Photo: Carolyn Reyes Photography © 2017 Houzz Design: franklinAve
Living room - transitional living room idea in Los Angeles

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Kitchen
Example of a huge transitional l-shaped concrete floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen design in Houston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and white countertops

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open concept kitchen idea in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Valerie Wilcox
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Toronto

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

THE SETUP Upon moving to Glen Ellyn, the homeowners were eager to infuse their new residence with a style that resonated with their modern aesthetic sensibilities. The primary bathroom, while spacious and structurally impressive with its dramatic high ceilings, presented a dated, overly traditional appearance that clashed with their vision. Design objectives: Transform the space into a serene, modern spa-like sanctuary. Integrate a palette of deep, earthy tones to create a rich, enveloping ambiance. Employ a blend of organic and natural textures to foster a connection with nature. THE REMODEL Design challenges: Take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling Source unique marble that is more grounding than fanciful Design minimal, modern cabinetry with a natural, organic finish Offer a unique lighting plan to create a sexy, Zen vibe Design solutions: To highlight the vaulted ceiling, we extended the shower tile to the ceiling and added a skylight to bathe the area in natural light. Sourced unique marble with raw, chiseled edges that provide a tactile, earthy element. Our custom-designed cabinetry in a minimal, modern style features a natural finish, complementing the organic theme. A truly creative layered lighting strategy dials in the perfect Zen-like atmosphere. The wavy protruding wall tile lights triggered our inspiration but came with an unintended harsh direct-light effect so we sourced a solution: bespoke diffusers measured and cut for the top and bottom of each tile light gap. THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners dreamed of a tranquil, luxurious retreat that embraced natural materials and a captivating color scheme. Our collaborative effort brought this vision to life, creating a bathroom that not only meets the clients’ functional needs but also serves as a daily sanctuary. The carefully chosen materials and lighting design enable the space to shift its character with the changing light of day. “Trust the process and it will all come together,” the home owners shared. “Sometimes we just stand here and think, ‘Wow, this is lovely!'”

Governor's House Entry by Lisa Tharp. 2019 Bulfinch Award - Interior Design. Photo by Michael J. Lee
Transitional painted wood floor foyer photo with white walls and a black front door

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

In order to keep the temperatures out while allowing the evergreen views in, Glo A5 double pane aluminum windows and doors were selected. This series has increased energy efficiency with a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, low iron glass, and high-performance spacers. In order to maintain clean sight lines and cohesive design appeal, the hidden sash was selected for the windows. This gives the operable windows the appearance of fixed windows with the same coordinating slim frame. Since minimal and modern were a major focus for the home’s fenestration products, all the handles were powder-coated to match the black windows and doors throughout. In addition, the A5 windows and doors provide high value performance and long-term durability while remaining cost effective, making them one of our most popular series.

Construction - completed curb less handicap accessible shower, new fixtures and glass above new pony wall.
Inspiration for a small contemporary master walk-in shower remodel in Raleigh with a built-in vanity

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking contemporary staircase pairs dark-stained wood treads with white-painted monumental stringers for bold visual contrast. Stainless steel posts support a sleek horizontal cable railing system, topped with a dark-stained modern handrail that echoes the tread color. The open-riser design combined with the minimal cable railing creates an unobstructed, light-filled effect that keeps the space feeling open and functional. The interplay between dark wood, white stringers, and metallic elements transforms a simple vertical connection into an elegant architectural statement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company