This striking staircase transforms natural light into a design element. Straight flights of hickory treads rise to a floating mezzanine, supported by a concealed structural beam that maintains visual openness from floor to ceiling. The other elements, such as the stained wooden handrail that matches the flooring throughout the home, create a sense of harmony. The hand-forged metal balustrade system adds an artistic touch while maintaining the outward simplicity of the design. When all these elements come together, the result is an architectural feature that's both functional and sculptural. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Clean white millwork with integrated hardware. Manhattan House, a 1,278 SF apartment renovation on the Upper East Side, New York, by Domo Architecture.

SAUGATUCK COTTAGE Location: Saugatuck, MIchigan Scope: Design | Landscape & Hardscape Installation Features: L-Shaped gunite pool with pergola covered seating area designed to blend with the existing home and landscape | Walkways and pool coping were selected to integrate seamlessly into the existing cottage | Concrete was selected for the pool deck for its simplicity and fit with the period in which the home was constructed | The clients wanted a space to entertain friends and family so allowances were made for dining, grilling and integration with the existing guest house.

Transitional bathroom photo in Los Angeles

Example of a minimalist home design design in Austin

Home design - transitional home design idea in Kyoto

The Ellis Mid Century Bookshelf is a handcrafted storage piece designed to bring warmth, structure, and practical organization into modern interiors. Built from 100% solid pine wood with a strong metal frame, it combines natural wood texture with a clean architectural silhouette. Its open shelf design provides generous space for books, plants, framed photos, ceramics, office supplies, and decorative objects. The contrast between solid pine shelves and the slim metal frame gives Ellis a balanced look that works well in living rooms, home offices, bedrooms, entryways, and studio spaces. Available in multiple widths and two height options, Ellis can adapt to both compact rooms and wider feature walls. The 5-shelf and 6-shelf configurations make it useful for different storage needs while keeping the overall design light, open, and visually organized. With its mid-century modern character, natural wood grain, water-resistant matte finish, and easy assembly structure, Ellis is designed as both a functional bookcase and a stylish display piece for everyday interiors.

Example of a beach style home design design in Boston

THE SHADOW HOUSE IS A PRODUCT OF THE CONTEXT IT SITS WITHIN, YET IT SUBVERTS IT AT THE SAME TIME. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE IT UP CLOSE, YET FROM AFAR IT DISAPPEARS INTO THE ETHER. A TINY LOT, A LARGE PROGRAM, RESTRICTIVE ZONING REGULATIONS AND AN INVOLVED NEIGHBORHOOD INTEREST GROUP WERE THE CONSTANT AND UNRELENTING PRESSURES THAT CREATED THIS HOUSE — AND THE RESULT IS BETTER OFF FOR IT. THE SCALLOPED SHINGLES ARE A COMMON ELEMENT ACROSS THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT ARE OFTEN RESERVED FOR DETAIL AREAS UNDER EAVES, AS THE MATERIAL WAS VERY EXPENSIVE ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. WE TOOK THAT HIGHLY-SPECIALIZED, VERY EXCLUSIVE MATERIAL AND APPLIED IT AS A BROAD, MASS-PRODUCED TEXTURE ACROSS THE ENTIRE RESIDENCE — TAKING SOMETHING FROM HIGHLIGHT TO BACKGROUND TEXTURE. THE SILHOUETTE DIRECTLY ECHOES THE ITALIANATE HOMES IN THE LARGER NEIGHBORHOOD — BUT WE STRIPPED THE TYPICAL ORNATE, DECORATED FAÇADE BACK TO UTTER MINIMALISM. WE ENLARGED THE TYPICAL WINDOW SIZE TO EXAGGERATE THE RIGID SYMMETRY OF THE STYLE, AND BROUGHT THEM TO THE FLOOR AND THE CEILING TO PROVIDE AS MUCH LIGHT AS POSSIBLE — AND THEN RECESSED THEM DEEP INTO THE FAÇADE TO MIMIC THE HEAVY BRICK AND STONE LINTELS OF THE PAST. THE HOUSE IS BLACK — THE ONLY COLOR IT COULD BE. IF WE’D PAINTED IT UP LIKE ITS VICTORIAN SISTERS, IT WOULD’VE COMPETED FOR ATTENTION. BLACK CAUSES THE HOUSE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DISAPPEAR AND STAND OUT — IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE WHILE YOU’RE WALKING PAST, BUT A FEW BLOCKS AWAY IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO DISCERN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND. TWO BEDROOMS WITH EN-SUITE BATHS, FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS, AN AIRY AND OPEN STAIRCASE AND A MASSIVE GLASS ROOF DOOR MAKE THE SHADOW HOUSE IMPOSSIBLY LIGHT AND OPEN — YET IT’S ONLY 1,400 SQUARE FEET ON A 30’ X 50’ LOT.

Modern style wardrobe, with full height plain doors, and two doors with mirror. Internally designed to customers requirements, storage for special equipment, drawers, hanging rails and adjustable shelves.

Mountain style home design photo in Denver

Photography by Susan Teare • www.susanteare.com
Staircase - contemporary staircase idea in Burlington

Elegant pool photo in Miami

Fleeting but wonderful shadows are cast during the late afternoon in Autumn

Home design - rustic bamboo floor and multicolored floor home design idea

Close-up of the wrought iron.
Mid-sized mountain style porcelain tile and beige floor foyer photo in Phoenix with beige walls and a brown front door

Inspiration for a modern deck remodel in Tampa

These Falls Church homeowners wanted to remain in the neighborhood they loved while making their home more functional and accessible. The first-floor renovation expanded and reconfigured the kitchen and converted a powder room into a full ADA-compliant bathroom. The light-filled kitchen features custom cream cabinetry, quartz countertops, brass hardware, floating oak shelves, a large island, integrated appliances, and thoughtfully designed storage. New windows and refinished hardwood floors bring warmth and continuity throughout the first floor. The accessible bathroom includes a curbless shower, slip-resistant flooring, and a handheld shower fixture, creating a safe and comfortable space without sacrificing style. The completed renovation allows the home to support the family beautifully through every stage of life.