Metal and wood are often treated as opposites, but this staircase makes the case for partnership. White oak treads, chamfer-top newels, and a coordinating handrail bring the warmth and texture that only natural wood can offer. Against that, a satin black horizontal bar balustrade introduces rigid geometric precision, its clean lines and matte finish defining the oak rather than competing with it. The result is a staircase that feels both welcoming and sophisticated. Neither material overwhelms the other. Each one makes the other more defined. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

At 19 Irving Avenue, the rear exterior, pool, and patio come together as a masterclass in Joseph Eichler’s vision of total design—where structure, landscape, and daily life are seamlessly intertwined. 7 From the rear elevation, the home reveals its full architectural intent. Long horizontal lines stretch outward, softened by expansive walls of glass that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. The patio extends naturally from the home, not as an addition, but as a continuation—blurring where the house ends and the landscape begins. At the center of this composition, the pool anchors the space with its distinctive geometric form. It reflects the home’s angular language, creating a visual dialogue between water and structure that feels both deliberate and effortless. Light dances across its surface throughout the day, casting subtle reflections back onto the glass and surrounding planes. The patio itself is understated yet highly intentional. Open, breathable, and free of excess, it invites gathering without ever feeling crowded. It’s a space designed for movement—for stepping out from the living areas, for quiet mornings, for evenings that extend naturally outdoors. The flow is intuitive, guided by sightlines rather than walls. What makes this rear exterior so compelling is its sense of balance. Nothing competes; everything works together. In this space, Eichler distilled a philosophy that would define his legacy—that modern living isn’t confined to the interior, but expanded through a seamless connection to the outdoors.

This two-story stairwell features a sculptural multi-arm chandelier chosen to update a traditional interior without competing with the home’s warm woodwork. The matte black finish and open silhouette introduce a contemporary focal point, while the soft grey walls keep the space neutral and balanced. The fixture fills the vertical volume of the foyer, providing both illumination and visual scale, creating a transitional look that bridges classic architecture with modern design.

This full home mid-century remodel project is in an affluent community perched on the hills known for its spectacular views of Los Angeles. Our retired clients were returning to sunny Los Angeles from South Carolina. Amidst the pandemic, they embarked on a two-year-long remodel with us - a heartfelt journey to transform their residence into a personalized sanctuary. Opting for a crisp white interior, we provided the perfect canvas to showcase the couple's legacy art pieces throughout the home. Carefully curating furnishings that complemented rather than competed with their remarkable collection. It's minimalistic and inviting. We created a space where every element resonated with their story, infusing warmth and character into their newly revitalized soulful home.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!

Kitchen remodel in Berlin Connecticut, Compete gut to studs with new layout, electrical, plumbing, flooring, window, backsplash
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Bridgeport with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, colored appliances, no island and white countertops

This maple kitchen features Galleria Custom cabinets in the Monarch door style with a Nutmeg Stain finish and a Fantasy Brown granite countertop.
Mid-sized u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and multicolored countertops

Traditional design elements have survived generations of shifting trends for a reason. This switchback staircase makes that case quietly. Box newels anchor the design with stateliness, while white painted risers and square balusters add definition to the natural white oak treads and handrail. Nothing here competes. Each element makes room for the next. Set against a modern interior, the staircase doesn't feel out of place. It grounds it. A reminder that classic and contemporary don't have to choose sides. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club is one of the city's most iconic hotels. This downtown gem can easily be distinguished by its salmon color and Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Situated right on the bay, this luxury resort is just a short walk from all of the area’s major attractions such as the Dali Museum, Beach Drive, and the Mahaffey Theater. The Vinoy was constructed in 1925 and has been through a long history of renovations and construction within its lifetime. Efforts are constantly being made to preserve the hotel’s historic past while still providing guests with a unique, comfortable, and luxurious experience. With that being said, it was recently announced that the hotel will undergo a three-year $50 million plan to improve several aspects of the property. Patio Lane took part in these upgrades by designing and producing custom cushions for two locations on the property: the veranda and smoking area seating. We fabricated a total of 187 custom cushions with 13 different configurations for the hotel: dining chair seat, lounge chair, love seat, center sectional, end sectionals, as well as ottomans. Patio Lane directly competed with the original furniture and cushion manufacturer for this project. However, being an essential part of St. Petersburg, the resort appreciated a local vendor with strong initiative to earn their business. As far as the project requirements, the Vinoy needed something that will hold up through the harsh sun and storms of Central Florida. Typically, cushions in a commercial setting will last a few years depending on the human traffic. For a luxury hotel, such as the Vinoy, these cushions should have been replaced within 3 years. To ensure that they would have high performing seating for their guests, they chose cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain performance fabric. This fabric is 100% waterproof and specifically made for outdoor spaces that endure heavy rainfall or any kind of moisture. Sunbrella Rain eliminates drying time after wet weather. Resort staff can simply wipe the cushions down and their guests are ready to continue lounging and relaxing. The Vinoy’s original cushions used a polyurethane foam that had since lost its strength and was no longer providing a comfortable seat. (When we initially surveyed the Vinoy, we witnessed many customers doubling up on cushions to place behind their backs!) Numerous cushions had ripped at the seams and the zippers were non-functional. Dry-fast foam, the preferred option for cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain, was the perfect choice with the 4 in. thick seats & 5 in. thick backs because it will provide a firm seat and support for years to come.

This 18th-century French-inspired mansion features three magnificent, curved staircases that complement the home's luxurious character. Each staircase blends forged iron railings with contemporary white oak components, creating a transitional aesthetic that bridges classical elegance and modern refinement. The staircases rise through grand spaces adorned with custom crystal chandeliers and surrounded by exceptional architectural finishes. Large windows frame outdoor views, while the curved forms of the stairs add graceful movement to the grand interiors. Together, these three staircases demonstrate how thoughtful craftsmanship can enhance rather than compete with a home's opulent surroundings. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Laria Construction completed this patio during the summer of 2011. The patio was completed custom and had to be raised over 9 ft. This patio was competed in 3 weeks. Masonry Contractor > Laria Construction.

After Remodel - the cabinets were refaced with white shaker style doors, a light tan quartz around the perimeter added a slight contrast but didn't compete with island. A large subway tile back splash was added on one side and a glass hexagon by the coffee/wine bar.. Photos by Shar Sitter

David Matero
Example of an eclectic u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, wood countertops and stainless steel appliances

Warm, Natural & Quietly Luxurious — Primary Bathroom Remodel | Raleigh, NC This primary bathroom remodel is a masterclass in restraint. No loud statements, no trend-chasing — just a beautifully considered combination of natural materials, soft color, and hardware that ties it all together. The result feels like a boutique hotel bathroom that also happens to feel completely personal. The vanity is the anchor of the space. Custom white oak cabinetry in a warm, medium-toned stain brings natural grain and texture to the room without competing with anything around it. Brushed brass hardware — bar pulls with decorative rosette ends — reads elevated without being fussy. White quartz countertops with soft veining sit cleanly above, and a large arched black-framed mirror grounds the wall in a shape that echoes the soft, organic tone of the whole room. Flanking the mirror, a pair of sage green and gold wall sconces add a layer of unexpected color that feels completely right — designer without being obvious. The shower is where this project truly shines. Floor-to-ceiling sea glass green linear tile wraps every wall in a luminous, slightly irregular pattern that catches light beautifully. Brushed brass fixtures — a hand shower, slide bar, grab bars, and frameless sliding door hardware — run throughout, keeping the palette tight. Two built-in niches lined with arabesque marble mosaic tile provide both function and a moment of pattern within the serene field of green. A quartz bench seat and large-format floor tile with a center drain complete the enclosure with the same calm intentionality found everywhere else. Live-edge floating shelves in rich, burl-patterned wood add warmth to the open wall space, styled with a mix of black iron candleholders, organic wooden objects, and natural accessories. Every detail — down to the wooden tray and hand-thrown vase on the vanity — was chosen to feel grounded, tactile, and lived-in.

The owners came to Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: Create a brighter home with clean lines and visual surprises – but that enhances the Eichler vernacular – that blurs the boundaries between inside and outside and supports “modern living”. Renovating a 1962 Eichler home into a contemporary, higher-quality home required more than a few changes. However, love of the Eichler style and respect for the house's history required keeping many elements. Klopf Architecture partnered with the owners of this Eichler home in San Francisco's Diamond Heights to balance these two competing desires while significantly updating their 2-story courtyard home on a hill. Appropriate to the style of the house, the owners have a clean, minimal aesthetic – free of clutter but filled with carefully placed art and whimsical collectibles. With white walls, warm mahogany and rich grays throughout, the home is bathed in light and feels both elegant and welcoming. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Jackie Detamore, AIA, Klara Kevane, and Yegvenia Torres-Zavala Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects Contractor: San Francisco Design and Construction Cabinetry: Benchmarc Woodworking Zinc Panels: Product and Design Metalwork Photography ©2015 Mariko Reed

This is the bathroom after the client closed on their new home. Even though a dark color was chosen for the walls, the window allows for bright natural light, which reflects off the white accessories used throughout the rest of the room. The competed look is calming and clean.

This 18th-century French-inspired mansion features three magnificent, curved staircases that complement the home's luxurious character. Each staircase blends forged iron railings with contemporary white oak components, creating a transitional aesthetic that bridges classical elegance and modern refinement. The staircases rise through grand spaces adorned with custom crystal chandeliers and surrounded by exceptional architectural finishes. Large windows frame outdoor views, while the curved forms of the stairs add graceful movement to the grand interiors. Together, these three staircases demonstrate how thoughtful craftsmanship can enhance rather than compete with a home's opulent surroundings. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company