Rising through the heart of the main foyer, this curved staircase is striking. Dark-stained oak treads with square noses create a substantial foundation, anchored by bold, black-painted square newels. A modern metal balustrade completes the design, adding sleek contemporary edge to the elegant curve. The freestanding nature of stair allows the staircase to command attention without overwhelming the interiors. The result is a staircase that balances presence and refinement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Example of a classic exterior home design in Los Angeles

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers. A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen. The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries. “I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.” Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

The Ralph Showroom is a sophisticated retail environment that blends classic style with a tailored, masculine edge. Rich wood finishes, timeless detailing, and refined lighting create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Designed to highlight product displays without overwhelming them, the space feels both elevated and inviting—evoking the spirit of a high-end boutique with a grounded, approachable charm.

This beautiful switchback staircase blends natural wood elements with metal, bringing subtle sophistication to the home. Natural wood treads and a post-to-post handrail provide warmth, while the crisp white risers add a light and fresh touch. Natural wood newels anchor the structure, and the horizontal black round metal rods add a modern edge without overwhelming the neutral palette. The thoughtful pairing of natural wood and metal showcases how contemporary design isn't defined by specific materials, but rather by how skillfully they're combined. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

With a 60" Wolf range, 48" Sub Zero, large Pantry and main sink, the challenge was finding a balance to not overwhelm the space. Space planning and custom cabinetry by Jennifer Howard, JWH Photography by Mick Hales

This is the home of a Marine veteran in Spring Hill who had not remodeled their kitchen since purchasing it 20+ years ago. They wanted to freshen up their kitchen and make the small galley kitchen more functional. The thoughts of high prices and all the options out there were overwhelming so we were able to narrow down what was important to them and what colors would work best for their new refreshed color palette. They decided to go with all new cabinets in our Maui door style. The upper cabinets were done in a white color, while the lowers were done in Espresso. Next, we installed a new granite Verona white countertop and a Palisa in Steel backsplash. Now these homeowners finally have their dream kitchen.

This curved deck was built with WOLF PVC in Amberwood with Rosewood border and curved layered profile fascia. The installation of the new sliding door from the kitchen allows for easy access. Custom powder coated aluminum curved rails accentuate the curve of the deck without obstructing the beautiful view of the back yard. The dual flared stairs add to the architectural interest of the project. The paver patio and built in stone fire feature capped in blue stone with a beautiful copper basin added another level for entertaining and relaxing. Black picture frame PVC lattice provides a stunning finished look. Client didn’t want any sharp corners where the children play. They wanted soft natural curves including the patio that captures the homeowner’s needs perfectly. This outdoor space provides enough space without overwhelming the yard.

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

This beautiful switchback staircase blends natural wood elements with metal, bringing subtle sophistication to the home. Natural wood treads and a post-to-post handrail provide warmth, while the crisp white risers add a light and fresh touch. Natural wood newels anchor the structure, and the horizontal black round metal rods add a modern edge without overwhelming the neutral palette. The thoughtful pairing of natural wood and metal showcases how contemporary design isn't defined by specific materials, but rather by how skillfully they're combined. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Rising through the heart of the main foyer, this curved staircase is striking. Dark-stained oak treads with square noses create a substantial foundation, anchored by bold, black-painted square newels. A modern metal balustrade completes the design, adding sleek contemporary edge to the elegant curve. The freestanding nature of stair allows the staircase to command attention without overwhelming the interiors. The result is a staircase that balances presence and refinement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Warm & Inviting Lower Level Family Room This stunning basement family room combines comfort and style, creating the perfect space for casual gatherings or cozy nights in. Anchored by a custom built-in media wall with floating wood shelves and lighted niches, the room is layered with texture and neutral tones. A soft, oversized sectional with plush, mixed-material pillows invites lounging, while a rich leather ottoman adds warmth and function. The warm wood beams and shelf details bring organic texture, balanced by crisp white cabinetry and soft gray walls. Thoughtfully curated décor, including modern art, pottery, and greenery, add personal charm without overwhelming the space. Designed for both entertaining and relaxation, this space effortlessly combines modern farmhouse and transitional elements for a timeless, livable look.

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

Designed with gathering at its core, the family room at our Windswept in Wellesley project was created to comfortably accommodate a large, active household. Two oversized sofas provide ample seating, anchored by a generous coffee table that invites everything from casual lounging to puzzles and games spread out for the afternoon. While the adjoining living room embraces lighter greens and blues, the family room leans into a richer, more saturated palette. Deep blues are balanced with softer earth tones, creating a space that feels both grounded and welcoming. A large custom rug anchors the room, thoughtfully selected for its durability and ability to stand up to daily life. Layered details bring warmth and character—plaid on an accent chair, custom pillows in varied patterns, and subtly striped curtains add depth without overwhelming the space. The result is a room that feels relaxed yet refined, designed for real life and ready to be lived in every day.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Our clients knew they wanted to live in Wicker Park, within walking distance of everything the neighborhood has to offer. They found an 1890s cottage-style home on a great street and fell in love with its charm. Unfortunately, the house had fallen into a state of serious neglect and needed significant work. Excited, but also a bit overwhelmed, our clients came to us for help with a gut renovation. We were able to guide them through the entire process from the start of demo through placement of the final decorative object. The process was fun and rewarding and, upon completion, our clients were left with a tailored and sophisticated home that is just as stylish as they are.

The use of lighter tones for the wood floors enlarges the home visually. Pops of navy blue, brass hardware, and leathered quartzite give the open living space a modern, upscale look that is chic enough to command attention yet understated enough not to overwhelm. The kitchen was designed with full-length semi-custom white shaker style cabinetry, leathered quartzite countertops, a large navy-blue island with seating for four, high-end Wolf appliances, and pendant lighting.

This rail remodel brings fresh feel to this Virginia home through traditional materials and clean design. A white oak handrail paired with classic white balusters complements the home's bright, open layout while adding refined detail. Natural light from large windows highlights the craftsmanship of the new rail system. The remodel transforms what was once dated into a polished focal point that enhances the space without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Minneapolis