ILUMINA ZEPHYRHILLS
Forum’s Kelly Oliver designs an award-winning luxury clubhouse with unparalleled amenities and contemporary design. Learn more about what influenced her design approach.
Congratulations on your award winning project! Let’s dive right in. What inspired the aesthetic direction at Ilumina Zephyrhills? The building’s architecture is modern with an angled roof and clean lines, so I wanted the interior to reflect this, too. Our client wanted to incorporate red as it’s specified on the exterior. I chose a few derivatives of red such as rust and wine to be leading accents in the space. The furnishings and art were the fun part of the project; lots of curves, splashes of colorful patterns and modern artwork really connected the interior and exterior of the clubhouse.
What trends are clients asking for in multifamily design that you were able to incorporate into Ilumina Zephyrhills. More work-from-home spaces. The workplace culture has shifted to this trend and providing communal areas for residents outside of the apartment is a great selling point. Ilumina has three private offices, two coworking booths, a conference room, and bistro tables behind the TV lounge and kitchen area. There are many options!
Ilumina Zephyrhills
Kelly Oliver Registered Interior Designer
Left: Gameroom
Right: Kitchenette Banquettes
Text/Layout BECKY TRYBUS CHID, EDAC, RID, IIDA
Above: Clubroom. The open floor plan is defined by elegant millwork, vaulted ceilings, curved sofas, and organically shaped cocktail tables to provide an environment where residents can relax and unwind.
What are your favorite interior architectural details at Ilumina Zephyrhills? I love the double sided wall in the clubroom that serves as a TV lounge on the left and a private working area on the right. It was just a large, long room. I needed to create a separation of activity spaces. Although designing and accessorizing was a challenge, I really enjoyed it!
Were there any space planning challenges, and how did you address them? There are always space planning challenges with any project. I think the most important way to tackle them is working in tandem with the architect as early as possible in the design process. The employee break room was tricky but we came up with solutions that worked for everyone in terms of fitting the necessary appliances and storage needs.
What are the most important criteria when selecting furniture? Scale. Too often I see spaces with tiny furniture that does not fit the scale or shape of the room.
What are your thoughts on art? Artwork is such a vital part of interiors. It must be the right size, the right aesthetic and the right color or it could go wrong. I feel I have a pretty good eye when it comes to selecting art and I spend a lot of time on it. It also should have the right mix of types: abstract canvas painted, dimensional wall decor, photography of the surrounding landscape etc. This creates interest and establishes that the project was designed to be for the specific area. I like connecting users to their community through art.
Are there any interior designers you admire? I love Kelly Wearstler. She mixes design styles so well, which is a pillar in creating interesting and bespoke designs that stand the test of time.
Ilumina Zephyrhills
Left: Clubroom Below Right: Kitchen Banquette Below: Conference Room
“We kept the furnishings neutral in order to let the bespoke, abstract art and accessories really pop.” says Kelly Oliver