Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Example of a large transitional backyard concrete paver and rectangular pool landscaping design in Richmond

Easy on the eyes, Healthier and Easy to live in: The design inspiration came from the desire for a contemporary home that responds particularly well to the prevailing cooling breezes and the hot afternoon sun. It offers views of downtown from a private “get-away” tower room that serves as a “thermal siphon” that enhances comforting natural ventilation in the home. The interior layout incorporates all the necessary functional design elements to make it practical for day-to-day family life, while being particularly healthy and comfortable. We bridged the gap between Modern and sensible, while respecting the surrounding homes in the neighborhood. By minimizing circulation (hall) spaces and maximizing livable spaces the home lives large. An open Living/ Kitchen/ Dining space includes a walk-through back pantry that allows this home to remain neat and attractive while still serving the day-to-day needs of an active family. A multi-functional dining table adds to the exceptional “livability” features as well. North-facing windows make it easier to control sunlight and flood the main living area with natural diffused sunlight that makes spaces feel larger yet stay cooler in the summer months. While there is plenty of balanced natural light, there is very little direct solar radiation - reducing glare, heat, eyestrain, and is simply just more comfortable to hang out in.

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Location: Situated on Bunurong country near the town of Sorrento, the site was uniquely positioned between the back beach and the footy oval. The broad wedge-shaped site featured a steep vegetated dune climbing 6 meters to the rear and remnant coastal Moonah trees at the front, providing a distinctive natural context. Design Brief: The objective was to create an enduring 4-bedroom holiday house that harmonized with its coastal environment. The design was intended to be both stylish and robust, offering high amenity and serviceability. This house was envisioned as a long-term investment, serving the dual purpose of accommodating a growing family and functioning as a part-time rental property. Architectural Features: Contextual Integration: The architectural response meticulously respected and enhanced the site's natural features, seamlessly integrating the vegetated dune and preserving the Moonah trees within the landscape strategy. Materiality and Aesthetics: The material palette was selected for its durability and ability to withstand the harsh coastal conditions while maintaining a refined and stylish appearance. This included the use of resilient, high-quality materials that age gracefully over time. Spatial Versatility: The spatial configuration was designed to adapt to the evolving needs of a growing family and the demands of a rental property. Flexible spaces were created to provide a balance between communal living areas and private retreats. Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity: Emphasizing seamless indoor-outdoor connections, the design featured expansive glazing, outdoor terraces, and integrated landscaping to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. High Amenity and Comfort: The house boasted a laminate black-butt chef's kitchen, stone and tile surfaces, and state-of-the-art climate control systems, including integrated heating and cooling, to ensure year-round comfort and ease of maintenance. The architectural vision aimed to create a timeless residence that would serve as a cherished family retreat and a sought-after rental property, responding elegantly to its coastal context and the demands of modern living.

Small trendy galley vinyl floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

copyright Mark Williams
Bedroom - coastal bedroom idea

The 5,000 square foot private residence is located in the community of Horseshoe Bay, above the shores of Lake LBJ, and responds to the Texas Hill Country vernacular prescribed by the community: shallow metal roofs, regional materials, sensitive scale massing and water-wise landscaping. The house opens to the scenic north and north-west views and fractures and shifts in order to keep significant oak, mesquite, elm, cedar and persimmon trees, in the process creating lush private patios and limestone terraces. The Owners desired an accessible residence built for flexibility as they age. This led to a single level home, and the challenge to nestle the step-less house into the sloping landscape. Full height glazing opens the house to the very beautiful arid landscape, while porches and overhangs protect interior spaces from the harsh Texas sun. Expansive walls of industrial insulated glazing panels allow soft modulated light to penetrate the interior while providing visual privacy. An integral lap pool with adjacent low fenestration reflects dappled light deep into the house. Chaste stained concrete floors and blackened steel focal elements contrast with islands of mesquite flooring, cherry casework and fir ceilings. Selective areas of exposed limestone walls, some incorporating salvaged timber lintels, and cor-ten steel components further the contrast within the uncomplicated framework. The Owner’s object and art collection is incorporated into the residence’s sequence of connecting galleries creating a choreography of passage that alternates between the lucid expression of simple ranch house architecture and the rich accumulation of their heritage. The general contractor for the project is local custom homebuilder Dauphine Homes. Structural Engineering is provided by Structures Inc. of Austin, Texas, and Landscape Architecture is provided by Prado Design LLC in conjunction with Jill Nokes, also of Austin. Paul Bardagjy Photography

Transitional kitchen photo in Denver

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Emily Hagopian, Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Mid-sized eclectic wooden u-shaped medium tone wood floor staircase photo in San Francisco with yellow walls and wooden risers

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Inspiration for a 1960s open concept beige floor, exposed beam, vaulted ceiling and wood ceiling living room remodel in Charlotte with green walls

The Architect House is located on a breathtaking five-acre property in Great Falls, VA. This modern home was designed to shape itself into the site and landscape. By doing so each indoor space individually responds to the corresponding outdoor space. The entire house is then able to knit itself together with spaces that freely flow together from inside and out. The orientation of the house allows sunlight to tell the time of the day while you are inside. Upon entering you see straight through a central atrium and into the landscape beyond. Natural light and views of nature are captured from every angle inside the home. The modern exterior design of the house utilizes a linear brick at the base of the house that anchors it to the land. Gray and cedar colored modern architectural panel siding alternate patterns on all facades of the house, accentuating the different volumes. These volumes are then capped off by low sloping metal panel roofs. Exposed steel beans and columns are utilized to create long spans of covered outdoor spaces that then easily recede into the backdrop of the landscape. The design of this modern home is in harmony with the site and landscape creating a warm welcoming feeling and one that conveys that the house belongs there.

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia's wine and equestrian countryside, this one-of-a-kind Federal Colonial estate called for a staircase worthy of its pedigree. The result is a stunning main staircase that serves as the elegant focal point of the home's open entrance. Rich oak treads and risers rise gracefully alongside the home's curved walls, complemented by metal-forged balusters that nod to the period's craftsmanship. The design thoughtfully responds to one of the home's most distinctive original features: a semi-circular fanlight above the front door. This fanlight beautifully frames an arched opening beneath the stairs, creating an elegant passageway that provides both privacy and access to the formal great room and gourmet kitchen beyond. The staircase doesn't just connect floors. It honors the home's historic character while serving the needs of modern living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company