We were asked by a house builder to build a steel staircase as the centrepiece for their new show home in Auckland. Although they had already decided on the central mono-stringer style staircase (also known as a floating staircase), with solid oak treads and glass balustrades, when we met with them we also made some suggestions. This was in order to help nest the stairs in their desired location, which included having to change the layout to avoid clashing with the existing structure. The stairs lead from a reception area up to a bedroom, so one of our first suggestions, was to have the glass balustrade on the side of the staircase finishing, and finish at the underside of the ground-floor ceiling, and then building an independent balustrade in the bedroom. The intention behind this was to give some separation between the living and sleeping areas, whilst maximising the full width of the opening for the stairs. Additionally, this also helps hide the staircase from inside the bedroom, as you don’t see the balustrade coming up from the floor below. We also recommended the glass on the first floor was face fixed directly to the boundary beam, and the fixings covered with a painted fascia panel. This was in order to avoid using a large floor fixed glazing channel or reduce the opening width with stand-off pin fixings.

Inspiration for a cottage staircase remodel in Calgary

Transitional dark wood floor and black floor living room photo in DC Metro with white walls

Example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall ceramic tile and gray floor dedicated laundry room design in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Photos Courtesy of Sharon Risedorph
Example of a mid-sized trendy master green tile and glass tile porcelain tile walk-in shower design in San Francisco with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet and green walls

Hampton Fine Exteriors
Large beach style backyard water fountain deck photo in New York with a roof extension

Inspiration for an eclectic powder room remodel in Charlotte

The space was unusable for family and entertaining. It was too small, with poor space planning. This complete remodel required structural wall removal, appliance relocate, floor replace and refinish. The peninsula was replaced with island for better traffic flow. The bridge at hood avoided the need for tile to the ceiling. The client was a fireman and the ladder makes him feel right at home!

The client came to us with an extraordinary property to build their family dream home on. The waterfront location requires the house to be elevated an entire story, so the gradual massing helps uplift this design in order to avoid feeling too massive. Soft stucco arches span across the lower level, with an exterior stair concealed within, screened by decorative trelliage and bougainvillea blossoms. The double height entry and great room open out to the spectacular vista. The master suite is secluded on the upper level, with a private terrace and commanding views.

Photo credit Pamela Foster: the base cabinets in this space were saved from a kitchen demo and painted with chalk paint and wax. The window wall was the most desirable location of the cabinet to avoid water on the window if shower had been on outside wall. Also inside wall was designed for shower for warmth while showering.

This lovely New York home was remodeled with a beautiful two-tone kitchen design and a functional walk-in pantry/coffee bar; as well as a large island with plenty of room for the family that doubles as work station. The refrigerator was recessed into a wall between the pantry and mudroom to avoid creating congestion in this highly trafficked area.

The space was unusable for family and entertaining. It was too small, with poor space planning. This complete remodel required structural wall removal, appliance relocate, floor replace and refinish. The peninsula was replaced with island for better traffic flow. The bridge at hood avoided the need for tile to the ceiling. The client was a fireman and the ladder makes him feel right at home!

Perfect paving slab for modern poolsides and backyard design, Blu Grande Smooth is a large concrete patio stone available in multiple colors. It's smooth texture is sleek to the eye but rougher to the touch which avoids it from getting slippery when wet. The large rectangular shape works as an easy add-on into Blu 60 regular modular patterns but can also work as a stand-alone to create a very linear look. Check out the HD2 Blu Grande Smooth which is all about seamless looks with a tighter/poreless texture and anti-aging technology. https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/blu-grande-smooth/

An open-concept kitchen with large amounts of storage utilizing white cabinets, countertops, a built-in hutch, and kitchen island. The kitchen island comes with drawers, cabinets, shelves, a spot for the microwave (to avoid taking up counter space), and a seating area. Dark hardwood floors, an off-white subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances and pendant lighting give contrast to the mostly white-colored room, giving it a bright, clean, and balanced look. Project designed by Skokie renovation firm, Chi Renovation & Design. They serve the Chicagoland area, and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all of the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/lake-bluff-kitchen/

This modern landscape demonstrates water wise techniques that highlight the use of pebbles, mulch, and drought tolerant plant material in a garden's front entry. Using one mature cactus from the existing site, we created a focal point in the middle of a gravel bed and anchored it with boulders. Sustainable modern Landscape with drought tolerant plants and low maintenance landscape.

Photos by Beth Singer Architecture/Build: Luxe Homes Design Build
Large trendy u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor seated home bar photo in Detroit with an undermount sink, quartz countertops, gray backsplash and metal backsplash

New Twist on Farmhouse Chic Project Details Designer: Amy Van Wie Cabinetry: Brookhaven Framed Cabinetry Wood: Maple Finishes: Perimeter – Antique White; Island – Matte Twilight Door: Kingston Recessed Inset Countertop: Perimeter – Soapstone; Island – Walnut Awards 2016 Saratoga Showcase of Homes For this stunning Showcase Home, we worked to achieve a classic farmhouse look with some new and interesting twists. To enhance a clean aesthetic, we customized the cabinet boxes to avoid any distracting seams, common with inset kitchens. But at the same time, we used decorative feet on the end cabinets and bead board accents to achieve that furniture look common in historic farmhouses. Additional nods to the farmhouse schematic include mullion glass doors, an apron front sink, beveled subway tile, turn latch knobs and bin pulls all in oiled rubbed bronze and a magnificent mushroom wood and copper custom hood.

Photo: Douglas Maahs
Inspiration for a southwestern kitchen remodel in Albuquerque

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Boston.