This new construction staircase makes a bold architectural statement with its sleek, floating design and modern material palette. Featuring thick wood treads paired with a minimalist steel stringer, the staircase appears to effortlessly cantilever through the space, creating a sense of openness and visual lightness. A frameless glass railing enhances the clean lines while maintaining unobstructed sightlines throughout the room. The combination of warm wood tones and dark structural elements adds contrast and depth, tying seamlessly into the surrounding interior finishes. Positioned as a central focal point, the staircase is complemented by a double-height ceiling and a contemporary chandelier above, amplifying the sense of scale and sophistication. Adjacent built-in shelving with integrated lighting and a modern fireplace further elevate the space, creating a cohesive and luxurious living environment.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Windsor II Modern Farmhouse in Whitestown, Indiana, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern charm. Inspired by the popular Windsor plan, this layout maximizes spatial volume and natural light on the main level with soaring 10-foot ceilings. The open-concept first floor seamlessly connects the family room, dining area, and kitchen into an expansive heart of the home perfect for hosting gatherings. To blend luxury with practicality, custom built-in shelving is integrated throughout the home, including a dedicated home office featuring organized open shelving paired with premium cabinetry to keep the workspace immaculate. For ultimate privacy, the luxurious first-floor owner’s retreat serves as a quiet main-level sanctuary. This primary suite offers abundant organization with two separate, oversized walk-in closets, ensuring no shortage of storage space. The spa-like owner's bath is designed for a premium getaway experience, beautifully appointed with a contemporary freestanding soaking tub and a meticulously detailed custom tile shower. Upstairs, 9-foot ceilings maintain an airy, elevated feel across an entertainment-focused second floor. The second-story loft features a show-stopping mini wet bar complete with a custom wine storage piece, serving as the perfect transition into the adjacent media room. Engineered for ultimate comfort, this space is designed as a cozy in-home theater featuring authentic tiered seating, ensuring there isn’t a bad seat in the house for family movie nights or weekend game days.

Joey desired a spacious and functional kitchen suitable for cooking and entertaining. He envisioned an open layout with ample seating around an enlarged island, improved storage, and a dedicated pantry. To fulfill this vision, significant changes were made to the existing kitchen layout. The original island was replaced with a larger, dual-sided island featuring white shaker cabinets and a matching granite/quartz countertop. An 80-inch countertop overhang was installed, supported by sturdy legs and brackets, providing additional seating space. A pantry was seamlessly added into the adjacent office space, complete with new framing, drywall, texture, and pocket doors for easy access. Contemporary pendant lights illuminate the expanded island and dining areas, while recessed lighting enhances pantry visibility. Sleek floating shelves were added for extra storage and visual interest. Matching luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed in impacted areas to maintain consistency and elegance. This remodel exceeded expectations, resulting in an inviting and cohesive kitchen space. Thoughtful integration of storage, contemporary elements, and an expanded layout has greatly enhanced both functionality and appearance.

The unique design concept of A139 is rooted in the basic geometric idea of two interlocking rectangles. This distinctive feature, along with the incorporation of rectangular geometries into the natural environment, sets it apart. The deliberate placement of a few windows in the front enhances privacy, while the addition of wooded and water elements to the facade creates a sober and elegant aesthetic. The project maintains a common language in its materiality: apparent concrete, steel, and wood. The three materials are presented sincerely from the outside of the house and continue on a constant journey through the interior. A139 is adjacent to the spring forest, privileged in its geographical position. We considered that the project’s purpose was that from any point of the house, we would have panoramic views that would serve as ambiance for itself and thus generate “natural pictures.” Our design philosophy for A139 was to seamlessly integrate the forest into the house. To achieve this, we created interior courtyards and spaces, blurring the boundary between the exterior and the interior. This approach not only enhances the living experience but also fosters a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings. The house’s program is characterized by its social areas on the first floor, which can be combined to generate larger spaces if necessary. On the first floor are four bedrooms, each with a dressing room, bathroom, and terraces overlooking the spring forest. Casa A139 speaks for itself and presents itself honestly, subtly setting the views and ample spaces in the hierarchy by the natural textures of the materials.

The outdoor courtyard and entertaining area serves as the centerpiece of this Arizona indoor-outdoor living retreat. The original landscape was completely reimagined with new turf, modern desert landscaping, and thoughtfully designed outdoor gathering spaces that support both everyday living and entertaining. The redesigned courtyard now includes an outdoor dining area, a counter-height bar at the kitchen pass-through, a modern fire pit seating area, and a covered ramada complete with lounge seating, an outdoor TV, and a sleek linear gas fireplace. Together, these spaces create a seamless extension of the home’s interior living areas. The original pool shape was maintained, while the overall design was elevated with a custom water feature, Baja ledge for lounging and viewing the outdoor TV, and a refreshed pool finish. Existing brick pavers were removed and replaced with large-format travertine, creating a cleaner and more sophisticated foundation throughout the courtyard.

Warm, modern, and masterfully balanced, this kitchen blends Scandinavian-inspired wood cabinetry with bold contrast and sleek utility. The full-height oak cabinets provide seamless storage while maintaining a clean, vertical visual flow. A navy blue island with waterfall-edge quartz countertop anchors the space, surrounded by caramel leather barstools and globe glass pendants that add sculptural elegance. Matte black hardware and a dark herringbone backsplash introduce depth and drama, beautifully complementing the warm wood tones and luxury vinyl plank flooring.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

This new construction pool showcases a sleek, modern design centered around clean lines and open outdoor living. The rectangular pool features a crisp geometric layout with light-toned coping and a shallow sun shelf, creating both visual appeal and functional lounging space. Surrounded by expansive, manicured lawn areas, the setting feels spacious and balanced. Minimalist landscaping lines the perimeter with evenly spaced greenery along a privacy wall, enhancing the sense of symmetry while maintaining a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. A row of cushioned lounge chairs provides a resort-style atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. In the background, a covered pavilion offers shaded seating and a seamless extension of the outdoor living space. Mature trees, including tall palms, frame the yard and add vertical interest, completing this refined Southern California-style backyard retreat.

This custom playroom built-in cabinetry project was designed to create both organization and visual structure in a busy family space. The wall-to-wall built-ins feature open shelving for books and toys, closed cabinets for hidden storage, and a central vertical paneled wall that anchors the television. The integrated bench with deep drawers adds additional storage while creating a comfortable spot for reading or relaxing. By combining open shelving with concealed cabinetry, the design allows everyday playroom items to stay accessible while maintaining a clean and organized appearance. Every piece was custom built to fit the room perfectly, maximizing storage while creating a cohesive architectural feature that blends seamlessly with the home’s interior.

This custom glass-enclosed wine cellar in Wilmette, IL was designed and built as a turnkey luxury residential wine cellar project, combining modern architecture with professional-grade wine storage. The frameless glass wine enclosure creates an open, contemporary feel while showcasing the cellar as a focal design element within the home. The cellar features custom wine racks finished in a deep petrol-teal sprayed lacquer with a satin to semi-gloss sheen, creating a bold and original backdrop for the wine collection. Satin brushed brass metal wine racks add warmth and contrast, elevating the overall design and reinforcing the high-end, custom nature of the space. Integrated LED wine cellar lighting highlights the unique finishes, rack layout, and bottle presentation. Designed for a combination of wine display and functional wine storage, the cellar is equipped with a professional climate-controlled wine cooling system to maintain proper temperature and humidity for long-term preservation. From design and fabrication to full installation, this project reflects a seamless, one-stop approach to custom wine cellar construction for luxury homeowners and wine collectors throughout Wilmette, the North Shore, and the greater Chicago area.

This luxury San Diego backyard remodel features a custom pool and spa, entertainer’s outdoor kitchen, porcelain paver patio, and drought-tolerant landscape design. At the heart of the design is a beautifully remodeled swimming pool and spa, surrounded by expansive outdoor living spaces that seamlessly connect the home to the landscape. Large-format porcelain pavers create a clean, modern terrace around the pool while natural flagstone walkways add warmth and character throughout the property. The pool deck flows effortlessly into multiple seating areas, including intimate lounge spaces and fire features that create inviting gathering points in the evening. A custom entertainer’s outdoor kitchen anchors the main patio and was designed for both functionality and style. The space features premium appliances, generous preparation areas, and a striking decorative tile backsplash that adds texture and visual interest. Adjacent dining and lounge areas allow guests to gather comfortably while enjoying views of the pool and surrounding gardens. The front and rear landscapes were designed with a low-maintenance planting palette that feels both elegant and natural. Sculptural succulents, citrus trees, ornamental grasses, and layered plantings are set within river rock and gravel beds, creating a drought-conscious landscape that complements the architecture of the home while maintaining year-round visual interest. Carefully integrated lighting throughout the property highlights architectural elements, specimen trees, and pathways, allowing the outdoor spaces to transition beautifully from day to evening. The result is a cohesive outdoor environment that blends resort-style comfort with timeless landscape design, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying Southern California living.

This kitchen remodel blends modern sophistication with timeless functionality, creating a space that is both practical for everyday living and visually stunning. The heart of the kitchen features custom cabinetry and millwork, carefully designed to maximize storage while maintaining clean, elegant lines. A striking island serves as both a workspace and gathering point, topped with natural stone countertops that add texture and warmth. Premium materials and finishes, including high-end appliances, sleek metal accents, and bespoke hardware, enhance the overall luxury feel. Open shelving and integrated storage solutions allow for beautifully curated displays, while thoughtful layout decisions create a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Large windows bring in natural light, highlighting the refined finishes and architectural details throughout the space. This kitchen exemplifies how custom design, high-quality materials, and functional layout can come together to create a modern yet timeless centerpiece for the home.

Kanso home A Balanced Retreat for the Quietly Powerful In the heart of bustling Wadala, amidst the towering silhouettes of Mumbai’s skyline, lies a home that whispers rather than shouts—one that celebrates calm over clutter and intention overindulgence. Designed under the concept “Stillness in Structure,” this residence for the wonderful couple and their beautiful daughter, at Dosti Eastern Bay stands as a meditative retreat—an ode to balance, warmth, and quiet sophistication. The central design narrative revolves around creating a sanctuary that embodies restraint and timeless grace. Every surface, curve, and finish has been curated to exude composure. The palette—woven from taupes, soft greys, dusty beiges, and stone whites—becomes the visual language of serenity. Lighting plays a quiet yet profound role—concealed within coves or diffused through sheer drapes—casting a soft glow that mirrors the homeowners’ gentle temperament. The overall effect is of a space that breathes, inviting introspection and ease. The Living Core: Connection and Continuity The living and dining areas are designed as fluid extensions of one another, encouraging conversation and connection. With earthy finishes, clean silhouettes, and subtle textural layering, the rooms flow seamlessly into a balcony that becomes a serene escape. Soft furnishings transform the space into an urban oasis—a moment of stillness above the city’s rhythm. The dining corner, defined by warm tones and minimalist lighting, balances functionality with grace. Custom cabinetry with clean lines anchors the space, offering both utility and sculptural beauty. The Private Realms The master bedroom continues the home’s philosophy of quiet luxury. With muted undertones, warm timber, and linen textures, it exudes a sense of grounded comfort. A tailored study nook and soft lighting create an atmosphere conducive to focus and rest in equal measure. The daughter’s room, in contrast, introduces a tender narrative—pastel hues of blush, sage, and mauve meet whimsical elements. It balances playfulness and calm, ensuring the design grows gracefully with its young occupant. Meanwhile, the guest bedroom embodies understated hospitality—tones of beige and olive layered with soft fabrics and tactile finishes. It maintains harmony with the home’s larger aesthetic, while introducing subtle individuality through its bespoke furniture details. Crafted Details and Quiet Precision Every element—from custom joinery and door designs to the utility layout and curtain treatments—reflects an unwavering attention to proportion and texture. Rounded corners, soft lighting coves, and flush detailing enhance spatial fluidity. Even the kitchen area is designed with the same philosophy—functional minimalism executed with warmth and precision An Ode to Intentional Living “Stillness in Structure” transcends mere visual beauty—it’s a state of being. The home tells the story of two individuals who find strength in subtlety and meaning in moderation. It’s a space that nurtures the rhythm of everyday life while offering a meditative counterpoint to the world outside.

Designed as a private spa retreat, this luxury primary bathroom balances timeless materials with clean architectural lines to create a space that feels both serene and sophisticated. Large-format marble-look porcelain tile wraps the walls, creating a seamless backdrop that enhances the room's scale and natural light. A freestanding soaking tub is positioned beneath the window, offering a peaceful place to unwind, while matte black plumbing fixtures provide a bold contemporary contrast against the soft stone palette. The expansive frameless glass shower maintains an open, airy feel, allowing the luxurious tilework to remain the focal point. Warm wood accents, layered textiles, and greenery soften the space, adding warmth and an organic touch to the refined design. Every detail was intentionally selected to create a calming, spa-inspired primary suite that combines everyday functionality with elevated luxury. Design Style Refined Organic Contemporary Organic Modern Warm Contemporary Spa-Inspired Luxury Modern Transitional Luxury bathroom, primary bathroom, primary bath remodel, spa bathroom, spa-inspired bathroom, freestanding soaking tub, luxury shower, walk-in shower, frameless glass shower, marble-look porcelain tile, large-format tile, matte black plumbing fixtures, contemporary bathroom, organic modern bathroom, warm contemporary bathroom, refined contemporary, modern transitional, custom bathroom design, luxury home, whole home design, new construction, custom home, bathroom renovation, bathroom remodel, serene interiors, timeless bathroom, high-end interior design, bespoke interiors, Colorado interior designer, Denver interior designer, Castle Pines interior design, luxury interior designer, residential interior design, natural materials, layered textures, spa retreat, elegant bathroom, custom home interiors

This luxury kitchen remodel in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania blends classic craftsmanship with modern functionality to create a bright and elegant gathering space at the heart of the home. Designed and built by Craftsworth Construction, this Chester County kitchen renovation transforms a traditional layout into a refined open-concept kitchen with custom cabinetry, layered lighting, and high-end finishes throughout. The design centers around a stunning two-tone kitchen island featuring rich gray cabinetry paired with a dramatic waterfall quartz countertop. The island incorporates a built-in gas cooktop, microwave drawer, and bar seating, creating a functional centerpiece ideal for cooking, entertaining, and everyday living. Surrounding the island, custom white shaker cabinetry extends to the ceiling, maximizing storage while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. Glass-front display cabinets with integrated lighting showcase decorative pieces and dishware, adding depth and visual interest to the kitchen design. Warm brushed brass hardware and fixtures bring a sophisticated contrast against the bright cabinetry and help tie the entire space together. A clean herringbone tile backsplash runs throughout the perimeter cabinetry and preparation areas, providing subtle texture while complementing the neutral color palette. Under-cabinet lighting highlights the pattern and enhances the warm glow of the display cabinets above. Large windows above the sink fill the kitchen with natural light, while a series of elegant gold geometric pendant lights above the island introduce a modern focal point that balances the traditional cabinetry. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the adjacent living area, creating an open and inviting environment ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Finished with durable luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom built-in storage, this Glenmoore kitchen renovation combines beauty, practicality, and timeless design. This project was completed by Craftsworth Construction, a kitchen remodeling contractor serving Glenmoore, Downingtown, West Chester, and homeowners throughout Chester County and Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Alexandr Kotsoban Photography
Example of a transitional bathroom design in Los Angeles

Example of a transitional exterior home design in Chicago

The team at Cummings Architects is often approached to enhance an otherwise wonderful home by designing a custom kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. Located near Patton Park in Hamilton Massachusetts this charming Victorian had a dated kitchen, mudroom, and waning entry hall that seemed out of place and certainly weren’t providing the owners with the kind of space and atmosphere they wanted. At their initial visit, Mathew made mental sketches of the immediate possibilities – an open, friendly kitchen concept with bright windows to provide a seamless connection to the exterior yard spaces. As the design evolved, additional details were added such as a spacious pantry that tucks smartly under the stair landing and accommodates an impressive collection of culinary supplies. In addition, the front entry, formerly a rather dark and dreary space, was opened up and is now a light-filled hall that welcomes visitors warmly, while maintaining the charm of the original Victorian fabric. Photo By Eric Roth

Photography: Jessica Makes Studio
Kitchen - mid-century modern kitchen idea in San Francisco