Smart Storage - Small Bathroom renovation done by North Country Design & Build Inc. - Jen Schwindt
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Toronto

We're in the shop here today showing you an alternating-tread staircase that's' going to a job-site in Napa tomorrow. I'm standing on the landing which is at exactly mid-floor level. It's going into one one these 100-year-old houses with a steep roof and lots of attic space. The homeowner called me last month saying he wants to access this large attic area with something better than a ladder. He didn't have room for a conventional stair but this alternating-tread space-saving stair was a perfect fit. It's all Red Oak which matches the hardwood floors throughout the house. Once these are installed at the site we'll put a handrail on top of the stringers on the open side. I'll tell you a little about the alternating-tread staircases. It's built in a way that is nearly as easy to climb as a conventional stair. When we walk up a convectional stairway we normally use half of the stair tread at a time, placing one foot on the right half and the next foot on the left half. The idea of an alternating-tread stair is make half of each tread wide enough for your foot and then alternate the wide end of these paddle-shape treads from left to right. You still have your 10 inch minimum tread depth plus a 1 inch nosing projection. This give you 11" of support for each foot, just like a conventional stair. We normally make the risers a max of 7-3/4", but code allows us to go as high as 9 inches. This one is 7-3/4" which is very comfortable. We installed a metal bar across the middle of each open-riser to limit the open space to less than a 4 inch gap. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a quick shot of this. Tomorrow morning we get to go to the job-site and install this. I'd can't wait to see the look on the customer's face when we have this installed. I'll let him do the bragging :-) Last but not least, I'd like to give glory to God and special recognition to a Jewish carpenter named Jesus. I don't know for sure if He built stairways as a carpenter, but I am happy to say that He is my LORD and I want to live my whole life for Him. God bless you! And please contact me if you want any type of custom stairs. Clyde 520-895-2060 or 916-991-9700

Photo of a small modern courtyard landscaping in Orange County.

Close up view of reclaimed oak used on office wall.
Mid-sized mountain style freestanding desk dark wood floor study room photo in San Francisco with brown walls and no fireplace

Herringbone patterned clay pavers by FireRock
Example of a trendy patio design in Birmingham

The purpose of this room is for adult lounging, relaxing and enjoying music and beverages. Our client wanted a unique abstract style canvas to be the focal point of this room. We were happy to complete this stunning abstract wall finish. Copyright © 2016 The Artists Hands

Ductless HVAC System for a home in Clayton, MO
Example of a classic home design design in St Louis

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen pantry remodel in Orange County with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and solid surface countertops

Quinn and Paige, residents of this tired 1960’s tri-level home hated their kitchen. As a matter of fact, prior to making plans to renovate the first floor - they considered selling the home, but were reluctant because of its enviable location near the heart of downtown Barrington which was within walking distance to local stores and all their favorite places. So instead they contacted Advance Design Studio after hearing about them from a neighbor, to rescue their tired home and give it new life. The very first plan was to remove the constricting walls surrounding the original kitchen, and open the expansive first floor living room and dining area to the new heart of the space; a stunning state of the art coastal designed kitchen. Exposing attractive beams in the vaulted ceiling created an interesting structural detail that suits the open plan and salutes the original architecture of the home, further emphasizing the height of the new space enjoyed now by the family as a great room. The stage was set for the seaside feel of this kitchen by pairing crisp white painted maple cabinets with Dura Supreme’s one of kind hand weathered finish on the island in soft blue-green finish. But the authentic feeling of being on your favorite beach was supremely achieved by the matching of unique Mt. Claire marble on the island and the specialty Wareham acid washed stone on the perimeter counter tops. Pictures don’t do justice to the feel of this stone under your hand; its water-washed texture reminds instantly of summer vacations collecting rocks softly etched by hundreds of waves. Stainless steel appliances and satin nickel hardware shine brightly against the backdrop of bright white subway tiles accentuated by subtle grey grout lines contributing to the nautical feel of this comfortable kitchen. Seeded glass door cabinetry reminiscent of beach grasses dress up the space just enough, and a proud 6” stacked crown molding extends above 36” wall cabinets into the expanse of the now taller space; balancing this kitchen nicely within its newly integrated home. Features in this kitchen include a built in standard depth refrigerator, pull out spice racks, tall tray dividers and wood super Susan with double pull out trash and recycling. A cutlery divider holds sharp knives, and an angled cabinet was customized to hold a secret USB charging station. The bright white Kohler farm sink is graced by an elegant bridge faucet in brushed nickel. This now airy and spacious kitchen has room for guest and family to congregate around the large island, complete with stools and attractive hidden storage for seldom used entertainment pieces. “I was sold when I saw the drawings. My designer nailed it, down to every last storage idea and coastal detail I envisioned, it was all in there. It was unbelievable how accurate her interpretation was of what was in my head; working with her made my kitchen renovation so easy, it’s as if she literally read my mind”, said Paige enthusiastically. The woman of the house expressed upon completion not only her love for her fantastic new cooking space, but how renovating her kitchen has given new life to the entire home. Talk of moving has been relegated to the recycling bin, and instead the family is discussing plans to renovate the master bath now that they’ve decided to stay for the long term. Friends who visit the home do a double-take as they recognize the new space’s dramatic transformation from original cramped and closed spaces - to the now amazingly fresh open kitchen that has become the center of every gathering and family meal. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Example of a large classic wooden l-shaped wood railing staircase design in San Francisco with wooden risers

This project was a full bathroom renovation in an Upper East Side apartment in New York City.
Inspiration for a small modern master gray tile and marble tile porcelain tile and gray floor alcove shower remodel in New York with white walls, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

Transitional bathroom photo in Cleveland

A breathtaking hilltop view of the Pacific was the reference point for this dramatic landscape transformation. The Campion Walker team utilized succulents, water falls, textured concrete and steel to integrate the house and the raw untouched land surrounding it.

Conventional stair with flared bottom. Painted wood balusters, red oak hand rail, red oak treads, carpet runner
Staircase - traditional wooden wood railing staircase idea with wooden risers

This is a Belgard Arbel walkway and patio going from side gate to back deck. 15' x 25' x 2' Koi pond with two waterfalls. Used Virginia fieldstone boulders and Tenn. river rock. Pond has 3 fish caves, water lilies and low voltage underwater lighting. Jay McCormick

Classic style entry door with 3/4 lite Saratoga glass design. Installed in Yorba Linda, CA home.
Huge elegant front door photo in Orange County with beige walls and a medium wood front door

Mid-century modern staircase photo in Los Angeles

A beautiful hand loomed pure wool carpeting was used on this project. This subtle pattern can be used in a modern or transitional space. The dark hardwood floor relates nicely with the Taupe, White and Grey colors in the carpet. Our fabrication team used a complimentary color in a cotton binding material to complete the sides. Our installer completed this staircase install within a two day time frame. Wool carpet is a great choice for a staircase because it is an easy material to clean, stain resistant and flame retardant.