Photos by Bernard Andre
Elegant staircase photo in San Francisco

Troy Gustafson
Example of a mid-sized transitional wooden straight staircase design in Minneapolis with painted risers

Stair case with black painted handrail and newell post and also stair risers painted black.
Elegant wooden staircase photo in Other with painted risers

Designed as a prominent display of Architecture, Elk Ridge Lodge stands firmly upon a ridge high atop the Spanish Peaks Club in Big Sky, Montana. Designed around a number of principles; sense of presence, quality of detail, and durability, the monumental home serves as a Montana Legacy home for the family. Throughout the design process, the height of the home to its relationship on the ridge it sits, was recognized the as one of the design challenges. Techniques such as terracing roof lines, stretching horizontal stone patios out and strategically placed landscaping; all were used to help tuck the mass into its setting. Earthy colored and rustic exterior materials were chosen to offer a western lodge like architectural aesthetic. Dry stack parkitecture stone bases that gradually decrease in scale as they rise up portray a firm foundation for the home to sit on. Historic wood planking with sanded chink joints, horizontal siding with exposed vertical studs on the exterior, and metal accents comprise the remainder of the structures skin. Wood timbers, outriggers and cedar logs work together to create diversity and focal points throughout the exterior elevations. Windows and doors were discussed in depth about type, species and texture and ultimately all wood, wire brushed cedar windows were the final selection to enhance the "elegant ranch" feel. A number of exterior decks and patios increase the connectivity of the interior to the exterior and take full advantage of the views that virtually surround this home. Upon entering the home you are encased by massive stone piers and angled cedar columns on either side that support an overhead rail bridge spanning the width of the great room, all framing the spectacular view to the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range in the distance. The layout of the home is an open concept with the Kitchen, Great Room, Den, and key circulation paths, as well as certain elements of the upper level open to the spaces below. The kitchen was designed to serve as an extension of the great room, constantly connecting users of both spaces, while the Dining room is still adjacent, it was preferred as a more dedicated space for more formal family meals. There are numerous detailed elements throughout the interior of the home such as the "rail" bridge ornamented with heavy peened black steel, wire brushed wood to match the windows and doors, and cannon ball newel post caps. Crossing the bridge offers a unique perspective of the Great Room with the massive cedar log columns, the truss work overhead bound by steel straps, and the large windows facing towards the Spanish Peaks. As you experience the spaces you will recognize massive timbers crowning the ceilings with wood planking or plaster between, Roman groin vaults, massive stones and fireboxes creating distinct center pieces for certain rooms, and clerestory windows that aid with natural lighting and create exciting movement throughout the space with light and shadow.

Post to post handrail system with 4091 box newels, poplar handrail with a dark stain and Oil Rubbed Bronze wrought iron balusters with knuckles. Portland Stair Company

This room got such a dramatic transformation! The previous owner had brought it into the late 80's/early 90's, though the home was 100 years old. I wanted to bring some of that old charm back into the place. We added the newel post, railing, discovered original hardwoods and refinished the flooring and stairs, and my favorite piece was the very heavy marble fireplace surround. I found it on Craigslist for 800$. It was my first purchase for this home and was the inspiration piece for the rest of the house! This photo crops out the other sofa and room divider with columns that separate the living room from the dining room. To see the room in entirety (or the entire home) feel free to look at my project titled " Minneapolis Home." Staging by Cindy Montgomery of Showhomes, Minneapolis. Photo by Obeo, Minneapolis.

A distinctive box newel post.
Staircase photo in Milwaukee

Large elegant carpeted straight wood railing staircase photo in Portland with carpeted risers

Example of a large classic brown floor living room design in Chicago with beige walls

Staircase - traditional staircase idea in Minneapolis

Staircase - mid-sized traditional wooden l-shaped staircase idea in Chicago with painted risers

This area really comes together by not drawing too much attention to one item. Mixing materials and colors really makes for a unique entrance into the home.

Photo by Linda Oyama-Bryan
Staircase - craftsman wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase idea in Chicago with wooden risers

Open stairs with a paint black handrail #6500 profile and black newel post. Painted risers and side skirts with rustic Hickory treads Portland Stair Company

5'6" × 7'-0" room with Restoration Hardware "Hutton" vanity (36"w x 24"d) and "Hutton" mirror, sconces by Waterworks "Newel", shower size 36" x 36" with 22" door, HansGrohe "Axor Montreux" shower set. Wall paint is "pearl white" by Pratt & Lambert and wood trim is "white dove" eggshell from Benjamin Moore. Wall tiles are 3"x6" honed, carrara marble with inset hexagonals for the niche. Coved ceiling - walls are curved into a flat ceiling.

custom made box newel posts, 4 1/2" wide maple, carved, stained espresso and varnished with water base semigloss clear coat
Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in Chicago

Inspiration for a staircase remodel in Tampa

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to quality of design. For this petite Cape-style home along the Eagle River in Ipswich, Massachusetts, we focused on creating a warm, inviting space designed for family living. Radiating from the kitchen – the “heart” of the home – we created connections to all the other spaces in the home: eating areas, living areas, the mudroom and entries, even the upstairs. Details like the highly functional yet utterly charming under-the-stairs drawers and cupboards make this house extra special while the open floor plan gives it a big house feel without sacrificing coziness. In 2018, the home was updated with interior trim details, including new shaker paneling on the staircase and custom newel post, a TV built-in with shelves and drawers and beadboard back, and a half wall bookshelf with columns to replace the wall dividing the living room from dining room. The client also wanted a gas fireplace to enjoy during the winter, but didn't want to lose their beautiful marsh views. We designed the fireplace to go below the window, vented out the rear, with pebbled tile surround and benches flanking either side for storage.

Entry hall with panted newel posts and balusters, oak flooring and stair treads, mahogany handrail. Pete Weigley
Huge elegant wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase photo in New York with wooden risers