Troy Gustafson
Example of a mid-sized transitional wooden straight staircase design in Minneapolis with painted risers

Photos by Bernard Andre
Elegant staircase photo in San Francisco

Stair case with black painted handrail and newell post and also stair risers painted black.
Elegant wooden staircase photo in Other with painted risers

Designed as a prominent display of Architecture, Elk Ridge Lodge stands firmly upon a ridge high atop the Spanish Peaks Club in Big Sky, Montana. Designed around a number of principles; sense of presence, quality of detail, and durability, the monumental home serves as a Montana Legacy home for the family. Throughout the design process, the height of the home to its relationship on the ridge it sits, was recognized the as one of the design challenges. Techniques such as terracing roof lines, stretching horizontal stone patios out and strategically placed landscaping; all were used to help tuck the mass into its setting. Earthy colored and rustic exterior materials were chosen to offer a western lodge like architectural aesthetic. Dry stack parkitecture stone bases that gradually decrease in scale as they rise up portray a firm foundation for the home to sit on. Historic wood planking with sanded chink joints, horizontal siding with exposed vertical studs on the exterior, and metal accents comprise the remainder of the structures skin. Wood timbers, outriggers and cedar logs work together to create diversity and focal points throughout the exterior elevations. Windows and doors were discussed in depth about type, species and texture and ultimately all wood, wire brushed cedar windows were the final selection to enhance the "elegant ranch" feel. A number of exterior decks and patios increase the connectivity of the interior to the exterior and take full advantage of the views that virtually surround this home. Upon entering the home you are encased by massive stone piers and angled cedar columns on either side that support an overhead rail bridge spanning the width of the great room, all framing the spectacular view to the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range in the distance. The layout of the home is an open concept with the Kitchen, Great Room, Den, and key circulation paths, as well as certain elements of the upper level open to the spaces below. The kitchen was designed to serve as an extension of the great room, constantly connecting users of both spaces, while the Dining room is still adjacent, it was preferred as a more dedicated space for more formal family meals. There are numerous detailed elements throughout the interior of the home such as the "rail" bridge ornamented with heavy peened black steel, wire brushed wood to match the windows and doors, and cannon ball newel post caps. Crossing the bridge offers a unique perspective of the Great Room with the massive cedar log columns, the truss work overhead bound by steel straps, and the large windows facing towards the Spanish Peaks. As you experience the spaces you will recognize massive timbers crowning the ceilings with wood planking or plaster between, Roman groin vaults, massive stones and fireboxes creating distinct center pieces for certain rooms, and clerestory windows that aid with natural lighting and create exciting movement throughout the space with light and shadow.

A distinctive box newel post.
Staircase photo in Milwaukee

Post to post handrail system with 4091 box newels, poplar handrail with a dark stain and Oil Rubbed Bronze wrought iron balusters with knuckles. Portland Stair Company

This room got such a dramatic transformation! The previous owner had brought it into the late 80's/early 90's, though the home was 100 years old. I wanted to bring some of that old charm back into the place. We added the newel post, railing, discovered original hardwoods and refinished the flooring and stairs, and my favorite piece was the very heavy marble fireplace surround. I found it on Craigslist for 800$. It was my first purchase for this home and was the inspiration piece for the rest of the house! This photo crops out the other sofa and room divider with columns that separate the living room from the dining room. To see the room in entirety (or the entire home) feel free to look at my project titled " Minneapolis Home." Staging by Cindy Montgomery of Showhomes, Minneapolis. Photo by Obeo, Minneapolis.

Large elegant carpeted straight wood railing staircase photo in Portland with carpeted risers

Staircase - traditional staircase idea in Minneapolis

Open stairs with a paint black handrail #6500 profile and black newel post. Painted risers and side skirts with rustic Hickory treads Portland Stair Company

Staircase - mid-sized traditional wooden l-shaped staircase idea in Chicago with painted risers

Photo by Linda Oyama-Bryan
Staircase - craftsman wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase idea in Chicago with wooden risers

This area really comes together by not drawing too much attention to one item. Mixing materials and colors really makes for a unique entrance into the home.

5'6" × 7'-0" room with Restoration Hardware "Hutton" vanity (36"w x 24"d) and "Hutton" mirror, sconces by Waterworks "Newel", shower size 36" x 36" with 22" door, HansGrohe "Axor Montreux" shower set. Wall paint is "pearl white" by Pratt & Lambert and wood trim is "white dove" eggshell from Benjamin Moore. Wall tiles are 3"x6" honed, carrara marble with inset hexagonals for the niche. Coved ceiling - walls are curved into a flat ceiling.

custom made box newel posts, 4 1/2" wide maple, carved, stained espresso and varnished with water base semigloss clear coat
Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in Chicago

Inspiration for a staircase remodel in Tampa

Entry hall with panted newel posts and balusters, oak flooring and stair treads, mahogany handrail. Pete Weigley
Huge elegant wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase photo in New York with wooden risers

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

Lake Front Country Estate Reclaimed Newel Post. Photography by Rachael Boling
Inspiration for a timeless staircase remodel in Other