fall 2025 • cottagesgardens.com ON THE COVER:
FEATURES
54
COLOR SPLASH
Avid Art Collectors give a Palm Beach designer free rein to create a vibrant backdrop for their moveable collection. by Harriet Mays Powell | photographs Carmel Brantley
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HIDDEN TREASURES
Ann Norton’s monumental sculptures in the garden of her former home bear witness to a life of artistic effort, experimentation and accomplishment. by Annette Rose-Shapiro | photographs by Carmel Brantley
72
PLAYTIME AT THE COLONY
Photographer Nick Mele’s sons frolic in and around The Colony Hotel’s glamorous designer spaces. by Harriet Mays Powell | photographs by Nick Mele
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THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR
The residences in the planned community of Windsor are cohesive in style on the outside, but inside every home is unique and tailored to its owners. by David Masello | photographs by Jessica Glynn/JBSA
88
CREATIVES AND THEIR CANINES
Whether it’s flowers, interiors, or jewelry, designers and their dogs go hand in paw. by Harriet Mays Powell| photographs by Arriana Hohenlohe Boardman
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Renowned interior designer Leta Austin Foster created an array of tablescapes for holiday season entertaining, exclusively for Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens. by Harriet Mays Powell | photographs by Arriana Hohenlohe Boardman
104
COLOR COORDINATED
For their Bar Harbour house, a husband who likes bright hues and a wife who prefers neutrals, found the right colors to live by. by David Masello| photographs by Ken Hayden
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GOING CLASSIC
An enlightened art-collecting couple wanted their new house to fit into Palm Beach while also standing out. What resulted is a work of artistry. by David Masello| photographs by Tria Giovan
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TROPICAL PUNCH
Tommy Kwak’s dramatic photographs showcase the vibrant lifeguard towers on Miami Beach. by Harriet Mays Powell| photographs by Tommy Kwak
yankeecustombuilders.com
It’s All in the Mix
The fall season in Palm Beach arrives with a familiar flourish of glamour and refinement. As ever, interior design, fine art, and decorative craft converge to spectacular effect. Designers of classic mansions and modern villas alike are working with palettes that run the gamut from soft, sea-washed hues to vibrant tropical colors, while layering in rich textures of rattan, lacquer, and hand-embroidered linens. Significant canvases by contemporary masters move seamlessly from galleries to living rooms, while outstanding sculptures anchor terraces and gardens. ■ Among the season’s more delighful and unexpected trends is the emergence of sophisticated shell art, with iridescent fragments from the sea being assembled in wall panels, ceiling inlays and jewel-like accents. As we go to press, Palm Beach feels at once timeless and newly alive, the famous old town providing a peerless stage for beauty and creativity, as well as an incomparable setting for the social rituals of winter by the sea.
Harriet Mays Powell Editor in Chief Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens hmayspowell@candg.com
PERFECTION
IS IN THE DETAILS
Place Becomes the Story
As we turn toward fall along our sunlit corridor from the Palm Beaches to Miami, I find myself reflecting not only on luxury homes and design, but on the creative reawakening transforming our region. ■ South Florida is experiencing a design renaissance. No longer content to be a beautiful backdrop, it has become the story itself—a stage where architects, artisans, developers, and designers are reimagining what home means and why it matters. This shift is not just aesthetic; it is cultural. We see it in the rise of biophilic principles, handcrafted materials, and a deepening commitment to sustainability. We hear it in the questions homeowners are asking: What makes this home unmistakably ours— and unmistakably of this place? ■ Once known primarily as an art capital, Miami is now equally a design capital. From the experimental laboratories of Design Miami to the maker-rich corridors of Ironside and the globally admired Design District envisioned by Craig Robins, a new language of design is taking shape. Talents such as Stephanie Halfen and Kobi Karp are crafting an architecture that is modern, tropical, expressive—and enduringly South Florida. ■ In this context, local narratives matter. Whether through curated gardens, coastal breezeways, or art woven into walls of native stone, buyers now seek architecture that responds to its environment. Design is no longer an accessory—it is part of the value equation. A recognized designer or meaningful collaboration can command attention and a price premium. The most successful projects today are symphonic in nature, requiring developers, architects, landscape designers, artisans, and technologists to work together from the start. The era of spec homes stocked with “designer labels” is yielding to a new era of bespoke, limited-edition, artist-inflected interiors.
■ And perhaps the most exciting shift of all: the most valuable homes today are not the most opulent—but the most intentional. The ones that speak of place, craftsmanship, and imagination.
Marianne Howatson CEO/Publication Director mhowatson@candg.com
Glamorous Greens The owners of a Bal Harbour home chose a Persian green marble—a grade of stone from Arca—that figures prominently in the dining room, with a similar hue appearing on the circular pedestal of the table, from Biloba Dining.
FALL 2025
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
MARIANNE HOWATSON
EDITOR IN CHIEF
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ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR
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EDITORS MARISA MARCANTONIO
DAVID MASELLO
MONICA MICHAEL WILLIS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ARRIANA HOHENLOHE BOARDMAN
CARMEL BRANTLEY
JESSICA GLYNN
KEN HAYDEN
TOMMY KWAK
NICK MELE
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FALL 2025
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The Dazzle of Cartier
BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is hosting a remarkable exhibition through November 16 showcasing the history and artistry of Cartier, which features more than 350 scintillating jewels, watches and objects. The show, Cartier: Crafting the Exceptional, explores the evolution of the French jeweler from the early 20th century to the present day, highlighting its influence on fashion, design and refined craftsmanship. It highlights Cartier’s far-reaching influence, from its early connections with British royalty and aristocracy to the firm’s patronage by Indian maharajas and Hollywood stars. Here is a selection of my favorite pieces from this sensational exhibit. vam.ac.uk
Model A Mystery Clock, made by Coüet for Cartier Paris, 1914. Sold to Count Greffulhe. Rock crystal, agate, diamond, sapphire, enamel, gold and platinum, with eight-day movement.
Tiara, Cartier London, 1937. Aquamarine, diamonds and platinum.
Brooch, Cartier London, 1933. Amethyst, sapphires, diamonds and platinum.
Patiala necklace, Cartier Paris, special order, 1928 (restored 1999–2002). Commissioned by Bhupinder Singh, Maharajah of Patiala. Diamonds, yellow and white zirconia, topaz, synthetic rubies, smoky quartz and citrine set in platinum.
Crash wristwatch, made by Wright & Davies for Cartier London, 1967. Sapphire, gold, blued-steel and leather strap.
silver; the C-scroll at each end set with glass paste.
Patterns with
Punch
This season’s new wallpapers run the gamut from bold geometric designs to colorful chinoiserie motifs—all created for maximum impact.
BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL
Casa Branca’s Trellina (left) takes its cue from classical treillage, in a trompe l’oeil print, employing a traditional 19th c. engraved roller technique, mimicking handpainted woodwork. casabranca.com
Fromental’s new collection, Papier Chinois translates their renowned hand-painted silk designs into ready-to-install printed wallpapers. Shown here: Millefleurs and Bambois patterns. fromental.com
Gracie’s latest collection, Modern, features bold, graphic designs highlighted with matte or metallic silver tones. graciestudio. com
Fall 2025
IMPERILED: FLORIDA’S WILDLIFE AND HABITATS EXHIBITION
1 OPENS OCTOBER
West Palm Beach artist Paul Gervais will be returning to the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for the nonprofit’s first exhibition of the 2025-2026 season. Imperiled: Florida’s Wildlife and Habitats brings more than 30 paintings of Florida’s landscapes and birds to the Norton House Galleries. The exhibition is in partnership with the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA)—a national organization supporting the 573 national wildlife refuges in our country, including the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in our backyard. Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Rd., West Palm Beach. October 1–January 11. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ansg.org or call 561-832-5328.
WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL (WAF) 2025
World Architecture Festival (WAF) brings together the global architectural community to celebrate and share. You'll discover groundbreaking ideas from visionary designers, cutting-edge solutions from innovative practices, and inspiration from engaging keynote talks. Get ready for three days of unparalleled global networking, world-class learning, and the unique opportunity to witness the world's largest live-judged architecture awards. Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Ctr. Dr., Miami Beach. November 12–14. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.worldarchitecturefestival.com.
NOVEMBER
12-14
perfection
& out inside
BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND
David Harber’s Rush is a contemporary outdoor artwork in a poetic fanlike shape, that fuses art, architecture, and landscape. The sculpture is crafted from highly polished stainless steel and bronze, with accents of hand-painted 24 carat gold, which together add depth and luminosity to the piece. Radiating lines suggest wind and water in motion, while reflective and gilded surfaces create shifting light patterns that animate the environment throughout the day. “Drawing inspiration from burgeoning plants growth, the outer plant-like leaves of bronze frame and protect the ephemeral myriads of stamenlike stainless-steel rods, which glint and reflect by day, and create a magical veil of light when illuminated by night,” says Harber.
A sculptural centerpiece, Rush demonstrates Harber’s technical mastery and creative vision, integrating seamlessly into outdoor spaces while engaging viewers with its dynamic and radiant presence. davidharber.com
INSPIRING DESIGN BOOKS FOR FALL
Scheerer’s Still Decorating reveals his refined, effortless interiors—layered with wit, warmth, and understatement—showcasing timeless rooms that feel both sophisticated and utterly livable. Vendome Press.
Furmanovich’s Journey of a Jeweler chronicles her visionary artistry—blending Brazilian heritage, global craft traditions, and nature’s poetry into extraordinary, boundarydefying jewels that tell timeless stories. Rizzoli.
Baker Architects’ House Love celebrates soulful, site-sensitive homes—melding craft, context, and contemporary design into spaces that honor place, embrace light, and nurture everyday living. Vendome Press.
Tom
Silvia
Moor
Surface Shakeup
Tiles with texture and pattern add visual interest and depth of character both inside your home and out.
Clockwise: ABC Worldwide Stone’s semi-precious fossilized ammonite with its distinctive spiraled shell, a precursor to today’s nautilus, was a sacred object in ancient civilizations. abcworldwidestone.com | Ann Sacks’ calacatta zebrino parquet mosaic mixes colored marbles from Cararra with broad veining and warm undertones in striking designs. annsacks.kohler.com annsacks.kohler.com | Opustone’s Dandy collection in Chain, mixes black, white and green marble in eight graphic patterns. opustone.com | Artistic Tile’s Casino Royale reimagines Donghia’s signature textile in a multicolor mosaic with asymmetrical arabesque patterns surrounded by lines of tesserae. artistictile.com
Elevated Artistry from the Sea
Crafting art from shells
| By Harriet Mays Powell
For over three years, artist and designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski— known professionally as Lulu DK—has been quietly redefining shell art from her studio in the Bahamas. With a background rooted in fine arts and a life shaped by global influences, she brings a richly layered approach to her work that transcends traditional craft and veers into the realm of modern design.
De Kwiatkowski’s artistic journey began early. The youngest of six children in a creatively inclined family, she recalls mimicking her siblings’ art projects and displaying a natural attraction to drawing and collecting. Her early passion led her to Parsons School of Design in New York, where she studied fine arts, followed by a move to Paris to study trompe l’oeil. These experiences led her to interior decorative painting, eventually culminating in the launch of her brand, Lulu DK, a successful wallpaper and fabric company.
It wasn’t until she relocated to the Bahamas—after stints in Los Angeles and Geneva—that she fell in love with shell collage. Inspired by the local aesthetic and the natural bounty around her, de Kwiatkowski began experimenting with shells, treating them not as souvenirs, but as elements of intricate, patterned compositions.
“I don’t just pile the shells together,” she explains. “I design them more like mosaics or visual patterns, drawing from Moroccan and Indian influences.” Her aesthetic is also informed by a fusion of cultural headpieces— from Ukrainian floral crowns to indigenous American adornments and the colorful costumes of Bahamian Junkanoo festivals. Her first shell piece was born from a desire to make a statement during Bahamas Design Week. Tasked with presenting her own home, de Kwiatkowski adorned its entrance with an original shell installation—an ambitious move that paid off and sparked ongoing commissions.
Now, that passion is expanding. De Kwiatkowski is set to launch a new line of
Caption (clockwise across spread from left) LuLu de Kwiatowski’s sons holding her shell-encrusted circular panels on a Bahamian beach; a triptych of rectangular panels adorn a hallway; a vibrant circular shell panel; the shell-infused foyer in her home; her Matisse-inspired abstract “wall sets” hang in the living room; de Kwiatowski at home in front of a series of her graphic striped prints.
wallpaper in early 2026 that will be available at HIVE. While some of the designs feature hand-painted shells, others reflect her signature collaged aesthetic. “I tried photographing the original shell panels, but they didn’t translate. So, I hand-painted shells and laid them out as I would with real ones,” she explains.
Whether crafting intimate pieces from collected shells or creating expansive wall panels, de Kwiatkowski continues to blur the lines between art and design, bringing the spirit of her travels—and her inner world—to each project. Her enthusiasm is undimmed: “I do what I love on a regular basis,” she says. “And that’s a blessing.”
LINDA FENWICK SHELLS IN DESIGN
From her studio in England, Linda Fenwick transforms seashells into striking interior designs, adorning walls, ceilings, mirrors, lamps, and decorative objects. Her craftsmanship highlights texture, shimmer and sculptural detail turning organic forms into sophisticated statements. Blending coastal elegance with timeless artistry, Fenwick’s custom creations bring natural beauty and a luminous, ocean-inspired atmosphere into contemporary interiors. lindafenwickshellsindesign.com
WEXLER ROBICHAUX
Palm Beach seashell artist Wexler Robichaux displays a rare fusion of art and science. With BA degrees in both, (he has a degree in medicine), he employs the precision of a physician with the freedom of an artist. His fascination with marine biology began in childhood, and today his works showcase both rigor and imagination in an effort to turn “the ocean’s poetry into enduring art.”
Available through Palm Beach Homestyle, and Mabley Handler, Palm Beach. mableyhandler.com.
Victorian Charm
Town-house grandeur meets contemporary style at The Kensington |
By Harriet Mays Powell
Located in London’s culturally rich South Kensington district—just a 10-minute walk from the Victoria and Albert Museum—The Kensington hotel (doylecollection.com/hotels/ the-kensington-hotel) is housed within a row of grand, white-stucco town houses.
Its public areas have classical proportions and feature high ceilings, columns and open fireplaces. The interior design is contemporary, however, the result of a collaboration between the property’s owner, Doyle Collection, and the internationally renowned, Kensingtonbased firm, Timothy Mather Design.
Sumptuous fabrics and an opulent palette, with abundant use of gold and cream, create an exceptionally calm and relaxing environment. Artwork in a variety of styles—Constructivist, Impressionist, Contemporary—curated by the hotel’s owner and Doyle Collection’s CEO, Chairman of The Doyle Collection, Bernadette Doyle Gallagher, is strategically placed throughout the hotel, adding vibrant splashes of color and creating a distinctive sense of place. All of the property’s 146 guest rooms and suites have been individually decorated and come with statement headboards and wallpapers.
The stylish oak-paneled K Bar—the social center of the property—is adorned with artworks inspired by history and travel, and is widely known for its imaginative craft cocktails. The Hidden Gems menu features gemstone-themed colored drinks inspired by the blockbuster Cartier Exhibition at the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum (exhibit through November 16, vam.ac.uk).
The Kensington cultivates a close relationship with the V&A, and hotel guests have privileged access to tickets, even to soldout shows. The current exhibit Marie Antoinette Style, which opened on September 20 includes artifacts on loan from the Palace of Versailles that have never been seen before outside of France. For the duration of the exhibition, the hotel’s afternoon tea service includes indulgent pastries inspired by Marie Antoinette’s notorious remark, “Let them eat cake!”
The Kensington provides a stylish base in an ideal location, surrounded by many of London’s leading cultural institutions. It is a hotel that manages to be both grand and extremely hospitable, a trick made possible by the unusually charming staff and the wonderfully friendly and attentive service that they provide.
Spot On (clockwise from left) The Town House is where the hotel’s renowned afternoon tea is served.
The K Bar has oak-paneled walls, polished brass accents and velvet and leather seating. Guest rooms feature ornate wallpapers and statement headboards.
DEEDS DON’TS
The inside scoop on South Florida real estate. | By
Monica Michael Willis
Eye on Prizethe
With South Florida’s high season nearly underway, real estate pros from Miami to Palm Beach are busy pricing new luxury offerings, scheduling house tours, and teasing off-market whisper listings. “Now’s the time when serious sellers debut new listings and savvy buyers quietly begin their searches,” says Elizabeth DeWoody, a founding principal of Palm Beach Advisors at Compass. “With inventory tight and prices climbing in towns like Palm Beach, success favors the prepared and proactive,” DeWoody adds.
(this photo and right) A rendering of what the ensuite primary could look like in the customizable penthouse at the Forté, one of West Palm’s new luxury condos.
Gables Grandeur
Surrounded by breathtaking formal gardens, this French-inspired sixbedroom, eight-bath Coral Gables estate sits on an oversized gated lot on the Gables Waterway and the historic Biltmore Golf Course. Completely renovated in 2023, the elegant 7,451-square-foot home includes bespoke molding, custom Snaidero kitchen, a hand-painted ceiling mural, and a striking bar and cigar lounge with coffered ceiling, moody dark walls, and built-in wine storage. At the rear of the house, there’s a covered patio, heated pool, and Vizcaya-like gardens with stone walkways, formal boxwood hedges, potted conifers, and sculpted specimen trees. In addition to a two-car garage, a gym, an aviary, and a private guest wing with separate kitchen and living space, the keys to the castle come with golf cart access onto the Biltmore fairway and a backyard kayak launch with ocean access. Nancy Batchelor (305-903-2850) and Juan Salas (305-316-0660) at Compass share the $8.6-million listing.
OCEAN IDYLL
For the princely sum of $134 million, this rare, 2.3-acre ocean-to-lake estate in Manalapan—one of America’s most prestigious coastal enclaves—can be yours. The opulent nine-bedroom, gated compound is anchored by a Mediterranean Revival mansion with coffered ceilings, carved stonework, Venetian-style walkways, and tiled fountains. Every room has a view, and the grounds are lush with native seagrapes, bougainvillea, citrus, and palms. An expansive oceanfront loggia with fireplace opens onto the pool and the estate’s private beach. Other amenities include a wellness complex, salon, theater, as well as a six-car garage, and recording studio. There’s also a tennis court and boat dock on the lake and a spacious guesthouse with private pool and garden. Margit Brandt of Premier Estate Properties holds the listing; (866) 220-1275.
Come Sail Away
Chuck Panozzo, the legendary bassist and founding member of the iconic rock band Styx, has put his one-of-a-kind Balinese-inspired oasis, La Serenidad, on the market for $1.475 million. Just north of Fort Lauderdale in artsy, walkable Wilton Manors, the rock star’s two-bedroom, threebath residence covers 1,608 square feet, and is laid out with peace, privacy, and indoor-outdoor living top of mind. A walled open-air dining room sits off the kitchen, and nearly every room opens onto the resort-like pool area and tropical gardens, which feature fountains, koi ponds, sculptures, and furnished gazebos perfect for meditating, napping, or hosting gatherings. Susan Rindley (954-294-5686) and Juan Carlos Zapata (305-310-4655) of One Sotheby’s International Realty share the listing.
Renowned Panamanian landscape designer Fernando Wong created this Coral Gables estate’s distinctive sculpted gardens.
(left) Designed for relaxation and entertaining, the pool area of La Serenidad includes shaded seated areas, fountains, sculptures, even a topiary horse (inset).
Top of the World
Views like these don’t come cheap, especially in West Palm Beach’s redhot S. Flagler luxury condo corridor. Listed at $47.5 million, the sprawling penthouse apartment occupies the top two floors of the Forté—a luxurious new waterfront high-rise just south of the middle bridge. The sleek aerie boasts 9,040 square feet of customizable space, soaring ceilings, and glass walls offering panoramic vistas of the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean, as well as West Palm and Palm Beach. Designed by Paris-based Jean-Louis Deniot, the sybaritic residence includes a private elevator, a sculptural staircase, wraparound terraces with glass railings, and the option to customize the bedroom count, kitchen layout, and more. The biggest selling point, however, is the dramatic rooftop with private infinity pool, outdoor chef’s kitchen, cabana with steam shower and sauna, and endless ocean views. And given that preconstruction comps for nearby penthouses on S. Flagler are edging north of $70 million— with delivery dates still several years off—the meteoric asking price might actually be a bargain. Christian Angle of Christian Angle Real Estate holds the listing; (561) 629 -3015.
ASK AN AGENT
Real estate pros Sabra Kirkpatrick and Aaron Buchbinder—both native Floridians—talk shop with Palm Beach Cottages &Gardens.
How are you both feeling about the market? “I’m bullish on Palm Beach County, especially Palm Beach and West Palm Beach east of I-95,” says Sabra Kirkpatrick, the Sales Director and Senior Realtor Associate at Brown Harris Stevens’ Kirkpatrick Team. Kirkpatrick, who grew up in Palm Beach’s north end, now closes most of her deals in West Palm’s El Cid, Southland Park, and SoSo neighborhoods. Aaron Buchbinder, who founded the Buchbinder Group at Compass in his hometown of Boca Raton, shares Kirkpatrick’s optimism: “Lifestyle, weather, tax advantages, and the states pro-business environment continue to draw people to Florida. Recent buzz around the governor’s proposal to remove property taxes, along with political shifts in New York, has only added to the momentum.”
Have prices peaked? “South Florida remains highly desirable,” notes Buchbinder. “Trophy properties will always command a high premium, and ultra-luxe waterfront homes still have room to grow. But overall, I’d say we’re entering a phase of stabilization, with the dramatic jumps in pricing post-pandemic tapering off.” Kirkpatrick concures: “After a few years of slower sales and reductions, prices have stabilized here as well, though the numbers could certainly climb again.”
How about seller expectations? “The last few years spoiled sellers into thinking anything would move at any price,” shares Buchbinder. “Buyers are more discerning and deliberate now, so properties have to be priced correctly or they’ll sit.”
Any crazy client requests? “The people I deal with don’t ask for gold-plated this or that,” laughs Kirkpatrick. “It’s more about lifstyle. Everyone wants a great outdoor space for entertaining.” As for Buchbinder’s clients: “The demand for designer-furnished turnkey homes is higher than ever. Security and wellness features like cold plunges and saunas, are also at the top of the list.”
How’s the season shaping up? “Inventory is tight, but demand remains consistent in the luxury market. The hyper-aggressive pace of the past few years has shifted. Sales will be less about urgency and more about quality and long-term value,” notes Buchbinder. “Interest rates are dropping, and our phones are ringing,” says Kirkpatrick. “I’m taking that as a good sign.”
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(below) The penthouse’s spectacular rooftop pool and cabana.
(right) The customizable living room, designed by Jean-Louis Deniot.
A SPECIAL SECTION
DESIGNERS
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Design professionals harness their expertise and insights to meticulously craft environments that harmonize with the inhabitants’ tastes and lifestyles ensuring that each space is not only beautiful but also profoundly connected to those who dwell within.
FEATURING
COLLARTE INTERIORS
DAWNELISE INTERIORS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
FINELINES INTERIORS
GRAYSON DE VERE
LIBARIKIAN INTERIORS
by
COLLARTE INTERIORS
Collarte Interiors, led by Constanza Collarte, is a Miami-based fullservice interior design practice specializing in bespoke residential work across the country. The studio sculpts rich and layered spaces from Mediterranean villas to mountain retreats. Constanza’s practice is guided by a deep appreciation for art and design, expressed through organic materials, nuanced tones, storied objects, and rich vintage furnishings. Each project carries a sense of warmth and familiarity, resulting in timeless spaces for a modern lifestyle.
Photo
Kris Tamburello
DAWNELISE INTERIORS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
DawnElise Interiors International, Inc.
is a full-service interior design firm led by Dawn Elise Hamilton, renowned for crafting sophisticated yet livable spaces worldwide. With a signature style that harmonizes elegance, comfort, and functionality, the firm delivers bespoke interiors tailored to each client’s lifestyle. From largescale remodels to curated collections, DawnElise Interiors International, Inc. transforms spaces into timeless expressions of beauty and ease.
954.609.7113
DAWNELISEINTERIORS.COM
@DAWNELISEINTERIORSINTL
FINELINES INTERIORS
If you want your home to stand apart, consider Finelines Interiors—a high-end residential firm led by Debra Gottlieb. They customize furnishings, create differentiated spaces reflecting their clients’ tastes, and partner effectively with builders, architects and artisans to ensure seamless projects. Debra’s well-honed sense of color and pattern mastered over 25 years—combined with strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail—enable her to transform interiors into beautiful and inviting spaces. Finelines is pleased to add South Florida as another design location.
914.649.5753
FINELINESINTERIORS.COM
@FINELINESUNLTD
GRAYSON DE VERE
Julia Grayson, founder of Grayson De Vere’s iconic Interior Design Studio and Home Boutique in Greenwich, CT, is opening a new studio/ showroom in Palm Beach! This go-to source for those-in-the-know, including top designers, effortlessly melds modern classics with a fresh, sophisticated + holistic approach to design and living. Grayson, rooted in her love for hunting + gathering and with a well-developed eye through living and designing in England, offers compelling aesthetics which inspire and delight through the effortless layering of European and International Coastal elements. Find Grayson De Vere Studio + Showroom at Flamingo Park Market, 424 Park Place, WPB.
203.661.1100
GRAYSONDEVERE.COM
@GRAYSONDEVERE
LIBARIKIAN INTERIORS
Libarikian Interiors specializes in sophisticated, bespoke residences where beauty meets livability. Guided by a philosophy of “sculptural neutralism,” the studio layers refined materials, statement lighting, and thoughtful detailing to create homes of timeless elegance. Every project is managed with precision and delivered with white-glove service, ensuring a seamless experience from concept to completion— resulting in interiors that feel both distinctive and effortlessly livable.
917.382.0142
LIBARIKIANINTERIORS.COM @LIBARIKIAN.INTERIORS
Images courtesy of Four Seasons (this photo and top right)
palmbeachdesigndays.com | follow us @palmbeachdesigndays
FALL
PALM BEACH COTTAGES & GARDENS
COLOR SPLASH COLOR SPLASH
AVID ART
COLLECTORS
GIVE A PALM BEACH DESIGNER FREE REIN TO CREATE A VIBRANT BACKDROP FOR THEIR MOVEABLE COLLECTION.
BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL PHOTOGRAPHS BY CARMEL BRANTLEY
Screened In Four panelled multi-media screen Caribbean Teatime by David Hockney; sculptural chairs by Holly Hunt; tables by Avenue Road; rug by Rosemary Hallgarten; drapery by Holland & Sherry.
Artful Dining (this page) Paintings by Roy Lichtenstein and Mark Rothko; custom dining table by Egg Collective; dining chairs and custom rug by Pierre Frey; Jonathan Adler candlesticks.
Color Pop
(right top) Chairs by Ralph Pucci with Pierre Frey fabric; sofas by Pierre Frey; poufs by Highland House; wood coffee table by Liljencrantz; candlesticks by Casa Branca; side table by Studio Van Den Akker. (right bottom) Custom ombré stair runner by Art and Loom.
Caitlin Kah opened her boutique design company four years ago, after a decade as lead designer for the highly regarded firm, Kemble Interiors. It was a referral from one of her first clients, a bluechip art collector with a home in Lost Tree, which led these Palm Beach homeowners to sign on the dotted line. They, too, possess an impressive art collection. Together with Savannah Glock, a key member of her team, Kah was tasked to create interiors that would be both colorful and adaptable, since the couple’s art moves frequently between Palm Beach, and their homes in New York City and Long Island.
Normally, Kah explains, she would “design a room around a specific artwork, but here, at a moment’s notice, a painting might be moved to another home.” So, the assignment required
Florida Oranges (this image) Painting by Allan Wolf-Tasker, dining table and chairs, custom made by Grafton Furniture with Schumacher fabric, pendant light by Urban Electric.
Feeling the Blues (top) Sectional sofa by Kravet; puzzle stools by Holly Hunt; large painting by André Brasillier; Chevaux du Ciel. (bottom) Wooden hand chair, owner’s own; ceiling lighting by Studio Van Den Akker; desk by Joseph Jeup at Jerry Pair; table lamp by Porta Romana; ombré curtains by Dedar.
Descent (this
Colorful
page) Painting on stairwell by Jongsook Yoon; custom ombré stair runner by Art and Loom.
Soothing Slumber (top right) Custom bed by Grafton Furniture with TV lift at foot of the bed; bedding by Matouk; ottoman by Cuff Studio in Pierre Frey mohair fabric; chairs by Holly Hunt, drapery by Pierre Frey in Pueblos Botanica; chandelier by Anna Karlin.
her to splash every room with color to help define the spaces, but also to create an environment that would permit any artwork to fit in seamlessly. “It was a delicate balance,” Kah says. “We didn’t want to overpower the art, but we had to keep the design interesting.”
Built as a spec house, the home is located on Pendleton Avenue, overlooking The Breakers golf course. Originally, it had four bedrooms and an adjoining guest house, but one of the bedrooms was converted into the husband’s office. (The guest house, which Kah didn’t touch, is reserved for their grandchildren.)
Inside, one of the most spectacular and imposing pieces is Caribbean Teatime, a four-paneled mixed media screen by David Hockney. Produced in a limited series, the work also features in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although
Cozy Contrasts
(right) Chair by Baker Furniture; apple sculpture in a tribute to René Magritte; bed by A. Rudin for Jerry Pair; painting above bed left, by Bonnie Lautenberg and right by Jean-Michel Basquiat, colorwashed walls painted by Kellie Leighton; drapery by Pierre Frey; nightstands by Christian Astuguevieille for Holly Hunt.
a fan of Florida favorites, rattan furniture and palm trees, Kah didn’t use either for this project, but she says she was glad to see elements of both in the Hockney work. Although it was originally intended to be a functional way to divide space, Kah felt that here the screen should form the focus of the living room.
The starting point for the interior scheme was a bold multicolored fabric by Pierre Frey. With a large repeat, it seemed ideal for the dining room chairs, each one upholstered in a different section of the pattern. And to fit alongside major works by Rothko, Lichtenstein and Warhol, Kah commissioned custom rugs, tables and beds that were bold but still complementary to the artwork.
Kah concludes by saying that the homeowner was “fun and a joy to work with,” adding proudly that “she loved almost everything that the team and I proposed.” In short, a dream client with a fabulous art collection gave this rising design star the space and the freedom to work her magic. ✹
Outdoor Ease (right) Patio furniture, all by Restoration Hardware; pillows by Pierre Frey.
HIDDEN TREASURES
ANN NORTON’S MONUMENTAL SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN OF HER FORMER HOME IN WEST PALM BEACH BEAR WITNESS TO A LIFE OF ARTISTIC EFFORT, EXPERIMENTATION AND ACCOMPLISHMENT.
BY ANNETTE ROSE-SHAPIRO | PHOTOGRAPHS BY CARMEL BRANTLEY
An Imposing Figure (previous spread left) Left, Gateway 5, 1977. This 30-foot sculpture was created with handmade North Carolina Brick. Where Creativity Lives (previous spread right) The home of Anne and Ralph Norton, now open to the public in the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. Respecting the Process (this page) The artist’s studio, facing west. In the foreground: Head of Girl, 1957, bronze with gold patina; Rooster (Roscoe), 1936, brass. In the background: Gateways, c. 1970s, sculpted from American Northern cedar (opposite) Artist’s studio, facing east. The Study and Process for Seven Beings captures the early stages of Norton's sculptural process, including a 3D pantograph—used to scale a small model into a larger form—a wooden armature that serves as the foundational framework for the final plaster sculpture, and a plaster study for Seven Beings
Tucked away in the El Cid historic neighborhood of West Palm Beach lies a two-acre oasis, a refuge from the city’s bustling downtown. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens were once the home of Ann Weaver Norton and her husband Ralph Hubbard Norton, the founder of the Norton Gallery and School of Art (now the Norton Museum of Art).
“This was their personal home,” says Margaret Horgan, the Gardens’ Executive Director. “But Ann saw the development coming and turned
it into a public museum in 1977 to save it for the community.” Today, the nonprofit organization displays over 100 of Norton’s works scattered throughout the house, studio and gardens.
After graduating from high school, Weaver wrote and illustrated three children’s books to help fund her further education. She graduated from Smith College in 1927 and later studied at the National Academy of Art, the Art Students League of New York, and Cooper Union. Her obvious talent earned her traveling fellowships to Italy and England.
The Long Form (this page) Untitled Horizontal Sculpture, 1979, 48 feet in length, was created from handmade Mexican brick.
A Towering Figure (opposite) Located in the north garden, Gateway to Knowledge, 1983-84, 30 feet high, in Boston brick.
On her return to the United States, Weaver worked with sculptor John Hovannes, who taught at the Art Students League and Cooper Union, and was also influenced by Alexander Archipenko, a Ukrainian sculptor who had been part of an artists’ group in Paris that included Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris and Georges Braque. In all, she spent five years as an apprentice for Archipenko and Hovannes.
In 1943, Weaver accepted a teaching position at the Norton Gallery and School of Art, where she met its founder, Ralph Norton. After the death of his first wife, Norton proposed to Ann in 1948. She initially hesitated, wary of being distracted from her work by the pressures of Palm Beach society, but Norton offered reassurance and even gave her a custom-built studio as a wedding present. It was there that she began creating the large-scale sculptures that would define her legacy.
Norton’s process always began with a drawing—charcoal, watercolor, or pastel—before building a maquette or wire armature. These would evolve into the towering forms that now populate the gardens. “Some of the giant brick “Gateways,” she had seen in her mind since childhood,” Horgan notes. “But it wasn’t until she lived on this property that she could realize them on such a grand scale.” Some of the works in the Gardens are over 20 feet tall. “We love to tell people when they come here how petite she actually was,” says Horgan. “She was barely five feet! But she was fearless and did not let the dimensions or the scope be hindered by her size.”
Ann Norton exhibited at major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum. Her work is also held in collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Musée Rodin, and the Detroit Institute of Art. ✹
Keeping Watch (opposite) Seven Beings, completed 1965, 15 by 21 feet, sculpted from pink Norwegian granite, stands mid-garden. Giants in the Garden (left) Gateway 4, 1975, 24 feet high, in handmade North Carolina Brick. (right) Located on the main lawn of the Norton house, Head #2, 1957, 24 by 19 by12.5 inches, in bronze.
PLAYTIME AT THE COLONY
PHOTOGRAPHER NICK MELE’S SONS
FROLIC IN AND AROUND THE COLONY HOTEL’S GLAMOROUS DESIGNER SPACES.
BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL | PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK MELE
STARRING JOHNNY, AGE 10, AND ARCHER, AGE 8.
Checking In
The cheerful (and playful) valet staff at The Colony wear the hotel’s signature pink polo shirts with classic white shorts.
Hold Your Breath
The Aralia Villa displays the designer Mark D. Sike's trademark blue and white palette as its central theme; fabric by Brunschwig & Fils, in Colmar stripe; lighting by Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting; trim by Samuel and Sons; furniture by Mark D. Sikes for Chaddock; carpet by Stark Carpet.
Monkey Business
(opposite) The Cabana Bungalow’s den features a sofa and walls in Schumacher’s Santa Barbara ikat fabric; antique faux bamboo mirrors and handwoven Moroccan wicker stools by Cabana; dolphin wall lights by Villa Bologna.
Sarah Wetenhall, the owner and CEO of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, is the driving force behind the development of the adjacent luxury residences. We photographed in three of them: The Cabana Bungalow, the most recent addition, which was designed by Ashley
Hicks and Martina Mondadori; Villa Aralia , designed by Mark D. Sikes; and Villa Chairish , created with objects from the eponymous online marketplace, known for its curated selection of rare and unique items, in collaboration with Catharine Willmer Interiors. ✹
No Playing Indoors (left) The Cabana Bungalow’s primary bedroom displays walls and headboard in Schumacher Daria Paisley fabric; Eden tortoise side table by Society Social Furniture; Villa Bologna Pottery Amphora Lamps; and a daybed in Schumacher’s Cusco Ikat. (bottom) Bedroom wallpaper in the Chairish Villa is Schumacher’s Hydrangea Drape; collaged painted photograph of The Colony by Lia Burke Libaire.
Reading Room (opposite) The Cabana’s twin bedroom is swathed in Schumacher’s bold Ojai Stripe fabric and Matouk linens; Society Social’s Otto Tortoise Dresser stands between the beds.
Lounging by the Pool
The Cabana Bungalow’s private pool comes with lounge chairs, dining table and chairs from Brown Jordan’s Calcutta collection; umbrellas by Fiberbuilt Umbrellas.
The House of Windsor
THE RESIDENCES IN THE PLANNED COMMUNITY OF WINDSOR, NEAR VERO BEACH, ARE COHESIVE IN STYLE AND MANNER ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT ONCE YOU’RE PAST THE FRONT DOOR, EVERY HOME IS UNIQUE AND TAILORED TO ITS OWNERS.
BY DAVID MASELLO PHOTOGRAPHS BY JESSICA GLYNN/JBSA
Going Behind the Gates
Many of the houses in the planned community of Windsor, Florida, have private courtyards, concealed by stucco walls. This lush oasis, designed by both the architect and the homeowners, features a pool shaped like a cross and grounds that replicate a classic European knot garden. The circle placed in the ground (foreground) is an old millstone brought from Connecticut.
Staying Bright (this page) In the living room, a pair of sofas, custom designed by the homeowner, are augmented with woven lounge chairs from Made Goods. The room is bathed in Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White.
“I’ve carried the mirror over the fireplace with me for more than 20 years, after I bought it for a house we had in Vermont,” says the homeowner. A small, twodrawer chest, painted black, is an antique. (opposite) Their dog, Cricket, poses on a walkway that leads to an open-air gazebo.
For Sam Mitchell, if you tell him what he can’t do as an architect, he feels freer to do what he can. When the New Haven–based Mitchell was commissioned by Connecticut homeowners Valerie and John Kratky to design their second home in the upscale, planned community of Windsor, Florida, he knew he needed to observe many rigid guidelines. “Limitations are great,” Mitchell says with enthusiasm. “The proscribed limitations of building in Windsor give you something to bounce off of. The guidelines might be strict, but that’s why there’s so much character to the place.”
Unlike many other planned towns in Florida, particularly Alys Beach and Seaside on the state’s Gulf side, houses in Windsor are required to reflect an Anglo-Caribbean aesthetic, with every dwelling built right to the lot line, making for a denser, more intimate feel to the community. Within the interiors, though, and in the private garden courtyards that are a feature of most homes, residents can do exactly as they wish. “It would be impossible to overstate Sam’s talent and his incredible thoughtfulness in creating spaces where you feel such a connection to your house,” says Valerie Kratky (she and her husband, John, had Mitchell design their Darien house years earlier).
Being Outdoors While Indoors (left and above) The expansive porch is as much an indoor space as it is an outdoor one. The room, furnished with weatherresistant materials and pieces, includes a pair of Kingsley Bate sofas that are adorned with a variety of blue-hued pillows from Perennials. The stucco walls are painted with Glidden’s Meeting House White, the shutters with Benjamin Moore’s Night Train, and the ceiling beams with Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray.
Well-Earned Curb Appeal (opposite right) Architect Sam Mitchell designed the house so that its front door faced a less-trafficked side street, and by doing so, created a more open living plan inside. Much of the layout of Windsor echoes both the old townscape of St. Augustine (Florida) and the city of Savannah, known for its series of small squares around which houses are grouped.
“Sam was the one who first told us about Windsor, then a new community when we built this house.” The couple secured a corner lot for a four-bedroom house, later purchasing the adjacent parcel for what now contains a kind of garden paradise, complete with a pool, gazebos and grove of palms.
One of Mitchell’s first design decisions was to position the main entrance on the side street. “That allowed us to open the interiors and make the house feel even more private from the street,” he comments. But as the homeowner points out, the town of Windsor is so friendly and communal in spirit that “no one ever uses the front door here,” she says. Instead, she’ll often hear a knock or call at the wooden door that links the house to their pool area. “Everyone enters through the courtyard. Our house ‘lives’ very casually.”
While the Kratkys conceded control of the architecture to Mitchell, Valerie took on the task of the interior décor. “My approach for every room was,” as she emphasizes ,“‘What would work best for the family’—my husband and I and our three children.” After 15 years in the house, one of those children has now been married in it, with another soon to be. “The future of this house continues to guide us, too,” she adds, emphasizing
her need for a large dining table inside, with another in a more informal outdoor porch. For the latter space, she chose two jute pendants to illuminate it at night—and in which, on some mornings, doves decide to nest.
She’s careful with her use of color. Varying shades of a soft white both absorb and reflect the Florida sun. She chose Benjamin Moore’s moody Night Train for the shutters, inside and out. Her downstairs office is papered with a melon-hued pattern from Quadrille. And the great room’s dining area is highlighted by a grid of citrusy-hued botanicals. Riots of bougainvillea, pink orchids tied to palm trunks, along with a green lawn and blue pool water are among the property’s natural colors that punctuate the residence.
For Mitchell, he measures his success as an architect by seeing how a part-time house becomes, increasingly, “the center of a family’s life, as it is here. We are really invested in the experience of how people live in the houses we design for them.” As the homeowner concurs, “The connection Sam gave us to this house is a gift.”✹
Dining and Study Habitats
(opposite, top to bottom) The dining area, part of the great room, features a Restoration Hardware trestle table made of salvaged wood that can expand to seat 14. The Parsons chairs, also from Restoration Hardware, are upholstered in linen. Her groundfloor office features a versatile cabinet from Mr. Brown Home upon which sits a vintage decoupage lamp accented with a Fermoie shade.
Sleeping Arrangements (this page) A guest house on the property features two full-size beds on the ground level and two twin beds reached via a Putnam rolling ladder. The bed coverlet and the table fabric are Ralph Lauren; the pillows on the bed are John Robshaw. A vintage throw adds a dash of color.
CREATIVES CANINES and their
WHETHER ITS FLOWERS, INTERIORS OR JEWELRY, DESIGNERS AND THEIR DOGS GO HAND IN PAW!
BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL PHOTOGRAPHS BY ARRIANA HOHENLOHE BOARDMAN
MILLER with FRITZ, TUG, AND DUTCH
(left to right) Fritz, age 5; Tug, 7; Dutch, 9, all Border Terriers, join floral designer Lewis Miller on the sofa. Pillow beneath Tug is from Howe London; the rest are from Faustina Pace; paintings are a selection of Lewis’s favorites, collected over the years; lamp is from Chairish; and paint color is Stone Blue from Farrow & Ball. LewisMillerDesign.com
AMANDA
REYNAL with MINNIE AND PARKER
(left to right) Minnie, age 5, eats out of a silver bowl, while Parker, age 11, is on the sofa with interior designer Amanda Reynal. Both dogs are female Jack Russell Terriers. Sofa in Quadrille fabric; white lattice work in foyer over green walls; vintage console; ottomans and corner chair are in Quadrille fabric; lamp is from Paul Schneider Ceramics. amandareynalinteriors.com
MARK BADGLEY AND JAMES MISCHKA with WALLY AND BELLE
badgleymischka.com
Mark Badgley and James Mischka, legendary fashion designers, with Wally, a Miniature Dachshund, age 15, and Belle, a Bloodhound, age 3, photographed in their Mini Cooper beneath the Worth Avenue Clock Tower, Palm Beach.
DANIELLE ROLLINS with HENRY
Henry, a Goldendoodle, age 5, photographed with interior designer Danielle Rollins on the upper deck of M/Y Indigo, an Ocean Alexander 100 luxury yacht. Outdoor furniture is by Mama Green,
JONATHAN SAVAGE with ARTIE
Artie Savage Wensel, a Lagotto Romagnolo (a traditional Italian breed from Emilia-Romagna) lived to age 10, seen here sitting on chair by Minotti next to interior designer Jonathan Savage; lamp is the Taccia Modern Table Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos; the painting is by George Williams, influenced by Picasso. savageinteriordesign.com
MISH TWORKOWSKI with BOBO
Bobo, age 3, is a Golden Irish Setter, sitting on a Biedermeier sofa in lavender suede from Ritter Antik, with jewelry designer Mish Tworkowski, in a Junya Watanabe jacket. mishfinejewelry.com
BANKSY
Banksy, a rescue mutt — miniature Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund and Chihuahua —sitting with interior designer Brittany Bromley on a custom Brittany Bromley dining chair with Pierre Frey yellow velvet seat and a Claremont silk stripe back; wallpaper is a custom design from de Gournay; Abaca rug is by Patterson Flynn Martin. bbromleyinteriors.com
The Great The Great Outdoors Outdoors
RENOWNED INTERIOR DESIGNER, LETA AUSTIN FOSTER, CREATED AN ARRAY OF TABLESCAPES FOR HOLIDAY SEASON ENTERTAINING, EXCLUSIVELY FOR PALM BEACH COTTAGES & GARDENS.
BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL PHOTOGRAPHS AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
BY
ARRIANA HOHENLOHE BOARDMAN
Golden Glow
(this spread) Tablecloth, napkins and placemats, custom embroidered for Leta Austin Foster by Alexandre Turpault; flatware by Sabre in bamboo in light presswood; glasses by Biot in amber; ceramic plates by F.lli Mari in palio di siena; salt and pepper shakers by Francis Stoia; ceramic vegetables at Leta Austin Foster.
ften called the “grande dame” of Palm Beach design, Florida native Leta Austin Foster, affectionately known as Letsy, now age 85, started her design firm 50 years ago. Her boundless energy and superb eye became the stuff of legend. Over two steamy summer days, she crafted a series of elegant and eclectic table settings, assembled from her boutique’s extensive offerings.
Located on the historic Via Mizner, the store is a magical emporium, filled with Old World glamour. Here, she offers a highly curated selection of home accessories, including fine linens from D. Porthault and home fragrances by Rigaud, many of which are exclusive to Foster within the Southeast. She is also well known for custom-made products, including dinnerware, stationary, and children’s clothing, along with unique decorative items acquired on trips.
The interior design arm of the business is called Leta Austin Foster & Daughters: India Foster, works with her mother in Palm Beach, while her other daughter, Sallie Giordano, heads up the office in New York. The award-winning trio have developed a unified design philosophy that intentionally avoids trends, employing pieces with history and longevity to create interiors that are at once classic and comfortable.
Here is a plethora of ideas to help make your holiday entertaining festive and fun. ✹
Cool in the Shade (this page) Plates by Isis Ceramics in exotic animal pattern; placemats by Zoë de Givenchy; flatware by Sabre in gustave pearl; salt and pepper mills in ivorine with sterling silver rim; silver wine coaster by Au Bain Marie. Tablecloth in a custom design made for Leta Austin Foster; napkins by Julian Mejia Designs; glasses, stylist’s own. Bountiful Buffet (opposite) Tablecloth and napkins by Maison Venu; ceramic plates and bowls by Astier de Villate; glasses by Biot; wicker and leather tray, and potted ceramic lettuce made for Leta Austin Foster; wooden salad bowl, stylist’s own.
Table for Two (top) Tablecloth by Noel Paris; placemats by Klatso; glasses by Biot; napkins by D. Porthault in coeurs bleu; flatware by Astier de Villatte; aptware charger by Christine Jouval; ceramic plates and bowls by Zoë de Givenchy in les bluets pattern; salt and pepper mills by Au Bain Marie in ivorine with silver rim.
Poolside dining (bottom) Tablecloth, hand embroidered by Lin de Chateau; china by Biot in dauphin pattern; napkins by Julian Mejia; glasses especially made for Leta Austin Foster; placemats by Zoë de Givenchy; candlesticks by Astier de Villatte; salt and pepper shakers by Frances Stoia; flatware by Au Bain Marie.
Color Splash
Hand-embroidered tablecloth by Lin de Chateau; flatware by Sabre in gustave pearl; glasses by Biot; piqué scalloped napkins by Julian Mejia Designs; ceramic plates and bowls by Zoë de Givenchy in brindille ochre brûlée pattern.
Breakfast Nook (opposite) Tablecloth by D. Porthault in marriage pattern; ceramic plates by Zoë de Givenchy in camaïeu vert pattern; placemats custom made for Leta Austin Foster; salt and pepper mills by Au Bain Marie; flatware by Sabre in gustave pearl.
Neutrals with Nuance (right) Tablecloth and napkins, handembroidered by Lin de Chateau; ceramic plates by F.lli Mari; flatware by Sabre in bamboo light presswood; placemats by Klatso; mural painted by William Benjamin.
COLOR COORDINATED COLOR COORDINATED
FOR THEIR BAL HARBOUR HOUSE, A HUSBAND WHO LIKES BRIGHT HUES AND
A WIFE WHO PREFERS NEUTRALS FOUND THE RIGHT COLORS TO LIVE BY
BY DAVID MASELLO PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEN HAYDEN
On the Color Spectrum
The two-story-high living room of a new house in Bal Harbour is softened with sheer draperies, and the space is dramatically accented with Tony Vazquez’s arresting painting over the fireplace.
Interior designer Angel Sanchez had to conduct some frank interviews. He was determined to get some crucial, but elusive information. He and his life-and-professional partner, Christopher Coleman, were designing the rooms of this Bal Harbour house for a family, but key design details had not yet been decided upon.
“Angel met with each of my young sons, one-on-one, to find out what they wanted their rooms to be, especially the neon sculpture light that would go in their bedrooms,” says the homeowner wife. Indeed, each of the children’s bedrooms
would have a custom light that would function as art. “It’s one of our things,” says Coleman, “using neon as a cool feature in kids’ rooms.” After Sanchez had conducted the interviews, he and Coleman drew sketches for custom neon shapes that would be made into a car for one of the boys, another depicting a basketball player, and another showing a martial arts player. “My husband and I wanted the kids really involved in the design of their rooms,” says the wife.
For the “public” rooms of the contemporary house, notably the living room with its 24-foot-high ceiling, Coleman and
Living Hard (above) “Photography is not often a first choice for some clients,” says Christopher Coleman, but he convinced the clients to purchase Greg Lotus’s Parrot photograph for their family room—in part, for an added dash of color. (
prominently in
right) Persian Green marble, a grade of stone from Arca, figures
the dining room, with a similar hue appearing on the circular pedestal of the table, from Biloba Dining.
Sanchez wanted to address the differing tastes and aesthetics of the couple. “She’s from Mexico, he’s from France,” Coleman explains, “and she’s very monochromatic, tending to stay ‘safe’ with whites, while he likes color, especially green since he works with emeralds in the jewelry he designs.”
The wife concedes that while she likes color, she wants limited doses. “I prefer neutrals because it’s so easy to get tired of saturated colors. Angel and Chris took both our wishes and merged them perfectly throughout.” The startlingly chic living room is aglow with warm whites, yet subtly and dramatically accented with color via cushions and a minimalist artwork whose red eye appears to gaze upon the room.
The primary bedroom is, as the homeowner emphasizes, “a merging of masculine and feminine.” There, the designers employed expanses of purple, set against white and beige floors, walls and ceilings. As Coleman says, “I’m a big fan of black, but black is a hard sell for most people. To me, the next ‘go-to’ is purple, which can be read many ways. Here, purple is moody,
Mirror Images (above) A downstairs powder room is furnished with Bontempi’s Double Mirror and Bocci’s 28 Series Three Copper pendant. Swimming Lessons
(right) The sculptural quality of the home’s main staircase is revealed through a grid of openings by the pool. Minotti’s sleek, low-rising Quadradol sectional accommodates many guests, wet or dry.
soothing.” For the walls, the designers cleverly used a padded Arte wallcovering, muted in tone and effective as soundproofing. Coleman and Sanchez point out that a trend in many new, high-end south Florida houses is the use of stone and marble. The vigorous natural veining, the material’s durability, and the sheer variety of hues make the material appealing. “One of the most fun parts about doing the interiors,” says the wife, “was going with Chris and Angel to the showrooms to see the natural, beautiful stone. We love marble everywhere—in the baths, dining room,
on the walls. The only place we didn’t want it was on the floor, since our kids are so young.” Expanses of green Italian marble are fashioned as shelving in the dining room, while a white-and-black marble appears in the primary suite for the fireplace and bedside tables. “Those wall-mounted tables are so heavy,” Coleman relates, “that they had to be braced with a metal substructure.”
After a year in the house, the wife remarks that it has a Zen-like feel. “All of the colors that have been chosen are ones I’m happy to see every day. “ ✹
Sleeping Arrangements
(above) Sanchez and Coleman designed the marble nightstands in the primary bedroom. The three-piece Mezzo Grand chandelier, from Visual Comfort, works for both reading and mood. (right, top to bottom) For the kids’ rooms, Sanchez Coleman Studio designed the neon signage, beds and shelves, based on the children’s suggestions.
Water Views A variety of seating arrangements take in views of the lap pool and lawn at a new Palm Beach residence. CB2 Idle White outdoor Sun Loungers are each accented with pillows from Christopher Farr. The dining tables are set with McKinnon & Harris’s weatherresistant lattice-back Otey chairs.
Going CLASSIC
AN ENLIGHTENED ART-COLLECTING COUPLE WANTED THEIR NEW HOUSE TO FIT INTO PALM BEACH WHILE ALSO STANDING OUT. WHAT RESULTED IS A WORK OF ARTISTRY.
BY DAVID MASELLO | PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRIA GIOVAN
Drawing Lines
(left) Landscape designer Keith Williams created a visual rhythm at the home’s entrance by interspersing limestone pavers with diagonally placed strips of grass. The motif heightens the presence of the house on its street.
Full Florida
(above) The elements of the Cassiopeia Chandelier, in pewter, from Ironware International, appear to be in orbit in the main living area. Designers Lavinia Lemon and Megan Stinson used a variety of blues and aquas, hues that emerge to full effect in bright Florida light.
rchitect Stuart Disston got into the passenger seat of his client’s Range Rover and she got behind the wheel and off they went through the streets of Palm Beach. “It was our way of doing the research into the kind of house she and her husband wanted to build,” says Disston from his Connecticut office. “We looked at all the classic Palm Beach [Addison] Mizner houses. It was like learning a language, an architectural language.”
He and his client soon became fluent in the grammar of Palm Beach architecture, with its many houses that reflect an amalgam of Mediterranean and classical styles.
Disston adopted one of the main features that characterize the great houses in town: asymmetry. Many of Mizner’s houses, and those by his contemporaries in the 1920s and 30s, as well as some present-day practitioners, include multiple wings and projections, recesses and loggias, archways and varying levels.
“Houses like this that are more asymmetrical are also more romantic,” says Disston. “This house harkens to ancient Classical Roman and Greek forms, and it has a strong geometry.”
Landscape designer Keith Williams of Nievera Williams Design, also possesses, as he says, “a love of geometry.” He exercised his penchant most notably at the front, with a series of diagonals and lines. Limestone pavers are inlayed with grass strips that demarcate and define the geometric forms. “The client and I wanted to signify the main entrance,” he says from his
West Palm Beach studio. Because the house has such a striking architectural presence, Williams designed low garden walls at the front so as to not obscure any of the architecture. “The client wanted to use as much native plant material as possible, and that is what we put there—hedges, too, that also attract butterflies, which is also something she wanted.”
For the rear, Williams outlines three directives he was given from the client husband. “He wanted a pool to swim in, he wanted a big lawn, and he wanted places for their outdoor
In View (top) The breakfast nook is always filled with cheerful sunlight. A Dennis & Leen Criss Cross Table with a walnut top fills the windowed area, which requires no draperies or shades. The upholstered chairs are from Hollywood at Home.
Sight Lines
(left) Urban Electric’s Chisholm Clean Hanging Lantern, which is accented with Farrow & Balls’s Green Blue No. 84, lights the way along the main hallway. The floor and ceiling patterns echo each other.
Sleeping Quarters
(right) One side of the primary suite features a pair of blue armchairs, along with an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. (bottom) Walls in the primary bedroom are a soothing blue, which complements coral hues on the bed and in the draperies. Architect Stuart Disston created a novel window at the center of the room to bring in additional light and as a permanent decorative element.
Longe Act (left) At the rear of the house, landscape architect Keith Williams created a series of natural vertical elements, to both visual and colorful effect. The paving patterns mirror those at the front of the house.
In Perspective (right) Williams introduced “waterfalls” of bougainvillea throughout the property. An Urban Electric lantern with a bronze powder-coat finish provides a lovely glow in the evening within the vaulted loggia.
sculptures with good sightlines.” Williams and a curator worked to cleverly position artworks on the grounds, as well as within the house. Bougainvillea drapes from loggia columns to appear, as Williams says so poetically, “like waterfalls cascading to the ground.”
As for the inside, it was the task of Washington, D.C.–based designers Lavinia Lemon and Megan Stinson, who have worked with their clients on three other residences, to furnish the rooms. “We picked furnishings that are especially pretty in the Florida light,” Lemon says. One end of the open-plan living room features an alluring custom aqua sofa, balanced by chairs upholstered in a striped fabric of similar hue. “That sofa and the large lighting fixture were our starting points for that room,” says Lemon.
Because the homeowner loves shades of coral and pale blues, Lemon used them to abundance in the primary suite. The area with the bed and one of two entrances to a balcony/terrace skew coral pink, while the opposite side of the room, which contains a seating area and another entrance to the outdoor area, embraces shades of blue. “It makes a very peaceful feel in the room,” says Lemon of the color choices and combinations. While color is important to the house, so, too, is an overall neutral palette, and when colors are used on walls, they remain subtle. “They have a fantastic art collection,” says Lemon, “and they wanted walls and backdrops that allowed for the art to stand out.”
Unlike many houses in town, no matter how distinguished their architecture, this one does not wish to hide behind hedges or groves of palm trees. Disston and Williams ensured that the house would remain visible and admired. While the house is new, many plantings appear quite mature. Williams used well-grown palms throughout the property. “I don’t have much patience,” he says. “We saved a few existing palms, but we wanted a finished look as soon as the house was done.” ✹
TROPICAL PUNCH
TOMMY KWAK'S DRAMATIC PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWCASE THE VIBRANT LIFEGUARD TOWERS ON MIAMI BEACH.
BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL | PHOTOGRAPHS BY
TOMMY KWAK
After Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida in 1992 with catastrophic effect, the city of Miami Beach hired architect William Lane to design new lifeguard towers, as a way to symbolize the city’s revival and to lift the spirits of its inhabitants.
Lane was influenced by the work of his friend, the renowned Miami architect Morris Lapidus—who is known for his bold and geometric style—called Miami Modern, MiMo for short, whose roots are found in the city’s Art Deco and midcentury architecture. Lane’s whimsical creations are architectural art forms that are dramatic expressions of the identity and culture of Miami Beach. And his parade of a rainbow of colors is not only a nod to the city’s bright tropical flora but also an homage to the Pride Flag and Miami’s LGBTQ community, of which he is a member.
In his book, Lifeguard Towers: Miami, fine art photographer, Tommy Kwak, showcases all 36 of the kaleidoscopic structures, which stand at regular intervals from the tip of Miami Beach at South Point Park, up to 86th Street.
Kwak says he was “drawn to the contrast between the vibrant towers and the wide, open backdrop of the ocean, adding that he “started with just a few—the pink one on 17th Street and the green on 18th. After that, I was hooked. I loved how each tower had its own eccentric design and vibrant color palette.”
Kwak holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from California College of the Arts and also studied at the International Center of Photography in New York. He is known for large-format color photographs that focus on nature and landscape. His work has been exhibited internationally. ✹
For inquiries and photographic prints visit: tommykwak.com/
For signed copies of the book: clic.com/products/lifeguard-towers-miami
Panel Discussion at Opustone
1. Opustone Stone and Tile Concept’s West Palm Beach showroom 2. HC&G/NYC&G Editor in Chief Clinton Smith, David Phoenix Interior Design’s David Phoenix and architect/interior designer Campion Platt 3. Elizabeth Gray Home’s Libby Lary and Paige Montecalvo 4. C&G Media Group CEO/Publication Director Marianne Howatson with Alisberg Parker Architect’s Susan Alisberg 5. The panel was held in Opustone Stone and Tile Concept’s West Palm Beach showroom 6. Cervera Real Estate’s Susi DiazMartinez with KS Palm Design’s Karen Solomon 7. Ellen Kavanaugh Interior’s Ellen Kavanaugh, Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens Editor in Chief Harriet Mays Powell, Smith and Moore Architects’ Daniel Kahan, Verdex Construction’s Ryan Marquez and David Phoenix Interior Design’s David Phoenix
Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens Editor in Chief Harriet Mays Powell joined Opustone for a panel discussion titled The Next Generation of Palm Beach: New Builds from the Ground Up. Colony Hotel hosted Palm Beach Design Days 2025 “Behind the Hedges: Inspirational Houses that Define Palm Beach,” panel moderated by Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens Editor in Chief Harriet Mays Powell.
Palm Beach Design Days 2025
1. Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens EditorIn-Chief Harriet Mays Powell, Ferguson & Shamamian’s Scott J Sottile, Fairfax & Sammons Architects’ Anne Fairfax, Smith and Moore Architects’ Daniel Kahan and journalist Jennifer Rudick 2. Voltz Clarke Gallery’s Blair Clarke, Marisa Marcantonio and Fairfax & Sammons Architects’ Anne Fairfax 3. C&G Media Group CEO/Publication Director Marianne Howatson, HC&G/NYC&G Editor in Chief Clinton Smith and Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens Editor in Chief Harriet Mays Powell 4. ABC Worldwide Stone’s Lauren Luskey with Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design’s founders, Tim Johnson and Fernando Wong 5. NivenBreen’s co-founders, Ellen Niven and Cheesie Breen 6. Danielle Rollins Interior’s Danielle Rollins with Leontine Linens’ and author Jane Scott Hodges.
DESIGNSTOPS
MUST-HAVES FOR THE DESIGN-OBSESSED SHOPPER
SANTA BARBARA UMBRELLA®
This Double Decker® with Scalloped Valance sporting Black Bullion Fringe will provide a restful respite from the sun. Available in over 100 colors. Crafted in CA. 800.919.9464 santabarbaradesigns.com @sbumbrella
Spring 2025 Issue Launch Party
Celebrating the Spring 2025 Issue of Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens at Design Within Reach.
1. Design With Reach hosted the launch party in their gorgeous showroom. 2. Wadia Associate’s Dinyar S. Wadia and Paul Masino
3. C&G Media Group CEO/Publication Director Marianne Howatson, Ellen Stone, Kip O’Brien Design’s Kip O’Brien and Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens Editor in Chief Harriet Mays Powell 4. Kat Melville, MillerKnoll’s Lindsey Worster, Trinity Clark and Ben Cilliers
5. Design Within Reach’s West Palm Beach showroom. 6. Arriana Boardman, Harriet Mays Powell, and Marisa Marcantonio 7. Marianne Howatson, Troy Campbell, and Andrea Halley-Wright
Kips Bay Decorator Show House Alumni Night
Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens was a sponsor of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Alumni Committee’s cocktail reception, celebrating the eighth annual Palm Beach Show House.
1. Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens Editor in Chief Harriet Mays Powell, Marisa Marcantonio and HC&G/NYC&G Editor in Chief Clinton Smith 2. Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club’s Nazira Handal and Amanda Reynal Interiors’ Amanda Reynal 3. Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design’s founders, Tim Johnson and Fernando Wong 4. Amal Kapen Interiors & Decorations’ Amal Kapen, Benjamin Moore’s Ian Adams and Rajni Alex Design’s Rajni Alex 5. SAVAGE
Interior Design’s Jonathan Savage with Billy Ceglia Designs’ Billy Ceglia 6. Hedley Studios’ Georgette Farkas with Sherrill Canet Interiors’ Sherrill Canet 7. Hedley Studios sponsored the Alumni Night.
Interior Design by Ania Dunlop / Photo by Tim Lee
Final Take
A CELEBRATION OF CRAFT
Lisa Corti’s creations bring together centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary design, weaving stories of travel, culture and color into every piece. Her poufs exemplify this philosophy. Designed in Milan, they are upholstered in fabrics that are handblock-printed by Indian artisans, where carved wooden blocks press pigments onto cotton in layers of bold florals, arabesques, or rhythmic stripes. Each print carries the irregular beauty of the human hand, transforming utility into artistry.
Built on a sturdy Italian wooden frame with plush foam, the poufs are as practical as they are poetic—offering comfort,
