USA Kitchen Trends US Kitchen Renovation Trends Vol. 30/11 | Page 19

replaced with wider stairs in wood, steel and glass, with open treads to let the light flow through. Skylights on the top level, and a glass floor below, allow natural light to filter down through the stairwell, which in turn helps to draw people up to the living area at the top. For further definition, the architects wrapped the stairwell with a perforated metal screen that runs along the ceiling and folds down the stairs, connecting all four levels. “Light travels through the screen not only from the skylights at the very top, but also from windows and artificial lighting behind the metal,” says Feldman. “There is also LED lighting within a reveal at the top where the metal screen meets overhead cabinets.” In keeping with the owners’ preference for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, the top floor was gutted and the space opened up to create one large living space with views to the front and rear. Both the livin r