ONE OF THE FIRST of what has become an evolving chain of utopian communities along Florida’s iconic 30-A Highway, Rosemary Beach has been drawing residents to its idyllic coastline for years. Designed by renowned architects Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, the area’s dwellings recall the quaint architectural styles of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Charleston, and New Orleans. Neighborhoods interconnect by boardwalks, footpaths, and pedestrian lanes, and secret pathways lead to tennis courts, swimming pools, the beach, and a charming town center. Here, many of the homes have been refreshed, remodeled, and given new life for new generations. Such was the case with a three-story, 2,324-square-foot residence in the heart of the city thanks to the talents of award-winning interior designer Ashley Gilbreath, who purchased the property as an investment…
One of the aspects of a 1920s bungalow in St. Petersburg that charmed its homeowners into making it their home is how it wrapped them in coziness, a source of joy until their three children grew into their active school-age years and the snug kitchen no longer measured up. Dreaming of a light-filled, open space large enough for everyone to comfortably gather, the couple tapped interior designer Brooke Eversoll of Bee Studios, architect Lindsay Wilson of WJ Architects, and general contractor Mathias Mey of Humble & Kind to recharge the house’s convivial spirit. Or, in renovation terms: enlarge the kitchen, establish a connection with the outdoors, and spruce up where needed. First up was the kitchen, which was reconfigured and extended by 600 square feet. “They didn’t want a separate…
When an environmental science professor tapped Paul Charette to oversee the architecture and interior design of an all-new and environmentally conscious home in Port St. Lucie, the Boca Raton architect proved that while going green in terms of real estate is not exactly simple, it’s certainly worth the effort. By working closely with the builder, contractor, and landscape architect, Charette and the team delivered a modern house that meets the strict standards of sustainability set forth by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), an organization dedicated to improving the state’s environment through verified green certification standards for private dwellings, land developments, high-rises, and commercial spaces. Obtaining the FGBC’s green home certification for this house was rather important to the homeowner, wasn’t it? Yes, very important. As part of her ethos,…
A GEORGIA COUPLE WON THE VIEW LOTTERY when they purchased the Key Largo lot on which their home is now located. Sharing a channel on its southern border with a portion of Islamorada, the Tavernier spot is a place where sunsets are pure poetry. Poised on scenic Florida Bay, the contemporary coastal residence comprises 6,700 square feet of air-conditioned space and 2,300 square feet of outdoor grounds intentionally designed for yearlong alfresco living. To guide the design vision of their island oasis, the clients conveniently kept it local by enlisting Tim Leard, an architect with MHK Architecture and director of the firm’s Islamorada studio. “The home’s modern coastal design, with its white stucco and dark roof, creates high contrast against the crystal blue water and lush landscaping,” says Leard. “The…
Mediterranean Revival motifs and Lilly Pulitzer patterns are fine and good, but sometimes interior design calls for less—even in pastel-happy Palm Beach. Interior designer Tamara Magel put her minimalism skills to the test at a 30,000-square-foot estate in Palm Beach Gardens where modern ideas and classic architecture go hand in hand. The residence you created is the total opposite of what it once was, isn’t it? Absolutely. Pre-renovation, the architectural style was a Venetian/Mediterranean-style mansion that was painted, tiled, and adorned in various patterns with scenes on the walls, ceilings, and floors. The home received an intense restoration that removed all fulllength murals and moldings. It was a year and a half of intense work. What was the design directive from your clients? The homeowners wanted a luxurious, open, and…
When Peter and Fabiola Spooner began to envision a business venture in New Smyrna Beach that would reflect their love of design and hospitality, a historic B&B never crossed their minds. Yet, as soon as they set eyes on the Victoria Estate, a nearly 200-year-old house surrounded by ancient oak trees on the banks of the Indian River, they knew they had a chance to be part of something special. “Everything fell in line when we found this place,” says Fabiola. “Peter is an architect and I’m in event planning so we immediately saw its potential.” Built in 1883 by Edmund Kirby Lowd and his wife Victoria (two of New Smyrna Beach’s earliest residents), the estate has had an interesting trajectory as a private residence, an inn, and an assisted…
WHEN RAMON AND GEORGINA Corona decided to provide their sizeable family with more space to gather within a wide swath of ranchland in Okeechobee, there was one architect they were determined to hire. “Max Strang was the only person we wanted to work with when we decided to add the pool house and pool to our property,” says Ramon. “We had to ensure that the new additions would seamlessly integrate with the existing structure and harmonize with the terrain.” Given Strang was born just up the road in Polk County, Florida, the architect felt his sensibilities were primed for the job: “I was born for this project,” he says. The fact that the home is nestled into a grouping of oak trees that rise above a serpentine creek drove the design…
WITH ITS WILD HORSES, bison, and nearly 300 species of birds, Florida’s Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, just south of Gainesville in Alachua County, is a sanctuary of wildlife and wetlands revered by animal lovers all over the state. Folks like Dr. Terry and Heidi Tomlin, a couple with a thriving veterinarian practice who were looking to downsize after living on a sprawling 10-acre farm for many years. Heading into retirement, they aspired to travel more and spend time with their seven grandkids. But after enjoying the privacy of country living, they wanted a neighborhood that afforded them the same feel and sweeping landscape views they had on their farm. “We searched for years to find the right property, and then one of our clients suggested Savanna Pointe, a small,…
WHILE MANY INTERIOR DESIGNERS are loath to claim a defined approach, Jessica Jaegger has found success knowing her aesthetic serves as an alluring calling card. “My style is very contemporary with clean lines and the intense use of wood and natural stone,” she says. “It’s modernity with warmth.” That Jaegger fusion is exactly what a couple was looking for after they traded their large house for a condominium that allowed them to be closer to their children and grandchildren. The homeowners, who hail from Mexico but moved to South Florida years ago, knew the 5,000-square-foot residence in the north tower of Aventura’s tony Porto Vita development could be transformed into the cozy and sophisticated family retreat they envisioned—and they wholly trusted Jaegger to do so. Before work began, Jaegger asked…
CONNECTICUT-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER Billy Ceglia and his partner have escaped to Miami Beach for much-needed weekends of sunshine and relaxation for more than a decade. So when the time came to renovate the 1,485-square-foot “typically ’90s condo” they’d purchased some years back, the idea of spending extra time in these shores somewhat assuaged the start-from-scratch intensity of the project ahead. “We did a full-gut remodel that literally took it down to essentially a ginormous concrete room,” says Ceglia. “The previous condo had no redeeming features, but we chose it because the location couldn’t be beat.” Just off Fifth Street in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth area, their building is nestled among shops, restaurants and cafes, and barely a block from the beach. Due to the stringent Miami Beach permitting process…
ABOUT ONCE A YEAR, interior designer Brianna Michelle Sheehan and her husband, builder Ryan Sheehan, have the opportunity to work together, but this project was a once in a lifetime experience. The residence is for his parents, who were seeking the comforts of a newly retired lifestyle. The designer and builder were thrilled to begin the journey of building a European courtyard-styled home for the retired military pilot and his wife that would ultimately welcome them into a new chapter in life. In the dining area, Verellen host chairs slipcovered in Belgian linen and Palecek’s cane-backed side chairs pull up to CFC’s walnut table. Atop National Woodworks’ built-in cabinetry, steel-and-glass panels pivot open to the lively sounds and fragrant smells wafting from the kitchen beyond. From the start, challenges arose…
It’s one thing to hold a work of origami in your hand—a delicate sheet of paper deliberately folded in the ancient Japanese tradition to resemble a crane, butterfly, or boat—and quite another to walk through a garden and discover the expression soaring toward an endless blue sky, swaying from the branch of a tree, or repeating in the nature landscape. Kevin and Jennifer Box, of Sante Fe, New Mexico’s Box Studios, have created that opportunity for nearly three million art lovers over the past decade with their Origami in the Garden traveling exhibition. Twenty larger-than-life sculptures—a handful of which are site-specific—have been shown across the country and are currently on display at the Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach (through May 12). “The Mounts is a magnificent [place] to…
THE PAINTER’S PAINTER Observe & Report SARASOTA ARTIST JOE FIG EXPLORES THE NUANCES OF CONTEMPLATION Observation is the cornerstone of creation—and that’s very much the way Joe Fig sees his role as a visual artist. The Sarasota-based painter, sculptor, and author got his start in the 1980s working at the Bowery studio of a German expressionist-style painter who liked to listen to jazz as he worked. Those tunes, and the distinct smells of the oil paints, are forever imprinted in Fig’s memory. “It was something from another time,” says Fig of that formative period when he first noted the preparation that comes in advance of endeavor. “I just loved being there.” Over the years, those memories have inspired Fig’s work, and they certainly inform his current exhibition at the Sarasota…
TACKLING 25,000 SQUARE FEET OF HOME with classically high ceilings that seem to dwarf everything in the room is not a job for just any design professional. That’s why a Brazilian couple took no chances when it came to the structural integrity and interior ornamentation of their house in Windermere. Rather, they turned to Nasrallah Architecture Group and Marc-Michaels Interior Design, two firms well-versed in making larger-than-life statements. The Brazilian husband and wife dreamed of a comfortable retreat for their family where their kids could invite friends to come hang out and partake in everything from shooting hoops to bowling without going anywhere. They wanted that careful balance of fashionable and functional, and nothing less. “I would describe [the homeowner’s] vision [for the home] as something that was timeless, but…
WITH ITS COBBLESTONE STREETS, brick sidewalks, and cachet as one of “America’s Most Romantic Small Towns,” Rosemary Beach lured a Nashville family to purchase a vacation home and engage longtime design partner Jonathan Savage to reimagine the property. The client’s trust in Palm Beach- and Nashville-based Savage ran so deep that they barely raised an eyebrow when he declared the entry foyer would become the dining room—a first in his long career. Savage felt strongly that the oddly shaped room could become a fabulous combination dining area and reading room. Since the space is a connecting point between the home’s two wings, he says he knew it would be the ideal gathering place and adhere to his design philosophy of “transforming spaces and making them personal.” Another Savage space transformation…
A TRUE GROUP EFFORT, this project forged one New York couple’s vision with the expertise of a talented design team. When previous clients of Workshop/APD asked the design and architecture firm to renovate their 3,240-square-foot vacation condo on Fort Lauderdale Beach, founding principal Andrew Kotchen and his team stepped up to the challenge. “This was a very satisfying collaborative experience,” says interior designer Nickie Anderson of the soothing retreat certain to lure the family to South Florida year-round. “When you work on three projects with a client within a span of a few years, it creates a synergy that builds,” Kotchen says. “Everyone was passionate about giving this family environments to love.” One of the strongest preferences the wife gave the team had to do with color — subtle touches…
TALK ABOUT THE RIGHT SETTING. The massive footprint of a 22,000-square-foot estate somehow feels right at home amid the small yet sophisticated charm of Florida’s quaint Delray Beach. Designed by Boca Raton architect Stuart Brenner, president of Brenner Architectural Group, the resort-style luxury home might just as well stand out as a flagship among the firm’s global projects portfolio. The exterior’s regal Neoclassical influences draw inspiration from Chicago’s renowned Waldorf Astoria Hotel, composing a dramatic overture for the Art Deco glamour awaiting inside. “Every detail in this home was custom designed,” says Michael DeLao, president of Michael Gray Interiors, who collaborated with Brenner and his team on the exterior and interior architecture. “The aesthetic is classic and timeless, and the interiors embody a fresh modern take on Parisian Art Deco…
WITH FIVE KIDS, FIVE DOGS, a large extended family, and numerous friends always in tow, Tampa retirees Lori and Michael Kosloske had long dreamed about a Florida Keys vacation home that would accommodate their gregarious group. In 2015, they began to put that dream into action when they snapped up two adjoining oceanfront lots in Key Haven, a high-end community about a mile east of Key West. “I call them ‘perfectly imperfect’ due to the oddly shaped peninsula and setbacks,” says Lori. “We are surrounded by the ocean on three sides, and we knew we had [plenty of design and construction] challenges ahead of us for sure.” Before even envisioning the exterior, Lori knew who she would turn to for aesthetic matters inside: “Megan Newman and Sandy Moore of Accentrics…
RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON A LOVE for home are nothing new. Such was the case when homeowner Theresa Germano tapped interior designer Faith Fix to spear-head the look of a cozy, two-story new build in Naples, and the two set out on a collaboration in every sense of the word. “I didn’t think I was going to hire a designer, but there were so many decisions to make,” says Germano who met Fix after a recommendation from her builder. “The profile of the moulding, the little strip that goes between tile and wood, door styles… my husband and I were overwhelmed. We needed somebody to be a sounding board and guide us through the process.” Fix was there with answers and advice when needed, and was pleasantly surprised with Germano’s input…
As with many great movements, surrealism began after a period of somber uncertainty. In the aftermath of World War I, Europe needed a cultural revolution of a different sort, one that would liberate the imagination with surprise and unexpected juxtapositions, and many artists of the time were poised and ready to put that sentiment on canvas. This year marks the centennial of surrealism and 100 years since French writer and critic André Beton published the Surrealist Manifesto, a collection of writings that outlines the art movement’s tenets and intent. As such, fairs, galleries, and art institutions all over the world have devoted ample programming to the subject, and Florida museums are no exception. While the Dalí Museum (thedali.org) in St. Petersburg, dedicated to one of surrealism’s most famous masters, celebrates…
Textures are such an integral component of interior design work. What’s your approach when it comes to them? I am intrigued by plays of textures and I prefer layered textures over color. I love the depth of several textures working and playing together to create a space. It’s an elevated aesthetic that I find both interesting and calming. What are your favorite textures to work with? I love natural materials the most. That would include jute, seagrass, hyacinth, sisal, grass cloth, caning, bamboo, and various types of woods. Nothing beats natural. Are there any drawbacks to natural textures? It’s not a drawback per se, and it depends on the project, but natural is not always an option for outdoors. When planning alfresco spaces, I look for products that are suitable…
When you want to know what’s trending, you go straight to the experts. We caught up with five big-name designers who have their fingers on the pulse of what’s now—and what’s next. From multifunctional spaces to making your home a haven to the latest in colors and textures, check out our 2021 design trend report. Acclaimed interior designer Juan Montoya’s New York-based design firm specializes in residential and contract interior design, with projects located throughout the world—including many in South Florida. A member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame, Montoya is the recipient of an honorary doctorate of fine arts from Parsons School of Design, a doctorate from New York School of Interior Design, the Star of Design Award, and the Legends Award from Pratt Institute. He has been…
MIAMI INTERIOR DESIGNER FEDE TERAN goes with the flow—in his designs and in his approach to life. So he was delighted when repeat clients bought a penthouse in Echo Brickell, the 62-floor high-rise with a wavy silhouette and ocean view in Miami’s financial district. “Water is movement and tranquility,” Teran says, “It’s my signature and the theme of this project.” The client—a Latin American business executive, along with his wife and two children—not only bought the approximately 5,000-square-foot condo in 2019 without ever touring the unit, but they also gave Teran carte blanche after seeing only a mood board he created for the living/dining room area. “She said, ‘Yes, yes, yes. Let’s do this,’” Teran says of his client’s response. “That was our final communication until the finished project.” Teran…
HOW A 1940S PICNIC SCENE became the backdrop for this 4,600-square-foot, vintage home in Vero Beach, Fla., is the essence of serendipity for the worldly clients of one design duo. Excited to host family and friends at their recently purchased piece of paradise, the homeowners did not hesitate to commission interior designer Suzanne Varner who lives in Memphis, Tenn., and her daughter Austin Macaskill from New York. “It’s all about gathering for a party, a very elegant party,” Varner says. The scene in question, a study in blues, notwithstanding, is ethereal, filled with whimsy and subtle flashes of bright pastels that show up in the palette of soothing beachy colors. “There’s a tiny, bright yellow basket and a pink plume on a gentleman’s hat,” Macaskill says. “They wanted blues and…
THE TRUE TESTAMENT of a job well done is repeat business. That’s a scenario Gulfshore Homes, the luxury residential builder based in Bonita Springs, is rather accustomed to. Just ask company Vice President Matthew Shull. When a Gulf Coast homeowner whom Shull met about 12 years ago wanted a new, built-from-scratch estate for him and his dynamic family, he didn’t hesitate to call the team that had constructed his previous dwelling to perfection. “This time, he wanted something that looked like nothing else in Miromar Lakes,” says Shull. “We took on the project, [and set out to build what’s essentially] a modern masterpiece.” With Gulfshore established as the builder, the rest of the team came together when Stofft Cooney Architects and the Collins DuPont Design Group joined the project. The…
FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE SOARING RESIDENCE IN EXCLUSIVE Aqualane Shores, near downtown Naples, Fla., could be a contemporary two or three-story head-turner. In a neighborhood of traditional structures, only one or two have embraced the geometry of white rectangles. But the balanced scale and proportioned symmetry have allowed it to tastefully bring the future to bear. And inside, it is indeed stunning. Arranged on one convenient level, its 10,300 square feet of under-roof living is designed for someone who will stay a long time or someone whose access to water is paramount. Interior designer Tara Bates and her husband, developer James Bates, helped their client from the razing of an existing house to the completion of this Florida-modern residence two years later. Personalized touches like an option to install an automotive…
CECE BOWMAN & LORI DEEDS Kemble Interiors “Brick by Brick,” page 152 “We enjoy the process of learning what our clients hope for, love, and need, and we do this by listening, studying, and then designing to their goals and aesthetics,” says designer Cece Bowman. That mantra was in full effect when the Kemble Interiors team tackled the 7,030-square-foot Palm Beach Gardens estate for home builder Eddie Naugle and his family featured on this edition’s cover. “Our goal was to achieve casual and elegant at the same time,” adds designer Lori Deeds. “There is a balance of beautiful and practical in this residence as it’s the home of two busy parents and three children. That was our goal from the start, and we achieved it.” kembleinteriors.com LILIANE HART Liliane Hart…
EAGER TO SETTLE INTO THEIR NEW West Palm Beach abode, a New York couple pulled off the unimaginable. In just six weeks, and with the help of their deft Florida designer, they finished a top-to-bottom renovation and completed a vacation home in the neighborhood affectionately known as SoSo (South of Southern). “Our accelerated timeline became possible thanks to the homeowners’ ability to make quick decisions and trust in our vision,” says interior designer Alexandra Naranjo, the local pro the couple enlisted even before they had closed on the property. “In the first two weeks, we planned the entire design package, including furniture, wallpaper, lighting, accessories, custom window treatments, and rugs—a record turnaround for us. Four weeks later, the clients moved in.” Frequent visitors to Palm Beach hailing from New York…
AVRA JAIN and Danié Gomez-Ortigoza live a colorful life in Miami—both literally and figuratively. A Mexican American multimedia artist, Gomez-Ortigoza’s perceptive and worldly eye shapes her artistic pursuits, including her ongoing series Journey of a Braid, a project with rituals exploring hair as a social construct. A California native, Jain is the co-founder of the Vagabond Group, one of the city’s leading property developers, where her main focus is on restoring Miami Modern (MiMO) properties (from old motels to office buildings) along the Biscayne Corridor. Not surprisingly, when the couple began looking for a new residence, they started with the waterside high-rises alongside Biscayne Boulevard and eventually landed at Palm Bay Towers, just north of the Miami Design District. The innovative structure from the Shulman + Associates architectural firm was…
WHEN PARENTHOOD set in for a Miami couple, the urge to move closer to family took over. Before long, they decided on Hyde Park in the wife’s native Tampa, a neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, timeless appeal, and sense of community. During their house hunt, the couple’s keen eye for design and architecture eventually led them to purchase a 1927 Mediterranean-style home and commit to an ambitious restoration. “The property had been renovated 10 years prior but still needed some thoughtful updates to achieve the open-concept lifestyle the clients envisioned,” says interior designer Shannon Lazic, owner of Steele Street Studios, who, along with her partner, Blair Kersenbrock, were hired by the couple to implement a complete overhaul. “We collaborated with the homeowners to refine the existing layout, opening the…
During the 36 years that the Polk Museum of Art building has become a fixture in Lakeland, its collections have outgrown its galleries—what began as a grouping of 500 treasured objects in 1988 has multiplied to more than 3,400 masterpieces in those three-plus decades. The need for space inspired those who were determined to erect a museum in the first place to keep a dream alive with an expansion (to be revealed in late fall) that will showcase more of the institution’s prized collections, serve as an educational hub for the community, and further solidify the venue’s affiliation with Florida Southern College. Alex Rich, the executive director and chief curator of the museum (renamed The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art as this issue was going to press), becomes animated…
A LOOK AT SIRE DESIGN’S portfolio reveals a genuine commitment to singularity that consistently yields projects that can’t be easily defined. For Eilyn Jimenez, Sire’s founder and a steadfast believer of the no-repeat rule, that means a willingness to go the extra mile to find a look that suits each space and client. “Design is much more than making beautiful spaces,” says Jimenez. “It’s really about connecting with the clients, understanding who they are, and translating that into a tangible design that they get to live in.” For a married couple who were renovating and doubling the size of their house in Fort Lauderdale, Jimenez leaned into what she calls a “reinvented version of modernism,” a look marked by an autumnal palette of neutrals. On the practical side, the couple…
The day David Kamp and Michael Rubin walked into the Palm Beach apartment that would eventually become their home, their impressions couldn’t have been more disparate. The space hadn’t been updated since its construction in 1975, and its 1,960 square feet featured low ceilings, oversized acrylic chandeliers, black-and-silver flocked wallpaper, and two bedrooms with exterior views that left the living spaces dark and cramped. “My first impression was that it was a tunnel,” says Kamp, a landscape architect and principal of Dirtworks in New York City. “It was confining. My heart sank.” But Rubin, an architect with his own firm in Manhattan who recently passed away, saw nothing but possibilities. He assured Kamp on that March day in 2016 that this was the place for them. Having owned a Chelsea…
SOMETIMES, A DESIGNER’S WORK speaks for itself. That’s what happened to a couple of Northeasterners when they encountered Studio RODA’s signature in the Miami Beach home of their neighbors during a casual gathering. “The couple already owned a place in the building and lived on the same floor as our clients,” says Rodrigo Albir, Studio RODA’s founder. “As they walked in, they immediately fell in love with the interior design, and that same night they contacted me saying they were going to look for a similar unit and would love for Studio RODA to renovate it.” A few weeks later, the couple had closed on two adjoining residences two floors down that yielded a total of 3,100 square feet, and, as promised, they called on Albir again. The project’s scope…
WITH HONORS SARASOTA ARCHITECT GARY HOYT’S WINNING DESIGN GETS ITS DUE As the founder and president of Hoyt Architects and the co-creator of Imerza, a software program that facilitates real-time modeling for design teams, Sarasota’s Gary Hoyt is one of our state’s top talents in his field—and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently elevated him to its prestigious College of Fellows, the organization’s highest membership honor. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our entire team,” says Hoyt, whose notable local projects include Selby Gardens, Bayfront Park, and Patriot Plaza. “It inspires us to continue creating spaces that positively impact communities in Florida, across the nation, and around the globe.” Hoyt was the only Florida architect to receive…
Tackling the design of the Palm Beach Gardens home she shares with her husband and sons wasn’t exactly a breeze for Amy Lee McArdle, but she persevered and emerged victorious with a residence that nods to Korean design principles with a timeless, modern aesthetic and just the right dose of French flair. Many designers struggle with all the possibilities and decisions that come with designing one’s own home. Was that the case for you? It was a challenge. I typically make decisions quickly for clients, but with my own home I second-guessed everything. I redesigned the kitchen 12 times! It was humbling and emotional because every choice felt personal. What was your overall intent with the design? To create a home that would feel modern yet timeless, warm rather than…
UNRESTRICTED BY THE EXPECTATIONS and traditions of full-time residences, vacation homes tend to bend the rules, and, consequently, end up being a much more organic reflection of its relaxed inhabitants. That was recently the case with a John’s Island retreat for a Maryland couple with Florida sun and surf on their minds. “As soon as we purchased the house, my husband Joe bought a boat, and I bought the painting over the fireplace in the living room,” explains homeowner Nancy Hollingsworth. “It is a perfect representation of the clear color palette I envisioned.” She is thrilled with how designers Stephanie Bradshaw and Brooke Hollingsworth, who is also their daughter and the lead designer on the project, captured the mood of the painting to create what she describes as “a perfect…
HAILED AS THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN capital of the world, Wellington is a bucolic paradise in Palm Beach County that grows exponentially in the winter months—or “season” as it is known to the locals. All disciplines of equestrian sports compete here, from show jumping to polo, which makes this quiet little town a unique cultural melting pot where people from across the globe keep homes and show their beloved horses. Designer Heather Weisz and her partner, Lisa Hynes, seized what they consider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they were selected to transform part of a client’s barn into a spectacular Bali-inspired retreat. To this day, the industrious duo behind HW Interiors continues to process the project’s size, complexity, and amazing outcome. “We consider ourselves so fortunate to have been involved in this endeavor,”…
WHEN A CALIFORNIA couple decided to move east to Florida, St. Petersburg’s year-round beach weather and consummate charm put the city on their radar. “After one visit, we fell in love with St. Pete, and, more specifically, with the Old Northeast neighborhood for its proximity to downtown, the beautiful homes, and the canopy of mature trees,” recalls one of the homeowners. “Our house in particular spoke to us. We loved the classic colonial design, the grand staircase, the multiple sunrooms, and the original plaster moldings.” Soon after purchasing the property, the couple realized that while they could preserve the majority of the house’s time honored features as they wanted, they would need to make a few changes to make it more conducive to their lifestyle. To handle such a remodel, they…
PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI Miami-based twins Elliot and Erick Jiménez drop us into the Santeria religion with El Monte (through February 8, 2026), an exhibition that showcases the blending of influences that is common to their work. Incorporating impressionistic approaches to light, texture, and atmosphere, the brothers deliver portraits of shadow figures that remain anonymous to the viewer, mirroring the way Santeria followers hid their beliefs for years for fear of persecution. “Our work is rooted in our experiences as Cuban Americans, but it’s also about broader questions of identity, belonging, and the power of dualities,” say the brothers in a joint statement. “This show offers a view of Caribbean history shaped by that very complexity; one of dual identity, of being neither from here nor there, but navigating the…
AFTER LIVING IN SINGAPORE for 12 years, former Chicagoans Peter and Dotsie Poli were accustomed to all-white, minimal interiors. So when they purchased a 1,522-square-foot condo in funky, artsy downtown St. Petersburg as their new home, they decided it was the perfect place for a 180-degree pivot toward pattern, color, and bold choices. Local interior designer Lisa Gilmore picked up on their vibe immediately and, despite not meeting in person until after the project was complete, nailed the look. Peter, in particular, was adamant. “I told Lisa we wanted bright and colorful, and that if Dotsie went behind my back to ask for off-white, to please report back to me,” he jokes. The couple gave Gilmore carte-blanche, only sending her three paintings from their collection that would be displayed in…
IT DOES NOT HAPPEN often; but when a client and an interior designer not only agree upon but embolden each other on a home’s redesign, it’s kismet. “We had the same vision. They are adventurous and not afraid of color,” says Jackie Armour, principal and owner of JMA Interior Design, of her clients Liz and George Ross. “We provide a beautiful, safe haven for our clients; the COVID-19 pandemic really made that hit home.” Avid golfers from Rye, New York, the Rosses have vacationed in the Hobe Sound area for many years. Recently they yearned for a larger home to accommodate their evolving lifestyle with their four sons; three in college and one in high school. “My parents have been here in Loblolly since the eighties,” explains Liz. “We have…
The busy souks of Marrakesh and Cycladic architecture of the Greek isles inspired Melanie Turner to create a 4,500-square-foot home defined by the signature charm of those locations—and it shows. Here, the Atlanta designer reveals how she achieved that delightful mix. The Moroccan influences in this residence are impossible to miss, but then we turn a corner and we’re in Greece. What’s the story there? The homeowners have always loved Morocco, so we pulled inspiration from the country’s rich textures and bold details, and blended it with the crisp, breezy ease of Greek Mediterranean style to create something layered, fresh, and unexpected. Was that what the clients wanted, or did you completely surprise them? Sort of. They wanted a beach house that felt like a true escape—creative, one-of-a-kind, and full of…
WHEN LAWRENCE AND LINDA REEVE moved to Vero Beach from Miami in 1986, it was primarily so they’d have a home dock where they could park their boat after spending months at sea. Access to the Fort Pierce Inlet was vital in preparing for those trips, which became an annual routine with their daughter, whom they schooled onboard as they sailed through the Caribbean and up the East Coast to Maine and Canada. During these nautical treks, the family amassed an extraordinary collection of purple sea fans, fossilized sea urchins, and Bahamian pink queen conch shells, and after years of travel, their home became a reliquary for this memorabilia, reflecting their love of sailing, history, and adventure. “We collected treasures from every journey, and they all hold wonderful memories,” says…
THE WORLD OF HOME DESIGN is full of comeback stories. Thanks to today’s artisans of space and structure, what’s old and forgotten can be made new and au courant. Such is the case with a 44-year-old house fronting the St. Johns River in Jacksonville’s historic Riverside district. Originally built by local architect George Fisher as his family home, the property is a rare example of modern design in a neighborhood dotted with more traditional styles. While the residence was well-maintained throughout most of its 40-plus years, when it hit the market in 2017, its age was beginning to show. Damage from Hurricane Irma in September of that year only compounded the issue. And by the time new owners Joie and Lenka Davis enlisted the team at Zinn Architecture and Interiors for…
A STUNNINGLY MODERN outlier along Boca Raton’s Intracoastal Waterway, a bold post-tension home is what emerged from the tear-down site of a former Mediterranean-style structure. Designed by architects Rex Nichols and Alex Penna of Studio KHORA in collaboration with Lesly Maxwell Interiors, the contemporary turnkey estate is grounded by commercial-grade construction that includes 155 concrete piles. From front to back, the 9,900-square-foot home was constructed with east- and west-facing flow-through terraces offering sunrise and sunset views and expansive water vistas. The exterior boasts a striking blend of steel, glass, stacked porcelain slabs, and Brazilian walnut that grace the front and rear façade. A series of brise soleil spaces covered by concrete beams and lattice slatting feature shallow pools of water. Perforated, fritted aluminum screens provide artful glimpses into the home…
THOSE WHO RESIDE IN JACKSONVILLE know their city is wholly underrated. Beyond being composed of more than 100 unique and historical neighborhoods, it boasts a massive stretch of riverfront property and is also home to the largest system of public parks in the nation. And although it ranks as the largest and most populated city in Florida, there is a small-town vibe that is impossible to miss. That’s why it’s not surprising to hear that when local designers Lisa Carrothers and Susan Doris were separately called on by Sandifer Design Build to handle the interiors of a custom home in Mandarin, there was instant camaraderie and not an ounce of competition. The homeowners, Michele and Scott Ramey, had collaborated with Doris previously, but not with Carrothers, who has worked closely…
DESIGN ACTIONS OFTEN SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. Upon viewing a stream of projects from designer Juan Poggi’s impressive international portfolio, the homeowners of an extraordinary 11,500-square-foot penthouse on Fisher Island granted him carte blanche to carry out their vision. The residence’s exclusive private setting—accessible only by ferry for residents and their guests—offered an extravagant resort life with beach access, golf and tennis courts, world-class restaurants, and an array of yacht slips for the good life. “They love the space, the extraordinary views—the peaceful life on Fisher Island,” says Poggi. “The clients came to me via a recommendation by ASR Construction, a team of architects, designers, and contractors who specialize in Fisher Island projects. We met, and they felt comfortable with my approach to the design of their home. We were…
SOMETIMES, STARTING FROM SCRATCH is simply meant to be. Soon after finding out they would be having twins, parents Blake and Liza Griffis set out to find a dream home in Ponte Vedra Beach that would accommodate their growing family of five. But, after months of exhaustive hunting, it became clear no such place existed. They would have to build that house themselves. After switching strategies, the couple found an ideal lot on the Intracoastal with outstanding views of the water, and were soon working with an architect to create their ideal dwelling: a cozy home with high ceilings, large windows to flood the interiors with natural light, and plenty of room for the twins and their older sister to grow. In terms of interiors, their wants checked off a…
ONE OF THE POSITIVE things to come out of the pandemic is that it reminded most of us of how healing connecting to nature is. When it all got to be too much and no electronic screen could assuage us, it was a stroll in the park, a walk on the beach, or a hike through the mountains that helped millions maintain their sanity. For homeowners with means, it was a time to seriously consider the location of a second home, and that right-outside-the-door commune with nature became a most appealing selling point. That was exactly the case with a Nashville couple who were determined to purchase a property in Florida that they could escape to easily. They found their place in the sun in the form of a 4,000-square-foot…
DUBBED THE HEART OF FLORIDA for its proximity to Orlando, Tampa Bay, and the Gulf Coast beaches, San Antonio (or San Ann as the locals call it) attracts many residents with its rolling hills and rustic, small-town feel. This charming locale has retained its historical ties to the cattle and citrus industries while balancing a respectful vision of growth. Dr. Chet Taylor and his wife, Becky, were both born and raised in the neighboring town of Dade City, and Dr. Taylor has been practicing veterinary medicine in the area for more than 35 years. Upon selling their previous house, they purchased a property as an interim residence while they build their “forever home” just a block away on Lake Jovita. “We have raised our four children here,” says Becky, “so…
JENNIFER STEVENS INTERIOR DESIGN JENNIFER STEVENS, ROMANZA INTERIOR DESIGN, NAPLES, FL PHOTOGRAPHY VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL Interior designer Jennifer Stevens had a client with a long wish list: spaces for delicate laundry to drip dry, storage for cleaning supplies, a surface for folding, and a desk that could house her computer and printer—all in a bright, airy, and well-appointed room. It’s a trend, Stevens says, that seems to be coming up on repeat. “I think people appreciate utilitarian spaces being aesthetically pleasing,” she says. “Many times they are also transitional spaces from family or garage spaces, and [they] become part of the entry sequence.” In this case, the laundry room can be seen from the kitchen, so Stevens was careful to create a space that is functional but also finished.Sometimes…
WHEN APPROACHED ABOUT THE RENOVATION of an oddly shaped, 7,760-square-foot residence in a Delray Beach country club, designer Allen Saunders knew the task would be Goliathan. While the cul-de-sac property had its attributes, Saunders realized the 1999 Mediterranean manse’s yellow-toned walls, outdated Saturnia floors, and window frames overwrought with gridded mullions were but a few of the features that had to go. The seasoned designer was certain a total gut renovation was in the cards, and he was correct. But homeowners and real estate developers Barbara and Jeffrey Rosenberg, who had worked with Saunders on multiple commercial and residential projects, knew he was the right man for the job and trusted him implicitly. “We were given carte blanche with one particular requirement,” says Saunders. “They wanted to walk into the…
THANKS TO AN EASY 45-minute flight from Nashville, a Tennessee couple has made the quaint seaside community of Alys Beach in northern Florida their family retreat for years. Like all the crisp, white storybook homes dotting this exquisite 30A setting, their previous house featured the congruent forms of Bermudan architecture and courtyard living—with every room opening onto covered breezeways. Their daughter was married in said home in 2018, and since then, she and her husband have added twin girls to the family’s growing tribe. With this new dynamic, the owners realized the house was no longer conducive to family gatherings. So, they decided to build a new residence that would allow them more space to be together for years to come. “Having worked with them on their previous home, I…
THE EXQUISITE PROPERTIES dotting the landscape of this private Palm Beach community display a charming diversity of architectural styles ranging from European to Bermudian. Luxurious houses nestle amid mature oaks, sprawling banyan trees, and a picturesque beachfront golf course. One such home, a 5,560-square-foot dwelling situated on an expansive cul-de-sac with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, was enticing enough to convince a New York couple to finally embrace Florida living and leave the city ways of Manhattan behind—geographically speaking, that is. “We were tasked with fusing sophisticated New York City style with a Florida aesthetic,” says designer Krista Watterworth Alterman, who happily embraced the challenge along with team designer Kirstin Kaplan. Owner of the award-winning interior design firm Krista + Home, Alterman, who was born in Connecticut and studied at…
IT WOULD NOT BE hyperbole to say that the owners of this splendid Orlando home live a charmed life. From their glorious rooftop terrace, they can enjoy Disney World’s spectacular evening fireworks every night if they choose—just one of the exclusive amenities that inspired the creation of their enchanting third-floor alfresco perch. Tucked within the Golden Oak community, the 7,367-square-foot residence is part of the Four Seasons Private Residences Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort and overlooks a sprawling golf course dotted with lush tropical foliage. Originally designed as a spec home on a pie-shaped lot by architect Phil Kean, the lavish courtyard vacation residence wraps around a pool to create privacy from its surrounding neighbors. Inspired by Disney lore, Kean, the CEO of Phil Kean Design Group in Winter…
FURNITURE & BEYOND B&B Italia introduces a new approach to design consulting and retail Located at the 4141 building on NE Second Avenue, the B&B Italia location in the Design District is the company’s first store on the U.S. east coast and the second Design Studio concept in the world after Milan. Opened in late 2022, the “Design Studio” space offers a hub where professionals and clients can explore various Italian and Scandinavian concepts, allowing customers to interact with products before making final selections. As for the retail part? Visitors will find a merging of all the Design Holding (B&B’s owner) brands under one roof. The ground floor is dedicated to inventory from B&B Italia and Arclinea, while the second level offers offerings from Maxalto, Flos, Louis Polsen, and Azucena.…
DANIELLE ROLLINS ALWAYS KNEW her longtime friend would fall hard for Palm Beach. In fact, the designer had begged her pal to come for years before she finally started visiting often. But when the South Florida convert called with news that she was buying a condo on the island—and to see if Rollins would do the interiors—both women were in for a surprise. The two-bedroom unit, located in a classic mid-century building, was exactly one floor above Rollins’ first pied-à-terre in town. “You don’t have to send me floorplans,” the designer assured her friend. “I can walk around that space in my sleep!” The vintage condo’s dated features, including popcorn ceilings, outdated doors, and cabinets with frosted glass, did not intimidate Rollins. She’s been there and done that many times…
ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE MULTIPLE ADDRESSES across the country, a New York couple discovered that finding an ideal Palm Beach home was more challenging than anticipated. The husband and wife wanted to set up residence in a desired location and were adamant about a dwelling that would serve their prized art collection of works by Pablo Picasso, Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, and other such masters. Their search eventually led them to the Sloan’s Curve complex, where they found a 3,100-square-foot condo with 550 square feet of wraparound terraces boasting uninterrupted ocean views thanks to a protected lot immediately to the south. Zoned in 1980, the apartment’s building sits closer to the beach than is now permitted for new construction, thus offering an exceptional on-the-water experience. The owners’ design goals for the…
WHEN IT COMES TO CURATING epic luxury experiences for the world’s most celebrated people, legendary event planner Colin Cowie sets the gold standard. From cocktail receptions and product launches to royal weddings and fundraisers, he and his exceptional team have choreographed some of the most memorable parties on the planet. A native of Zambia based in the U.S. since 1985, Cowie has clocked more than 16 million miles traveling to 100-plus countries, crafting all-out immersive celebrations for his discerning clientele, a who’s who of media moguls, sport heroes, heads of state, and foreign dignitaries. So, what does the lifestyle guru do when his high-demand schedule doesn’t have him on the road? One is most likely to find him and his husband, Danny Peuscovich, enjoying life in Miami from their 49th-floor…
PONTE VEDRA BEACH DESIGNER Kendall Dennis has made a name for herself in northeastern Florida for refined and sophisticated interiors that reflect those who live in them. That reputation is what attracted a couple of gregarious empty-nesters to call on her services after building a 10,900-square-foot house in Jacksonville. “They envisioned a home that would be both formal and livable, a serene retreat for everyday life with a beautiful backdrop for entertaining,” says Dennis. “They wanted spaces where adult children and grandchildren could gather comfortably and where hosting wine dinners and intimate parties would feel natural and refined.” Together with project manager Becky Skuse, Dennis set out to deliver an elegant, yet timeless residence thoughtfully tailored for modern living. “We drew from traditional forms and classic details, pairing them with…
INTERIOR DESIGNER ROB BOWEN and his husband weren’t looking for new digs. But the location of a newly constructed three-story home was too perfect to pass up. Located in downtown St. Petersburg (within blocks of Bowen’s design studio and the couple’s new restaurant, Social Roost), the 2,760-square-foot home was quintessential Florida coastal—but not for long. Bowen spent nine months stripping it down to its studs and restructuring the space. He began by staining the white oak floors with vinegar and steel wool, and then coating it with a matte black finish. “Black floors create a blank canvas to layer upon,” he says. “It’s classic and neutral, and everything you put on top of it becomes a statement piece.” Next up: the layering. “I was obsessed with bronze, black, emerald, white, and…
AFTER REGULARLY EYEING a Winter Park land site for a decade, a local couple’s patience paid off. Over the years, their search for the perfect lakefront location for a home had evolved into an enjoyable hobby. But when a lot situated on a peninsula overlooking Lake Maitland unexpectedly became available, they wasted no time acquiring it. “Winter Park is beloved for its brick streets, extensive tree canopy, and the chain of six lakes connected by navigable canals,” says the homeowner, a long-time area resident who swiftly purchased the land for him and his partner. “With unparalleled dual lake views on a quiet thoroughfare—all within a short walk from the downtown historic district—this particular site is truly one of a kind.” After years of admiring his Florida work in various design…
In downtown St. Louis, a museum of twenty-first century artists is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There’s no charge for admission, the place is amiable to business meetings and coffee dates, and those who want can even spend the night. The 21c Museum Hotel is the brainchild of Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, avid art collectors and historic preservationists from Louisville, Kentucky, who opened the first 21c Museum Hotel in 2006. Their goal, according to Alice Gray Stites, the company’s chief curator and museum director, was “to make contemporary art more accessible to the public and help revitalize the economy” of the urban cores where the museum hotels are located. True to that mission, the 21c St. Louis (the eighth such venue)…
Bill & Phyllis Taylor Taylor & Taylor Architecture & Interiors Q: What were the most popular interior design trends you saw in 2021? A: Seeking out healthy home materials has become important. Due to COVID-19, so much time was spent at home that people became aware of the chemical makeup of their carpets, upholstery, and paint—and how it relates to their health. Color trends may come and go, but the content of the paint has to maintain a healthy air quality for a home. Q: Is that a trend you think is here to stay? A: Definitely. People are becoming more knowledgeable and sensitive to healthy materials. And companies that manufacture paints, wall coverings, and carpets are moving away from synthetics and using more natural fibers, such as cotton, wool,…
CLASSIC COASTAL ELEGANCE adapted from the traditional Angl0-Caribbean style was the desired result when interior designer Michelle Jennings Wiebe joined forces with architect Jordan Behar to create a dream home for their clients. In Belleair Beach just off the mainland of Florida’s west coast, this 9,500-square-foot, three-story manse is awash in spectacular sunsets and glistening views showcasing the Gulf of Mexico. “They had a vision and the wife was very involved in the project, although she readily welcomed my creative input,” the designer says. In keeping with the couple’s mantra of fun and relaxation, intimate outdoor spaces run parallel to the pool and beach beyond. The home’s lap board siding and stucco exterior and metal roof provide high resistance to the surprises of Mother Nature, while a timeless, classical vibe…
IMAGINE RUNNING OUT the front door, right onto the sand, and into the ocean, knowing that back at home a sun-filled haven with cozy furnishings and the soothing sounds of nature awaits. It may sound like one of those slow-motion TV commercials for five-star resorts, but interior designer Kendall Dennis managed to make the scenario a daily reality for her and her family. “We’ve had multiple people tell us that when they walk into this house, they feel like they can exhale,” she says of her new home, a 4,000-square-foot charmer on the main drive of Ponte Vedra Beach. Dennis, who is originally from Long Island, grew up in Ponte Vedra Beach, but left to study interior design at Parsons in New York. Sure enough, Florida lured her back, and in…
WHEN A CHIC COUPLE with young children stepped out of their suburban Chicago home base to look for a second residence in Florida, they hoped to put their own signature on a family retreat. The four-bedroom Tampa home they purchased is a roomy 6,200 square feet, giving them plenty of space for living and entertaining, but the vibe left something to desire. “The wife’s only directive was that she wanted it to feel like a spa retreat,” says Crystal Blackshaw, the Chicago designer tasked with the residence’s overhaul. “She gave me free reign to accomplish that goal.” Blackshaw had designed the couple’s primary home in Illinois, and, as such, she had a good feel for their aesthetic—what she calls contemporary wabi sabi—so she set out to add light and life…
The sentiment of jubilation was impossible to miss at the recent Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, a gathering at which 24 designers and architects unleashed their vision of design for 2022. These professionals are no doubt recharged after their forced Covid break, and that joyful spirit was on proud display inside the 1920s Mediterranean Revival estate where the event took place this year. From dramatic hallways with sea motifs to maximalist dining rooms that nod to the tropics, here’s a showcase of its winningest rooms. kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org…
CAN CREATING A THREE-STORY, nearly 14,000-square-foot home—with complicated plans that call for a spa with a massage room, a theater, a rotating sportscar platform, and a separate guesthouse—end up being “unmitigated fun”? Ed Cannatelli of Cannatelli Builders says it can. His recent partnership with interior designer Michael Gray sparked a kind of “exuberant inspiration” for this spectacular Fort Lauderdale home set on a turn of the New River. “When the creators of a home are in sync, the whole project reflects that synergy,” Cannatelli says. “This was meant to be a drop-dead amazing house,” says Gray. “The owner’s vision was for it to be over-the-top—a celebrity house. And that became part of the fun.” The house is filled with drool-worthy amenities. “On the top floor, we knew there would be…
TRADING SOUTH BEACH FOR Coconut Grove gave a gregarious Miami couple the jolt of energy they needed to recharge the next chapter of their lives. Of course, their chosen locale has had much to do with their reinvigorating new beginning. At Park Grove, the dynamic three-tower development conceived by starchitect Rem Koolhaas, the empty nesters opted for a 3,356-square-foot convex unit with views of the water as far as the eye can see. The open-layout construction of the condominium cleared the path for Miami’s Sire Design, a studio led by Eilyn Jimenez, to fulfill all the musts in the homeowners’ wish list: two master suites with separate lounge areas, a next-generation kitchen conducive to entertaining, discreet yet ample storage space, and optimal views from just about anywhere inside the residence. Jimenez’s…
Whether it’s a pool or a beach, water is Florida’s love language—and the state’s top designers are well-versed in creating enviable spaces next to all that soul-soothing fluidity. From charming pergolas to catch some rays to full-on living areas for alfresco celebrations, here are eight examples of the good life under the sun. “Wherever I am in the world, my perfect day begins with waking up and heading to the beach or pool, somewhere I can be semi-comatose.”–ZAHA HADID, ARCHITECT “A pool is water, made available and useful, and is, as such, infinitely soothing to the western eye.”– JOAN DIDION, WRITER “Bathtubs, pools, water—to me, [they are all] a very essential part of being grounded and sensual and feeling yourself.”–ANDRE BALAZS, HOTELIER…
LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD, Lee and Susan Baierl made some life-altering decisions during the pandemic. Luckily, theirs was for the better. As shut-downs and shelter-in-place orders became the norm, the Naples couple decided they wanted out of their gated community in lieu of an address closer to the beach. Existing residences with their requirements proved hard to come by, but after finding a prime lot just off Gulf Shore Drive with a partly built structure, the two opted to start their new seaside chapter with a new build. And after construction of said 7,000-square-foot residence near Vanderbilt Beach was completed, they turned to designer Judith Liegeois to help them create the tranquil retreat they had envisioned. “I needed someone who understood how to create a zen…
“We take time to understand the vernacular and scale of a place,” says architect Daniel Kahan. “There’s authenticity, but there’s also an understanding of how architectural history plays into it. We rethink that history without getting too stuck in it.” SOMETIMES, THE DESIRE for change leads to other pleasant surprises we hadn’t anticipated. The homeowner of what was once a simple 1950s-era Palm Beach bungalow who suddenly found herself craving more can certainly attest to that. “After a decade of living there, I noticed there were a couple of things it didn’t have that I wanted,” says the young retiree. “My closet was teeny, the kitchen was small, the plumbing was old, and the electrical [system] was outdated. But I love the street and I love my neighbors. It didn’t…
WHEN A BOCA RATON-BASED EXECUTIVE began planning for a weekend retreat, he envisioned a place that would evoke a true getaway for himself and his partner, along with his adult children and their growing families. He had fond memories of visiting the Florida Keys as a child and enjoying fishing, lobstering, and diving, so settling on Grassy Key near Mile Marker 57 as a location was a no-brainer. “I was already quite familiar with Marathon, and the sense of nostalgia around this particular area, which is rather special,” he says. “From the moment I pulled up to the property, I was taken by the long stretch of flat water, the private setting, and, of course, the picturesque sunsets.” While a 1950s-era house existed on the site, it was outdated and…
ON A LIGHT-FILLED CORNER of Alys Beach, steps from the highly Instagrammed Turtle Bale Pedestrian Path, stands a home that feels at once retro and entirely of the moment. The new residence is a collaboration between architect Cameron Hughes and interior designer Catherine Christie-Zanghi, both of Chancey Architecture & Interior Design in Tampa. Their efforts yielded a custom home that distills the community’s crisp white aesthetic through a more cosmopolitan lens: a touch of St. Tropez, a whisper of the 1970s, and a whole lot of personality. The owners are Atlanta-based semi-retirees who wanted a place where they could gather family and friends on a regular basis. “They love to entertain and fill the house with people,” says Christie-Zanghi. “The home is joyful, layered, and full of collections that tell…
Graceful live oaks frame the geometric lines of this “tropical modern” home. Concrete slabs step up to Alex’s private office that is seamlessly connected to the home via glass sliders that open to a central courtyard. CONSIDERED ONE of the best Major League Baseball players of all time, Alex Rodriguez is now a media personality having served as a broadcaster for FOX Sports, a cast member of ABC’s Shark Tank and his recent jaunt as the host of CNBC’s show Back in the Game, where he helps former athletes make a comeback in their personal lives. And he shows no signs of slowing down. Intrinsically charismatic and surprisingly down to earth, the sports legend known as A-Rod imbues a certain masculine touch to his seamless, 11,877-square-foot “tropical modern” retreat set…
GREGORY AND PAMELA Breedlove are no strangers to Florida real estate. Over the past two decades, they’ve acquired and renovated a number of homes along County Road 30A in the Panhandle—a scenic stretch of land that hugs the coastline, beloved for its sugar-white sand and crystalline blue waters. So when the Breedloves came across a lot atop a 30-foot bluff in Paradise by the Bay (a private community adjacent to Alys Beach), they knew they had found something special. After debating what kind of structure the land would best accommodate, the couple decided that a family vacation dream home was the way to go. Soon they were assembling the team with the chops to turn that dream into reality. Gregory saw the work of architects Darrell Russell and Jonathan Hampel…
DESIGN PROJECTS can come and go… and then come back again. In 2005, when a gregarious couple tapped Julie Schulte to spearhead the design of their Mediterranean-style oceanside home in Ponte Vedra Beach, the designer never imagined the commission would bounce her way again two decades later. This time around, Schulte was joined by her daughter Kendall Hannon, who was a design student when the house first entered Schulte’s orb in the early aughts. Together, mother and daughter—and the rest of the seasoned team at Schulte Design Associates—set out to modernize the home in terms of aesthetics, function, and 2022 extras with a delightful assemblage of generously sized spaces. One of the main priorities for the design team was to open up the 11,000-square-foot estate so that the beauty of…
WHEN THEY BEGAN ENVISIONING THE LOOK of their second home in Port Royal, Naples, Vince and Joanne Galifi were adamant about one thing: They wanted a thoroughly modern residence, but not one that would leave them cold. “Rather than a stark white home, they wanted a warm contemporary one,” says interior designer Flora Di Menna about the couple’s request. The Galifis had other demands as well: seamless transitions from inside to outside and a relationship between the residence and its surroundings, which they made clear to architect John Cooney. “They were seeking an open floorplan with ample glass and natural light,” he explains. “The result is a modern interpretation of a tropical home with an abundance of views.” The husband and wife had built several homes before this one, so…
CERTAIN HOMEOWNERS APPROACH a design renovation as something unpleasant to suffer through with only the end result in mind. Others, like the longtime clients of New Yorkbased architect Enda Donagher and interior designer Elizabeth Martell, revel in and respect every step of the creative process, and see it as a chance for reinvention with their keen input as part of the endeavor. Donagher, whose commercial projects include boutiques for Giorgio Armani and Van Cleef & Arpels, met the couple, noted art collectors, through his luxury retail circles. “Renovation is a hobby of the husband,” he says. “Since [this project], we’ve designed a number of other homes for them, as well as for extended family. It’s a privilege to work with clients who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Plus, the caliber of…
Sun-kissed oceans frame architectural feats along Florida’s pristine shorelines. The Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier projects over 1,470 feet into the Panhandle’s waters. It’s a local tradition to walk the pier and take in the sunsets from a spectacular vantage point. Looking east into the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District, our nation’s oldest city founded in 1565, the sun rises over the Old World charm of the Columbia, a Mediterranean-style restaurant boasting elegant arches, ornate fountains and hundreds of hand-painted tiles. Within walking distance is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument forged of stone, mortar and coquina, the oldest masonry fort built in the United States. A venue of maritime and cottage-style architecture mixes wide roof overhangs and bold horizontals to reflect an early 20th-century American boardwalk tradition. From…
FROM ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, a scenic property near Parrish in Manatee County started as a beautiful stretch of Florida land backdropped by the Manatee River and surrounded by leafy oak trees. The new-construction home—planned for 10,000 covered square feet—was expected to be finished in two years, but instead required seven years to complete. Out of respect for the land and the natural environment, the builders and design team halted their work numerous times—once stopping for six months when they discovered a nest of eagles on the property. While these delays presented the biggest challenge, the group’s teamwork became their biggest strength. “We began working with the architect from inception,” says designer Ivette Arango. “We became active players in reviewing architectural concepts and harmonizing those plans with the creation of our interior…
SOMETIMES, OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS TWICE. A recent project involving a townhouse complex in Palm Beach played out as a dual endeavor for interior designer Caitlin Kah. First, she was directed by the Frisbie Group’s development team to decorate all four townhomes in the community in a coastal-modern style that would entice potential buyers. A month later, a new owner commissioned her to redecorate one of them to his specifications and style tastes. “It was cool to look at it with fresh eyes,” says Kah. “I had envisioned it one way for the developers, and then, I immediately had to put the new owner’s stamp on it and make it special. It was interesting to tackle the same space twice for two different situations.” To achieve the client’s desired new look, the…
