Establishing a sense of eclectic yet elegant informality is developer and designer Susan Paige York's trademark approach to design. "An eclectic mix of furnishing styles, found objects and dramatic art can work very well especially if the designs are at opposite ends of the style spectrum," says Paige. In the living room of her Old Seagrove home, a pair of rustic boxwood planters flank an antique French armoire to create a look that is satisfyingly unique.

"I love the tension that comes from mixing crunchy old antiques with sleek contemporary elements."

Paige engaged architect, Wade Squiers, to design the 3,900 square-foot SPY Lifestyle Showcase Home near Seaside. Her design directive was to bring the outside in through the use of a fluid, open floor plan, soaring ceilings and high windows.

From the two-story entry hall, one is drawn outside through classic French doors that gracefully open to a large covered veranda and an intimate courtyard punctuated with a glimmering pool -- the perfect venue for entertaining.

The outdoor covered terrace is spacious enough to incorporate both a living and a dining area, thus seamlessly extending interior function. The exterior dining area is adjacent to the sleek, modern indoor Bulthaup kitchen -- while the terrace living area serves as a virtual addition to the living room. "There are few architectural elements that are more closely associated with comfort, protection and security than the courtyard," says Paige. "Almost every room of the house opens to the outdoors, evoking the feeling that you are truly part of this unique coastal environment" $2,250,000.