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Adding storage under the new stair maximizes the kitchen's footprint. Hemlock wood on the stair was stained to complement the casework. The faucet is from Brizo and the green backsplash tile is Heath.

Sullivan, a contractor, owns the remodeling company Impact Construction. He designed and performed the work in several stages, with collaboration from friends Kevin Nigri, AIA, and Stephen Strasser. The dining table, the Parsons model from Room & Board with a walnut top, is surrounded by Adelaide chairs from BoConcept. The Random pendant light is by Moooi.

The Blues Are Still Blue Grinding down the concrete floor was too costly, so the Benoits had it painted blue with inexpensive Benjamin Moore latex floor-and-patio paint and then sealed with Zinsser shellac—a natural, nontoxic product that brushes on and can be easily touched up. It darkened the blue paint a bit and gives the floor a hand-worked luster. benjaminmoore.com rustoleum.com/zin... Scandinavian Grace The Benoits bought their Scandinavian modern table from Klassik Living in Berkeley. “Their prices are very reasonable for the uniqueness and quality offered,” says Peter. They chose teak since it darkens nicely and naturally when exposed to sunlight—–helpful since their table gets blasted by morning rays. klassikliving.com

The dining table is from French retailer AM.PM., the pendants are by Him + Her, and the shelves are by Tomado Holland. An Ikea rug echoes the geometric motif found throughout the apartment.

The materials palette is similarly restrained, making the only natural piece of wood in the house—the almost 14-foot-long walnut slab in the kitchen—really stand out. "If there was wood everywhere it would lose its gravitas," notes Chris.

Playful stylistic details, such as two-toned dining chairs from Latitude Nord and a creative lighting fixture from Au Courant, are juxtaposed with the rest of the home’s tranquil elegance.

The dining room is where the young family gathers to share a meal and play games.

Being able to stow away extra seating is a necessity for small space entertaining. These lightweight Spin Stackable Stools stack up in a rainbow spiral for easy storage.

From Bend Design, the Lucy Side Chair is crafted from galvanized iron that is hot-dipped and powder-coated in neon orange.