Our clients wanted to create a backyard area to hang out and entertain with some privacy and protection from the elements. The initial vision was to simply build a large roof over one side of the existing deck while providing a little privacy. It was important to them to carefully integrate the new covered deck roofline into the existing home so that it looked it was there from day one. We had our partners at Draw Design help us with the initial drawings. As work progressed, the scope of the project morphed into something more significant. Check out the outdoor built-in barbecue and seating area complete with custom cabinets, granite countertops, and beautiful outdoor gas fireplace. Stone pillars and black metal capping completed the look giving the structure a mountain resort feel. Extensive use of red cedar finished off the high ceilings and privacy screen. Landscaping and a new hot tub were added afterwards. The end result is truly jaw-dropping!

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

The brief for the living room included creating a space that is comfortable, modern and where the couple’s young children can play and make a mess. We selected a bright, vintage rug to anchor the space on top of which we added a myriad of seating opportunities that can move and morph into whatever is required for playing and entertaining.

A simple ADU for an artist that quickly morphed into an outbuilding office during covid. The key to this design was creating flow from the main residence to the outbuilding and outdoor space.

After living in my motorhome for 2 years as a widowed guy I met a wonderful woman and asked her to Marry me. I was in the process of building a new shop in the middle of a small apple orchard to house my Motorhome (and myself), When I asked my honey to Marry me she asked where should we live...…..I said I would get back to her and some time later, this is how my shop morphed into a Shouse! We moved in on Thanksgiving weekend and love it, I hope you do as well. Photography by: Cascade Pro Media

Asymmetry is the defining element in this loft-like kitchen. Stained wood beams spotlight the soaring vaulted ceiling. On the range wall, the fridge enclosure and pantry bookending this section have staggered heights. The flue on the gently curved stainless vent hood is offset toward the left. Additional appliances on another wall are installed in mid-height cabinets, positioned to the right of center. Flat panel doors are highlighted by a smokey stain on rift-cut white oak. Its deeply-grained surface morphs the color as lighting conditions and viewing angles change. Toekicks are stainless steel for a floating effect. Lift-up uppers and a tall unit feature aluminum-framed doors with acid-etched glass, allowing a peek at tableware and pantry contents. Efficient pullouts and a corner swingout make the room as convenient as it is beautiful. Mixed materials provide richness. Flanking the hood are stainless steel floating shelves set against a patinated zinc backsplash. Concrete countertops add texture and an industrial accent. Walnut open shelves at the end of the base cabinets and wrapping around the island inject warmth. Two spacious dining options include a custom breakfast table of 4” thick stainless with a walnut insert; and a round walnut table with a rotating turntable. Bilotta Designer: Rita Garces

Fresh coat of paint, newly installed white Venetian blinds and a new furniture layout morphed this once tired living space into a bright and inviting open plan living area that allows for great entertaining.

"Happy New Year. I'm attaching some pic's of my bathroom where I used your tile. There is a very funny story behind your tile and the design of my bathroom. I fell in love with Spring Birch Tree Garden. My entire bathroom design changed once I found the tile. We couldn't quite figure out how to weave it into the design and ultimately we didn't use it. But, I loved the tile so much I had it framed. It's now an art piece in my bathroom - which has kind of morphed into a mini art gallery. That was a year ago. Since then I did have the opportunity to work it in. It's now part of the shower curb and the top of a half wall that was built. It is beautiful. I wish we had managed to get more of it into the actual shower. My next project will likely be my spare bathroom - so, who knows... Enjoy the photos - the bathroom is very long and it was kind of difficult to get good angles to really capture the tile. I love the bathroom and your tile is a lovely centerpiece."

A young couple bought a one bedroom apartment near Lincoln center that was a perfect size for two but needed a design makeover to make it more accommodating for overnight guests. We faced a challenge to design a room that would both provide privacy to guests while maintaining the sweeping city views when the room isn't occupied. We solved this by designing walls of switchable glass panels. Each glass wall can change appearance with the flip of a switch - transparent to enjoy the view, milky white and opaque for privacy. Throughout the apartment, custom wood millwork covers the window HVAC units in each room, turning the corner in the master bedroom to morph into an integrated his/hers closet, TV console, and desk.

In this project Lazar has created another of his hyper-livable top floors—half indoors, half outdoors—that could arguably be the beating heart of the home. A sunny gathering space and gourmet kitchen are gathered under an elevated ceiling. Lined with windows and stocked with gleaming counters, the big room opens onto an equally spacious ocean-view deck that could morph either way: as everyday living space or party central. Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Laura Hull

One can say that the redesign job on this Atlanta-area home was just what the doctor ordered, since physician Jim Linnane chose Cantoni designer Kohl Sudnikovich to help him re-imagine his 50s ranch-style residence. Online browsing, and a fondness for modern design, led the medical professional into our Georgia store/" title="Cantoni Modern Furniture Stores" class="crosslinking">showroom after purchasing the 50s-built home in early 2011. Since then, walls were torn down, the kitchen got a facelift, a lone loft morphed in to a music room, and the fireplace got haute while the pool became cool. As always, step one of the design process began with Kohl visiting the home to measure and scale-out floor plans. Next, ideas were tossed around and the client fell in love with the Mondrian sectional, in red. “Jim’s selection set the color scheme for the home’s living areas,” explains Kohl, “and he loves the punchy accents we added with art, both inside and out.” “Kohl worked closely with me, from start to finish, and guided me through the entire process,” explains Jim. “He helped me find a great contractor, and I’m particularly fond of the plan he conceived to replace the dated fireplace with a more contemporary linear gas box set in striated limestone.” Adds Kohl, “I love how we opened the loft and staircase walls by replacing them with metal and cable railings, and how we created a sitting area (in what was the dining room) to open to the living room we enhanced with mirrors.” A creative fix, like re-facing the cabinets, drawers and door panels in the kitchen, illustrates how something simple (and not too pricey) can make a big impact. The project, on a whole, is also a good example of how our full-service design studio and talented staff can help re-imagine and optimize your living space while working within your budget. “Meeting and working with Kohl was such a great experience,” says Jim, in closing. “He is so talented. He came up with great design ideas to completely change the look of my home’s interior, and I think the results are amazing.” Guess what, Jim? We think the results of your collaboration with Kohl are pretty amazing, too.

This is the point at which the dry creek bed morphs into a live waterfall that empties into a pond. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Design ideas for a large asian full sun front yard stone garden path in Charlotte.

Kitchen renovation with Sequoia Cabinetry, Countertops are White Calacatta Polished by Sapienstone with StoneVille USA, Arhaus Lunden Counter Stools Galley Workstation with Brushed Gold taps, Morph Pendants by Stone Lighting

This Toronto condo lobby underwent extensive renovations with our design firm. We transformed the common space, reception area and lobby into a luxurious space with show-stopping features and high end finishes. From the detailed ceiling design to the gorgeous millwork this space truly morphed into a breathtaking condo lobby.

Then, after turning hallways into bedrooms, and a game room into a master suite, they added a full bedroom, a quarter of a bathroom, and morphed less than 1200 to nearly 1800 square feet--all without losing the charm of the original, or affecting the character of the neighborhood.

The design for this master started conservatively and kept morphing into a more spa-like retreat. Room was taken from the adjacent master bedroom and closet until a large shower and soaking tub had room to breath. Success!

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Austin.

Nestled on the shore of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee, is a family’s winter ski retreat. Contrary to the norm, this vacation home sees more use in the winter months than in the summer season. Breathtaking views of Mount Washington against a backdrop of shoreline dominate the scene; this vista was a driving force in the decision-making process. Doors and windows on the lakeside of the house were enlarged and expanded on to enhance the owners’ appreciation of their vantage point. The homeowners embraced, with a bit of convincing, a dark blue trim color for the exterior rather than the ubiquitous forest green common in the White Mountains. What began as a small renovation project morphed into a full renovation; the location warranted the upgrade. The client’s trust in the design team resulted in a home that is unique: contemporary while still offering the warmth and coziness of a winter retreat. The introduction of soft wood tones, a custom copper kitchen hood, and a warm muted color palate for interior trim and doors brings a coziness to the space without evoking a mountain ski lodge. The materials chosen further enhanced the natural elements of the site location: organic features include an antler chandelier, salvaged wood throughout for the mantel, ceilings, stair newels, and interior barn doors, and a live edge built-in bench in the mudroom. Spaces were designed to encourage family interaction and togetherness. The importance of solitude was thoughtfully crafted into the architecture and interiors of the family’s vacation home. SV Design made sure there were spaces where individual family members can pursue their own interests: a dedicated craft space, a family office, and a kids’ loft area. The redesign was forward thinking, to take the family into future phases in life, from the current teenage years through college years, and into the beyond of expanded family possibilities.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.