![A renovated stairway now includes a built-in bench and extra deep closet.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-stair-entryway-renovation-091020-812-01.jpg)
Toronto-based design studio Odami has completed a small renovation for a family home that includes the redesign of the main staircase and living room fireplace, the addition of a new desk/storage unit next to the kitchen, and a new closet and bench in the entrance.
The entryway which was filled with freestanding furniture now includes a custom closet and built-in bench. The extra-deep closet and bench with pull-out drawers provides a place to sit and storage space to alleviate clutter.
![A renovated stairway now includes a built-in bench and extra deep closet.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-stair-entryway-renovation-091020-812-02.jpg)
The railing and staircase, which originally had white and wood balustrades, now match the geometries of the bench and closet, while contrasting them with color and a sense of lightness.
![A staircase before the renovation.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/stair-renovation-before-091020-812-03.jpg)
![A curved and modern stair handrail.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-stair-railing-091020-813-04.jpg)
The original living room had a dark wall with a traditional fireplace surround and mantle. A new muted palette allows all of the homeowner’s unique collection of furniture, art, and objects to blend seamlessly with the walls and floors.
![A living room renovation with a new muted palette.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/living-room-fireplace-renovation-091020-813-05.jpg)
The updated fireplace now showcases pillowy tiles and rounded detailing that give dimension and a subtle playfulness to an otherwise neutral fireplace mantle.
![A fireplace with pillowy tiles and rounded detailing.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-fireplace-091020-813-06.jpg)
Deeper into the house and just outside of the kitchen, there’s a built-in desk that replaced a small awkward space. The new desk offers a secluded nook for working at home. As it’s placed beside the steps down to the mudroom, a small cutout allows it to do double-duty as a railing.
![An awkward space was transformed into a built-in desk for working at home.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/office-nook-desk-renovation-091020-814-07.jpg)
Above the desk, there are curved cabinets that match the delicate arched feature, and a small light that highlights the desk and wood.
![A small home office makes use of an awkward nook, and now includes storage and a desk.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-small-wood-desk-091020-814-08.jpg)