HOME & DESIGN

Celebrate the return of spring at the Orlando Museum of Art during Central Florida’s premier event, Art in Bloom: Festival of Fine Arts & Flowers. Blooming since 2019, the Council of 101 will put the “petal” to the metal to bring visitors a museumwide kaleidoscope of breathtaking floral arrangements inspired by works from the Orlando Museum of Art’s permanent collection and current exhibitions. Expert and author Danielle Rollins, A Home for All Seasons, will speak about gracious living and stylish entertaining. There will also be curated antiques, lifestyle events and design workshops, taking place March 25–27. Learn more at councilof101.org/

A BELOVED NEW SMYRNA BEACH HOME GOT A CAREFULLY CONSIDERED UPDATE AS THE NEXT GENERATION OF OWNERS WERE LOOKING FOR SPACES FOR ENTERTAINING AND RELAXING. CHARLIE CLAYTON, CHARLES CLAYTON CONSTRUCTION, AND LEAH RICHARDSON, LEAH RICHARDSON INTERIOR DESIGN, COLLABORATED TO GIVE MULTIPLE FAMILIES WHAT THEY WANTED AND NEEDED FOR MANY MORE YEARS OF PRECIOUS MEMORIES.

Photography by Eric Cucciaioni

The spacious open main living area has unobstructed beach views from one end to the other. Family friendly furnishings include pieces upholstered in indoor/outdoor fabrics and coastal-style tables and chairs. Crisp white walls are accented with large ceiling beams. The family’s existing pool table was incorporated into the game room and lounge. Colorful art adorns the walls and adds a playful punch of texture to the space. Designer Leah Richardson kept some of the home’s architectural elements like the bold stairway with rustic treads.

According to Leah, the twostory 1980s-era house had great bones and she wanted to keep some of the original elements like the bold oak tread staircase and the coastal-inspired shingled walls. She also looked to the environment for the sand and sea color palette she describes as hues seen on a pristine summer day.

“I wanted to keep some of the texture of the interior walls covered in cedar shake. I painted it a crisp white. The beams were existing as well, but we added some tongue and groove to complement them. The staircase had a rope railing, but we took it out to streamline the look,” Leah explains.

The organic décor keeps the vibe very coastal in a subtle way. All the furnishings are covered in durable indoor/outdoor fabrics, and most were new pieces. Leah brought in artwork from local artists and added some accessories and accents. Standout custom features include the large-scale oyster shell chandelier in the main living area and rich blue built-in cabinets and convenient wet bar in the dining room. One of the owners was passionate about a swing made in South Carolina so that was incorporated into one of the guest bedroom sunrooms.

“With the dining room table, bistro table, and bar counter and stools, they can seat 16 people comfortably. That was very important. For more guests, the overflow can go outside where there is more seating,” Leah adds. Keeping the height of the furniture fairly low means the views outside the large picture windows are not obstructed from any angle.

The project incorporated many of the owner’s wishes in a cohesive, comfortable design. “A lot of family members chimed in, but they agreed on the coastal décor. They really just wanted it to be fun and functional,” Leah says.

The open kitchen is light and bright. Between the counter bar and two dining areas, the family can seat up to 16 people. The clean lines are enhanced with a tongue-and-groove ceiling treatment and casual woven dining chairs anchored by the beautiful wood flooring.

A striking ocean blue was used on the built-in cabinetry in the dining area. The rattan chandelier and chairs with blue and white cushions add a little color and texture to the space. In a guest room’s sunroom, the large swing sourced from the Original Charleston Bedswing company adds a touch of Low Country charm.