# Contrast-Heavy Urban Apartments This Montreal Apartment is a Metropolitan Dream By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2013-11-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/montreal-apartment References: [blog.gessato](http://blog.gessato.com/2013/11/01/espace-st-denis-renovation-by-anne-sophie-goneau/) & [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2013/10/17/espace-st-denis-apartment-by-anne-sophie-goneau/) Anne Sophie Goneau oversaw the renovation of this [ground-floor Montreal apartment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residence-ave-duchastel). The open-concept space features clean lines, [exposed red brick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diandra-maselli-architect) and steal beams. The design team encountered a [steel I-bar during the renovation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fm-apartment) process; rather than remove it, Goneau worked it into her design plan for a raw, urban feel. Goneau opened up about her vision by saying, "The concept was to highlight the raw materials discovered during the demolition, in order to communicate their material, their relief and color environment." The exposed brick offers a contrast to the stark white and glass surroundings, as do the glossy black cabinets and wooden accent. These elements combined make for a modern yet cozy space that is perfect for a little R&R. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Contrast-heavy Design:** There is a growing trend in urban apartments to incorporate contrast-heavy design, combining raw materials with sleek modern elements. - **Open-concept Spaces:** Open-concept spaces are becoming popular in apartment design, creating a sense of spaciousness and fluidity. - **Integration of Raw Materials:** Designers are increasingly embracing and incorporating raw materials discovered during renovation processes, adding a unique and rustic touch to urban apartments. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Interior Design:** The interior design industry can take advantage of the contrast-heavy trend by offering services that incorporate raw materials and sleek modern elements in apartment designs. - **Construction/remodeling:** The construction and remodeling industry can tap into the open-concept trend by offering services that transform traditional apartment layouts into open and fluid spaces. - **Material Suppliers:** Suppliers of raw materials like exposed brick, steel beams, and reclaimed wood have an opportunity to provide unique and sought-after materials for designers looking to integrate them into urban apartment designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [NYC Apartment Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooklyn-loft.md) - [Graphic-Accented Brutalist Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jean-verville.md) - [Family-Oriented Apartment Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triplex-fabre.md) - [Mid-Century Flat Revamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warsaw-apartment-renovation.md) - [Vibrant Milanese Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milanese-apartment.md) - [Ultra-Slick Modern Apartment Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-apartment-interior.md) - [Kitchen-Focused Renovated Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/republique-apartment.md) - [Nostalgic 70s-Inspired Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-special-studio.md) - [Barcelona Apartment Renovation Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isern-serra.md)