This sophisticated, metal guardrail beautifully offsets the weathered, cedar stair, deck, and cottage it serves. The marriage of the marine, industrial, tech look with the wood, natural, low-tech context is inventive and playful. The curved hand rail is another fun contrast with the straight, hard edges that otherwise predominate. See another take on a cable guardrail in this earlier design snapshot.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast