Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

The living room, bathed in natural light streaming through large windows, welcomes you with a sense of airy comfort. Soft, neutral tones dominate the decor, with plush sofas and oversized armchairs. A cozy area rug anchors the seating arrangement, adding a touch of warmth and defining the space. Accent pillows and throws in rich textures and subtle patterns invite relaxation, while tasteful artwork adorns the walls, adding personality and depth to the room. A carefully curated collection of books displayed on elegant shelves or in artful stacks on a nearby side table hints at the intellectual depth of the space. Adjacent to the living area, a set of double doors or an open archway leads seamlessly into the study. As you step into this more focused and intimate space, you're greeted by the richness of dark wood furniture – a sturdy, imposing desk commands attention, flanked by bookcases filled with volumes of knowledge and personal treasures. The study exudes an atmosphere of quiet productivity, furnished with a comfortable yet elegant leather armchair placed behind the desk. Soft, ambient lighting provided by a vintage desk lamp illuminates the workspace, creating a conducive environment for work or reflection. The walls of the study are adorned with framed maps, paintings, or perhaps diplomas and certificates, offering a glimpse into the occupant's interests and accomplishments. A small bar cart or a sleek side table stocked with a selection of fine spirits and glassware stands nearby, adding a touch of sophistication. A large window in the study allows natural light to filter in during the day, offering a view of the outdoors that can be inspiring during moments of contemplation. The curtains or blinds can be drawn for privacy or to create a more focused environment when needed. Overall, the seamless transition from the inviting living room into the sophisticated study creates a harmonious flow, offering both comfort and functionality. It's a space designed for both relaxation and productivity, where one can unwind or delve into intellectual pursuits with ease.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

Created as a sanctuary for a family of six, this beautifully renovated lake home in a private gated community serves as a calming respite from the hustle and bustle of this family's everyday lives. Soaring views of the wooded lake area beyond are brought indoors with the dining area chandelier's gilded branches, while watery blue hues in the artwork and furnishings reflect the water and sky. Warm woods and earthy charcoals also help reinforce the nod to nature. To brighten the open concept living area, lighter finishes were introduced to reflect the natural light, streaming in through the two-story windows. Layered artificial lighting also helps lighten up the rooms. To highlight key design elements, darker hues were repeated on the fireplace, stove, hood, backs of the shelves, and the windows. Accent lighting on the shelves and underneath the floating cabinet also add a warm ambiance. The rich walnut stain on the floating cabinet and shelves contrasts boldly with the stacked stone fireplace creating a strong focal point in the hearth room area. A dark hued stove hood contrasts sharply with the quartz backsplash in the kitchen creates another strong focal point enhanced by a contrasting color island, bold chandeliers, and contrasting counter stools. The wood hood and island warm up the white wall of kitchen cabinets. The kitchen boasts multiple zones for family and friends. from a large island for gatherings and a lit up hidden coffee bar with a water spigot to swivel chairs for watching the fire or falling snow. The abstract painting in the dining area draws the eye up to show off the two-story room, while the centerpiece feels like someone just crafted it from the clay outdoors. The laundry room was enlarged so it could also serve as a mudroom with cubbies and a butler's pantry where laundry becomes a joy instead of a chore. The guest bath continues the nurturing theme of livable luxury with a focus on calming blues and texture over pattern.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

In the 70's through the mid 90's I spent a great deal of time on this property that was once a private ranch. The mountain on the horizon was called Shingle Hill, a place where early settlers in the 1800's went to cut and split cedar for their roof shingles. At 1,400 ft., it is also the highest point in the area. From there I witnessed many fiery sunsets and in their afterglow the lights of Marble Falls, Johnson City and Lake Travis. The actual Bell Springs, for which the road is named, is hidden in the canyon to it's immediate right, one of the many springs that gushed out of the otherwise rugged hills. It was those springs and the cascading creeks and falls they created on their serpentine course to the Pedernales that were the inspiration for my falling water pools.

This eclectic and inviting office lounge captures the warm, bohemian aesthetic of a celebrity interior design team's work in a modern Hollywood Hills home. The space seamlessly blends mid-century modern elements with vibrant pops of color and an array of textures. The focal point is a plush, striped sofa in an eye-catching array of jewel tones, perfectly complemented by sunny yellow accent pillows. A sleek wood coffee table anchors the seating area, while a vintage rattan lounge chair adds a touch of retro flair. Built-in bookshelves flanking large windows create a cozy reading nook, their shelves filled with a curated collection of books and objets d'art. Natural light streams in through the windows, which offer glimpses of lush foliage outside, blurring the lines between indoors and out. An area rug in muted tones grounds the space, while a soaring skylight overhead amplifies the bright and airy ambiance. Artwork adorning the walls, including a striking black-and-white photograph, adds depth and visual interest to the contemporary yet inviting atmosphere. With its harmonious blend of styles, colors, and textures, this eclectic office lounge embodies the signature aesthetic of a renowned celebrity design team, creating a stylish and comfortable retreat in the heart of a Hollywood Hills home

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Minneapolis condo living is enhanced by this new kitchen. State of the artstainless steel appliances, Euro-style cherry cabinetry, antique-finished black granite, Bubinga wood snack bar are all illuminated by contemporary track lighting curving throughout the space.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Modern Retreat | Safety Habitat, Perched at Heart. Living in solitude is the lofty ideal of ancient and modern human. The source of Chinese Seclusion Culture is streamed from far away: “As I pick chrysanthemums beneath the eastern fence, my eyes fall leisurely on the Southern Mountain." A paradise-like life lets innumerable people in longing. Looking at current day, privacy has become the expression of an attitude, a lifestyle choice. The real privacy is not about where one lives, but in the internal, physical and mental fatigue that can be placed in a home. Modern Retreat should be hidden in the heart. For modern people, if one maintains a self-sustaining practice of perseverance, follow morality and good conscience, abstinence, one can also be retained out of a pure world without being in a deep secluded valley . Real privacy is not to hideaway. The most essential element is the freedom of mind and tranquility. If people can do the things they enjoy, they are quite complete in a perfect world of their own. The spiritual world, is self-purification, under certain conditions, as long as their individually initiated. The environmental impact can be changed on their own, and can be found everywhere in the joy of life. In each city, people have a heart over normalized horticultural habitat. Enjoying the quality life does not mean deliberately escaping from the city, across thousands of miles. In the most cosmopolitan cities, it is a bucolic refuge in the midst of a great bustling city. The comfort of a home will expand into the neighbourhood when you meet acquaintances everywhere around where you live. Modern Retreat should be hidden within the city. The architectural design would have an indoor planting garden of choice. People would go to work, but once they are home and close their doors, it is their own private life where they can pretend that they are sitting in the mountain forests. For a Yin Yang disposition, ambition and pursuing righteousness fit together perfectly. One house is one world. “Home” is where we can stop to rest and relax, the place one can return to. For home design, it must go beyond being livable, the concept of the “Happy Home” is advanced to the peaceful realm. To live comfortably and privately at your own home, it is necessary for the modern home to be arranged in a "less is more" philosophy. Home goods should be simple and elegant yet practical, but without losing the taste and style, so that residents of the home can find clear air and quiet freedom. No matter how busy or tiring work is, we will be able to find peace and quiet from your home to heal and release the pressure. Modern Retreat is not the Valley of Orchards, the seclusion is not free, personalized, romantic and the ideal of Walden, but it is conceptual to the peace of mind and family atmosphere.

It’s true in construction, and it’s true in life: sometimes, you have to get down to the bare bones and rebuild from there. A “full gut” is the complete and total rebuilding of a home from the inside out. And that’s what we did for this apartment in a 1921 home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Our team took up the floors, raised ceilings, and moved walls, with a new architectural space as the result. The finished apartment is a playful fusion of old and new. Gritty texture meets smooth surface as exposed brick and wood headers contrast with reclaimed wood and fresh paint. The open-flow floor plan blends historic touches with a modern sensibility; when the sliding barn doors are open, the kitchen and living area connects with the bedroom/playroom area. At the center of it all, the custom dining table serves as an elegant visual anchor. Natural light streams in through an uncovered window, affording a calming glimpse of the landscaped yard and garden. At the same time, new interior lighting illumines the kitchen and the bathroom. The latter is a luxury experience, featuring a drop-in tub with granite surround, a custom-tiled niche, and a towel warmer too. The formerly dim, cramped apartment is energized and illuminated; the process of peeling back the layers changed a sub-par space into something special. Want to peel back the layers of your space? Contact us today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

Featuring an impressive red sandstone façade accented with durable exterior wood and powder coated brushed gold aluminum trims. This graceful home has an elegantly expressed massive main entry foyer to greet the guests. This home has been designed with Vastu Shastra in mind and has many dedicated areas to meet all the owners specific needs. Lots of entertainment zones for formal/informal gatherings, easy indoor/outdoor access. There is a delightful three story central atrium topped with a 5-sided glass-bottomed roof terrace water feature. This prismatic gem allows a soft filtered light refracting through the water to stream down through the core of the home. Augmenting the philosophy of Brahmasthan, a powerful zone of energy radiating through the open spaces of the home. The Roof Terrace has an exercise gym, spa and yoga rooms and an outdoor shady roof garden with lovely views of the Dubai Marina towers and Emirates Hills Golf Course, especially at night. There is a sizable service kitchen, an elevator and dumb waiter as well as basement staff accommodation for 6. The fully furnished basement has a 20 person theater, a games room, ample storage and also boasts an outdoor atrium open to sky above and connected by stairs to the patio party zones just off the main living room above. There is a side yard negative-edge swimming pool with waterfall and BBQ areas.