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. Practical highlights include a vestibule that connects to a bathroom, an elevator and a covert set of stairs that run down the exterior of the house. “From the pool you can run down the stairs and into the master bathroom,” says Lazar. “Or straight into the kids wing. Either way, you don’t run through the house dripping wet.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

Steve Lazar's newest project, a six-bedroom residence built on a hillside peak of 30th Street in Hermosa Beach for design+build by South Swell, is a study in the functional exploitation of lot size and surrounding beauty. That, and an evolution of the designer’s singular style. Modernist in its veins, the new home has the earmarks of a Lazar design inside and out. There’s a hint of lifeguard tower in its exterior, though more muted than visible in his past projects, mainly due to a ring of rusticated wood cladding swathed around its mid-section. Other signifiers are there, too, from a row of high-perched observation windows to a slightly raised metal hip roof of soft blue. Jutting out slightly over the home, its underside dressed in tidy shiplap, the roof contrasts smartly against the clean white stucco and earthy wood of the lower levels. In all, it’s still clean-cut Lazar, but more organic than sleek. “I use a lot of the same ideas,” says Lazar, standing outside the structure while craftsmen and workers buzz around, putting finishing touches on the place. “ “I have a signature vocabulary, but I adapt it with each custom home to meet a client’s needs and maximize the particulars of that space.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Laura Hull

Steve Lazar's newest project, a six-bedroom residence built on a hillside peak of 30th Street in Hermosa Beach for design+build by South Swell, is a study in the functional exploitation of lot size and surrounding beauty. That, and an evolution of the designer’s singular style. Modernist in its veins, the new home has the earmarks of a Lazar design inside and out. There’s a hint of lifeguard tower in its exterior, though more muted than visible in his past projects, mainly due to a ring of rusticated wood cladding swathed around its mid-section. Other signifiers are there, too, from a row of high-perched observation windows to a slightly raised metal hip roof of soft blue. Jutting out slightly over the home, its underside dressed in tidy shiplap, the roof contrasts smartly against the clean white stucco and earthy wood of the lower levels. In all, it’s still clean-cut Lazar, but more organic than sleek. “I use a lot of the same ideas,” says Lazar, standing outside the structure while craftsmen and workers buzz around, putting finishing touches on the place. “ “I have a signature vocabulary, but I adapt it with each custom home to meet a client’s needs and maximize the particulars of that space.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

Rise to the occasion with the Swell Armchair. Imbuing both vintage and mid-century elements, Swell was designed to portray simple elegance. Made with dense foam padding, fine polyester upholstery, and dark walnut stained dowel wood legs, Swell captures the moment while imbuing a rewarding seating experience for contemporary, bohemian, chic and other eclectic spaces sporting mid-century inspired elements. Buy Now OVERALL PRODUCT DIMENSIONS 28"L x 25.5"W x 33"H SEAT DIMENSIONS 25.5"W x 19"H BACKREST DIMENSIONS 14"H

Steve Lazar's newest project, a six-bedroom residence built on a hillside peak of 30th Street in Hermosa Beach for design+build by South Swell, is a study in the functional exploitation of lot size and surrounding beauty. That, and an evolution of the designer’s singular style. Modernist in its veins, the new home has the earmarks of a Lazar design inside and out. There’s a hint of lifeguard tower in its exterior, though more muted than visible in his past projects, mainly due to a ring of rusticated wood cladding swathed around its mid-section. Other signifiers are there, too, from a row of high-perched observation windows to a slightly raised metal hip roof of soft blue. Jutting out slightly over the home, its underside dressed in tidy shiplap, the roof contrasts smartly against the clean white stucco and earthy wood of the lower levels. In all, it’s still clean-cut Lazar, but more organic than sleek. “I use a lot of the same ideas,” says Lazar, standing outside the structure while craftsmen and workers buzz around, putting finishing touches on the place. “ “I have a signature vocabulary, but I adapt it with each custom home to meet a client’s needs and maximize the particulars of that space.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.
Large trendy kids' multicolored tile and ceramic tile travertine floor doorless shower photo in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and quartzite countertops

Inspiration for a coastal home bar remodel in Boston

Steve Lazar's newest project, a six-bedroom residence built on a hillside peak of 30th Street in Hermosa Beach for design+build by South Swell, is a study in the functional exploitation of lot size and surrounding beauty. That, and an evolution of the designer’s singular style. Modernist in its veins, the new home has the earmarks of a Lazar design inside and out. There’s a hint of lifeguard tower in its exterior, though more muted than visible in his past projects, mainly due to a ring of rusticated wood cladding swathed around its mid-section. Other signifiers are there, too, from a row of high-perched observation windows to a slightly raised metal hip roof of soft blue. Jutting out slightly over the home, its underside dressed in tidy shiplap, the roof contrasts smartly against the clean white stucco and earthy wood of the lower levels. In all, it’s still clean-cut Lazar, but more organic than sleek. “I use a lot of the same ideas,” says Lazar, standing outside the structure while craftsmen and workers buzz around, putting finishing touches on the place. “ “I have a signature vocabulary, but I adapt it with each custom home to meet a client’s needs and maximize the particulars of that space.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Laura Hull

Rise to the occasion with the Swell Armchair. Imbuing both vintage and mid-century elements, Swell was designed to portray simple elegance. Made with dense foam padding, fine polyester upholstery, and dark walnut stained dowel wood legs, Swell captures the moment while imbuing a rewarding seating experience for contemporary, bohemian, chic and other eclectic spaces sporting mid-century inspired elements. Buy Now OVERALL PRODUCT DIMENSIONS 28"L x 25.5"W x 33"H SEAT DIMENSIONS 25.5"W x 19"H BACKREST DIMENSIONS 14"H

Rise to the occasion with the Swell Armchair. Imbuing both vintage and mid-century elements, Swell was designed to portray simple elegance. Made with dense foam padding, fine polyester upholstery, and dark walnut stained dowel wood legs, Swell captures the moment while imbuing a rewarding seating experience for contemporary, bohemian, chic and other eclectic spaces sporting mid-century inspired elements. Buy Now OVERALL PRODUCT DIMENSIONS 28"L x 25.5"W x 33"H SEAT DIMENSIONS 25.5"W x 19"H BACKREST DIMENSIONS 14"H

Beach style porch photo in New York

A close-up view of a richly toned hardwood floor completed by Tidal Flooring, the flooring division of Swell Contracting. The natural grain, clean transitions, and polished finish bring warmth and depth to this San Diego dining room.

This is beach front single family, multi generation house project. Swell was a building contractor. Design by Wonder x Wonder
Trendy two-story pool photo in Hawaii

A custom San Diego kitchen by Swell Contracting with full-height walnut cabinetry, an integrated refrigerator, light wood flooring, and a stone waterfall island centered around the cooktop. The warm wood and clean lines create a modern kitchen that still feels inviting.

Close up of the rocks in the drainage swell.

A spa-inspired Carlsbad bathroom remodel by Swell Contracting with a freestanding soaking tub, glass-enclosed walk-in shower, marble-look wall tile, large-format floor tile, warm wood cabinetry, and layered recessed lighting.

Close up of a bromeliad with the drainage swell in the background.