The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

This project centered on helping a wonderful client and her equally fantastic dog transform her condo into a space that truly reflected her style and simplified her life. Eager to create a home that was both beautiful and functional, she envisioned a haven in the heart of the city. Before: Feeling Disconnected Before the renovation, our client felt disconnected from her condo. The builder-grade kitchen was a constant source of frustration, with an awkward peninsula that hindered the flow of the space. The condo overall felt outdated and no longer captured her vibrant personality. The foyer and laundry areas were cramped and lacked organization, while the mismatched hardwood flooring only added to the disjointed atmosphere. As for the bathrooms, they felt frozen in time, desperately needing an update. Worries and Concerns Like many homeowners, our client had heard her fair share of renovation horror stories—tales of projects gone awry and the frustrations of managing multiple contractors. She was understandably cautious and needed a trustworthy, experienced team she could rely on to handle the project with care and expertise. The Solution: A Personalized Transformation We took the time to listen carefully to our client’s needs and concerns and developed a tailored plan to address each of her pain points. For the kitchen, we preserved the existing layout but reimagined the space entirely. The awkward peninsula was redesigned to improve traffic flow and provide much-needed storage and counter space. Clever storage solutions, such as pull-outs, shelving, concealed drawers in the toe kicks, and an appliance garage, were incorporated. The kitchen now boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, with light wood-tone lower cabinetry, off-white upper cabinets, and brushed nickel hardware that ties it all together. The laundry room, once cramped and chaotic, was transformed into an organized, efficient space. We added custom cabinetry with pull-outs for hanging clothes, open storage above, a laundry sink, and a spacious counter for folding—no more piles of laundry! Both the en-suite and shared bathrooms underwent complete renovations. Custom cabinetry was installed, including a floor-to-ceiling linen closet, and light grey and brown-toned tiles were selected, with contrasting hexagonal tiles for the shower floor. A heated flooring system was added for luxury and comfort year-round. The mismatched flooring throughout the condo was replaced with cohesive vinyl and porcelain tiles, creating a seamless, modern aesthetic throughout the space. Overcoming Challenges As with any renovation, there were challenges to navigate. One of the key obstacles was managing the condo board’s renovation rules and policies while coordinating the delivery schedules for finishes and fixtures, especially during the busy holiday season. With careful planning, we ensured the project stayed on track. Additionally, we encountered a height variation between the tile and vinyl flooring. To resolve this, we used self-leveling material under the vinyl, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition between the two flooring types. The Grand Reveal: A Dream Come True The final result is simply stunning. The kitchen is now a chef’s dream, with custom-built cabinets, smooth quartz countertops, and a matching stone backsplash. Brushed nickel and stainless steel plumbing fixtures, elegant cabinet hardware, and LED lighting under the upper cabinets add the perfect finishing touches. Custom organizers in the foyer and laundry closets provide ample storage and keep everything neatly in place. The bathrooms have been transformed into spa-like retreats, with beautiful porcelain tiles and custom cabinetry. The new vinyl flooring throughout the main living areas and bedroom unifies the space, creating a cohesive and modern atmosphere. Life Transformed Our client’s life has been completely transformed. As a passionate cook, she now relishes spending time in her beautiful and functional kitchen. The single-bowl sink makes cleanup a breeze, and the thoughtfully designed storage solutions have brought a sense of calm and order to her home. The refreshed flooring and neutral paint palette have created a relaxing, comfortable environment she truly loves. A Memorable Journey This project was more than just a renovation—it was a collaboration. Our client valued our guidance throughout the design process, particularly when faced with the overwhelming number of decisions. We built a strong relationship with her, and we are immensely grateful for the trust she placed in our team.

Nestled atop a wooded ridge in the Hudson Highlands, the architect-owner envisioned a reinterpretation of renowned mid-century experimental “Case Study Homes”. An authentic representation of the materials and a clear outdoor-indoor connection were priorities for the design. Heart pine on the ceiling references the forested surroundings. All cabinets are Bilotta’s private Bilotta Collection cabinetry. The island and wall cabinets are distinctive: natural walnut quarter-sawn veneer trimmed with thin strips of natural walnut solid stock. Matte black on the paneled refrigerator, tall pantry and rear base cabinets frame the area and merge into the black structural columns. Balancing the darker finishes is a single slab of Carrera marble on the backsplash, with Caesarstone in “Concrete” topping the cabinetry. Surrounded by walls of glass, the kitchen is flanked by oversized impressive roof overhangs with exposed joists. Inside, a header was placed to align with the outermost joist and delineate the prep area. Within that footprint, natural heart pine planks line the ceiling, parallel to the outdoor joists. This creates the illusion that the overhang enters the kitchen at one end and exits out the other, further obscuring the line between indoors and out. As a counterpoint to strong vertical cabinet lines and horizontal ceiling lines, a unique bronze scissor-armed light fixture creates a diamond pattern across the length of the kitchen. At the intersection of each arm is an individual half-gold exposed light bulb, resulting in pools of illumination that highlight the beautiful grain pattern and coloration of the wood ceiling – a stunning alternative to ubiquitous recessed lighting. Although it’s not large, this kitchen offers an abundance of storage and countertop space for meal prep and serving. The refrigerator and tall pantry bookend the space; making them equal in size imparts pleasing symmetry. With the sink centered along the back wall and the range centered in the island, there’s plenty of elbow room on each side of the appliances. Everything is within arms’ reach for easy use and fast cleanup. The gray hues of the “Concrete” colored quartz tops and the veining of the Carrera backsplash echo the stone outcroppings in the landscape and provide contrast to the variety of wood tones throughout the room.

While the bones of this house were absolutely modern, past renovations were feeling dated and needed a refresh. Bathrooms, living, kitchen and bedrooms all received the keen eye of a talented designer and equally artful homeowner. The result a beautiful modern with tons of warmth and texture throughout.

Made by VISTATILES Ships from a small business in Pennsylvania Introducing our exquisite handcrafted ceramic mosaic tiles, measuring 17x17 cm, these Cobalt Fish Scale Patterned Tiles are a true work of art. Each tile is meticulously created, resulting in a set of 75 unique pieces per square meter (10 square feet). Their captivating design showcases the beauty of Turkish craftsmanship, making them ideal for various applications, from bathroom tiles to decorative elements. Product Details: Material: Ceramic Size: 17x17 cm (6.69 x 6.69 inches) Quantity: 75 pieces per square meter (10 square feet) Color: Cobalt Blue with Gold Accents Pattern: Fish Scale Style: Handmade, Artisan Crafted Origin: Turkey Product Description: Elevate your space with our stunning Cobalt Fish Scale Patterned Tiles. These handcrafted ceramic tiles feature a mesmerizing design inspired by the scales of a fish. The intricate details and rich cobalt blue color create a captivating visual effect that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Our tiles are perfect for a variety of applications, including: Bathroom Tiles: Create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom with our beautiful fish scale tiles. They are ideal for backsplashes, shower walls, and floors. Kitchen Backsplashes: Add a splash of color and personality to your kitchen with our unique tiles. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for this high-traffic area. Decorative Elements: Use our tiles to create stunning decorative accents throughout your home. They can be used to frame mirrors, fireplaces, or accent walls. Why Choose Our Tiles: Handcrafted Quality: Each tile is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Unique Design: Our fish scale pattern is truly one-of-a-kind, adding a touch of personality and style to any space. Versatile Applications: Our tiles can be used in a variety of settings, from bathrooms and kitchens to living rooms and bedrooms. Durable and Easy to Maintain: Our ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for any home. Turkish Craftsmanship: Our tiles showcase the beauty of Turkish craftsmanship, bringing a piece of Turkish culture into your home. To achieve their exceptional quality, our tiles undergo a firing process at 1050 degrees Celsius in specialized tile ovens. This meticulous process imparts exceptional resilience, making the tiles suitable for outdoor use as well. From adorning the interiors of Turkish baths to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spa entrances, these tiles serve as both functional and decorative elements. The unique cracked appearance on the surface of the Dark Green Fish Scale Tiles is a deliberate design choice. This subtle crackle pattern remains a hidden gem, adding depth and character to each tile. While these tiles are perfect for various interior and exterior architectural projects, it's important to note that they aren't recommended for direct water immersion due to their surface characteristics. For aquatic applications such as swimming pools, we recommend opting for our porcelain-based tiles with pigmented colors, ensuring both durability and aesthetic satisfaction. Our crackle tile collection, though not suitable for water exposure, offers an array of options for floor tiles. These specially crafted flat surface tiles find their place in bathroom, kitchen, spa, hammam, hotel, and villa decorations. The resilience of our Kütahya Fish Scale Tiles against environmental elements, be it sunlight or wind, underscores their exceptional quality. Designed for easy application, these tiles are equally suitable for novice and experienced designers alike. The assortment of Kütahya and Iznik patterned Fish Scale Tiles presents a versatile range that caters to various preferences and budgets. Order your Cobalt Fish Scale Patterned Tiles today and transform your space into a work of art! Additional Information: Shipping: We offer worldwide shipping. Please contact us for shipping rates and estimated delivery times. Returns: We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Please contact us for return instructions. Custom Orders: We can also create custom orders to match your specific needs. Please contact us for more information. Detailed Specifications: Width: 17 cm Height: 17 cm Thickness: 0.8 cm Weight per 1 m2: 15.50 kg Quantity per 1 m2: 75 pieces We kindly advise international buyers to be aware of potential duties, customs charges, and import taxes applicable upon shipping to their respective countries. These fees are determined and enforced by the buyer's country upon the item's arrival. In the event of a return, please note that a 25% restocking fee will be deducted from the order amount, and the customer will be responsible for the return shipping costs. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to providing you with exceptional products that elevate your designs.

Bold Pattern, Warm Soul — Whole-Home Interior Design & Renovation | Raleigh, NC This project is proof that a home can have a strong point of view and still feel completely livable. The homeowners wanted personality — spaces that felt collected, intentional, and a little unexpected. The result is a whole-home transformation where every room tells part of the same cohesive story. The kitchen serves as the heart of it all. Sage green cabinetry with raised panel detailing wraps the entire space, while a bold large-scale botanical wallpaper in warm cream, brown, and black makes an unforgettable statement. The pattern doesn't stop at the kitchen walls — it carries through the built-in bar area and connects to the living room, creating a visual thread that ties the main floor together. White Calacatta-style quartz countertops and backsplash, matte black hardware, mercury glass pendants, and a built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator with custom cabinet surround complete the kitchen's layered look. A built-in window seat breakfast nook with sage cushions adds charm and function in equal measure. The living room anchors the home with drama and warmth. A floor-to-ceiling walnut wood slat accent wall frames the fireplace and soars to the two-story ceiling, flanked by white built-in bookshelves lined with the same botanical wallpaper. The furniture palette — white linen sofa, cognac leather mid-century chairs, and a natural wood coffee table — keeps the space grounded and inviting against the bold backdrop. The nursery is a room unto itself: dusty blue walls and ceiling meet a framed safari toile accent wall, a vintage-inspired black iron crib, and a dramatic black woven drum pendant. Classic and cool with just the right amount of edge. A moody bonus room doubles as a home theater, with dark walls, wood slat paneling, and plush oversized sofas tucked under a sloped ceiling. The primary bathroom rounds out the project with a floor-to-ceiling charcoal shaker vanity, matte black fixtures, and white quartz — sleek, modern, and confident. Every room was designed and executed by a single team — from concept to completion.

Charcoal siding, with its tremendous range and adaptability, looks equally in the outdoors when coupled with materials that are fascinated by the landscape. The exterior is exquisite from Fiber Cement Lap Siding and Fiber Cement Shingle Siding which is complemented with white door trims and frieze board. The appeal of this charcoal grey siding as an exterior tint is its flexibility and versatility. Subtle changes in tone and surrounding frame may result in a stunning array of home designs!

A bright, open kitchen anchored by a substantial island in soft slate-blue, topped with veined white quartz that carries through to the perimeter counters for a cohesive, custom feel. Shaker-style white cabinetry rises to the ceiling, paired with brushed brass pendant lighting and a professional-grade stainless range and hood that speak to serious craftsmanship without sacrificing warmth. Wide-plank oak floors and cream leather counter stools add texture and comfort, while French doors off the adjoining living space flood the room with natural light and views of greenery beyond. The result is a space that feels equal parts refined and livable — a true gathering place built for both everyday mornings and entertaining.

Completed in 2015, the Othello House was designed by PRDG Architecture + Design and built by Better Builders as a striking example of modern living in West Seattle. Though the homeowners chose not to pursue formal certification, the project was built to meet the rigorous standards of a Five-Star Built Green™ home. From the ground up, sustainability and style were equally prioritized. The build preserved native vegetation, retained mature trees on-site, exceeded Washington State Energy Code requirements, and recycled over 70% of construction waste by weight. Recycled-content materials were thoughtfully incorporated throughout, reinforcing the home’s eco-conscious foundation. Large windows on all sides flood the interiors with natural light, while the surrounding landscaping is designed to highlight lush greenery and native plantings. The result is a home that combines premium modern design with environmental responsibility—proving that sustainable construction can also deliver the ultimate in comfort and function.

While the bones of this house were absolutely modern, past renovations were feeling dated and needed a refresh. Bathrooms, living, kitchen and bedrooms all received the keen eye of a talented designer and equally artful homeowner. The result a beautiful modern with tons of warmth and texture throughout.

This 2022 project for Sovereign Grace Music was a full-scale, purpose-built recording and production facility designed to support songwriting, live tracking, mixing, and video content creation. Working alongside the extraordinary Sovereign Grace team—and in collaboration with Authentic Carpentry—NILES handled sound reduction, audio integration, and all acoustic treatment design and installation. The facility features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, and a large Isolation Booth engineered for dry drum capture or vocal tracking during full-band sessions. Each space was crafted for accuracy, clarity, and intuitive workflow, ensuring that engineers and artists can move seamlessly between rooms without breaking creative momentum. Clear sightlines, generous lighting, and intentional layout choices make the studio equally suited for recording and video production. Every room is wired for a plug-and-play workflow, supporting multi-camera shoots, ensemble tracking, and efficient session flow. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic infrastructure is highly robust. The Control Room, Live Room, and ISO Booth sit on independent floor systems with tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and strategic treatments throughout. No suite is mechanically bonded, allowing simultaneous use of all rooms with minimal sound transmission. Monitoring in the Control Room centers around PMC 6-2 loudspeakers, precisely tuned to ensure accurate translation from mix position to the final master. The result is a balanced, inviting, and technically exact environment—built to serve the diverse creative needs of Sovereign Grace Music for years to come.

For this full-home remodel, the homeowners were looking for a design-build firm with strong credentials, sustainable practices, and a personal touch. After an extensive search, they chose Schulte Design Build for our expertise, approachability, and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. From the beginning, collaboration was essential. The homeowners had a well-defined vision but remained open to professional insights, allowing us to create a design that balanced functionality, sustainability, and budget-conscious decisions. Energy efficiency played a key role in the project, with strategic upgrades such as relocating the water heater and switching to a hybrid model. We also adjusted the backup furnace to side vent, reducing roof penetrations and improving overall efficiency. Accessibility was another priority, and our team incorporated thoughtful ADA-friendly solutions throughout the home. The material selection process was equally intentional, ensuring that finishes aligned with the homeowners’ aesthetic goals while staying within budget. Our design team worked closely with them to achieve a refined and cohesive look without compromising quality. Project management and clear communication were crucial to the success of this remodel. With regular check-ins and project tracking software, we kept the process organized and transparent, providing a seamless experience from start to finish. The construction phase lasted six months, during which the homeowners stayed actively involved while trusting our team to bring their vision to life. The end result is a beautifully transformed home that integrates modern efficiencies, accessibility, and timeless design. Beyond the renovation itself, the homeowners gained a deeper understanding of their home’s functionality and feel more connected to their space than ever before. At Schulte Design Build, we take pride in guiding homeowners through the remodeling journey with expertise, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.

While the bones of this house were absolutely modern, past renovations were feeling dated and needed a refresh. Bathrooms, living, kitchen and bedrooms all received the keen eye of a talented designer and equally artful homeowner. The result a beautiful modern with tons of warmth and texture throughout.

For this full-home remodel, the homeowners were looking for a design-build firm with strong credentials, sustainable practices, and a personal touch. After an extensive search, they chose Schulte Design Build for our expertise, approachability, and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. From the beginning, collaboration was essential. The homeowners had a well-defined vision but remained open to professional insights, allowing us to create a design that balanced functionality, sustainability, and budget-conscious decisions. Energy efficiency played a key role in the project, with strategic upgrades such as relocating the water heater and switching to a hybrid model. We also adjusted the backup furnace to side vent, reducing roof penetrations and improving overall efficiency. Accessibility was another priority, and our team incorporated thoughtful ADA-friendly solutions throughout the home. The material selection process was equally intentional, ensuring that finishes aligned with the homeowners’ aesthetic goals while staying within budget. Our design team worked closely with them to achieve a refined and cohesive look without compromising quality. Project management and clear communication were crucial to the success of this remodel. With regular check-ins and project tracking software, we kept the process organized and transparent, providing a seamless experience from start to finish. The construction phase lasted six months, during which the homeowners stayed actively involved while trusting our team to bring their vision to life. The end result is a beautifully transformed home that integrates modern efficiencies, accessibility, and timeless design. Beyond the renovation itself, the homeowners gained a deeper understanding of their home’s functionality and feel more connected to their space than ever before. At Schulte Design Build, we take pride in guiding homeowners through the remodeling journey with expertise, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.

While the bones of this house were absolutely modern, past renovations were feeling dated and needed a refresh. Bathrooms, living, kitchen and bedrooms all received the keen eye of a talented designer and equally artful homeowner. The result a beautiful modern with tons of warmth and texture throughout.

Bold Pattern, Warm Soul — Whole-Home Interior Design & Renovation | Raleigh, NC This project is proof that a home can have a strong point of view and still feel completely livable. The homeowners wanted personality — spaces that felt collected, intentional, and a little unexpected. The result is a whole-home transformation where every room tells part of the same cohesive story. The kitchen serves as the heart of it all. Sage green cabinetry with raised panel detailing wraps the entire space, while a bold large-scale botanical wallpaper in warm cream, brown, and black makes an unforgettable statement. The pattern doesn't stop at the kitchen walls — it carries through the built-in bar area and connects to the living room, creating a visual thread that ties the main floor together. White Calacatta-style quartz countertops and backsplash, matte black hardware, mercury glass pendants, and a built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator with custom cabinet surround complete the kitchen's layered look. A built-in window seat breakfast nook with sage cushions adds charm and function in equal measure. The living room anchors the home with drama and warmth. A floor-to-ceiling walnut wood slat accent wall frames the fireplace and soars to the two-story ceiling, flanked by white built-in bookshelves lined with the same botanical wallpaper. The furniture palette — white linen sofa, cognac leather mid-century chairs, and a natural wood coffee table — keeps the space grounded and inviting against the bold backdrop. The nursery is a room unto itself: dusty blue walls and ceiling meet a framed safari toile accent wall, a vintage-inspired black iron crib, and a dramatic black woven drum pendant. Classic and cool with just the right amount of edge. A moody bonus room doubles as a home theater, with dark walls, wood slat paneling, and plush oversized sofas tucked under a sloped ceiling. The primary bathroom rounds out the project with a floor-to-ceiling charcoal shaker vanity, matte black fixtures, and white quartz — sleek, modern, and confident. Every room was designed and executed by a single team — from concept to completion.

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

As a part of a larger transformation, the kitchen served as an anchor for rethinking how the home could feel and function. The goal was to create a space that felt truly integrated, flowed naturally within itself, and connected seamlessly to the outdoors. Storage was a top priority, with an emphasis on keeping countertops clean and the space feeling calm and open. Flow was equally important. What began as a layout optimized for entertaining evolved into a more intentional approach, where every sightline and transition was thoughtfully considered. The clients also needed the kitchen to work hard for their lifestyle, with a commercial-size refrigerator and freezer, generous prep space, and room to gather. The challenge was to bring purpose and polish to a space that didn’t quite feel like it belonged. The result is a kitchen that’s not only highly functional but finally feels like part of the home. Project challenges: - Maximizing storage was a primary challenge, especially with the inclusion of a commercial-sized fridge and freezer that occupied valuable cabinetry space. - The need for clean, uninterrupted lines throughout the kitchen required thoughtful detailing, especially around cabinetry transitions and appliance integration. - The oversized island design required two stone slabs and waterfall edges on both sides which posed both visual and logistical challenges. - Incorporating electrical outlets into the island in a way that felt intentional and unobtrusive demanded creative problem-solving. - The unique rooflines created strong visual angles that required a considered design approach to ensure the space felt cohesive rather than disjointed. - Balancing symmetry and flow in a kitchen with structural constraints required precise layout planning to maintain a cohesive visual rhythm. - Creating an intentional indoor/outdoor living flow, especially in the transitional space between the sliding doors to the backyard and the kitchen. Project solutions: - To balance the visual weight of the commercial-grade fridge and freezer, we flanked the range and hood with full-height pocket cabinetry, which created symmetry while reclaiming storage space. We also took a look into internal organization and carefully mapped out where every kitchen item would live. This allowed us to make informed decisions about drawer versus door configurations, and when to incorporate features like roll-out shelving to maximize accessibility and function. - Linear light fixtures above the island were chosen for their low visual impact, allowing sightlines to remain clear and emphasizing the thoughtful spatial layout. - The oversized island was carefully executed using two coordinated slabs, with a subtle brass inlay detail between them to turn a logistical challenge into a design feature. - Pop-up electrical outlets were integrated into the island to keep surfaces clutter-free while maintaining easy access, which combined form and function seamlessly. - With multiple focal points and a peaked vaulted ceiling, layout precision was key. The island, hood, and adjacent staircase were all perfectly centered on the vault, creating a sense of alignment across the open space. - In the transitional area between kitchen and backyard, we added a wet bar that visually and functionally connects the indoor space with the outdoors. This addition provides extra storage and creates a dedicated entertainment spot for guests, enhancing the overall flow and usability of the home.