Expansive scandinavian wood l-shaped staircase in Melbourne with open risers and glass railing.

‘Oh What A Ceiling!’ ingeniously transformed a tired mid-century brick veneer house into a suburban oasis for a multigenerational family. Our clients, Gabby and Peter, came to us with a desire to reimagine their ageing home such that it could better cater to their modern lifestyles, accommodate those of their adult children and grandchildren, and provide a more intimate and meaningful connection with their garden. The renovation would reinvigorate their home and allow them to re-engage with their passions for cooking and sewing, and explore their skills in the garden and workshop.

A unique and character-filled home in Sydney’s inner-west suburb of Forest Lodge, Inner-western is an example of living well, in less space. Upon meeting the clients, it was evident that this would be a special project. They’re a creative couple with an eye for funky furniture and art with a ‘Western’ edge. The previously tired terrace now shines with personality in every room. Due to the strict heritage controls over the property, no additional floor area was created, instead, it was an exercise in recompositing of the existing layout, improving the flow through the home, and providing adequate space for their two young children, as well as spaces for their work and hobbies. Upon entering the pastel-pink front door, instead of being confronted with a dark hallway typical of a terrace home, you’re welcomed by a generous volume of well-lit space, and an open-tread feature staircase. The original ceiling was completely removed to create a double-height void over the entry. A skylight positioned above the staircase allows light to filter through into the home. Upstairs is a quiet attic art studio, with views over the Jacaranda trees beyond. The lowest level contains a new built-in dining area and kitchen which are directly connected to the private rear garden. The efficient floor plan contains 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry with W.C., kitchen, dining area and living room. Finishes throughout include original exposed brickwork, light oak timber herringbone flooring, and touches of pastel colours, complemented by a colourful collection of artwork and objects.

a custom stair runner was added. It's the perfect mix of playfulness and sophistication for a family of five. A homework area peeks out from behind the stairway. photo credit: Robert Englebright

Lake Front Country Estate Front Hall, design by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling.
Inspiration for an expansive traditional wood u-shaped staircase in Other with painted wood risers.

Design ideas for a large country carpeted l-shaped staircase in Other with carpet risers, metal railing and wood walls.

Pat Sudmeier
This is an example of a mid-sized country wood u-shaped staircase in Denver with open risers and mixed railing.

Staircase in Chicago.

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern wood u-shaped staircase in Orange County with wood risers and glass railing.

Inspiration for a large traditional wood l-shaped staircase in Other with painted wood risers and metal railing.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards In general, Bryan and Connie Rellinger loved the charm of the old cottage they purchased on a Crooked Lake peninsula, north of Petoskey. Specifically, however, the presence of a live-well in the kitchen (a huge cement basin with running water for keeping fish alive was right in the kitchen entryway, seriously), rickety staircase and green shag carpet, not so much. An extreme renovation was the only solution. The downside? The rebuild would have to fit into the smallish nonconforming footprint. The upside? That footprint was built when folks could place a building close enough to the water to feel like they could dive in from the house. Ahhh... Stephanie Baldwin of Edgewater Design helped the Rellingers come up with a timeless cottage design that breathes efficiency into every nook and cranny. It also expresses the synergy of Bryan, Connie and Stephanie, who emailed each other links to products they liked throughout the building process. That teamwork resulted in an interior that sports a young take on classic cottage. Highlights include a brass sink and light fixtures, coffered ceilings with wide beadboard planks, leathered granite kitchen counters and a way-cool floor made of American chestnut planks from an old barn. Thanks to an abundant use of windows that deliver a grand view of Crooked Lake, the home feels airy and much larger than it is. Bryan and Connie also love how well the layout functions for their family - especially when they are entertaining. The kids' bedrooms are off a large landing at the top of the stairs - roomy enough to double as an entertainment room. When the adults are enjoying cocktail hour or a dinner party downstairs, they can pull a sliding door across the kitchen/great room area to seal it off from the kids' ruckus upstairs (or vice versa!). From its gray-shingled dormers to its sweet white window boxes, this charmer on Crooked Lake is packed with ideas! - Jacqueline Southby Photography

This is an example of a large traditional painted wood curved staircase in Portland Maine with wood risers and wood railing.

Inspiration for a traditional wood curved staircase in Dallas with wood risers.

Anastasia Amelchakova w/ A+I design, photography by Magda Biernat
Large industrial wood straight staircase in New York with open risers.

Floating stairway in Modern North Georgia home Photograhpy by Galina Coada
Inspiration for a country floating staircase in Atlanta with open risers and glass railing.

custom railing by internationally acclaimed blacksmith duo, Matthew & Karine Maynard.
This is an example of a staircase in Louisville.

Shabbat Candles by Light In Art
This is an example of a contemporary wood staircase in Los Angeles with glass railing.

The underside of this staircase serves as storage for both the kitchen and the powder room on the other side of the stairs. An old timber measurer, and wooden snowshoe provide warm, artistic decoration to the light walls. The mast from a sailboat the client used as a child finds new life being repurposed as a stair railing. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Karen Melvin Photography
Traditional wood u-shaped staircase in Minneapolis.