Example of a large minimalist white three-story wood flat roof design in Montreal

Patio - traditional patio idea

Kitchen - contemporary dark wood floor kitchen idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets

This propery is situated on the south side of Centre Island at the edge of an oak and ash woodlands. orignally, it was three properties having one house and various out buildings. topographically, it more or less continually sloped to the water. Our task was to creat a series of terraces that were to house various functions such as the main house and forecourt, cottage, boat house and utility barns. The immediate landscape around the main house was largely masonry terraces and flower gardens. The outer landscape was comprised of heavily planted trails and intimate open spaces for the client to preamble through. As the site was largely an oak and ash woods infested with Norway maple and japanese honey suckle we essentially started with tall trees and open ground. Our planting intent was to introduce a variety of understory tree and a heavy shrub and herbaceous layer with an emphisis on planting native material. As a result the feel of the property is one of graciousness with a challenge to explore.

Fireplace area of room for Riviera Magazine, Design Challenge
Living room - eclectic living room idea in Orange County

Example of a mid-sized minimalist galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Montreal with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an island, an integrated sink, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

This Award-winning kitchen proves vintage doesn't have to look old and tired. This previously dark kitchen was updated with white, gold, and wood in the historic district of Monte Vista. The challenge is making a new kitchen look and feel like it belongs in a charming older home. The highlight and starting point is the original hex tile flooring in white and gold. It was in excellent condition and merely needed a good cleaning. The addition of white calacatta marble, white subway tile, walnut wood counters, brass and gold accents keep the charm intact. Cabinet panels mimic original door panels found in other areas of the home. Custom coffee storage is a modern bonus! Sub-Zero Refrig, Rohl sink, brass woven wire grill.

One Room Challenge 2016 Designer: Simplified Bee Fabric by: Caroline Cecil Textiles
Example of a minimalist gray tile and mosaic tile mosaic tile floor bathroom design in Los Angeles with white walls and marble countertops

Beautiful marble looking tile on the floor and up the walls makes this smaller space a gorgeous and luxurious retreat; the challenging angles and notches of the layout allows for the creative use of the tile patterns and accents.

Utilizing all the spaces in the small dormer space
Home design - craftsman home design idea in Minneapolis

Windows today, of all shapes and sizes, are beautiful focal points in their own right. We are often tasked with dressing these challenging windows in in ways that will not only showcase their beauty but also address the needs for privacy and light control. Sew Beautiful takes the time to understand what’s important to our clients and this portfolio showcases just how we’ve done this for the most challenging windows.

Lawn and patio now separate from driveway to the detached garage. Wooden trellis fixed on the wall. Photo- Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc
This is an example of an eclectic water fountain landscape in San Diego.

Previously renovated with a two-story addition in the 80’s, the home’s square footage had been increased, but the current homeowners struggled to integrate the old with the new. An oversized fireplace and awkward jogged walls added to the challenges on the main floor, along with dated finishes. While on the second floor, a poorly configured layout was not functional for this expanding family. From the front entrance, we can see the fireplace was removed between the living room and dining rooms, creating greater sight lines and allowing for more traditional archways between rooms. At the back of the home, we created a new mudroom area, and updated the kitchen with custom two-tone millwork, countertops and finishes. These main floor changes work together to create a home more reflective of the homeowners’ tastes. On the second floor, the master suite was relocated and now features a beautiful custom ensuite, walk-in closet and convenient adjacency to the new laundry room. Gordon King Photography

Preliminary architecture renderings were given to Obelisk Home with a challenge. The homeowners needed us to create an unusual but family friendly home, but also a home-based business functioning environment. Working with the architect, modifications were made to incorporate the desired functions for the family. Starting with the exterior, including landscape design, stone, brick and window selections a one-of-a-kind home was created. Every detail of the interior was created with the homeowner and the Obelisk Home design team. Furnishings, art, accessories, and lighting were provided through Obelisk Home. We were challenged to incorporate existing furniture. So the team repurposed, re-finished and worked these items into the new plan. Custom paint colors and upholstery were purposely blended to add cohesion. Custom light fixtures were designed and manufactured for the main living areas giving the entire home a unique and personal feel. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

It’s always a blessing when your clients become friends - and that’s exactly what blossomed out of this two-phase remodel (along with three transformed spaces!). These clients were such a joy to work with and made what, at times, was a challenging job feel seamless. This project consisted of two phases, the first being a reconfiguration and update of their master bathroom, guest bathroom, and hallway closets, and the second a kitchen remodel. In keeping with the style of the home, we decided to run with what we called “traditional with farmhouse charm” – warm wood tones, cement tile, traditional patterns, and you can’t forget the pops of color! The master bathroom airs on the masculine side with a mostly black, white, and wood color palette, while the powder room is very feminine with pastel colors. When the bathroom projects were wrapped, it didn’t take long before we moved on to the kitchen. The kitchen already had a nice flow, so we didn’t need to move any plumbing or appliances. Instead, we just gave it the facelift it deserved! We wanted to continue the farmhouse charm and landed on a gorgeous terracotta and ceramic hand-painted tile for the backsplash, concrete look-alike quartz countertops, and two-toned cabinets while keeping the existing hardwood floors. We also removed some upper cabinets that blocked the view from the kitchen into the dining and living room area, resulting in a coveted open concept floor plan. Our clients have always loved to entertain, but now with the remodel complete, they are hosting more than ever, enjoying every second they have in their home.

BBQ with granite counter, brick accents and smooth stucco sides. Arbor with copper lighting fixtures Photo- Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc
Example of a mid-sized eclectic patio kitchen design in San Diego

Challenging 1/2 story space that was converted into a Master Suite, 3/4 bath, and computer stations. We worked in a very small space but we were able to convert this attic space into a beautiful bedroom with nicely lit spaces and lots of developed storage areas.

Tray storage in a pullout drawer. Deep drawer for cereals. Photo: Jeff McNamara
Large mountain style l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances