How Box Design is Bringing Custom Craftsmanship Indoors
With a new interiors focus, the local design studio is bringing custom kitchens, built-ins, and millwork into the mix
For years, Box Design has been transforming Toronto’s outdoor spaces, turning condo terraces into sleek, serene escapes high above the city. But now, after countless requests from loyal clients, Owner Dylan Couvrette and his team are taking their expertise indoors. The pivot feels almost inevitable—a natural next step for a studio rooted in craftsmanship, driven by a passion for minimalist design, and always looking for new ways to create something extraordinary.
In truth, it was more than just client demand that sparked the move. Working outdoors in Toronto winters isn’t exactly appealing. While a mild winter might allow the team to push through projects year-round, this year brought harsher conditions, forcing a rethink.
This 900-square-foot terrace features three distinct lounge areas with a calm, zen vibe. Porcelain tile and modular decking define the zones, while mature Columnar English Oaks and Karl Foerster tall grass provide lush greenery.
Expanding into interiors offered an opportunity not just to stay warm, but to keep the team busy with more diverse projects throughout the year. And, with so many clients asking for built-ins, custom millwork and even full kitchens, the timing was perfect. “There’s a huge demand for personalized interiors,” Couvrette explains. “People—especially condo owners—want something that makes their space feel custom and considered. It’s not about cookie-cutter design; it’s about making the most of every square foot.”
This Japanese-inspired terrace, with its custom aluminum pergola and integrated LED lighting, reflects Box Design’s signature style—now being brought indoors with their new focus on bespoke interiors.
Box Design’s interior projects reflect the same clean, modern design language that defines their terraces, and Couvrette emphasizes how much of the studio’s success lies with his team. “the majority of my builders are trained through Sheridan College’s furniture program, which is highly specialized,” he notes. “They’ve always been detail-oriented, even when we broadened the scope for exterior projects.”
When we started doing more interior work—like a kitchen island led by one of our lead builders; Emily Falconer—it really clicked. That’s when we knew we wanted to take on more. Dylan Couvrette Founder, Box Design
Couvrette may lead the exterior design work, but he’s happy to take a step back when it comes to interiors. “I’m more of a project manager for indoor projects,” he says. “My team has more experience in interior design than I do, so I trust them to take the reins. It’s a great way to play to everyone’s strengths.”
With a custom kitchen island courtesy of Box Design, this family home in Swansea doubles as a cooking surface and gathering space.
The kitchen reflects the company’s core minimalist style, drawing heavily from both Japanese and modern design influences.
Custom millwork has become one of the most sought-after services at Box Design, as the company expands its focus to include work indoors.
Small details—from fluted millwork to integrated electrical outlets—make the kitchen island both visually striking and highly functional.
Condo Know-How
Working with condo owners presents its own unique challenges—ones that Box Design is well-equipped to navigate. For exterior terrace projects, getting condo board approval can be a lengthy process, with strict requirements for weight, waterproofing, and modularity. “Technically, the terrace isn’t owned by the resident—it’s owned by the entire building,” Couvrette explains. “We have to submit detailed documents to ensure everything we do is removable and won’t cause issues.”
For interior work, the approval process is simpler but still comes with logistical hurdles. “There’s limited elevator access, specific working hours, and restrictions on material sizes,” he says. “We’ve had to carry material up 13 flights of stairs before because they wouldn’t fit in the elevator. But our experience with exteriors taught us how to manage those challenges and avoid disruption.”
A refined condo terrace that embodies Box Design’s mastery in crafting tailored outdoor spaces—designed with the unique needs of condo living in mind.
A Sustainable Future
The expansion into interiors coincides with another big shift for Box Design: a focus on sustainability. The studio is moving away from exotic woods like Ipe and embracing environmentally friendly options such as Thermory ash, Thermory oak, and bamboo for exterior projects.
“Ipe was popular because it lasts 50 to 70 years, but realistically, most decks won’t stay that long—someone’s going to renovate within 30 years,” Couvrette says. “Thermory woods last 25 to 30 years, which is more than enough. They’re beautiful, sustainable, and a better choice for the environment. We’re trying to reduce our carbon footprint, and this is one way we can do that.”
A classic Box Design project: raised decking with LED-lit porcelain tiles, custom insulated planters creating an intimate lounge area, and a custom aluminum pergola with integrated LED lighting.
Even with their growing focus on indoors, Box Design’s core remains the same: listening to clients and translating their needs into custom solutions. “Our design consultation is huge,” Couvrette says. “I spend one to two hours on-site with every client, learning exactly what they want. Are they dreaming of a private oasis for two or a space to entertain 60 people? Do they want plants, lounge areas, or special lighting? We take all of that into account and give them exactly what they’re looking for.”
The company’s minimalist aesthetic—often inspired by Japanese and modern influences—remains central, though they’re not afraid to pivot when a project calls for it. “We’re not chasing trends,” Couvrette says. “Most of our clients come to us for our style. But if they want something different, we adapt. At the end of the day, it’s about creating something that’s perfectly tailored to them.”
