Some words from our highly satisfied client... Complete outdoor living transformation. Our team removed an existing dilapidated wooden deck, rotten posts, faulty electrical wiring, numerous 1 ton stepping stones and installed the following: multi-level travertine patio, step lights, state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, low maintenance artificial turf, outdoor gas fire pit, Covered patio, mosquito defense screens, infra-tech outdoor heating system, storage shed, cedar siding, modern tropical landscape, landscape lighting, bench seating, and a privacy wall.

Home owners Ken & Bonnie never used their dining room. What they really wanted was a traditional library room to house their large collection of prized books! During their first floor facelift and kitchen renovation, Advance Design also created an elegant library room filled with beautiful architectural details that flowed effortlessly with the rest of the home’s stately design and thoughtful details. “Advance Design’s master carpenter was a very patient perfectionist, cutting each and every little piece of trim until it came together with these intricate wood architectural details that we absolutely love!” reports Bonnie. “Our dining room was just a wasted room that we never used. We needed a place to store and display our extensive book collection, and now we have this amazing room that is an unexpected “wow” factor when guests walk in our front door”. Advance Design placed hidden lighting inconspicuously to break to monotony of the books in a decorative shelf area where the family posts photos of children and family at special life events. The room looks out over the beautifully manicured front garden near the home’s entry, and is a most peaceful place to pull up a chair, drink some tea, and enjoy a good read. Photographer: Joe Nowak

1970's colonial home along Aaron River Reservoir and near Wompotuk State Park. First floor kitchen remodel overhaul. Photography by Brain Doherty
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

1970's colonial home along Aaron River Reservoir and near Wompotuk State Park. First floor kitchen remodel overhaul.
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Extraordinary Chinese Antique Doors ( Late Qing Dynasty ). Set of 4. Material: Fir; Origin: Zhejiang province; Size ( cm ): L 52, W 6, H 320 GREEN ANTIQUES holds one of the largest collections of Chinese antique doors in the world, including literally thousands of sets of antique Chinese folding screens, room dividers, temple doors, courtyard entrance gates, courtyard doors, village gates, entrance doors, interior doors and every other shape and style of door imaginable. GREEN ANTIQUES is one of China's largest antiques shop, with a 100,000 sq.ft. showroom containing thousands of Chinese antique cabinets; interior and exterior courtyard doors; windows; carvings; tables; chairs; beds; wood and stone Buddhist, Taoist, Animist, and other statues; corbels, ceilings, beams and other architectural elements; horse carts; stone hitching posts; ancestor portraits and Buddhist / Taoist paintings; ancient shrines, thrones and wedding palanquins; antique embroidery, purses and hats from many of the 56 minority tribes of China; and a large collection of boxes, baskets, chests, pots, vases and other items. The GREEN ANTIQUES design and development team have designed, built and remodeled dozens of high end homes in China and the United States, each and every one loaded with antique Chinese architectural elements, statues and furniture. They would be happy to help you to achieve your design goals.

We are thrilled to share our latest project: a stunning primary bathroom addition in Kirkland, WA. This addition has been perfectly placed to enhance the comfort and elegance of the house, featuring a separate entrance both inside and out. Highlights of this beautiful bathroom include: - **State-of-the-Art Plumbing:** The curbless shower pan exemplifies modern plumbing design. - **Modern Tile Installation:** Concrete-style gray tiles throughout the bathroom create a sleek, contemporary look. - **Elegant Tile Wall:** The tile wall around the vanity adds warmth and elegance to the room. - **Artistic Vanity:** A large, free-standing vanity, professionally installed, serves as a piece of art in the space. How would you plan your next primary bathroom remodel? Keep in touch with our Levite Construction page for future posts and inspiration! Stay tuned for more updates! #BathroomRemodel #KirklandWA #HomeImprovement #LeviteConstruction #ModernDesign #ElegantLiving

This home was originally built in the 1700s and was the Post Office for most of Nassau County but is now a private residence. We were brought in to completely renovate it to make it suitable for 21st century living while honoring the original integrity of the home. Some of the most interesting components were transforming the 'ice house' into a state-of-the-art office for the owner and providing a modern feel to the kitchen including granite countertops and steel appliances.

To draw the eyes up, a HVLG chandelier brightens the space with the shiny chrome and crystal flowers. Soft hues of gray-blue blended with soft creams brought this room to a happier state. A Bernhardt canopy bed made with heavy, metal post draws the eyes upward and expands the space tremendously.

GREEN ANTIQUES holds one of the largest collections of Chinese antique statues in the world, including literally thousands of antique Chinese statues, Buddha statues, Taoist statues, sprite statues, Chinese god statues, hero statues, chairman Mao statues, wooden statues, carved stone statues and all kinds extraordinary and unique of statues imaginable. GREEN ANTIQUES is one of China's largest antiques shop, with a 100,000 sq.ft. showroom containing thousands of Chinese antique cabinets; interior and exterior courtyard doors; windows; carvings; tables; chairs; beds; wood and stone Buddhist, Taoist, Animist, and other statues; corbels, ceilings, beams and other architectural elements; horse carts; stone hitching posts; ancestor portraits and Buddhist / Taoist paintings; ancient shrines, thrones and wedding palanquins; antique embroidery, purses and hats from many of the 56 minority tribes of China; and a large collection of boxes, baskets, chests, pots, vases and other items. The GREEN ANTIQUES design and development team have designed, built and remodeled dozens of high end homes in China and the United States, each and every one loaded with antique Chinese architectural elements, statues and furniture. They would be happy to help you to achieve your design goals.

Wainscot panels enhance this stately staircase
Inspiration for a staircase remodel in Milwaukee

GREEN ANTIQUES holds one of the largest collections of Chinese antique boxes & baskets in the world, including literally thousands of sets of antique Chinese hand-made boxes, gift boxes, food boxes, fruit trays, sleeping pillows, chests, buckets, jewelry boxes, suitcases and all kinds of beautiful carved and painted of boxes & baskets imaginable. GREEN ANTIQUES is one of China's largest antiques shop, with a 100,000 sq.ft. showroom containing thousands of Chinese antique cabinets; interior and exterior courtyard doors; windows; carvings; tables; chairs; beds; wood and stone Buddhist, Taoist, Animist, and other statues; corbels, ceilings, beams and other architectural elements; horse carts; stone hitching posts; ancestor portraits and Buddhist / Taoist paintings; ancient shrines, thrones and wedding palanquins; antique embroidery, purses and hats from many of the 56 minority tribes of China; and a large collection of boxes, baskets, chests, pots, vases and other items. The GREEN ANTIQUES design and development team have designed, built and remodeled dozens of high end homes in China and the United States, each and every one loaded with antique Chinese architectural elements, statues and furniture. They would be happy to help you to achieve your design goals.

This Beautiful Country Farmhouse rests upon 5 acres among the most incredible large Oak Trees and Rolling Meadows in all of Asheville, North Carolina. Heart-beats relax to resting rates and warm, cozy feelings surplus when your eyes lay on this astounding masterpiece. The long paver driveway invites with meticulously landscaped grass, flowers and shrubs. Romantic Window Boxes accentuate high quality finishes of handsomely stained woodwork and trim with beautifully painted Hardy Wood Siding. Your gaze enhances as you saunter over an elegant walkway and approach the stately front-entry double doors. Warm welcomes and good times are happening inside this home with an enormous Open Concept Floor Plan. High Ceilings with a Large, Classic Brick Fireplace and stained Timber Beams and Columns adjoin the Stunning Kitchen with Gorgeous Cabinets, Leathered Finished Island and Luxurious Light Fixtures. There is an exquisite Butlers Pantry just off the kitchen with multiple shelving for crystal and dishware and the large windows provide natural light and views to enjoy. Another fireplace and sitting area are adjacent to the kitchen. The large Master Bath boasts His & Hers Marble Vanity’s and connects to the spacious Master Closet with built-in seating and an island to accommodate attire. Upstairs are three guest bedrooms with views overlooking the country side. Quiet bliss awaits in this loving nest amiss the sweet hills of North Carolina.

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures. Sub-zero paneled fridge is show-stopping with immense storage and depth.

Custom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~ Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary Custom Curved Wooden Slides When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped? When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped? Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?” Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements. The Secret is Out For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.” The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet. And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond. Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories: 1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function. 2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement. 3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation. 4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact. But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size. Our clients? They absolutely love them. Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature. Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop. The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off. We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later. Where Imagination Meets Reality But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor? We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself. In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement. What a ride, indeed. Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure. The People Behind the Dreams What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box. These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy. Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for. My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you! Custom Curved Wooden Slides What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship. We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly. But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality. Your Home, Reimagined Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary. Ready to set your home apart? ~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!

GREEN ANTIQUES holds one of the largest collections of Chinese antique boxes & baskets in the world, including literally thousands of sets of antique Chinese hand-made boxes, gift boxes, food boxes, fruit trays, sleeping pillows, chests, buckets, jewelry boxes, suitcases and all kinds of beautiful carved and painted of boxes & baskets imaginable. GREEN ANTIQUES is one of China's largest antiques shop, with a 100,000 sq.ft. showroom containing thousands of Chinese antique cabinets; interior and exterior courtyard doors; windows; carvings; tables; chairs; beds; wood and stone Buddhist, Taoist, Animist, and other statues; corbels, ceilings, beams and other architectural elements; horse carts; stone hitching posts; ancestor portraits and Buddhist / Taoist paintings; ancient shrines, thrones and wedding palanquins; antique embroidery, purses and hats from many of the 56 minority tribes of China; and a large collection of boxes, baskets, chests, pots, vases and other items. The GREEN ANTIQUES design and development team have designed, built and remodeled dozens of high end homes in China and the United States, each and every one loaded with antique Chinese architectural elements, statues and furniture. They would be happy to help you to achieve your design goals.

1970's colonial home along Aaron River Reservoir and near Wompotuk State Park. First floor kitchen remodel overhaul. Photography by Brain Doherty
Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Here one can see the gains that were made in converting to a pony wall (with ceiling support posts remaining) that abuts the stairs leading to the lower level. The back slider door is a tasteful piece that remains, and with the neutral walls and white base trim it is making a bigger state now that before. The combination of the sea foam green island cabinets and the orange pendant lights ties into the brick, all while being the independent focal point of the room. The Calacatta Botanica quartz is a lovely neutral color in for both the island as well as the wall cabinets.

GREEN ANTIQUES holds one of the largest collections of Chinese antique statues in the world, including literally thousands of antique Chinese statues, Buddha statues, Taoist statues, sprite statues, Chinese god statues, hero statues, chairman Mao statues, wooden statues, carved stone statues and all kinds extraordinary and unique of statues imaginable. GREEN ANTIQUES is one of China's largest antiques shop, with a 100,000 sq.ft. showroom containing thousands of Chinese antique cabinets; interior and exterior courtyard doors; windows; carvings; tables; chairs; beds; wood and stone Buddhist, Taoist, Animist, and other statues; corbels, ceilings, beams and other architectural elements; horse carts; stone hitching posts; ancestor portraits and Buddhist / Taoist paintings; ancient shrines, thrones and wedding palanquins; antique embroidery, purses and hats from many of the 56 minority tribes of China; and a large collection of boxes, baskets, chests, pots, vases and other items. The GREEN ANTIQUES design and development team have designed, built and remodeled dozens of high end homes in China and the United States, each and every one loaded with antique Chinese architectural elements, statues and furniture. They would be happy to help you to achieve your design goals.

This project hits very close to home for us. Not your typical office space, we re-purposed a 19th century carriage barn into our office and workshop. With no heat, minimum electricity and few windows (most of which were broken), a priority for CEO and Designer Jason Hoffman was to create a space that honors its historic architecture, era and purpose but still offers elements of understated sophistication. The building is nearly 140 years old, built before many of the trees towering around it had begun growing. It was originally built as a simple, Victorian carriage barn, used to store the family’s horse and buggy. Later, it housed 2,000 chickens when the Owners worked the property as their farm. Then, for many years, it was storage space. Today, it couples as a workshop for our carpentry team, building custom projects and storing equipment, as well as an office loft space ready to welcome clients, visitors and trade partners. We added a small addition onto the existing barn to offer a separate entry way for the office. New stairs and an entrance to the workshop provides for a small, yet inviting foyer space. From the beginning, even is it’s dark state, Jason loved the ambiance of the old hay loft with its unfinished, darker toned timbers. He knew he wanted to find a way to refinish the space with a focus on those timbers, evident in the statement they make when walking up the stairs. On the exterior, the building received new siding, a new roof and even a new foundation which is a story for another post. Inside, we added skylights, larger windows and a French door, with a small balcony. Along with heat, electricity, WiFi and office furniture, we’re ready for visitors!