Modern, sleek kitchen complete with dark wood grain cabinets, handle-free and knob-less, open smoothly with a gentle push. Even the induction cooktop on the island is discreetly integrated, almost barely noticeable at first glance.

The story of this home is very unassuming, but that was the objective, to create the most intuitive, discreet, thoughtful smart home possible for our client. The clients are very tech-savvy individuals, but not over the top. They knew what they wanted, and what they wanted was clean and reliable technology in their home. Simple as that. A complete smart home system built just for them, providing a seamless experience. Automated lighting and shades timed and tuned to their preferences, security and surveillance giving them 24/7 peace of mind, climate control always at the ideal temperature, and an audio/video system that is not only brilliant in sound, but modern, easy to control, and beautiful. Two words come to mind for these clients after the project was complete… “Welcome Home.”

A couple relocating to Lisbon found a property in a recently upgraded building with open layouts and modernized features. Our studio was entrusted to bring elegant comfort to the interior with carefully curated, custom-designed furniture and decor. From a blank canvas, the home was enlivened with walnut furnishings by Portuguese producers, warm-hued textiles in botanical motifs, and accents of delicate brass lighting. The entryway leads toward a spacious living room, where hand-woven rugs delineate areas for different activities. The first features a dining collection with upholstered shell chairs that comfortably envelop end-of-evening conversation. Midway, a daybed and display shelving system nestled under the lowered ceiling offer an intimate, yet versatile space. Stepping into the lounge, theatrical curtains reveal the pastel medley of Lisbon’s built landscape, the river, and hills in the distance. The dialogue of the room continues around a multi-tiered center table and featherweight pendant: a Brazilian modernist armchair faces a bespoke tufted-leather sofa, its throw cushions tailored to the palette of the media cabinet. Outside, the balcony’s slate lacquered dining set caters to convivial meals. Private appreciation is found in a pair of leisurely chairs adjacent to the bedroom, with a side table quoting the terracotta background. The main suite is endued with a crafted spindle bed dressed in deep blue linens and a lively made-to-measure embroidered bedspread. White Estremoz marble nightstands were designed to organize reading material and provide cable management. Circular ceramic lamps and bedside tables complement an ample upholstered bed to accommodate guests, and a floating console offers a discreet solution for remote meetings.

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place. At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise. A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings. Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure. Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.

This beautiful traditional kitchen is adorned with exquisite wood cabinets that exude warmth and timeless charm. A focal point of this culinary haven is the open wine rack, inviting you to display your favorite vintages with elegance. The expansive green island commands attention, serving as both a stylish centerpiece and a practical workspace. This versatile island is equipped with a convenient sink, a discreet dishwasher, and a built-in microwave, offering a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. Ample storage ensures that your kitchen essentials are neatly tucked away, maintaining the pristine allure of the space. Adding a contemporary touch, the kitchen is adorned with sleek black hardware and fixtures, creating a harmonious contrast with the rich wood tones. The cohesive integration of black elements ties the entire look together, elevating the traditional design with a modern edge. Step into a culinary realm where timeless beauty meets modern functionality – this traditional kitchen is a testament to the perfect blend of classic style and contemporary convenience."

A city couple looking for a place to escape to in St. Helena, in Napa Valley, built this modern home, designed by Butler Armsden Architects. The double height main room of the house is a living room, breakfast room and kitchen. It opens through sliding doors to an outdoor dining room and lounge. We combined their treasured family heirlooms with sleek furniture to create an eclectic and relaxing sanctuary. --- Project designed by ballonSTUDIO. They discreetly tend to the interior design needs of their high-net-worth individuals in the greater Bay Area and to their second home locations. For more about ballonSTUDIO, see here: https://www.ballonstudio.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.ballonstudio.com/st-helena-sanctuary

The design was elevated with Plain & Fancy cabinetry in a Sherwin-Williams Green Earth finish, paired with Top Knobs hardware and a discreet hidden pantry. The kitchen now features a Blanco sink, Brizo faucet, Sub-Zero Wolf appliances, a custom Coppersmith hood, Cove dishwasher, and curated Visual Comfort lighting—bringing together performance, beauty, and thoughtful detail throughout the space.

An Ohio family in search of a place to enjoy the Portuguese coast acquired a four-bedroom apartment just outside the center of Cascais. Our studio was engaged to turn a compartmented interior into a holiday residence for a household that gathers in numbers: one that could seat everyone at once and still hold the ease and lightness of a home by the beach. The original plan included a kitchen and laundry room sealed off from the living room, floor finishes and levels that changed from threshold to threshold, and bathrooms in varying styles. Work began by redefining the alignments and circulation. The principal transformation was the opening of the kitchen, creating a more generous social setting centered on a bespoke island fitted with storage and seating. The interior takes its cues from the building’s geometric façade, which projects and recedes in volumes and voids. Bespoke joinery in oak and lacquer carries continuity and order through the apartment. Concealed storage runs throughout: at the entrance, in the dining area, along the living area, and beneath built-in benches. The laundry is merged into the kitchen behind perforated doors for ventilation while keeping the service area discreet. Behind the sofa, a console slips a workspace into the living area without conceding its openness. Curved elements answer the rectilinear architecture; artisanal glazed vertical tiles repeat from the backsplashes onto custom side tables. The palette stays deliberately narrow; the muted oak and lacquer are joined by a softened timber floor, Portuguese Lioz stone, and walls painted to the color of bare plaster. Existing doors and baseboards were repainted in a warm light gray that draws the original elements into the language of the new interior. Upholstery and decorative accents hint at the terracotta, sky blue, and yellow of the façade. The bedrooms are set with upholstered headboards on oak frames, bedside tables that extend those outlines, and wardrobes fit for a long stay. Locally made rugs, bedcovers, and throw pillows soften the composition. In the bathrooms, the plans were reorganized and the showers enlarged. Lioz was used for the counters and sinks, shelves, shower bases, and bathtub surround, with microcement bringing a soothing warmth to the walls, and storage in floating cabinets. Deeper in tone than the rest of the apartment yet never dim, they are quietly elegant rooms made for lingering — taking one’s time getting ready, or unwinding at the end of a day. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

An Ohio family in search of a place to enjoy the Portuguese coast acquired a four-bedroom apartment just outside the center of Cascais. Our studio was engaged to turn a compartmented interior into a holiday residence for a household that gathers in numbers: one that could seat everyone at once and still hold the ease and lightness of a home by the beach. The original plan included a kitchen and laundry room sealed off from the living room, floor finishes and levels that changed from threshold to threshold, and bathrooms in varying styles. Work began by redefining the alignments and circulation. The principal transformation was the opening of the kitchen, creating a more generous social setting centered on a bespoke island fitted with storage and seating. The interior takes its cues from the building’s geometric façade, which projects and recedes in volumes and voids. Bespoke joinery in oak and lacquer carries continuity and order through the apartment. Concealed storage runs throughout: at the entrance, in the dining area, along the living area, and beneath built-in benches. The laundry is merged into the kitchen behind perforated doors for ventilation while keeping the service area discreet. Behind the sofa, a console slips a workspace into the living area without conceding its openness. Curved elements answer the rectilinear architecture; artisanal glazed vertical tiles repeat from the backsplashes onto custom side tables. The palette stays deliberately narrow; the muted oak and lacquer are joined by a softened timber floor, Portuguese Lioz stone, and walls painted to the color of bare plaster. Existing doors and baseboards were repainted in a warm light gray that draws the original elements into the language of the new interior. Upholstery and decorative accents hint at the terracotta, sky blue, and yellow of the façade. The bedrooms are set with upholstered headboards on oak frames, bedside tables that extend those outlines, and wardrobes fit for a long stay. Locally made rugs, bedcovers, and throw pillows soften the composition. In the bathrooms, the plans were reorganized and the showers enlarged. Lioz was used for the counters and sinks, shelves, shower bases, and bathtub surround, with microcement bringing a soothing warmth to the walls, and storage in floating cabinets. Deeper in tone than the rest of the apartment yet never dim, they are quietly elegant rooms made for lingering — taking one’s time getting ready, or unwinding at the end of a day. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

A couple relocating to Lisbon found a property in a recently upgraded building with open layouts and modernized features. Our studio was entrusted to bring elegant comfort to the interior with carefully curated, custom-designed furniture and decor. From a blank canvas, the home was enlivened with walnut furnishings by Portuguese producers, warm-hued textiles in botanical motifs, and accents of delicate brass lighting. The entryway leads toward a spacious living room, where hand-woven rugs delineate areas for different activities. The first features a dining collection with upholstered shell chairs that comfortably envelop end-of-evening conversation. Midway, a daybed and display shelving system nestled under the lowered ceiling offer an intimate, yet versatile space. Stepping into the lounge, theatrical curtains reveal the pastel medley of Lisbon’s built landscape, the river, and hills in the distance. The dialogue of the room continues around a multi-tiered center table and featherweight pendant: a Brazilian modernist armchair faces a bespoke tufted-leather sofa, its throw cushions tailored to the palette of the media cabinet. Outside, the balcony’s slate lacquered dining set caters to convivial meals. Private appreciation is found in a pair of leisurely chairs adjacent to the bedroom, with a side table quoting the terracotta background. The main suite is endued with a crafted spindle bed dressed in deep blue linens and a lively made-to-measure embroidered bedspread. White Estremoz marble nightstands were designed to organize reading material and provide cable management. Circular ceramic lamps and bedside tables complement an ample upholstered bed to accommodate guests, and a floating console offers a discreet solution for remote meetings.

The story of this home is very unassuming, but that was the objective, to create the most intuitive, discreet, thoughtful smart home possible for our client. The clients are very tech-savvy individuals, but not over the top. They knew what they wanted, and what they wanted was clean and reliable technology in their home. Simple as that. A complete smart home system built just for them, providing a seamless experience. Automated lighting and shades timed and tuned to their preferences, security and surveillance giving them 24/7 peace of mind, climate control always at the ideal temperature, and an audio/video system that is not only brilliant in sound, but modern, easy to control, and beautiful. Two words come to mind for these clients after the project was complete… “Welcome Home.”

Today’s traditional kitchens are nothing like the overly embellished ones of the ‘90’s & early 2000’s, replete with intricately carved posts, columns, corbels, overlays and moldings. Today’s classic kitchen is edited down to time honored elements, simpler trims, with some contemporary touches. Recessed panel doors with a beveled inner profile, and slab drawers with a rounded outer trim, line the perimeter. The main body of the island is “L”-shaped, but the overhang is curved, repeating the curved breakfast nook window and paneled banquette. Clean-lined slab doors and drawers allow the island’s shapely form to shine. Two tones again prove popular, with gray paint on the perimeter and rift-cut white oak stained dark brown on the island. Clear glass doors flanking the hood have natural maple interiors to brighten the expanse of cabinetry. In the dining room, the upper glass doors of the hutch cabinets have matching painted interiors for a more formal look. Crown molding is an uncluttered cove, and under cabinet lighting is discreetly hidden in the recessed bottoms. Frosted drum pendants and a linear dining chandelier holding frosted glass “candles” are unapologetically contemporary. Perimeter countertops and backsplashes are subtly veined marble, while the island top is gray quartz. This project was done in collaboration with Kathleen Walsh Interiors. Photography by Rikki Snyder.

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place. At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise. A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings. Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure. Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place. At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise. A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings. Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure. Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.

The story of this home is very unassuming, but that was the objective, to create the most intuitive, discreet, thoughtful smart home possible for our client. The clients are very tech-savvy individuals, but not over the top. They knew what they wanted, and what they wanted was clean and reliable technology in their home. Simple as that. A complete smart home system built just for them, providing a seamless experience. Automated lighting and shades timed and tuned to their preferences, security and surveillance giving them 24/7 peace of mind, climate control always at the ideal temperature, and an audio/video system that is not only brilliant in sound, but modern, easy to control, and beautiful. Two words come to mind for these clients after the project was complete… “Welcome Home.”

The home office features a fully custom desk designed by Bekah Hernandez in collaboration with Scout Design Studio as the manufacturer. With an organic-shaped top and intricately crafted fluted legs that discreetly house electrical cords, the desk exemplifies smart design and craftsmanship. This bespoke piece creates an elegant yet practical workspace that’s not only ergonomic but blends seamlessly with the home's luxurious ambiance.

This stunning modern farmhouse residence in Columbia, Tennessee, sits atop a transformed hilltop parcel, originally raw land that was expertly excavated to create a level 2-acre plateau. The site development included installing essential infrastructure such as paved roads, water lines, and electrical systems, turning an undeveloped ridge into a private, family-friendly haven with panoramic valley and mountain views. The home features a crisp white board-and-batten and horizontal siding exterior, accented by natural stone foundations and stained timber beams for a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary edge. Dramatic black-framed windows flood the interior with natural light, while the dark asphalt shingle roof with gabled peaks adds depth and contrast. An expansive covered front porch, supported by cedar posts and topped with metal roofing, invites relaxation with seating areas overlooking the sunset. Additional highlights include an oversized two-car garage with white doors, a lower-level walkout basement ready for expansion, and smart-home-ready elements like energy-efficient construction. Twilight lighting accentuates the clean lines, making the house glow against the evening sky. The landscaped yard is thoughtfully designed for everyday enjoyment, with manicured green lawns, gravel pathways, and low-maintenance shrubs lining the foundation. A circular asphalt driveway provides easy access and ample parking, curving gracefully around the property. In the backyard, a gravel patio area with a fire pit offers a cozy spot for gatherings, while a covered rear deck extends living space outdoors. The setup includes potential for additions like a pool, outdoor kitchen, or expanded entertaining zones, with features like a satellite dish and HVAC units discreetly placed for functionality without compromising aesthetics. Perched on a scenic hilltop surrounded by wooded forests, the 2-acre lot provides plenty of flat, open space for children and dogs to play safely—ideal for games, picnics, or simply running free amid the fresh air. The elevated position ensures unobstructed, layered views of rolling hills, distant valleys, and seasonal foliage, creating a serene rural retreat feel. In summer, lush green trees frame the property; in fall and winter, bare branches reveal even broader vistas. This custom-developed site balances privacy, accessibility, and natural beauty, making it a true dream property for those seeking a luxurious escape in Tennessee's countryside.

Situated between the iconic peaks of Deer Valley and the Jordanelle Reservoir, this unique four-bedroom estate home combines steel, wood, stone, and glass to offer synergistic ebullience and captivating panoramic vista views. Gemini Place provides functional flow and seamless indoor/outdoor living for all four seasons, replete with the luxury inclusions of a mountain modern dream home. Gemini Place comprises 4,848 square feet of internal accommodation with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 2 half baths, and one home office, on a 14,022 square-foot lot. Externally, the house blends harmoniously with its surroundings, but behind the discreet facade lies a playful home elevated with tailored embellishments throughout. Welcomed into the home through a steel-clad portal, the oversized steel and glass pivot door baptizes entrants with breathtaking views. The main level showcases an open floor plan with an expansive kitchen, a dining room, and a living room with panoramic glass sliding doors that open onto over 1,500 square feet of exterior living space. The master suite on the main level surprises with elevated finishes. The informal lower level features a bar, bunk room, two additional en suite bedrooms, and a charming outdoor veranda. Luxury is woven into Gemini Place throughout, including exposed steel beams, a Miele appliance package, and bespoke natural stone finishes. Just three minutes from Deer Valley's Jordanelle gondola and five minutes from the Jordanelle Reservoir, this home offers four-season resort-style living at its finest. Architecture: Van Sickle Design Interiors: TCH Design Interiors

Situated between the iconic peaks of Deer Valley and the Jordanelle Reservoir, this unique four-bedroom estate home combines steel, wood, stone, and glass to offer synergistic ebullience and captivating panoramic vista views. Gemini Place provides functional flow and seamless indoor/outdoor living for all four seasons, replete with the luxury inclusions of a mountain modern dream home. Gemini Place comprises 4,848 square feet of internal accommodation with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 2 half baths, and one home office, on a 14,022 square-foot lot. Externally, the house blends harmoniously with its surroundings, but behind the discreet facade lies a playful home elevated with tailored embellishments throughout. Welcomed into the home through a steel-clad portal, the oversized steel and glass pivot door baptizes entrants with breathtaking views. The main level showcases an open floor plan with an expansive kitchen, a dining room, and a living room with panoramic glass sliding doors that open onto over 1,500 square feet of exterior living space. The master suite on the main level surprises with elevated finishes. The informal lower level features a bar, bunk room, two additional en suite bedrooms, and a charming outdoor veranda. Luxury is woven into Gemini Place throughout, including exposed steel beams, a Miele appliance package, and bespoke natural stone finishes. Just three minutes from Deer Valley's Jordanelle gondola and five minutes from the Jordanelle Reservoir, this home offers four-season resort-style living at its finest. Architecture: Van Sickle Design Interiors: TCH Design Interiors