Modern family loft in Boston. New walnut stair treads lead up to the master suite. A wall separating the master bedroom from the double height living space was replaced with a folding glass door to open the bedroom to the living space while still allowing for both visual and acoustical privacy. Surfaces built into the new railing atop the stair create a functional work area with a fantastic view and clear shot to the play space below. The baby nursery below now includes transom windows to share light from the open space. Photos by Eric Roth. Construction by Ralph S. Osmond Company. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design. http://www.zeroenergy.com

A 1980's townhouse located in the Fitler Square neighborhood of Philadelphia was in need of an upgrade. The project that resulted included substantial interior renovation to the four-story townhome overlooking the Schuylkill River. The Owners desired a fresh interpretation of their existing space, more suited for entertaining and uncluttered modern living. This led to a reinvention of the modern master suite and a refocusing of architectural elements and materials throughout the home. Originally comprised of a divided master bedroom, bathroom and office, the fourth floor was entirely redesigned to create a contemporary, open-plan master suite. The bedroom, now located in the center of the floor plan, is composed with custom built-in furniture and includes a glass terrarium and a wet bar. It is flanked by a dressing room on one side and a luxurious bathroom on the other, all open to one another both visually and by circulation. The bathroom includes a free-standing tub, glass shower, custom wood vanity, eco-conscious fireplace, and an outdoor terrace. The open plan allows for great breadth and a wealth of natural light, atypical of townhouse living. The main entertaining floor houses the kitchen, dining area and living room. A sculptural ceiling defines the open dining area, while a long, low concrete hearth connects the new modern fireplace with the concrete stair treads leading up. The bright, neutral color palette of the walls and finishes contrasts against the blackened wood floors. Sleek but comfortable furnishing, dramatic recessed lighting, and a full-home speaker system complete the entertaining space. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Ben Benschneider
Staircase - contemporary wooden staircase idea in Seattle with metal risers

Example of a large country dark wood floor great room design in Other with white walls and a two-sided fireplace

Overall view of the kitchen - The first island highlights the eating area with mid-tone cabinetry, exotic granite, and a decorative chandelier. The second island and surrounding cabinetry is white with cream countertops. Photo: Bob Narod

These wide stairs provide a dramatic entry into the backyard. All hardscape and plantings designed and installed by Pistils Landscape Design + Build.

Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun side yard concrete paver garden path in Phoenix for fall.

An used closet under the stairs is transformed into a beautiful and functional chilled wine cellar with a new wrought iron railing for the stairs to tie it all together. Travertine slabs replace carpet on the stairs. LED lights are installed in the wine cellar for additional ambient lighting that gives the room a soft glow in the evening. Photos by: Ryan Wilson

Elevate Wine Storage Systems are one-of-a-kind wine storage systems that incorporate clear acrylic wine cradles held by solid stainless steel rods. These secure rods are supported by a base and soffit unit, illuminated with LED display lighting. This proprietary product is designed and manufactured by Kessick Wine Cellars. Kessick sells wholesale to the trades and ships to the entire US and international. Photo by Drew Kelly

Elizabeth Taich Design is a Chicago-based full-service interior architecture and design firm that specializes in sophisticated yet livable environments.

AWARD WINNING | International Green Good Design Award OVERVIEW | This home was designed as a primary residence for a family of five in a coastal a New Jersey town. On a tight infill lot within a traditional neighborhood, the home maximizes opportunities for light and space, consumes very little energy, incorporates multiple resiliency strategies, and offers a clean, green, modern interior. ARCHITECTURE & MECHANICAL DESIGN | ZeroEnergy Design CONSTRUCTION | C. Alexander Building PHOTOS | Eric Roth Photography

Solid Apollo LED. In this new European inspired home, the designers wanted to create a lively living and entertainment room by installing color changing RGB LED Strip Lights in the ceiling coves created by the ceiling accent blocks. The LED Strip Light is installed facing down, to project the most light possible. The design of the LED Strip Light ensures there are no hot spots and only a seamless linear light is shown. The lights are controlled by the Glass Touch In-Wall RGB LED Controller for simple color selection and color changing pre-programmed programs.

Blue Gator Photography
Example of a classic home office design in San Francisco

A beautiful contemporary modern open concept living room featuring our fused glass Tanzania pendant light chandelier in the stairwell.
Example of a trendy formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

TruLine 1.6A creates clean lines of light in this modern living space.
Inspiration for a contemporary family room remodel in Chicago

Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom photo in Boston with raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Photos by Spacecrafting
Mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor entryway photo in Minneapolis with a white front door and gray walls

An used closet under the stairs is transformed into a beautiful and functional chilled wine cellar with a new wrought iron railing for the stairs to tie it all together. Travertine slabs replace carpet on the stairs. LED lights are installed in the wine cellar for additional ambient lighting that gives the room a soft glow in the evening. Photos by: Ryan Wilson