This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The vanity area of the powder room showcases impeccable styling. The botanical wallpaper wraps the room in a rich, layered design, complemented by the clean lines of the white vanity and gray quartz countertop. A simple mirror reflects the wallpaper, amplifying the vibrant, nature-inspired aesthetic.

Immerse yourself in the functional simplicity of this modern galley kitchen. Flaunting a harmonious blend of natural wood and high-gloss slab doors, this space offers a seamless fusion of warmth, modernity, and streamlined design. The narrow, efficient layout amplifies the room's contemporary appeal, creating an inviting environment where functionality meets sophistication. The wood slab doors radiate a cozy, organic charm, their grain patterns adding visual interest. In contrast, the gloss slab doors reflect light beautifully, enhancing the sense of space. Together, they orchestrate a captivating interplay of textures, underlining the kitchen's minimalist yet welcoming aesthetic.

This single-story transitional home blended modern elements like clean lines, black-framed windows and a hexagonal backsplash in the dining room with hill country touches including warm wood flooring, beamed ceilings, a carved fireplace surround in the great room, and a stone facade on the front and back of the home. The light and bright hues, amplified by the natural light streaming in through the myriad of windows, created an open and spacious ambiance ideal for entertaining and every day living. In the kitchen, the understated color palette allowed the taj mahl granite counters and full-height backsplash to truly shine and stand out. With plenty of storage for apparel and food, as well as a mud room, oversized laundry room and large covered patio, this memorable home was designed to accommodate families with children and/or pets.

These clients had a hodgepodge of furniture mixed with a few great features and pieces - such as the William Morris wallpaper and vintage Chinese rug. We sourced a mix of vintage, new, and custom pieces to amplify the best parts of the existing features and create a space that felt less “formal” and more warm and inviting. We gutted the powder bath and created a fun statement with bright crocodile tile and subtle details. The kitchen needed a little facelift to stand up to the rest of the first floor, so we updated the tile, range, counters, hardware, plumbing fixtures, and lighting to bring the space to life. FUN FACT: The fireplace was a dated yellow brick with a massive TV mounted above that was never used. We replaced the TV with some colorful art and framed out and Venetian Plastered the fireplace to compliment the elegance of the room. Photography: Margaret Rajic

This home evokes a sensuous St. Barth lifestyle on Lake Michigan, designed for globetrotting clients who wanted a weekend sanctuary near their primary residence in Chicago. The project brief included open plan living for entertaining, a family lounge, and bedroom suites for houseguests. The first level is a glass rectangular volume that makes the second level appear to float over the dune and offers water views through the structure. Clad in Accoya, the upper level will gray with age and blend into the landscape. These two horizontal volumes are connected by a double-height glass entry space that reveals a floating staircase. A contemporary beach aesthetic unifies the interior through an edited palette of materials, including white oak millwork, large-format porcelain tile, and a range of warm whites. Interior tile extends out to the pool terrace, uniting the spaces and amplifying the connection to the outdoors. The landscape design enhances the experience. A courtyard with sculptural Ginkgo trees offers refuge from lake breezes. On the pool terrace, custom Cor-Ten planters overflow with Russian Sage, selected for graceful foliage that sways in the breeze and offers a relaxing herbal aroma.

On the third floor, an elegant lounge offers a variety of hangout spaces. From the roof deck lounge and dining area to the adult lounge and wet bar, the space is easy to entertain in. A cluster of coffee tables adds visual interest and materiality, while a cozy boucle lounge is a chic spot to curl up in. A fluted black marble statement wall amplifies the drama in the bar space and creates a defined transition into the home office.

The exquisite transformation of the kitchen in Silo Point Luxury Condominiums is a masterpiece of refinement—a testament to elegant design and optimized spatial planning. Jeanine Turner, the creative force behind Turner Design Firm, skillfully orchestrated this renovation with a clear vision—to harness and amplify the breathtaking views that the condominium's generous glass expanses offer from the open floor plan. Central to the renovation's success was the decisive removal of the walls that previously enclosed the refrigerator. This bold move radically enhanced the flow of the space, allowing for an uninterrupted visual connection from the kitchen through to the plush lounge and elegant dining area, and culminating in an awe-inspiring, unobstructed view of the harbor through the stately full-height windows. A testament to the renovation's meticulous attention to detail, the selection of the quartzite countertops resulted from an extensive and discerning search. Creating the centerpiece of the renovation, these breathtaking countertops stand out as a dazzling focal point amidst the kitchen's chic interiors, their natural beauty and resilience matching the aesthetic and functional needs of this sophisticated culinary setting. This redefined kitchen now boasts a seamless balance of form and function. The new design elegantly delineates the area into four distinct yet harmonious zones. The high-performance kitchen area is a chef's dream, with top-of-the-line appliances and ample workspace. Adjacent to it lies the inviting lounge, furnished with plush seating that encourages relaxation and conversation. The elegant dining space beckons with its sophisticated ambiance, while the charming coffee nook provides a serene escape for savoring a morning espresso or a peaceful afternoon read. Turner Design Firm's team member, Tessea McCrary, collaborated closely with the clients, ensuring the furniture selections echoed the homeowners' tastes and preferences, resulting in a living space that feels both luxurious and inviting.

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This contemporary home features two striking staircases with integrated LED lighting, glass railing, and thick wood treads. The color-changing LEDs shift from red to blue to yellow, transforming the staircases into dynamic focal points throughout the day. Wood treads and handrails are paired with frameless glass balustrades secured by black pins. Open risers amplify the LED lighting effect while maximizing transparency. The first-level staircase uses cantilevered and field-supported construction, while the second rises on dual metal stringers. Glass railing continues on the second-floor balcony, creating a cohesive system where light and glass elevate the design beyond the purely functional. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Influenced by classic Nordic design. Surprisingly flexible with furnishings. Amplify by continuing the clean modern aesthetic, or punctuate with statement pieces. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

Gylden æra embraces the timeless elegance of Scandinavian minimalism in a compact apartment. By streamlining layout and materials, it creates a serene, deliberate environment where simplicity speaks volumes. Every detail is intentionally crafted—from the seamless integration of functional areas to the uncluttered circulation paths. The design presents a visual calm that enhances both daily living and quiet reflection. Soft woods, matte surfaces, and warm neutrals anchor the scheme. Subtle use of light tones amplifies natural light and expands spatial perception. Textural variations—like woven textiles, fine-grain wood, and matte finishes—add depth without compromising simplicity. Minimalist lighting design—wall-mounted fixtures, linear pendants—complements the space's architectural rhythm without drawing attention away. Strategic layering of natural and ambient light enhances mood while maintaining visual clarity. Gylden æra feels both peaceful and poised—moderated yet expressive. It captures a balance of restrained luxury and everyday comfort, honoring Scandinavian roots.

Some of the most delightful opportunities for amplifying charm were built into the cottage chimney.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Los Angeles.

This project uses a neutral color palette to enhance the sea view, allowing the natural beauty outside to participate in the apartment's design. The soft whites, beiges, and creams throughout create a calming, cohesive backdrop that amplifies the light and airy ambiance of each space. To add vibrancy and personality, carefully selected artwork and decor pieces introduce pops of color, serving as focal points without disrupting the serene atmosphere. Thoughtfully incorporated biophilic design elements—such as fresh greenery and organic shapes—bring a natural feel indoors, fostering a connection with nature. The outcome is a sophisticated space that feels both luxurious and inviting.

A very small backyard nestled into the edge of a steep slope was the beginning of this space. Further the client, a Sea Captain wanted a copper roof over the patio to amplify the sound of falling rain. Terrain worked closely with the designers to squeeze in an upper IPE entertaining deck, spiral staircase and gas fire pit all clad with sheets of custom made copper. The garden has aged to a beautiful patina and the area is enjoyed year round by the clients. Designed by Dakota Designs.

The exquisite transformation of the kitchen in Silo Point Luxury Condominiums is a masterpiece of refinement—a testament to elegant design and optimized spatial planning. Jeanine Turner, the creative force behind Turner Design Firm, skillfully orchestrated this renovation with a clear vision—to harness and amplify the breathtaking views that the condominium's generous glass expanses offer from the open floor plan. Central to the renovation's success was the decisive removal of the walls that previously enclosed the refrigerator. This bold move radically enhanced the flow of the space, allowing for an uninterrupted visual connection from the kitchen through to the plush lounge and elegant dining area, and culminating in an awe-inspiring, unobstructed view of the harbor through the stately full-height windows. A testament to the renovation's meticulous attention to detail, the selection of the quartzite countertops resulted from an extensive and discerning search. Creating the centerpiece of the renovation, these breathtaking countertops stand out as a dazzling focal point amidst the kitchen's chic interiors, their natural beauty and resilience matching the aesthetic and functional needs of this sophisticated culinary setting. This redefined kitchen now boasts a seamless balance of form and function. The new design elegantly delineates the area into four distinct yet harmonious zones. The high-performance kitchen area is a chef's dream, with top-of-the-line appliances and ample workspace. Adjacent to it lies the inviting lounge, furnished with plush seating that encourages relaxation and conversation. The elegant dining space beckons with its sophisticated ambiance, while the charming coffee nook provides a serene escape for savoring a morning espresso or a peaceful afternoon read. Turner Design Firm's team member, Tessea McCrary, collaborated closely with the clients, ensuring the furniture selections echoed the homeowners' tastes and preferences, resulting in a living space that feels both luxurious and inviting.

This is the equipment room for the home. It holds the audio and video distribution panels, Crestron and Lutron panels, amplifiers for the home theater and stereo systems, electric panels, and automatic transfer switch for the generator.

Overlooking the ocean in Laguna Beach, CA, Katz Design & Builders has accomplished a breathtaking home remodel. Encompassing the essence of coastal living, this project features 3 bathroom renovations accentuated by custom white oak cabinetry. The hardwood flooring and strategically placed windows amplify the scenic vista, seamlessly merging indoors with nature. Meticulous painting enhances the atmosphere, while the fireplace stands as a cozy focal point. Katz Design & Builders' artistry lies in their ability to harmonize functionality and aesthetics, creating a residence where every element celebrates the stunning ocean backdrop and offers a serene haven for modern living.

An archetypal Vancouver garden distinct to the rain rich areas of coastal B.C. Large Cedars, enormous Rhododendrons and Camellias, whose blooms weave exotically through evergreen masses, create an ethereal quality in this garden. The client wanted to reveal this jewel like quality while eking out a little more people space. The challenge was in retaining the existing trees and large broadleaf evergreens while significantly re-organizing the grades in a design concept that established a strong relationship between the house and garden. A real lack of light was a challenge for growing. Green became a colour of many faces, amplified by contrasting textures and rays of sun through branches. A thoughtful eye and a smart pruning program is required for the ongoing maintenance of this garden. The reward is literally breathtaking - a magical place where the line between worlds is blurred.