Search results for "Creating engaging" in Home Design Ideas

This was and still is a 2,700 s.f. brick rancher yet this project resulted in a complete makeover while still maintaining the original footprint and exterior structure. The house was built in 1954 in a lovely location across the street from the Grove Park Inn Golf Club.
During our initial meeting, my clients, who had recently moved to Asheville, expressed that they enjoyed cooking and engaging with their family and friends while doing so. They wanted the bathrooms updated, a more functional master bedroom and a larger kitchen. The house had a traditional layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a small kitchen, separate dining and living rooms with an adjoining 570 s.f. family room. It didn’t take long before we all agreed that the large family room would be converted to their master bedroom suite. In order to expand the kitchen, a wall between the existing kitchen and dining was removed, stairs leading to the basement were relocated, a bump out in the existing kitchen became a pantry and one of the adjacent bedrooms was opened up to the new kitchen as the new dining room. Both baths were redesigned and a powder room was created by rearranging existing closets. An existing curved wall in the hallway prompted the design of large open arches between the newly created spaces. This concept extended to the design on curved counter surfaces in the kitchen along with a reflected curved dropped ceiling over the cooking area.
The exterior of the house was enhanced with bay windows, a new copper-roofed front porch overlooking the Grove Park Inn properties with the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. A circular drive was designed for the convenience of guests. Exterior double-hung windows were replaced with French patio doors in the new kitchen/dining and living areas. This allows easy access to the new front porch and back deck while enhancing the openness of the home.

The renovation of this classic Muskoka cottage, focused around re-designing the living space to make the most of the incredible lake views. This update completely changed the flow of space, aligning the living areas with a more modern & luxurious living context.
In collaboration with the client, we envisioned a home in which clean lines, neutral tones, a variety of textures and patterns, and small yet luxurious details created a fresh, engaging space while seamlessly blending into the natural environment.
The main floor of this home was completely gutted to reveal the true beauty of the space. Main floor walls were re-engineered with custom windows to expand the client’s majestic view of the lake.
The dining area was highlighted with features including ceilings finished with Shadowline MDF, and enhanced with a custom coffered ceiling bringing dimension to the space.
Unobtrusive details and contrasting textures add richness and intrigue to the space, creating an energizing yet soothing interior with tactile depth.

m.o.r.e. Cabin
The paradigmatic North American cottage is romanticized as a wilderness log cabin. Nonetheless, typical cottages are “woodsy” versions of suburban homes with every modern convenience. These buildings sustain the myth that appearing to be one with the land equates to a reduced impact on the environment.
The m.o.r.e. Cabin inverts this idea through a separation from the landscape that is more sustainably constructed than other cottages. This unravelling of eco-fictions is not cynical, but optimistic: while organic environments are being degraded, what remains can be engaged more responsibly.
To this end, m.o.r.e. Cabin touches the land lightly through:
- Interpreting the law creatively to uphold its principles.
- Reducing foundation size through a steel mast.
- Low-waste cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure.
- Achieving greater tensile strength through a “folded” structure.
- Off-grid power and high-efficiency heating.
- Creating a home for endangered bats.
Interpreting the Law with Finesse
Zoning rules required a 100-foot (30-metre) setback from the lake. A cliff face at that 100-foot mark was incorporated into the design, whereas conventional construction approaches would entail blasting.
To minimize harm to the hillside and forest, a zoning variance was obtained to allow the front of m.o.r.e. Cabin to hover above, rather than sit on, the 100-foot (30-metre) mark.
The Mast
The technical solution to the environmental issue involved a single concrete footing and a steel “mast” placed within the required setback.
Avoiding a conventional large foundation preserved the watershed and prevented erosion, as did elevating the construction zone. Use of carbon-intensive concrete was also reduced for a lower carbon footprint.
m.o.r.e. Than One Way to Skin a Home
m.o.r.e. Cabin is built with suitably-sourced CLT panels and glulam beams.
The CLT was milled offsite then hoisted into place, avoiding damage to the landscape by the maneuvering of construction machinery.
Cabin-as-Beam
m.o.r.e. Cabin’s environmental considerations yielded structural innovation. Our challenge became to develop a structural strategy using cantilevered CLT panels as a response to the zoning variance that we obtained; CLT is fundamentally deployed in vertical/compressive sections, not horizontally in tension.
Conventional 5-ply CLT is too heavy to support itself over longer spans. The solution used thinner 3-ply CLT, with structural capacity ensured through “folding” (just like paper gains strength when folded).
Off-Grid
The home is solar-powered.
The elevated cottage catches more breezes and has excellent cross-ventilation. Heat is provided by a high-efficiency “green carbon” wood stove. Good R-value and thermal comfort are provided by CLT’s mass, and precise joinery provides air-tightness.
Inviting Over the Neighbours
One goal of the home was to create extensive lodging for endangered brown bats. Bat pods were integrated into the mast to provide safety from climbing predators and a clear flight path to the lake.
*“m.o.r.e.” stands for the clients’ grandmothers’ names; all of whom did more with less — and gracefully so.
Find the right local pro for your project

When our Boulder studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

When our Boulder studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

Custom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~
Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped?
When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped?
Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?”
Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements.
The Secret is Out
For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.”
The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet.
And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable
Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories:
1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function.
2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement.
3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation.
4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size.
Our clients? They absolutely love them.
Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible
Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature.
Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop.
The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off.
We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later.
Where Imagination Meets Reality
But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor?
We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement.
What a ride, indeed.
Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure.
The People Behind the Dreams
What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box.
These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy.
Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for.
My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you!
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart
Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.
We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly.
But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality.
Your Home, Reimagined
Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary.
Ready to set your home apart?
~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!

When our Aspen studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Rich is a custom home builder with an emphasis on structural performance and energy efficiency. He is a Certified Master Builder building for over 20 years, in the resort mountain areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and now in the Orlando, Florida area for the last decade.
Rich seamlessly blends different architectural details, energy performance, and hardened structures to create high performance luxury homes. He gives personal attention to "Easy Living Design" in order to create a home that can adapt to the aging homeowner making life more convenient, enjoyable, and safe.
Rich works closely with his customers to ensure every detail, need, and expectation is exceeded. He has chosen a team of tradesmen that compliment his work and share the same work ethic and thoughts of delivering a quality product, and who desires to build lasting relationships with the homeowner long after their project is complete.
Rich engages the homeowner throughout the entire building project to ensure that he educates them on products and methods that are compatible with their desired goals. Understanding that the financial goals of a project are of equal importance, Rich provides a detailed job cost budget, so the homeowners are given the opportunity to help guide their project financially.

The Home
The St. Julien features a flex space that is designed as a sitting area for gathering the family. As you walk upstairs, the kitchen features a large eat-in island that looks into the great room. Off the kitchen is a space that functions as an office or homework area. Moving through the great room, the sliding glass door opens to a spacious deck. Upstairs features two secondary bedrooms and a primary suite. The master suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet.
The Builder
As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that’s unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life.
The Interior Design
The interior design of this home has a natural feeling to it with earth tones and light woods that brings the outdoors in. To achieve this, a soft, sage green and denim blue were used with a wheat tone to pull in the wood and create a balanced palette. Unique patterns in the rugs and art add points of interest, and natural textures in the linens and softgoods provide contrast. A hint of craftsman design rounds out the space and provides a comforting home in which to gather.

Rich is a custom home builder with an emphasis on structural performance and energy efficiency. He is a Certified Master Builder building for over 20 years, in the resort mountain areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and now in the Orlando, Florida area for the last decade.
Rich seamlessly blends different architectural details, energy performance, and hardened structures to create high performance luxury homes. He gives personal attention to "Easy Living Design" in order to create a home that can adapt to the aging homeowner making life more convenient, enjoyable, and safe.
Rich works closely with his customers to ensure every detail, need, and expectation is exceeded. He has chosen a team of tradesmen that compliment his work and share the same work ethic and thoughts of delivering a quality product, and who desires to build lasting relationships with the homeowner long after their project is complete.
Rich engages the homeowner throughout the entire building project to ensure that he educates them on products and methods that are compatible with their desired goals. Understanding that the financial goals of a project are of equal importance, Rich provides a detailed job cost budget, so the homeowners are given the opportunity to help guide their project financially.

When our Aspen studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.
In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

The Home
Offering stunning curb appeal, The Silverthorne’s modern farmhouse exterior welcomes visitors with charm and style. Inside, the spacious entry leads to a private study and optional full bath, ideal for those working from home. This study may be optioned as a main-floor bedroom, perfect for guests. Those who enjoy entertaining will appreciate The Silverthorne’s open-concept living space with its generous great room and adjacent dining area. The optional expanded kitchen includes a large island, abundant cabinet space and a corner pantry. The second floor features a roomy loft, with enough space to easily accommodate a sofa, entertainment center and two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath. The loft may also be optioned as an additional bedroom. Next to the convenient upstairs laundry, The Silverthorne offers room for a desk to create a dedicated homework space. The airy owner’s suite becomes a private oasis complete with four-piece en-suite bath and expansive walk-in closet. This home features an optional full, unfinished basement with an optional finished design available that includes a rec room, game area, bedroom and a full bath.
The Builder
Century Communities is a top 10 national homebuilder. Offering new homes under the Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding — including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Colorado-based company operates in 17 states across the U.S., and offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loan subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit centurycommunities.com.
The Interior Design
The Silverthorne model home embraces a casual, cottage style with blues, creams and crisp whites. Organic accents create an inviting space without sacrificing the clean color palette. The home’s design prioritizes livable spaces, like the homework niche adjacent to the laundry room, while maintaining its tranquil appeal. The owner’s suite is a respite for the senses with its shiplap walls while the natural wood furnishings and textures add warmth to the room. This home is the epitome of refined relaxation and comfortable style.

The Home
The St. Julien features a flex space that is designed as a sitting area for gathering the family. As you walk upstairs, the kitchen features a large eat-in island that looks into the great room. Off the kitchen is a space that functions as an office or homework area. Moving through the great room, the sliding glass door opens to a spacious deck. Upstairs features two secondary bedrooms and a primary suite. The master suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet.
The Builder
As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that’s unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life.
The Interior Design
The interior design of this home has a natural feeling to it with earth tones and light woods that brings the outdoors in. To achieve this, a soft, sage green and denim blue were used with a wheat tone to pull in the wood and create a balanced palette. Unique patterns in the rugs and art add points of interest, and natural textures in the linens and softgoods provide contrast. A hint of craftsman design rounds out the space and provides a comforting home in which to gather.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

Custom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~
Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped?
When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped?
Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?”
Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements.
The Secret is Out
For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.”
The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet.
And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable
Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories:
1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function.
2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement.
3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation.
4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size.
Our clients? They absolutely love them.
Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible
Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature.
Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop.
The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off.
We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later.
Where Imagination Meets Reality
But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor?
We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement.
What a ride, indeed.
Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure.
The People Behind the Dreams
What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box.
These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy.
Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for.
My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you!
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart
Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.
We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly.
But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality.
Your Home, Reimagined
Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary.
Ready to set your home apart?
~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!

I am a huge fan of round dining or game tables. I think it is a better way to have a conversation then rectangles which often can divide people especially when you entertain big groups of people. I custom designed a huge round walnut wood and metal table with a built in lazy susan. The husband didn’t like the idea of a round table at all at first...now he too loves this piece! This table seats 10 people. I also removed the nasty old sliding doors around the dining area and replaced them with bi-fold doors that open all the way to the backyard. This feature helped to showcase the space with a more modern, open floor plan. We created custom floor to ceiling subtle yellow and white Belgian linen ripple-fold pleated curtains. This indoor/outdoor open concept really helped when my client's kids wanted to swim. She could be in the kitchen while she could still see and hear them. I am all about creating spaces that are useful AND beautiful. I would say that I am adamant about learning what the client’s needs and wishes are for their homes before engaging in designing them.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Custom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~
Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped?
When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped?
Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?”
Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements.
The Secret is Out
For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.”
The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet.
And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable
Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories:
1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function.
2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement.
3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation.
4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size.
Our clients? They absolutely love them.
Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible
Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature.
Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop.
The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off.
We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later.
Where Imagination Meets Reality
But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor?
We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement.
What a ride, indeed.
Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure.
The People Behind the Dreams
What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box.
These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy.
Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for.
My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you!
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart
Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.
We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly.
But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality.
Your Home, Reimagined
Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary.
Ready to set your home apart?
~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!

Project Overview: The Backyard Renovation 3D Rendering project was developed to visually communicate the design intent and vision for a residential outdoor space. The project aimed to provide clear and engaging representations for both the contractor and the homeowner's association, facilitating a shared understanding of the proposed enhancements.
Key Features:
1. New Driveway with Automatic Gates: The design features a contemporary driveway equipped with automated gates, providing convenience and improved security for the property.
2. Exercise Gym with Yoga Area: A dedicated space for fitness activities that includes both a traditional exercise gym and a serene yoga area, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
3. Coffee Station with Juice Bar: This inviting area is designed for relaxation and socialization, featuring a coffee station complemented by a juice bar to enhance outdoor entertaining.
4. Secluded Meditation Space: A tranquil retreat is included, featuring a soothing wall fountain, cold plunge, and sauna, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to create an oasis for relaxation and mindfulness.
5. Lush Tropical Vegetation: The landscaping incorporates a variety of tropical plants that enhance privacy, beautify the space, and contribute to the overall calming atmosphere of the outdoor environment.
Project Goals: The main goals of the project were to:
• Visualize the backyard renovation to gain approval from the homeowner’s association.
• Facilitate collaboration with the contractor by providing detailed renderings.
• Create an aesthetically appealing and functional outdoor living space that meets the lifestyle needs of the homeowners.
The 3D renderings successfully encapsulated the vision for the backyard renovation, presenting a harmonious blend of design and functionality. The visualizations served as a critical tool in moving forward with the project, ensuring clarity in communication and direction for all stakeholders involved.

ID Creations by Iris Dankner, Dressing Room
Holiday: Bridal Dressing Room
Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
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