The homeowners wanted a simple, clean, modern bathroom. Sounds straightforward enough. But with a tight budget, a funky layout and a requirement not to move any plumbing, it was more of a puzzle than expected. Good thing we like puzzles! We added a wall to separate the bathroom from the master, installed a ‘tub with a view,’ and put in a free-standing vanity and glass shower to provide a sense of openness. The before pictures don’t begin to showcase the craziness that existed at the start, but we’re thrilled with the finish!

Images by Nic LeHoux Designed as a home and studio for a photographer and his young family, Lightbox is located on a peninsula that extends south from British Columbia across the border to Point Roberts. The densely forested site lies beside a 180-acre park that overlooks the Strait of Georgia, the San Juan Islands and the Puget Sound. Having experienced the world from under a black focusing cloth and large format camera lens, the photographer has a special fondness for simplicity and an appreciation of unique, genuine and well-crafted details. The home was made decidedly modest, in size and means, with a building skin utilizing simple materials in a straightforward yet innovative configuration. The result is a structure crafted from affordable and common materials such as exposed wood two-bys that form the structural frame and directly support a prefabricated aluminum window system of standard glazing units uniformly sized to reduce the complexity and overall cost. Accessed from the west on a sloped boardwalk that bisects its two contrasting forms, the house sits lightly on the land above the forest floor. A south facing two-story glassy cage for living captures the sun and view as it celebrates the interplay of light and shadow in the forest. To the north, stairs are contained in a thin wooden box stained black with a traditional Finnish pine tar coating. Narrow apertures in the otherwise solid dark wooden wall sharply focus the vibrant cropped views of the old growth fir trees at the edge of the deep forest. Lightbox is an uncomplicated yet powerful gesture that enables one to view the subtlety and beauty of the site while providing comfort and pleasure in the constantly changing light of the forest.

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

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard mulch retaining wall landscape in New York.

From Greek meaning “to float,” Pléo is a design that lifts elegant, modern form up off of the floor. Featuring a stylized, hourglass shaped bowl and a softly rounded actuator plate framed in smoky white glass, the Pléo wall-mounted toilet is a model of clean design. The dual-flush actuator buttons are intuitive to the touch with firm actuation. The bowl shape smoothly conforms to the wall in a straightforward approach and is proportionately scaled to fit any surrounding. Pléo on KALLISTA.com | http://bit.ly/1jXw1li

Featuring extensive double hanging space and polished details, this modern design is both simple and elegant. • Classic White finish in thick 1" + upgraded material offers a bold look. • Floor-based system with toe-kick finished the built-in style. • Sleek, modern design creates a spacious look. • Slab fronts and sleek decorative hardware add polish. • Double-hanging area maximizes space. • Minimalist design offers elegant yet straightforward storage and organization.

The Home The St. Julien features a flex space that is designed as a sitting area for gathering the family. As you walk upstairs, the kitchen features a large eat-in island that looks into the great room. Off the kitchen is a space that functions as an office or homework area. Moving through the great room, the sliding glass door opens to a spacious deck. Upstairs features two secondary bedrooms and a primary suite. The master suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that’s unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design The interior design of this home has a natural feeling to it with earth tones and light woods that brings the outdoors in. To achieve this, a soft, sage green and denim blue were used with a wheat tone to pull in the wood and create a balanced palette. Unique patterns in the rugs and art add points of interest, and natural textures in the linens and softgoods provide contrast. A hint of craftsman design rounds out the space and provides a comforting home in which to gather.

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

Detail view of custom teak console, hammered bronze mirror and hand-blown crystal light fixtures.
Entryway - entryway idea in New York

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.

The Home The St. Julien features a flex space that is designed as a sitting area for gathering the family. As you walk upstairs, the kitchen features a large eat-in island that looks into the great room. Off the kitchen is a space that functions as an office or homework area. Moving through the great room, the sliding glass door opens to a spacious deck. Upstairs features two secondary bedrooms and a primary suite. The master suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that’s unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design The interior design of this home has a natural feeling to it with earth tones and light woods that brings the outdoors in. To achieve this, a soft, sage green and denim blue were used with a wheat tone to pull in the wood and create a balanced palette. Unique patterns in the rugs and art add points of interest, and natural textures in the linens and softgoods provide contrast. A hint of craftsman design rounds out the space and provides a comforting home in which to gather.

This modern floor lamp is simple in stature but rich in design details. Elements of antique gold among the solid white marble base elevate the lamp's straightforward shape, while a white linen drum shade adds volume to the delicate frame.

The Home The St. Julien features a flex space that is designed as a sitting area for gathering the family. As you walk upstairs, the kitchen features a large eat-in island that looks into the great room. Off the kitchen is a space that functions as an office or homework area. Moving through the great room, the sliding glass door opens to a spacious deck. Upstairs features two secondary bedrooms and a primary suite. The master suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that’s unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design The interior design of this home has a natural feeling to it with earth tones and light woods that brings the outdoors in. To achieve this, a soft, sage green and denim blue were used with a wheat tone to pull in the wood and create a balanced palette. Unique patterns in the rugs and art add points of interest, and natural textures in the linens and softgoods provide contrast. A hint of craftsman design rounds out the space and provides a comforting home in which to gather.

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.

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.

This was a fun and straightforward planting project in West Chester. The homeowners wanted to enhance their front yard landscaping and create a more attractive, inviting garden. After removing all the old, overgrown plants, we had a blank canvas to work with. We started by laying down 4 cubic yards of rich bio-soil to prepare the beds for planting. To anchor the front foundation, we installed two crape myrtle trees, one at each end, providing structure and seasonal interest. Near the walkway entrance, we added a Japanese black pine, which adds beautiful shape and texture to the garden. We then filled in the remaining open spaces with a variety of shrubs, including hypericum, clethra, weigela, boxwood, and dwarf butterfly bush, creating layers of greenery and depth. To bring color and seasonal blooms, we incorporated perennials such as aster, penstemon, coreopsis, and iris. We finished the project with a fresh layer of mulch and a perimeter band of deer deterrent to keep the garden safe from curious wildlife. The homeowners were thrilled with the transformation. They are enjoying a fresh, inviting garden that truly enhances the curb appeal of their home.

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.