it comes to designing a modern bedroom, it’s important to remember that less is more. Modern interior design is very simple and minimalistic.

The furniture you pick should be very sleek and simple. Detailed woodwork and decorative details shouldn’t be used in modern interior design. When choosing a bed, consider a platform bed like this one from Houzz. It’s simple yet stylish and will certainly help achieve a modern home design.

Incorporate Wood Into Design Accents

Another modern design element is incorporating wood into the design. This platform bed from Houzz is another great option. It’s functional and adds a touch of wood to the space.  

If done correctly, a shiplap wall is another great option to achieve a modern look in your bedroom. Take it a step further and paint the shiplap white or another neutral color to make the room even more modern.

Let There Be (Natural) Light

The best light is natural light. Oftentimes, you’ll see modern bedrooms with tall windows and no curtains or window treatments. Skylights are another great addition. Modern home design has a clean feeling, and letting natural light flow freely through the room creates that clean, open feeling in your bedroom.

Neutral With A Pop Of Color

Consider a neutral color for the walls, bedding, and floor. Consider a bold pop of color that’s consistent throughout the space, because using the same bold color in accent pillows and other decorative pieces ties everything together and maintains consistency.

In this remodel in McLean, notice the neutral color used on the bedding and walls, as well as the bold red that’s used in the lamps and chairs. Again, being cautious about avoiding too much color, this room successfully adds that pop and maintains a very clean, modern look.

Creating Straight, Clean Lines

You’ve heard that modern interior design incorporates straight, clean lines, but what exactly does that mean? Honestly, exactly what it says.

From the use of decorative accents to the furniture, each element provides an opportunity to create straight, clean lines. House Tipster has a gallery of modern bedrooms, where you should notice that each one incorporates straight lines through the bedding, flooring, or the dressers.

Simple Decorative Elements

When choosing decorations, stick to the ‘less is more’ concept. There’s no need to get too crazy when trying to achieve a modern look.

Take the painting that’s hung in the remodel in McLean. It’s very simple and adds the right amount of color to tie the room together. When achieving a modern look, it’s all about the room as a whole as opposed to independent pieces.

White, fresh flowers are often used to decorate a modern room, as well as accent pillows. HGTV has a great gallery of modern interior design bedrooms for more inspiration.

Minimal Clutter

Last but certainly not least, you can’t have a modern bedroom with clutter. Out with the old and in with the clean space!

Nightstands should be free of clutter with a simple table lamp or small vase with flowers. Your dresser should be cleared and have one or two decoratives pieces, if any at all.

Lastly, don’t overdo it with wall decor. One simple painting should suffice in a modern bedroom and tie in the accent color you chose.

Remodeling With Northern Virginia’s Best Contractor

Whether you’re in the market for a traditional or modern home or you’re unsure of your specific design style, we can help! Email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com, or call us at 703-961-7707 to talk about your project. We can’t wait to hear from you.