This project was an exercise in minimalism — how it can be embraced and incorporated at multiple levels. Typical of San Franciscan Victorians, the dark interior of this home was segregated and circulation spaces were narrow and dark. The stairs to the upper level was an afterthought and tucked away. By removing the walls and rebuilding the stairs, we shifted the focus of this home’s interior and made the stairs the focal point. This project pays homage to the stairs, a critical element in the function and tone the home sets. As a transitional element, it carries the user from level to level, function to function, and mindset to mindset. The goal of this remodel was to invite the user upstairs and offer a more integrated transition to the upper level while at the same time using it to create a shaft of light into the inner recesses of the living space below. As one ascends the stairs, the floor gradually disappears revealing a naked structural spine as the stairs reaches the upper level. The dormer addition offered ample headspace and invites columns of light to penetrate below. The cantilevered floor and shadow play this offers, dynamically marks its imprint on both levels. Ancillary and storage spaces tucked away neatly and delicately – reminding us that expression should not be at the expense of function. Delicate and clean food preparation areas — now integrated with the rest of the home — invite us to celebrate this expression of unity.

This project was an exercise in minimalism — how it can be embraced and incorporated at multiple levels. Typical of San Franciscan Victorians, the dark interior of this home was segregated and circulation spaces were narrow and dark. The stairs to the upper level was an afterthought and tucked away. By removing the walls and rebuilding the stairs, we shifted the focus of this home’s interior and made the stairs the focal point. This project pays homage to the stairs, a critical element in the function and tone the home sets. As a transitional element, it carries the user from level to level, function to function, and mindset to mindset. The goal of this remodel was to invite the user upstairs and offer a more integrated transition to the upper level while at the same time using it to create a shaft of light into the inner recesses of the living space below. As one ascends the stairs, the floor gradually disappears revealing a naked structural spine as the stairs reaches the upper level. The dormer addition offered ample headspace and invites columns of light to penetrate below. The cantilevered floor and shadow play this offers, dynamically marks its imprint on both levels. Ancillary and storage spaces tucked away neatly and delicately – reminding us that expression should not be at the expense of function. Delicate and clean food preparation areas — now integrated with the rest of the home — invite us to celebrate this expression of unity.

This kitchen was fully reconfigured as part of a complete Upper Lonsdale home renovation in North Vancouver. The design emphasizes clean geometry, functional workflow, and integrated finishes. Custom flat-panel cabinetry extends to the ceiling, maximizing vertical storage while maintaining a streamlined profile. A back-painted glass backsplash was installed to provide a seamless, reflective surface that enhances natural light and simplifies maintenance. Precise alignment between cabinetry, hood fan integration, and appliance placement was critical to achieving the balanced, architectural layout. Quartz countertops were fabricated with tight tolerances around the sink and cooktop zones, and appliance integration was carefully coordinated to preserve the kitchen’s minimal aesthetic. The result is a highly functional, modern kitchen executed with disciplined detailing and finish continuity throughout the space. This project reflects Arani Construction’s expertise in full home renovations across Upper Lonsdale and the North Shore, where structural understanding and finish-level execution must work together seamlessly.

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

Alair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards. We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion. During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.

THEME The main theme for this room is an active, physical and personalized experience for a growing boy. This was achieved with the use of bold colors, creative inclusion of personal favorites and the use of industrial materials. FOCUS The main focus of the room is the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated bed. The bed is the focal point of the room and leaves ample space for activity within the room beneath. A secondary focus of the room is the desk, positioned in a private corner of the room outfitted with custom lighting and suspended desktop designed to support growing technical needs and school assignments. STORAGE A large floor armoire was built at the far die of the room between the bed and wall.. The armoire was built with 8 separate storage units that are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep. These enclosed storage spaces are convenient for anything a growing boy may need to put away and convenient enough to make cleaning up easy for him. The floor is built to support the chair and desk built into the far corner of the room. GROWTH The room was designed for active ages 8 to 18. There are three ways to enter the bed, climb the knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe monkey bars up the wall and along the ceiling. The ladder was included only for parents. While these are the intended ways to enter the bed, they are also a convenient safety system to prevent younger siblings from getting into his private things. SAFETY This room was designed for an older child but safety is still a critical element and every detail in the room was reviewed for safety. The raised bed includes extra long and higher side boards ensuring that any rolling in bed is kept safe. The decking was sanded and edges cleaned to prevent any potential splintering. Power outlets are covered using exterior industrial outlets for the switches and plugs, which also looks really cool.

Located in Highview Court, in Silver Spring, MD sits a one-of-a-kind, piece of art. This renovation and addition to the Architect’s own 1950 mid-century modern house, designed by Charles Goodman, included two phases. The existing Goodman structure was first renovated five years ago, with a new kitchen, bathroom, and windows. The original floor plan was preserved, except for the kitchen being opened to the main living room. The just-completed addition extends the living space to include a library, an office that doubles as the kids’ hangout space, along with two new full bathrooms and a laundry room. This unique union of structures combined with a multi-level footprint, open concept design, and concrete floors would naturally pose some unique heating, ventilation and air conditioning challenges. Finding the right air quality solution was critical to the flow, literally and aesthetically. From a visual design perspective, floor vent covers in open-areas must blend into the surroundings. Not to create sightline disruptions. Where would the design team find unintrusive, clean-lined, sleek modern floor grilles? What floor registers would be best to use on these concrete floors? Enter kul grilles!

Photography: Christian Garibaldi
Example of a mid-sized transitional formal and enclosed carpeted living room design in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Finishes were critical to bring this transformation to the desired vision. We preferred to accent the cabinet finishes against a solid color counter and selected a figured fumed eucalyptus wood veneer on cabinet doors punctuated by aluminum framed frosted glass doors the upper cabinets. We ran the grain horizontally on the cabinets to accentuate the modern linear look. Back splashes also run horizontally and are a combination of natural stones and glass. The colors perfectly harmonize the colors of the large solid components. Countertops are fabricated in engineered quartz and sport a beefy 3" edge profile. Lighting sets the stage and delicate pendants hang over the island so as not to obscure the bountiful views but are weighted by the wood ceiling panel warming the space.

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

The hallway serves as a stylish transition zone, blending aesthetic details with smart functional solutions. The space sets the tone for the apartment's modern aesthetic. Key design elements include: A striking black-framed glass partition (either fixed or a sliding door) that visually separates the hallway from the main living area while maintaining light and connection. The opposite wall features flush-mount white interior doors (hidden doors), which keep the line of the wall clean and minimalist. The walls are a blend of simple white finish and an artistic, textured accent wall with a subtle blue and grey pattern. Lighting is critical: the use of linear recessed lighting creates a sense of depth, complemented by a sharp geometric wall sconce that adds a dramatic accent. The floor is finished with wood-look plank tiles, providing the warmth of wood with the durability of porcelain.

This client owned a property in Haringey, North London, which had a classic Victorian tiled floor laid in the hallway. Unfortunately, the floor was in a bad state, the tiles were dull and dirty and there was a missing section by the bottom of the stairs that had been back filled with cement. Fortunately for him however his neighbour decided to remove their front path which was made with matching tiles and so he was able acquire replacements from him. He then contacted us to see if we could use those tiles to fill in the missing ones and revive the whole floor with a clean and seal at the same time. Before quoting for the restoration work, I paid a visit to the property to survey the floor. I can give quotes from photographs, but much prefer to visit and conduct a test clean, and in this case, I was able to check the spare tiles he had acquired. From that I emailed a quote which the client was happy with, so we arranged a date to return and do the work. This was a large job, so I teamed up with Jackson Davis the Central London Tile Doctor and whilst Jackson started on cleaning the floor, I took the reclaimed tiles outside and carefully grinded off the excess cement and adhesive from them and cleaned them by hand. We managed to do this by about 3pm. Jackson and I work on a lot of jobs together so it made sense to work as a bubble from the beginning of Covid so we could continue to work together, with two of us on the job it also means we can get the job done quicker. Cleaning the floor involved applying a 200-grit diamond burnishing pad to the tile lubricated with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go, the slurry was then rinsed off the floor with more water and then extracted with an industrial vacuum. The process was repeated on stubborn areas until we were satisfied the tiles were really clean. We then moved onto carefully removing the cement from the floor at the bottom of the stairs and cleaning up the base. Once done the newly renovated replacement tiles were laid in place using a rapid setting adhesive which meant they could be grouted later that day before heading home. The floor was then left overnight to dry off. We then returned the following day and took some moisture readings with the damp meter. The readings were within the expected range, so we were good to go ahead and apply the sealer. If the floor is not dry the seal will not cure properly, and this can lead to a patchy finish. Three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow were applied to seal the tiles. This is a colour intensifying impregnating sealer that works from with and will gives the Victorian tiles durable protection, ideal for a high traffic area such as the hallway. In addition, Colour Grow is a fully breathable sealer so it will allow for moisture to rise through the tile and evaporate, this is critical for floors of this age that will not have the benefit of a damp proof membrane installed under the floor. The hallway is now looking transformed by the work we did, we certainly thought so, but more importantly our client was very happy with the result and now has the floor he hoped for. Andrew Newstead North London Tile Doctor

This project was born out of the owner’s passion for cooking. A personal chef to a local family, the kitchen was going to not only be her office, but a training space for students learning her trade. The most important change was to remove a wall and expand the work space by 2 feet. Adding a prep sink, counter seating and a custom pantry were critical appointments. The materials selected are modern, clean and fresh. The expansive island combines a warm grey painted cabinet and is topped by waterfall white veined quartz countertops. The matte black plumbing fixtures and hardware create drama and contrast against the white countertops and modern shaker cabinetry. The oversized black dome pendants lend a restaurant vibe to the peninsula seating. The stacked stone backsplash lends texture and dimension, and it’s lines are echoed in the fireplace façade. Being averse to countertop outlets, a power strip was tucked underneath the wall cabinetry to keep the backsplash unobstructed. A picket shaped tile was featured as an accent over the client’s BlueStar range. The client’s original ventilation hood was also repurposed. A hospitality station was included and features a beverage cooler, glass display cabinetry and set apart with corbel brackets. The fireplace was refaced with new natural stacked stone in warm greys and touches of spice and features a dark stain wood mantel beam. The recessed niche was fitted with matching lighted floating shelves for display.

This project was born out of the owner’s passion for cooking. A personal chef to a local family, the kitchen was going to not only be her office, but a training space for students learning her trade. The most important change was to remove a wall and expand the work space by 2 feet. Adding a prep sink, counter seating and a custom pantry were critical appointments. The materials selected are modern, clean and fresh. The expansive island combines a warm grey painted cabinet and is topped by waterfall white veined quartz countertops. The matte black plumbing fixtures and hardware create drama and contrast against the white countertops and modern shaker cabinetry. The oversized black dome pendants lend a restaurant vibe to the peninsula seating. The stacked stone backsplash lends texture and dimension, and it’s lines are echoed in the fireplace façade. Being averse to countertop outlets, a power strip was tucked underneath the wall cabinetry to keep the backsplash unobstructed. A picket shaped tile was featured as an accent over the client’s BlueStar range. The client’s original ventilation hood was also repurposed. A hospitality station was included and features a beverage cooler, glass display cabinetry and set apart with corbel brackets. The fireplace was refaced with new natural stacked stone in warm greys and touches of spice and features a dark stain wood mantel beam. The recessed niche was fitted with matching lighted floating shelves for display.

Example of a large classic hallway design in Tampa with yellow walls

This project was born out of the owner’s passion for cooking. A personal chef to a local family, the kitchen was going to not only be her office, but a training space for students learning her trade. The most important change was to remove a wall and expand the work space by 2 feet. Adding a prep sink, counter seating and a custom pantry were critical appointments. The materials selected are modern, clean and fresh. The expansive island combines a warm grey painted cabinet and is topped by waterfall white veined quartz countertops. The matte black plumbing fixtures and hardware create drama and contrast against the white countertops and modern shaker cabinetry. The oversized black dome pendants lend a restaurant vibe to the peninsula seating. The stacked stone backsplash lends texture and dimension, and it’s lines are echoed in the fireplace façade. Being averse to countertop outlets, a power strip was tucked underneath the wall cabinetry to keep the backsplash unobstructed. A picket shaped tile was featured as an accent over the client’s BlueStar range. The client’s original ventilation hood was also repurposed. A hospitality station was included and features a beverage cooler, glass display cabinetry and set apart with corbel brackets. The fireplace was refaced with new natural stacked stone in warm greys and touches of spice and features a dark stain wood mantel beam. The recessed niche was fitted with matching lighted floating shelves for display.

With a listing price of just under $4 million, this gorgeous row home located near the Convention Center in Washington DC required a very specific look to attract the proper buyer. The home has been completely remodeled in a modern style with bamboo flooring and bamboo kitchen cabinetry so the furnishings and decor needed to be complimentary. Typically, transitional furnishings are used in staging across the board, however, for this property we wanted an urban loft, industrial look with heavy elements of reclaimed wood to create a city, hotel luxe style. As with all DC properties, this one is long and narrow but is completely open concept on each level, so continuity in color and design selections was critical. The row home had several open areas that needed a defined purpose such as a reception area, which includes a full bar service area, pub tables, stools and several comfortable seating areas for additional entertaining. It also boasts an in law suite with kitchen and living quarters as well as 3 outdoor spaces, which are highly sought after in the District.

This project was born out of the owner’s passion for cooking. A personal chef to a local family, the kitchen was going to not only be her office, but a training space for students learning her trade. The most important change was to remove a wall and expand the work space by 2 feet. Adding a prep sink, counter seating and a custom pantry were critical appointments. The materials selected are modern, clean and fresh. The expansive island combines a warm grey painted cabinet and is topped by waterfall white veined quartz countertops. The matte black plumbing fixtures and hardware create drama and contrast against the white countertops and modern shaker cabinetry. The oversized black dome pendants lend a restaurant vibe to the peninsula seating. The stacked stone backsplash lends texture and dimension, and it’s lines are echoed in the fireplace façade. Being averse to countertop outlets, a power strip was tucked underneath the wall cabinetry to keep the backsplash unobstructed. A picket shaped tile was featured as an accent over the client’s BlueStar range. The client’s original ventilation hood was also repurposed. A hospitality station was included and features a beverage cooler, glass display cabinetry and set apart with corbel brackets. The fireplace was refaced with new natural stacked stone in warm greys and touches of spice and features a dark stain wood mantel beam. The recessed niche was fitted with matching lighted floating shelves for display.

This project was born out of the owner’s passion for cooking. A personal chef to a local family, the kitchen was going to not only be her office, but a training space for students learning her trade. The most important change was to remove a wall and expand the work space by 2 feet. Adding a prep sink, counter seating and a custom pantry were critical appointments. The materials selected are modern, clean and fresh. The expansive island combines a warm grey painted cabinet and is topped by waterfall white veined quartz countertops. The matte black plumbing fixtures and hardware create drama and contrast against the white countertops and modern shaker cabinetry. The oversized black dome pendants lend a restaurant vibe to the peninsula seating. The stacked stone backsplash lends texture and dimension, and it’s lines are echoed in the fireplace façade. Being averse to countertop outlets, a power strip was tucked underneath the wall cabinetry to keep the backsplash unobstructed. A picket shaped tile was featured as an accent over the client’s BlueStar range. The client’s original ventilation hood was also repurposed. A hospitality station was included and features a beverage cooler, glass display cabinetry and set apart with corbel brackets. The fireplace was refaced with new natural stacked stone in warm greys and touches of spice and features a dark stain wood mantel beam. The recessed niche was fitted with matching lighted floating shelves for display.