Dramatic spiral staircase in East Bay home. Photos by Eric Zepeda Studio
Example of a small mid-century modern metal spiral open staircase design in San Francisco

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Doggie Niche under Staircase. Wrought iron door on pocket door rail.
Large eclectic wooden straight metal railing staircase photo in Tampa with wooden risers

Huge tuscan wooden curved metal railing staircase photo in San Diego with wooden risers

We added a full two-story addition at the back of this house, maximizing space by including a small bump-out at the side for the stairs. This required demolishing the existing rear sunroom and dormer above. The new light-filled first-floor space has a large living room and dining room with central French doors. Modern stairs lead to an expanded second floor with a new primary suite with an en suite bath. The bath has a herringbone pattern floor, shower with bench, freestanding tub and plenty of storage.

Example of a minimalist staircase design in Austin

Jared Medley
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase remodel in Salt Lake City with wooden risers

all glass floating staircase design&build glass tread option: 1/2/+1/2 laminated tempered glass, 3/8+3/8+3/8 laminated tempered glass 1/2/+1/2+1/2 laminated tempered glass glass color: clear glass or low iron glass

Jane Beiles
Staircase - mid-sized transitional wooden straight wood railing staircase idea in DC Metro with painted risers

Large farmhouse wooden u-shaped mixed material railing staircase photo in Los Angeles with wooden risers

Inspiration for a transitional wooden straight mixed material railing and wall paneling staircase remodel in Philadelphia

The interior details are simple, elegant, and are understated to display fine craftsmanship throughout the home. The design and finishes are not pretentious - but exactly what you would expect to find in an accomplished Maine artist’s home. Each piece of artwork carefully informed the selections that would highlight the art and contribute to the personality of each space. © Darren Setlow Photography

Staircase - contemporary wooden floating staircase idea in Austin with metal risers

Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in New York

This beautiful Hamptons beach house welcomes you with a double foyer and classic wrap around staircase. Photo by Ron Papageorge
Staircase - traditional wooden l-shaped staircase idea in New York with painted risers

Mark and Cindy wanted to update the main level of their home but weren’t sure what their “style” was and where to start. They thought their taste was traditional rustic based on elements already present in the home. They love to entertain and drink wine, and wanted furnishings that would be durable and provide ample seating. The project scope included replacing flooring throughout, updating the fireplace, new furnishings in the living room and foyer, new lighting for the living room and eating area, new paint and window treatments, updating the powder room but keeping the vanity cabinet, updating the stairs in the foyer and accessorizing all rooms. It didn’t take long after working with these clients to discover they were drawn to bolder, more contemporary looks! After selecting this beautiful stain for the wood flooring, we extended the flooring into the living room to create more of an open feel. The stairs have a new handrail, modern balusters and a carpet runner with a subtle but striking pattern. A bench seat and new furnishings added a welcoming touch of glam. A wall of bold geometric tile added the wow factor to the powder room, completed with a contemporary mirror and lighting, sink and faucet, accessories and art. The black ceiling added to the dramatic effect. In the living room two comfy leather sofas surround a large ottoman and modern rug to ground the space, with a black and gold chandelier added to the room to uplift the ambience. New tile fireplace surround, black and gold granite hearth and white mantel create a bold focal point, with artwork and other furnishings to tie in the colors and create a cozy but contemporary room they love to lounge in. Cheers!

Transitional carpeted l-shaped staircase photo in Detroit with carpeted risers

Chantal Vu
Example of a large trendy wooden curved mixed material railing staircase design in San Diego with wooden risers

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wooden straight cable railing staircase remodel in New York with painted risers