The balance of form and function is the hallmark of modern design. This staircase is a perfect example of that elegant simplicity. The dark-stained treads, newels, and smooth wood handrail create a rich foundation, while the parallel horizontal stainless steel rods add a sleek touch. With a beautiful overlook from the second floor, the staircase serves as a stunning focal point for the home. However, it's the interplay between the dark wood and gleaming steel elements that truly sets this project apart, demonstrating how material contrast can elevate a straightforward design into something memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Photo by Jim Raycroft Our client for this project, an amateur pianist, wanted to create a music room for a nice new piano he was planning to purchase. The project scope would also include a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space, but the new piano was the priority. LIFTING THE CEILING The client was moving into a row house, and hoped to accommodate occasional gatherings of musician friends for informal recitals. Because acoustics were important we asked sound engineers from Acentech to visit the site. They noted that the ideal space would have higher ceilings and would be more like a cube than the “half a cube” we were dealing with. “How can we raise the ceiling and make the space a cube?” our client asked. Designer Josy Raycroft started to explore the possibility of combining the second and third floor units by removing the front half of second floor ceiling, thereby opening up a 2-story music space in the shape of a nearly perfect cube. Thus, the project turned from a straightforward floor plan modification into a complete reimagining of the whole row house, with the client’s new Steinway D as the focal point. Josy and the client started with the piano and created the space around it. ADDRESSING EVERYDAY NEEDS For the client’s more mundane needs, Josy switched the location of the bathroom and kitchen—moving the bathroom towards the middle of the second floor where it would be convenient to the rest of the spaces, and placing the kitchen towards the back. The remainder of the third floor was transformed into bedroom and office space open to the music room below. Products and finishes coordinator Karin Mahdavi worked with the client to select understated finishes for the living spaces so that they would support the piano room without competing with it. As a result the living spaces flow seamlessly into the piano space, creating a coherent whole out of the different parts, kind of like a Schubert piano sonata.

This pivot door is the epitome of modern sophistication with a touch of traditional flair. Its understated design exudes timeless elegance, making it a great fit for any decor. The black metal inlay adds a touch of style to an otherwise straightforward door. The thicker steel inlay creates a distinct panel effect, making this door a great choice for various projects.

From a modest East End bungalow to a striking three-storey custom home — our Dundas St E project was anything but straightforward. When we began demolition, we discovered the house sat on a former landfill site, which created serious structural challenges. Instead of seeing a problem, we saw an opportunity to apply innovative engineering. Our team designed and installed a foundation system using helical piles and structured footings, creating a rock-solid base for the new build. This project proves that no matter how complex the site conditions, smart design and skilled construction can transform challenges into stunning results. The proof? This home sold within two days of hitting the market.

Pro-Painting & Drywall, Inc. Trim and baseboards Purpose and Protection Trim and baseboards help protect both you and your flooring as they cover edges, joints, and gaps in flooring. This includes transitions between flooring types and levels. When your new flooring meets carpet in a doorway, you can use an end cap to connect the two and prevent exposed edges. Or, if you find a small height difference between your new laminate floor and your kitchen tiles, T-molding covers the gap to prevent tripping or damage to either floor. For these sometimes-tricky situations, our range of T-molds, reducers, overlap reducers, and threshold moldings offer straightforward solutions. Trim and baseboards also protect your walls from the stains, dents, and water damage that comes with everyday living. This includes water from wet mopping, dents from vacuum cleaners, and scuffs from shoes, toys, and furniture. Call today 904-731-6471

Luxury Elements completed the design and build of this glass enclosed cellar with great lighting featuring metal and custom-made walnut wine racks. This contemporary walk in wine cellar in Chicago offers a very straightforward and open feel to storing your most prized wines.

A modern home with traditional forms and straightforward detailing combines painted brick, lap siding and antique wood structural elements to create a one-of-a-kind home on a 2.4 acre relatively flat lot. A circular drive partially screened by low brick walls and strategically placed landscaping brings you onto the site where one can make a stop at the porte-cochère drop off on their way to the garage or continue to a welcoming front porch. This 2-story home has 5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths with 6,125 sq. ft. of conditioned spaces and a total of 9,731 sq. ft. under roof. As you enter an intimate sized foyer, there’s a dining room to the right that opens to the kitchen and features a large picture window facing the front yard with a ceiling with white oak beams. Straight ahead you’re led to a living room that features a pre-cast stone fireplace mantle and painted coffered ceilings. It is part of a great room with a kitchen and large island that continues with white oak accents in some of the cabinetry. Pairs of arched openings and a pocket door flank each end of the room leading to a scullery kitchen on one end and to guest bedroom and master bedroom suites on the other. The outdoor cooking and living areas are conveniently located thru French doors right off the great room and a game room that is part of the house that extends into the back yard providing great access and views to a pool and a basketball sport court. An outdoor fireplace adds a cozy touch to a seating area that is next to the outdoor cooking and dining area. The master bedroom suite is positioned to take advantage of views to the backyard and also has access to a back porch. Easy access is provided to a well-appointed master bath that leads to his and her closets. Upstairs there are 3 more bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets. An office is also provided which is positioned above the dining room below so that it shares the continuation of the large picture window idea that affords beautiful views of the front yard and a lake across the street. A small common area located off the stair landing provides a place for the kids to hang out.

This client was looking to open up their living room and kitchen space to allow for a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This also created a more inviting atmosphere for entertaining. The homeowners wanted to use materials that would be straight forward to keep clean and maintain. We chose a designer LVP flooring with a light woodgrain finish to complement other wood accents. Quartz marbled countertops were selected for their durability and easy cleaning. The design of this project was centered around creating a bright, airy, and comfortable atmosphere. We were able to accentuate the height of the space by installing three large skylights that also served to brighten the kitchen with natural light. The straight-forward backsplash and floating shelf design gave the kitchen a clean, modern appearance. The contrasting-tone cabinets provide the visual centerpiece that ties this kitchen design together.

The balance of form and function is the hallmark of modern design. This staircase is a perfect example of that elegant simplicity. The dark-stained treads, newels, and smooth wood handrail create a rich foundation, while the parallel horizontal stainless steel rods add a sleek touch. With a beautiful overlook from the second floor, the staircase serves as a stunning focal point for the home. However, it's the interplay between the dark wood and gleaming steel elements that truly sets this project apart, demonstrating how material contrast can elevate a straightforward design into something memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The balance of form and function is the hallmark of modern design. This staircase is a perfect example of that elegant simplicity. The dark-stained treads, newels, and smooth wood handrail create a rich foundation, while the parallel horizontal stainless steel rods add a sleek touch. With a beautiful overlook from the second floor, the staircase serves as a stunning focal point for the home. However, it's the interplay between the dark wood and gleaming steel elements that truly sets this project apart, demonstrating how material contrast can elevate a straightforward design into something memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

A floating three-way mirror is lit from above with a special ceiling that casts a diffused light onto the dressing area below.
Example of a closet design in New York

This project took us a bit off our usual path—and we loved the challenge. It began as a straightforward bid to re-side a local HOA’s swimming pool patio using Hardie stucco panels. But as the scope expanded, so did our role. We were tapped to completely rebuild their bathrooms to meet ADA compliance standards. With no air conditioning in the space, we chose materials built to perform: Hardie stucco sheet paired with Sherwin Williams Rain Refresh Paint throughout. It was a project outside our typical scope, but thanks to our versatile and skilled team, we delivered results that exceeded expectations. Got a unique project in mind? Let’s talk about how our team can bring your vision to life—no matter how outside the box it may be.

Clean, streamlined and straightforward, this soothingly neutral bathroom is a welcome retreat.
Bathroom - kids' white tile and mosaic tile ceramic tile, gray floor and single-sink bathroom idea in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a floating vanity

With the rich color and warm texture of rattan peel, the Contempo Collection offers the ultimate in outdoor living. Function and style are joined to create this one of a kind collection. The straightforward, clean design of the footed sofa and sectional collection features inviting, loose backs, comfort plush seating and extra wide arms for extraordinary comfort.

The balance of form and function is the hallmark of modern design. This staircase is a perfect example of that elegant simplicity. The dark-stained treads, newels, and smooth wood handrail create a rich foundation, while the parallel horizontal stainless steel rods add a sleek touch. With a beautiful overlook from the second floor, the staircase serves as a stunning focal point for the home. However, it's the interplay between the dark wood and gleaming steel elements that truly sets this project apart, demonstrating how material contrast can elevate a straightforward design into something memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

A modern home with traditional forms and straightforward detailing combines painted brick, lap siding and antique wood structural elements to create a one-of-a-kind home on a 2.4 acre relatively flat lot. A circular drive partially screened by low brick walls and strategically placed landscaping brings you onto the site where one can make a stop at the porte-cochère drop off on their way to the garage or continue to a welcoming front porch. This 2-story home has 5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths with 6,125 sq. ft. of conditioned spaces and a total of 9,731 sq. ft. under roof. As you enter an intimate sized foyer, there’s a dining room to the right that opens to the kitchen and features a large picture window facing the front yard with a ceiling with white oak beams. Straight ahead you’re led to a living room that features a pre-cast stone fireplace mantle and painted coffered ceilings. It is part of a great room with a kitchen and large island that continues with white oak accents in some of the cabinetry. Pairs of arched openings and a pocket door flank each end of the room leading to a scullery kitchen on one end and to guest bedroom and master bedroom suites on the other. The outdoor cooking and living areas are conveniently located thru French doors right off the great room and a game room that is part of the house that extends into the back yard providing great access and views to a pool and a basketball sport court. An outdoor fireplace adds a cozy touch to a seating area that is next to the outdoor cooking and dining area. The master bedroom suite is positioned to take advantage of views to the backyard and also has access to a back porch. Easy access is provided to a well-appointed master bath that leads to his and her closets. Upstairs there are 3 more bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets. An office is also provided which is positioned above the dining room below so that it shares the continuation of the large picture window idea that affords beautiful views of the front yard and a lake across the street. A small common area located off the stair landing provides a place for the kids to hang out.

Michael Moran/OTTO photography. The objective of this award-winning gut renovation was to create a spatially dynamic, light-filled, and energy-efficient home with a strong connection to Long Island Sound. The design strategy is straightforward: a gabled roof covers a central “spine” corridor that terminates with cathedral ceilinged spaces at both ends. The relocated approach and entry deposit visitors into the front hall with its curvilinear, cantilevered stair. A two-story, windowed family gathering space lies ahead – a straight shot to the water beyond. The design challenge was to utilize the existing house footprint and structure, while raising the top of foundation walls to exceed new flood regulations, reconfiguring the spatial organization, and using innovative materials to produce a tight thermal envelope and contemporary yet contextually appropriate facades.

Enhance your Huntington Beach home with Katz Design & Builders! We mix Huntington Beach's laid-back vibe with modern style for cool, sturdy spaces. Enjoy a straightforward process from beginning to end. Think about giving your home a fresh look that wows guests and family. Contact us to start your project. Have a great weekend! Katz Design & Builders – where style is simple and chic!

A custom modern wall unit design with mid-century flair. Slab doors and straight crown molding keep details minimalistic and straightforward. Available in custom sizes and configurations. Built from solid walnut hardwood. Amish made in the USA.