This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

When an expanding family outgrew its beloved A frame vacation home, chaos followed. Outdoor gear multiplied exponentially, while any organized spot to stow it did not. Expected amenities were non-existent for needs of the crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. SV Design addressed the lacking elements and added practicality, with style: the multigenerational family members and friends can now appreciate space for the variety of hobbies and interests they pursue. Having worked with Siemasko + Verbridge in the past, the family turned to SV once again knowing we would design solution to address the growing list of concerns. SV’s design of a three-story addition with a relatively small footprint was just what the home needed. A covered entry now provides the option of entering the main house or stopping off in the mud room to remove boots, drop off skis, and hang up wet clothes. Regardless of the way you enter the main house you will be greeted with a naturally lit, welcoming staircase of reclaimed white oak timber treads and steel stringers and rails. Each newel post is capped off with a polished granite sphere to pay homage to the Granite State in which the house resides. The open stair invites you up to a spacious family space for playing board games, listening to music, gazing at the stars, or just lounging about in the warm comfort of the home. Traveling downstairs from the main level is a new, kid friendly media room for popcorn and movies, or a little video game sibling competition. Perhaps the most striking new feature of the home is the custom designed Adirondack style bar built of varying tones of willow branches and bank. Topped off with a contrasting aged zinc counter, backsplash and shelf the bar is the perfect spot for the resident bar tender to mix up a tasty concoction for sitting by the crackling fire just steps away. This home will provide comfort and ease for the family to relax and enjoy their getaway for years to come.

This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

When an expanding family outgrew its beloved A frame vacation home, chaos followed. Outdoor gear multiplied exponentially, while any organized spot to stow it did not. Expected amenities were non-existent for needs of the crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. SV Design addressed the lacking elements and added practicality, with style: the multigenerational family members and friends can now appreciate space for the variety of hobbies and interests they pursue. Having worked with Siemasko + Verbridge in the past, the family turned to SV once again knowing we would design solution to address the growing list of concerns. SV’s design of a three-story addition with a relatively small footprint was just what the home needed. A covered entry now provides the option of entering the main house or stopping off in the mud room to remove boots, drop off skis, and hang up wet clothes. Regardless of the way you enter the main house you will be greeted with a naturally lit, welcoming staircase of reclaimed white oak timber treads and steel stringers and rails. Each newel post is capped off with a polished granite sphere to pay homage to the Granite State in which the house resides. The open stair invites you up to a spacious family space for playing board games, listening to music, gazing at the stars, or just lounging about in the warm comfort of the home. Traveling downstairs from the main level is a new, kid friendly media room for popcorn and movies, or a little video game sibling competition. Perhaps the most striking new feature of the home is the custom designed Adirondack style bar built of varying tones of willow branches and bank. Topped off with a contrasting aged zinc counter, backsplash and shelf the bar is the perfect spot for the resident bar tender to mix up a tasty concoction for sitting by the crackling fire just steps away. This home will provide comfort and ease for the family to relax and enjoy their getaway for years to come.

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

This dramatically striking high-tech home of 6376 livable square feet is literally a piece of contemporary art Astounding mountain and valley views frame the Phoenix city lights at night over the infinity edge pool and disappearing spa. The focal point of the main living area is a copper and fire display centered on two 24 feet corners of remote controlled, motorized retractable glass. The adjacent game room and home theater, featuring another 16 feet of remote controlled, motorized retractable glass, opens to make this home truly indoor/outdoor. A stunning 12-foot tall water wall with art niches behind it lends grandeur to the entryway. The kitchen has every conceivable luxury, as well as a hidden pantry flanked by a dual Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer. The one of a kind powder room features an electrically charged glass door that turns opaque at the touch of a button, as well as a glass floor above a changeable display, and floating glass sink. Playful walls at unexpected angles, curves, and textures fill the home. Sculpted glass, a body spray multi head shower, hidden TV, and other luxuries enhance the luxurious spa like atmosphere of the master bath. The master suite is set off by a cantilevered "floating" fireplace of flames dancing on sand, as well as a breakfast bar with built in Meile coffee center. 4 large bedrooms, each with a separate bathroom, and a separate pool bath complete with redwood sauna and CD-player as well as a study and exercise room. Four large vehicles can be stored in the ample garage space, or a tandem area could be altered to the client’s pleasure. Custom cabinets, lighting, flooring, granite, and metal accents are used throughout the home, as are the highest end brand names in appliances and fixtures This is an "Energy Star" rated efficient home, with guaranteed heating/cooling bills making it the most energy efficient home possible.

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

Inspiration for a transitional patio remodel in Boston

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

This dramatically striking high-tech home of 6376 livable square feet is literally a piece of contemporary art Astounding mountain and valley views frame the Phoenix city lights at night over the infinity edge pool and disappearing spa. The focal point of the main living area is a copper and fire display centered on two 24 feet corners of remote controlled, motorized retractable glass. The adjacent game room and home theater, featuring another 16 feet of remote controlled, motorized retractable glass, opens to make this home truly indoor/outdoor. A stunning 12-foot tall water wall with art niches behind it lends grandeur to the entryway. The kitchen has every conceivable luxury, as well as a hidden pantry flanked by a dual Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer. The one of a kind powder room features an electrically charged glass door that turns opaque at the touch of a button, as well as a glass floor above a changeable display, and floating glass sink. Playful walls at unexpected angles, curves, and textures fill the home. Sculpted glass, a body spray multi head shower, hidden TV, and other luxuries enhance the luxurious spa like atmosphere of the master bath. The master suite is set off by a cantilevered "floating" fireplace of flames dancing on sand, as well as a breakfast bar with built in Meile coffee center. 4 large bedrooms, each with a separate bathroom, and a separate pool bath complete with redwood sauna and CD-player as well as a study and exercise room. Four large vehicles can be stored in the ample garage space, or a tandem area could be altered to the client’s pleasure. Custom cabinets, lighting, flooring, granite, and metal accents are used throughout the home, as are the highest end brand names in appliances and fixtures This is an "Energy Star" rated efficient home, with guaranteed heating/cooling bills making it the most energy efficient home possible.

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

Twin magnificent and historic valleys – named according to lore and legend for two star crossed lovers of warring Native American tribes - make up the unincorporated area of White County that has become a pivot point for the arts, activism, community and preservation. The Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys – both listed on the National Register of Historic Places – are primarily the naturally occurring, lowland landscape punctuated by the sites and assets that give the area its vibrant character. Even the mapping department in White County asserts that Sautee Nacoochee defies definitive boundaries as pride of place has propelled innovative expansion. Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting Although Sautee Nacoochee lacks conventional city government, clearly the "mayor" of this hamlet is the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the region and to nurturing the creativity that thrives here. The Association maintains the Sautee Nacoochee Center, a restored red brick schoolhouse, that is home to dual galleries, a history museum showcasing Cherokee heritage, gold strikes, timber and railroads, the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, art and dance studios, a heritage site and nature preserve, an intimate theater, an environmental studies room and a conference and special event facility. The Community Association was instrumental in establishing the official Historic Districts and brought acclaim to Sautee Nacoochee by securing its nomination as one of “The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America.” Arts programming, among other endeavors, remains one of the Center’s most valuable community resources. In addition to fostering children’s activities in music, dance, theatre and visual arts, the Center hosts the 50 member Sautee Nacoochee Community Chorale, art studio workshops, speaker luncheons for seniors, gallery exhibits, Contra dances, feature films, sustainable living forums and Open Stage nights. The Center’s six week long SummerFest is highlighted by the home grown folk life play, Headwaters, now in its fourth season, which serves as an unvarnished Valentine to and about the people, places and perceptions that shape the Valleys, and is consistently ranked as a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

Twin magnificent and historic valleys – named according to lore and legend for two star crossed lovers of warring Native American tribes - make up the unincorporated area of White County that has become a pivot point for the arts, activism, community and preservation. The Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys – both listed on the National Register of Historic Places – are primarily the naturally occurring, lowland landscape punctuated by the sites and assets that give the area its vibrant character. Even the mapping department in White County asserts that Sautee Nacoochee defies definitive boundaries as pride of place has propelled innovative expansion. Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting Although Sautee Nacoochee lacks conventional city government, clearly the "mayor" of this hamlet is the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the region and to nurturing the creativity that thrives here. The Association maintains the Sautee Nacoochee Center, a restored red brick schoolhouse, that is home to dual galleries, a history museum showcasing Cherokee heritage, gold strikes, timber and railroads, the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, art and dance studios, a heritage site and nature preserve, an intimate theater, an environmental studies room and a conference and special event facility. The Community Association was instrumental in establishing the official Historic Districts and brought acclaim to Sautee Nacoochee by securing its nomination as one of “The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America.” Arts programming, among other endeavors, remains one of the Center’s most valuable community resources. In addition to fostering children’s activities in music, dance, theatre and visual arts, the Center hosts the 50 member Sautee Nacoochee Community Chorale, art studio workshops, speaker luncheons for seniors, gallery exhibits, Contra dances, feature films, sustainable living forums and Open Stage nights. The Center’s six week long SummerFest is highlighted by the home grown folk life play, Headwaters, now in its fourth season, which serves as an unvarnished Valentine to and about the people, places and perceptions that shape the Valleys, and is consistently ranked as a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva