Carta Creatives
PHOTO CREDIT: KYLE J CALDWELL
NAME:
Elana Tenenbaum Cline
CATEGORY:
Interior Design
WEBSITE:
carta-creatives.com
INSTAGRAM:
@cartacreatives
EMAIL:
BASED IN:
Southport, CT
About
Carta Creatives is an architecture and interior design studio based in Southport, Connecticut. Founded by architect Elana Tenenbaum Cline, the firm specializes in complex residential renovations, new construction homes, hospitality projects, and fully furnished interiors. With experience spanning global architecture firms, hospitality brands, and residential design, our team leads projects from permit drawings and construction documentation through furnishings, styling, and final installation. We believe great design happens when architecture and interiors are considered together from the very beginning.
“My personal aesthetic is warm, welcoming, and earthy. I love designing for clients with a range of styles.”
-
Architecture
Interior Design / Build
Interior Design / Decor
Interior Design: hourly consulting
Kitchen and Bath design
Renovation
Historical Restoration
-
Fairfield County
Westchester County
Hamptons
-
Organic Modern
Transitional
Modern Rustic
Collected / Eclectic
Playful
To discover your unique style, visit our DP Style Guide.
All photography by Kyle J. Caldwell
Q&A
How do you describe your style in a few words?
As moms ourselves, we design for real life. We love creating homes that are beautiful, functional, and built around the way families actually live. While our work often features warm, timeless design and natural materials, we don't believe in forcing every project into one specific style. Our portfolio includes everything from coastal homes and historic renovations to modern residences and hospitality spaces. We take the time to understand each client, their lifestyle, and what matters most to them, creating spaces that feel personal, comfortable, and uniquely their own.
Which projects excite you most and are you hoping to do more of?
We are most excited by transformative projects where architecture and interiors are deeply connected. Our work includes whole home renovations, additions, historic restorations, ground up construction, hospitality concepts, and large family compounds, as well as specialty structures such as waterfront party barns, standalone tennis houses, guest houses, pool pavilions, and other estate amenities. We love projects that require strategic thinking, technical expertise, and creative vision. Our sweet spot is helping clients reimagine how they live by reshaping both the structure of a property and the experience of the spaces within it. We are drawn to ambitious projects with meaningful scope and complexity, where thoughtful design can have a lasting impact.
What kinds of projects do you typically work on in terms of scope, budget, and overall investment?
Our specialty is large scale residential renovations, additions, new construction homes, and fully furnished residences. Because we offer both architectural and interior design services, we are able to guide projects from permit drawings and construction documentation through furnishings, styling, and final installation.
While every project is unique, we typically work on renovations and construction projects with overall investments beginning around $200K, with many engagements ranging from $500K to several million dollars. We are particularly well suited for clients seeking a trusted partner to manage both the technical and creative aspects of a significant home transformation.
What is your approach to design and the renovation process?
We believe great design has the power to change the way you live. A thoughtfully designed home can make everyday routines easier, bring people together more naturally, create a sense of calm, and help you enjoy your space in an entirely new way.
While renovations and construction projects can certainly feel overwhelming at times, we believe the process should also be exciting, collaborative, and fun. After all, we're creating the backdrop for some of life's most meaningful moments. Our goal is to make the journey feel just as rewarding as the finished result.
Other Designport Features
For years, wellness design largely meant a dedicated space: a home gym in the basement, a yoga room, or a spa-like primary bath. But in 2026, the conversation has shifted dramatically. Wellness is no longer confined to a single room or luxury add-on. It’s becoming a guiding principle for how entire homes are designed, experienced, and lived in.