Brady Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in San Diego

Blending knotty alder cabinets with classic quartz countertops, subway tile and rich oak flooring makes this open plan kitchen a warm retreat. Wrapped posts now replace previous structural walls and flank the extra-large island. Pro appliances, an apron sink and heavy hardware completes the rustic look. The adjacent bathroom features the same materials along with trendy encaustic floor tile for fun.

Example of a huge tuscan open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room library design in Austin with blue walls, no fireplace and no tv

This sleek contemporary staircase pairs rich ebony-stained oak with satin black horizontal iron balusters for a striking modern aesthetic. Square oak newels with chamfered tops anchor the design, while thick contemporary oak treads provide substantial footing. The ebony-stained custom handrails tie the dark tones together, creating visual cohesion from bottom to top. The result is a staircase that balances bold contrast with refined simplicity, proving that durable materials and precise craftsmanship create designs that stand the test of time. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, granite countertops and subway tile backsplash

Vertical lines define this sleek contemporary staircase. The dark stained treads and newels contrast beautifully with crisp white risers, while round metal balusters emphasize the clean vertical rhythm. The dark square-cut handrail anchors the design, creating visual weight against the home's light walls and open floor plan. The interplay of light and dark tones, combined with the strong vertical emphasis, gives the staircase a sense of height and elegance that grounds it in this contemporary home. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Before we remodeled this space, the kitchen cabinetry had a deep-dark stain, standard builder finishes, and could use a little makeover. Overall, the space lacked excitement, finesse, and good layout. So, in order to maximize the space to its full potential, we incorporated a new kitchen island which would give the space more storage, counter space, and we could include a wine unit! Win-win! Plus, the existing cabinetry on the perimeter was in great condition, so we could refinish those and have a little more fun with the other finishes of the space. Want to see what we did? Take a look below! Cabinetry As mentioned above, the cabinetry on the perimeter was refinished with white paint. The new island we installed cabinetry from WWWoods Shiloh, with a Heritage door style, and a finish of Arctic paint. Countertops The countertops feature a beautiful 3 cm Caesarstone Quartz in Symphony Grey. We also incorporated a waterfall on the edge, adding that extra element of design. Backsplash From the Glazzio Gemstone Series, we installed a Glacier Onyx 3” x 12” as the main backsplash tile and on the backside of the island. As a picture frame over the sink, we installed a Daltile Contempo White Polished marble pencil rail, with a Daltile Carrara White 1”x random marble Mosaic inside the frame. Fixtures From Blanco we have installed a Quatrus R0 Super Single Bowl sink, and a BLANCOCULINA semiprofessional kitchen faucet in satin nickel. The hardware cabinetry is the It Pull in Modern Bronze from Atlas. Flooring The new flooring is a hardwood oak, that’s been sanded and finished.

Huggy Bear Quaker style door in Cherry with Nutmeg stain. Island is Cherry with Slate stain. Backsplash is split-face travertine. Custom paneled hood. Cambria Cardiff Cream countertops. Wolf gas range.

Bruce Cole Photography
Example of a small cottage white two-story exterior home design in Other with a shingle roof

Photography by: David Dietrich Renovation by: Tom Vorys, Cornerstone Construction Cabinetry by: Benbow & Associates Countertops by: Solid Surface Specialties Appliances & Plumbing: Ferguson Lighting Design: David Terry Lighting Fixtures: Lux Lighting

Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Chicago

This kitchen is the perfect example of how dark stained cabinets don't necessarily create a dark space. The natural and artificial light in this kitchen's design allow the space to be bright and welcoming. Scott Amundson Photography, LLC

Designed using Trex Transcend decking in Lava Rock – a rich reddish-black shade with subtle shading and natural shade variations creating distinctive hardwood-like streaking and intense tropical hues and Trex Transcend decking in Tiki Torch – a warm, earthy shade features rich, reddish-brown hardwood streaking, and is designed to off the look of real tropical hardwoods with slight variations of color and streaking. Additional Trex products featured include Trex Elevations, Trex Reveal railing, Trex Pergola, Trex Outdoor Furniture and Trex Outdoor Lighting – stair riser lights, post cap lights and recessed lights.

Perimeter Hardware Paint Island - Rift White Oak Wood Driftwood Dark Stain
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, gray cabinets, quartz countertops and red backsplash

Example of a classic wooden staircase design in Boston with painted risers

This Houston kitchen remodel turned an outdated bachelor pad into a contemporary dream fit for newlyweds. The client wanted a contemporary, somewhat commercial look, but also something homey with a comfy, family feel. And they couldn't go too contemporary, since the style of the home is so traditional. The clean, contemporary, white-black-and-grey color scheme is just the beginning of this transformation from the previous kitchen, The revamped 20-by-15-foot kitchen and adjoining dining area also features new stainless steel appliances by Maytag, lighting and furnishings by Restoration Hardware and countertops in white Carrara marble and Absolute Black honed granite. The paneled oak cabinets are now painted a crisp, bright white and finished off with polished nickel pulls. The center island is now a cool grey a few shades darker than the warm grey on the walls. On top of the grey on the new sheetrock, previously covered in a camel-colored textured paint, is Sherwin Williams' Faux Impressions sparkly "Striae Quartz Stone." Ho-hum 12-inch ceramic floor tiles with a western motif border have been replaced with grey tile "planks" resembling distressed wood. An oak-paneled flush-mount light fixture has given way to recessed lights and barn pendant lamps in oil rubbed bronze from Restoration Hardware. And the section housing clunky upper and lower banks of cabinets between the kitchen an dining area now has a sleek counter-turned-table with custom-milled legs. At first, the client wanted to open up that section altogether, but then realized they needed more counter space. The table - a continuation of the granite countertop - was the perfect solution. Plus, it offered space for extra seating. The black, high-back and low-back bar stools are also from Restoration Hardware - as is the new round chandelier and the dining table over which it hangs. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston also took out a wall between the kitchen and living room and remodeled the adjoining living room as well. A decorative cedar beam stained Minwax Jacobean now spans the ceiling where the wall once stood. The oak paneling and stairway railings in the living room, meanwhile, also got a coat of white paint and new window treatments and light fixtures from Restoration Hardware. Staining the top handrailing with the same Jacobean dark stain, however, boosted the new contemporary look even more. The outdoor living space also got a revamp, with a new patio ceiling also stained Jacobean and new outdoor furniture and outdoor area rug from Restoration Hardware. The furniture is from the Klismos collection, in weathered zinc, with Sunbrella fabric in the color "Smoke."

The main staircase in the home showcases the utilitarian beauty of its craftsman inspired style. A stained, paneled newel post grounds the stair, with simple painted white chamfered balusters lending subtle depth and detail. Traditional dark stained treads contrast with the smooth white risers and stringer. [Photography by Jessica I. Miller]

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless slate floor and gray floor entryway remodel in Nashville with a medium wood front door and white walls

Example of a large transitional kitchen design in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, stone tile backsplash and white countertops