This was one of our most unique staircase projects to date. The natural oak balustrade screen had to all be hand fabricated on site, which truly demonstrates the emphasis Stairworks has on attention to detail. The challenge wasn’t just to get all the timber perfectly straight, but it was doing this with all the normal site challenges as well. The oak treads are glued on to the solid steel staircase with an adhesive to hide any potential fixings. This has become a very popular option at the moment with our floating stairs, fitting into the modern contemporary interior home design.

This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships. The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in. This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing! Photographer: Greg Tinius

This was one of our most unique staircase projects to date. The natural oak balustrade screen had to all be hand fabricated on site, which truly demonstrates the emphasis Stairworks has on attention to detail. The challenge wasn’t just to get all the timber perfectly straight, but it was doing this with all the normal site challenges as well. The oak treads are glued on to the solid steel staircase with an adhesive to hide any potential fixings. This has become a very popular option at the moment with our floating stairs, fitting into the modern contemporary interior home design.

This was one of our most unique staircase projects to date. The natural oak balustrade screen had to all be hand fabricated on site, which truly demonstrates the emphasis Stairworks has on attention to detail. The challenge wasn’t just to get all the timber perfectly straight, but it was doing this with all the normal site challenges as well. The oak treads are glued on to the solid steel staircase with an adhesive to hide any potential fixings. This has become a very popular option at the moment with our floating stairs, fitting into the modern contemporary interior home design.

For this project, our Boston design-build team worked closely with a pair of keen-eyed clients to bring their unique vision to life. The main challenge throughout was deciding how to make the most out of the relatively small 990 ft² we had to work with.

The entry cube of the Westport Residence. The cube shape showcases the exposed rockface that the home is built upon.
Example of a minimalist entryway design in Vancouver

This was one of our most unique staircase projects to date. The natural oak balustrade screen had to all be hand fabricated on site, which truly demonstrates the emphasis Stairworks has on attention to detail. The challenge wasn’t just to get all the timber perfectly straight, but it was doing this with all the normal site challenges as well. The oak treads are glued on to the solid steel staircase with an adhesive to hide any potential fixings. This has become a very popular option at the moment with our floating stairs, fitting into the modern contemporary interior home design.

Working in the northeast definitely has its challenges. The rocky nature of the subsoil and abundance of ledge, makes properties in Connecticut both unique and challenging. When we see ledge, we see opportunity. ​ When we first stepped onto this property we immediately were flung back to an ancient time when stone was moved into place to create places of worship and commune. We were inspired by the natural stone in this backyard to create something special. A place to commune with family and friends and awe in the natural beauty of the creation.

This overhead image taken when the pool was new shows the unique proportions of the backyard. It measures 116’ deep by 34’ wide at the house, narrowing down to 26’ at the back of the lot. This challenged the Betz designers to carefully position each of the elements so that the overall feel of the yard was one of openness.

The Modern Gray House is an exemplary fusion of form and function - a result of successful collaboration between the architect, the owners, and builders. The team orchestrated a luxurious modern home that is both beautiful and functional with challenges overcome through great design creativity and thoughtful teamwork. It is a stunning home integrated with the site and soaring between hill and stream - a testament to the importance of careful thought, site investigation, collaboration, design, and a client's trust in reaching for those unique spaces we can create as Architects in a modern home uniquely shaped for our clients.

This new, ground-up home was recently built atop the Richmond Hills. Despite the beautiful site with its panoramic 270-degree view, the lot had been left undeveloped over the years due to its modest size and challenging approval issues. Saikley Architects handled the negotiations for County approvals, and worked closely with the owner-builder to create a 2,300 sq. ft., three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath family home that maximizes the site’s potential. The first-time owner-builder is a landscape builder by trade, and Saikley Architects coordinated closely with for him on this spec home. Saikley Architects provided building design details which the owner then carried through in many unique interior design and furniture design details throughout the house. Photo by Chi Chin Photography. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/hilltop-contemporary/

Working in the northeast definitely has its challenges. The rocky nature of the subsoil and abundance of ledge, makes properties in Connecticut both unique and challenging. When we see ledge, we see opportunity. ​ When we first stepped onto this property we immediately were flung back to an ancient time when stone was moved into place to create places of worship and commune. We were inspired by the natural stone in this backyard to create something special. A place to commune with family and friends and awe in the natural beauty of the creation.

A home office off the kitchen can be concealed with a pocket door. Gray-painted maple Wood-Mode cabinetry complements the kitchen finishes but makes the space unique. **Project Overview** A small, quiet, efficient office space for one that is perfect for sorting mail and paying bills. Though small it has a great deal of natural light and views out the front of the house of the lush landscaping and wildlife. A pocket door makes the office disappear when it's time to entertain. **What Makes This Project Unique?** Small yet incredibly functional, this desk space is a comfortable, quiet place to catch up on home management tasks. Filled with natural light and offering a view of lush landscaping, the compact space is light and airy. To keep it from feeling cramped or crowded, we complemented warm gray-painted maple cabinetry with light countertops and tile. Taller ceilings allow ample storage, including full-height open storage, to manage all of the papers, files and extras that find their way into the home. **Design Challenges** While the office was intentionally designed into a tiny nook off the kitchen and pantry, we didn't want it to feel small for the people using it. By keeping the color palette light, taking cabinetry to the ceiling, incorporating open storage and maximizing natural light, the space feels cozy, and larger than it actually is. Photo by MIke Kaskel.

While building her second home in wine country, Tineke had a revelation. She recognized her unique ability to understand design concepts and transform them into creative living solutions that embody personality and lifestyle. With this understanding, Tineke founded Artistic Designs for Living (ADL) and continues to challenge the norms of the industry today. Start your Tineke Triggs makeover here http://www.decorist.com/designers/31043/tineke-triggs/

Master bathroom suite with a unique layout was a challenge due to the large windows and a small nook. The almost freestanding shower with a mosaic column is a showpiece in this room. Vaulted ceiling and beams add an open airy feeling to this one-of-a-kind master bathroom.

While building her second home in wine country, Tineke had a revelation. She recognized her unique ability to understand design concepts and transform them into creative living solutions that embody personality and lifestyle. With this understanding, Tineke founded Artistic Designs for Living (ADL) and continues to challenge the norms of the industry today. Start your Tineke Triggs makeover here http://www.decorist.com/designers/31043/tineke-triggs/

This front yard was in desperate need of a little curb appeal and we were up to the challenge! Wanting a unique look, we put a twist on the classic front stoop and walkway design by adding more patio space, an inset circle for a portable fire pit, and a seat wall to separate the patio space from the attached driveway. The patio features Belgard's Laffit Rustic Slab pavers in London Grey with a soldiers course of Holland Stone in Ashbury Haze. The inset circle is comprised of Holland Stone in Bristol Beige. The contrasting colors create a stunning design element. The seat wall and raised flowerbed were built with Weston Wall bricks, also in Ashbury Haze. A simple, elegant, and unique design that would compliment any home. ~Palatine, IL

Preliminary architecture renderings were given to Obelisk Home with a challenge. The homeowners needed us to create an unusual but family friendly home, but also a home-based business functioning environment. Working with the architect, modifications were made to incorporate the desired functions for the family. Starting with the exterior, including landscape design, stone, brick and window selections a one-of-a-kind home was created. Every detail of the interior was created with the homeowner and the Obelisk Home design team. Furnishings, art, accessories, and lighting were provided through Obelisk Home. We were challenged to incorporate existing furniture. So the team repurposed, re-finished and worked these items into the new plan. Custom paint colors and upholstery were purposely blended to add cohesion. Custom light fixtures were designed and manufactured for the main living areas giving the entire home a unique and personal feel. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

This was a challenging space. It was originally the sleeping porch of this 1924 home. I love how I was able to keep the windows to create a garden type setting. What you cant see are the roses climbing the wall outside the textured opaque windows. Photographer Lou Freeman