When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Cable Railing on Ash Floating Stairs These Vermont homeowners were looking for a custom stair and railing system that saved space and kept their space open. For the materials, they chose to order two FLIGHT Systems. Their design decisions included a black stringer, colonial gray posts, and Ash treads with a Storm Gray finish. This finished project looks amazing when paired with the white interior and gray stone flooring, and pulls together the open views of the surrounding bay.

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A modern staircase that is both curved and u-shaped, with fluidly floating wood stair railing. Cascading glass teardrop chandelier hangs from the to of the 3rd floor. In the distance is the formal living room with a stone facade fireplace and built in bookshelf.

Modern Horizontal Hollow Round Tubing for a Contemporary Stair Railing. Make your interior stair railings stand out with these economical stair parts.

This sleek contemporary staircase pairs rich ebony-stained oak with satin black horizontal iron balusters for a striking modern aesthetic. Square oak newels with chamfered tops anchor the design, while thick contemporary oak treads provide substantial footing. The ebony-stained custom handrails tie the dark tones together, creating visual cohesion from bottom to top. The result is a staircase that balances bold contrast with refined simplicity, proving that durable materials and precise craftsmanship create designs that stand the test of time. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

A modern staircase that is both curved and u-shaped, with fluidly floating wood stair railing. Cascading glass teardrop chandelier hangs from the to of the 3rd floor. In the distance is the formal living room with a stone facade fireplace and built in bookshelf.

This beautiful contemporary stairway was constructed using hardwood timbers, stainless steel posts, and tile stair treads with stainless steel trim pieces. Photo contributed by Pete Casperson; Realtor

View of stair
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Stunning staircase design - Contemporary Twilight Residential Interior Design Project in Aventura, Florida by DKOR Interiors. Photos by Alexia Fodere

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Stair to Basement General Contractor: McLane Builders Inc
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Completely remodeled beach house with an open floor plan, beautiful light wood floors and an amazing view of the water. After walking through the entry with the open living room on the right you enter the expanse with the sitting room at the left and the family room to the right. The original double sided fireplace is updated by removing the interior walls and adding a white on white shiplap and brick combination separated by a custom wood mantle the wraps completely around. Continue through the family room to the kitchen with a large island and an amazing dining area. The blue island and the wood ceiling beam add warmth to this white on white coastal design. The shiplap hood with the custom wood band tie the shiplap ceiling and the wood ceiling beam together to complete the design.

Stainless steel gets a custom satin finish that accents the grey interior space.
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Floating staircase with steel mono-stringer and white oak treads as seen from below. The wood top rail seamlessly flows up the multi level staircase. Stairs and railings by Keuka Studios Photography by Dave Noonan

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Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in San Diego

Conceptually the Clark Street remodel began with an idea of creating a new entry. The existing home foyer was non-existent and cramped with the back of the stair abutting the front door. By defining an exterior point of entry and creating a radius interior stair, the home instantly opens up and becomes more inviting. From there, further connections to the exterior were made through large sliding doors and a redesigned exterior deck. Taking advantage of the cool coastal climate, this connection to the exterior is natural and seamless Photos by Zack Benson

Bart Reines Construction Photo by Robin Hill
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