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

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 overwhelming support by the community who dug deep and donated, the 2018 Central Valley St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway successfully raised $957,100 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! Since 2007, De Young Properties has been a major donor and builder of 12 St. Jude Dream Homes, helping to raise $11,628,545 to help the kids of St. Jude fight cancer and other life-threatening childhood diseases. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which works around the clock to develop cures to save the lives of boys and girls, including children in the San Joaquin Valley. “We strongly believe in our responsibility to help others, which is why the St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway is so important to us and our entire De Young team. We are grateful to our community’s continued support of our business – a community that has given so much to us, which is why we are so passionate about giving back. In fact, we are even more passionate today than we were in 2007 when we first partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are honored to be a donor and builder of our 12th St. Jude Dream Home in this war against childhood cancer. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital positively affects the lives of families across the country, in addition to giving us the opportunity to change the life of a local family,” said Paula De Young of De Young Properties. “This amazing pediatric research center, that not only treats life threatening cases in children, also freely gives guidance to doctors around the world and here in the Central Valley. We count ourselves fortunate to be able to help such an important cause” The 2018 St. Jude Dream Home is one of the most popular De Young floorplans, the Residence 210 with a beautiful Cottage elevation, and will offer three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a formal dining room, spacious den and an open-air courtyard with a gorgeous stone accented fireplace. With celebrity designer, Michael Moloney, donating his design talent and resources once again as Design Ambassador for this year’s St. Jude Dream Home, the home boasts a long list of special features, including fashionable quartz and granite counters from Granite Mountain Stone Design, premium designer maple cabinetry and professional closet design from KraftMaid Cabinetry and stainless steel Bosch appliances with a gas range, washer, dryer and built-in refrigerator. In addition, premium-grade wood-look porcelain tile floors by Shaw Floors, spacious 10’ ceilings, professional and water efficient front and back yard landscaping, and Energy Star approved Eagle Brand Cool Roof Tile. The prime Clovis location of the St. Jude Dream Home is in the De Young Trailside at Loma Vista community which is within walking distance to Reagan Educational Center and located within the greater 3,300-acre Loma Vista master-planned community designed by the City of Clovis. In addition, it is a short drive from Clovis Community Medical Center and a variety of entertainment and dining options including the Sierra Vista Mall, The Square at Campus Pointe, Old Town Clovis and even Wild Water Adventure Park. Easy access to Highway 168 and Herndon Avenue can provide a fast work commute during the week and a family outing to Shaver or Huntington lakes on the weekend and even more. De Young Properties would like to once again thank everyone in the community who contributed their hard-earned dollars to this worthy cause. They are appreciative of everyone who donated, volunteered or purchased a ticket to win this year’s St. Jude Dream Home, and feel privileged to be able to help such an important cause.

Bed and Breakfast: Before Looking to update your rental property? This Bed and breakfast in a 1950’s home was updated in the rental bedroom, bathroom and common areas (kitchen, living room and front entry) guests see when entering the home. The bed and breakfast specializes in wildlife viewing, so the decor highlighted this theme.The kitchen, bath and living room were remodeled. The bedroom had outdated decor and no heat source. New bedding, linens, cabinet hardware and an electric fireplace were added. The bathroom was overwhelmed by outdated pink and blue flowered flooring and wallpaper, an outdated vanity, faucets and lighting. The wallpaper was removed and painted a beautiful green to highlight the new hummingbird shower curtain. The vanity, faucets, lighting, flooring were replaced and missing baseboard molding was added. New towels and rugs were added for a fun, fresh and updated look. The owner was on a limited budget and the entire project was completed for less than $4000. After the remodel, the owner was able to increase the rental price. Bookings increased by 25% and the entire project was paid for by increased bookings in the first season! Photo by Mary Ann Benoit

Contemporary home located in Malibu's Point Dume neighborhood. Designed by Burdge & Associates Architects.
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Los Angeles

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

The key to a modern rustic space is an open floor plan, modern furniture, and natural elements. Keeping the color scheme simple, the light walls amplified the natural light coming from the large windows. Having upholstered pieces in dark pet/kid-friendly fabrics makes it easy-to-clean. Layered rugs add depth and pattern to the design without overwhelming the space.

Maple and stainless steel don't often share the same sentence, but here they find common ground. The rich, warm treads bring depth and texture, while horizontal stainless steel bars keep the design grounded in the present. Neither material overwhelms the other. The result sits comfortably between classic and contemporary. Transitional design done without compromise. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This serene bedroom captures the essence of coastal living with its light-filled layout and breezy, natural design. Woven accent chairs and a sculptural side table create a cozy seating nook near the window, while soft white walls and warm-toned wood flooring maintain a clean and calming palette. The large sliding doors invite natural light to flow in, blurring the line between indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation. Carefully chosen décor—like the minimalist bird illustration, sculptural greenery, and textured furniture—adds layers of charm without overwhelming the space. The mix of contemporary finishes and coastal-inspired elements lends the room a sense of effortless luxury. Ideal for a modern beach home remodel, this bedroom offers both comfort and character, making it a peaceful haven by the sea.

Irvin Serrano Photography
Inspiration for a large coastal medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Portland Maine with beige walls

This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

Light-Filled Living & Dining Room — Cozy, Modern, and Inviting ✨? This stunning open-concept living and dining area brings together warmth, natural light, and thoughtful design. Vaulted ceilings with triangular clerestory windows create a bright and airy feel, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame lush outdoor views, blurring the lines between inside and out. A white brick fireplace with a warm wood mantel serves as a cozy focal point, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings. The rich wood floors add warmth and contrast beautifully with the soft neutral wall tones. A mix of mid-century-inspired wood dining furniture and a cozy leather lounge chair with ottoman create balance between formal dining and casual living. Layered details like lush plants, a colorful round rug, and statement lighting give the space personality without overwhelming the serene atmosphere. It's the perfect blend of modern style and comfortable living, ideal for entertaining and family life.

Dining Room wallpaper installation – Snohomish, WA. This eclectic dining room in Snohomish showcases wallpaper with abstract floral bursts in earthy reds and golds. Installed as a focal wall behind a reclaimed wood table, the bold print adds energy and conversation-starting character without overwhelming the room.

Spacecrafting Photography
Transitional living room photo in Minneapolis

This family room is a stunning blend of modern farmhouse charm and contemporary elegance. This view of the room further emphasizes the open concept of the home. The vaulted ceiling with its natural wood beams remains a prominent feature, adding warmth and character to the clean, white walls. The large, candle-style black wagon wheel chandelier continues to anchor the space, offering a bold yet elegant contrast to the otherwise soft color palette. The seating area is defined by an oversized, low-profile white sectional sofa, featuring wooden bases that tie in beautifully with the wood accents in the ceiling and coffee table. The mix of black and neutral-patterned throw pillows introduce subtle texture and patterns without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. Styled with simple decor, such as a vase with greenery and neatly arranged books, the coffee table reinforces the room’s clean, uncluttered feel. A trio of modern abstract art pieces, each in neutral tones of black, white, and muted blush, hangs above the sofa, adding visual interest and contributing to the room’s serene atmosphere. To the right, a gallery wall of black-and-white photographs adds a personal touch, offering a glimpse into this family's life and memories. The emphasis on natural materials, such as wood and leather, alongside the clean lines and modern fixtures, creates a perfect balance between rustic and contemporary elements, gives this room a more cozy feel for family gathering.

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space. The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Stepping into this bathroom is like entering a haven of modern luxury. A freestanding bathtub, crafted from a smooth, white stone material, takes center stage. Its curved lines and independent placement exude a sense of contemporary indulgence. To its right, a seamless glass door grants access to a spacious walk-in shower, offering the perfect combination of functionality and relaxation. Along the opposite wall, a double vanity unit reinforces the minimalist aesthetic. Light wood with a clean finish forms the base, topped by two stylish vessel sinks made of white porcelain. Each vanity boasts two drawers adorned with sleek chrome pulls, providing ample storage without compromising the clean lines. Rectangular mirrors with minimalist chrome frames hang above each sink, their reflective surfaces bouncing light throughout the space and contributing to the overall feeling of spaciousness. Matte black faucets with a modern design add a touch of contrast to the light wood, drawing the eye and complementing the vessel sinks. The floor boasts large gray tiles in a modern pattern, offering visual interest without overwhelming the space. The shower enclosure continues this theme with similar tiles on the walls, creating a sense of cohesion. The remaining walls are painted in a soft white hue, harmonizing perfectly with the light wood vanity and promoting a bright and airy atmosphere. Recessed ceiling lights provide general illumination, while two sconces with frosted glass shades flank the mirrors, casting a warm and inviting glow that washes away shadows and completes the luxurious spa-like ambiance.

Designed by Daniel Altmann of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda, MD this Washington, DC contemporary kitchen design features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Acrilux door style in a Linear Bronze/Powder finish. Kitchen countertops are engineered quartz in the color Wayborne by Cambria. Kitchen appliances are by JennAir. Kitchen tile backsplash features Tomei 3x12 glass tile in a cloth finish. For the customer, the experience was overwhelmingly positive, sharing "Daniel as an absolute pleasure to work with. He listened closely to my goals for the kitchen and was patient and flexible with providing multiple options to help with making the many decisions required. As with most major renovations, we ran into unexpected issues, in our case during demolition. Everyone worked with us to come up with a solution that preserved the integrity of the design." Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

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