FEATURED IN
BOLD ELEGANCE, SUBTLE COASTAL
A DESIGN DUO REIMAGINES A DATED TUSCAN HOME WITH A SOFT, SHIMMERY PALETTE
WWhat began as a simple color consultation soon unfolded into a full-scale renovation and furnishings overhaul — transforming a dated, faux-Tuscan interior into a refined, welcoming retreat for a retired couple ready to embrace their next chapter. Kristen McKinlay and Melanie Rose, co-owners of McKinlay Rose Interiors, were more than prepared to take on the 5,200-square-foot transformation.
Originally from Miami, the clients arrived with a modern sensibility but were eager to embrace a softer, more timeless style in their new home. Though still new to the area and not yet well connected, a visit to a neighbor’s beautifully designed house quickly led them to McKinlay Rose Interiors. “Our neighbor’s home was beautiful,” the homeowner recalls. “That was good enough for me.” She left a message on Sunday — and by the end of the week, they were already meeting in person. u
Grand Entrance/Foyer: A dramatic curved staircase makes a stunning first impression in the home’s entry, where McKinlay Rose Interiors transformed original elements by refinishing them, adding a soft custom runner, and incorporating mirrored accents. The design maximizes reflection and light, with a scale-appropriate chandelier anchoring the space. “We want you to feel like you’ve stepped into something serene and luxurious from the moment you enter,” McKinlay says.
Living Room: Soaring ceilings and full-height bay windows called for furnishings with both substance and softness. Wing chairs with shell inlays, a plush neutral sofa, and high-performance fabrics give the living room presence without pretense. “It’s like a luxury hotel lobby you can actually live in,” McKinlay says, noting the firm prides itself on customizing everything right down to the wood tones, fabrics, and even the nailhead finish. The oversized mirror with a hand-forged metal frame and a silver finish with light champagne highlights is a perfect focal point above the fireplace.
“They didn’t know what they wanted,” McKinlay says. “They just knew they wanted something different — lighter, more sophisticated, more inviting. They saw our portfolio and told us, ‘That coastal elegance you do — we want that.’ ” McKinlay and Rose leaned into a light, layered aesthetic of soft whites, custom textures, silver leaf accents, and a curated palette of blues and greens to craft a design that feels timeless yet personal.
“We always start neutral and layer in color through art, glass, and accessories,” Rose explains. “That way, it feels like a breath of fresh air and our clients can grow with it.”
The duo meticulously touched every surface. While they preserved the tile flooring at the clients’ request, they redesigned every room, updated cabinetry and lighting, and selected all-new furnishings. Their approach combined high-performance materials with heirloom quality, ensuring the home feels both luxurious and livable, even with 12 grandchildren visiting regularly.
The grand entrance sets the tone with a dramatic staircase framed in light wood and softened wrought iron, flanked by mirrors that spiral up the wall to reflect shimmer and light. “We’re always upping the scale and drama in big spaces,” McKinlay says. “It’s easy to get lost in the volume, so we go big with lighting, art, and mirrors to ground everything.”
In the living room, full-height drapery accentuates soaring ceilings, while high-backed wing chairs and a plush sofa create intimacy without sacrificing impact. Shell-inlaid chairs and silver-leafed pieces add textural interest. “Every item is selected for that specific client — nothing is cookie-cutter,” Rose notes. u
Kitchen & Breakfast Nook: While maintaining the original footprint, the kitchen underwent a complete visual overhaul. Custom cabinetry modifications, hand-painted finishes, quartzite counters, and an iridescent backsplash modernize the space. “The layout stayed, but the feel changed completely,” Rose explains. The breakfast nook includes tall, curved-back chairs and a stylish chandelier — sophisticated enough for entertaining yet comfortable for everyday use.
The kitchen and eat-in area underwent major cosmetic upgrades while preserving the original footprint. A bulky soffit was eliminated, creating space for a tailored hood and quartzite countertops, and a formerly awkward microwave placement now makes sense, thanks to the team’s custom carpenter. “She doesn’t cook,” Rose laughs, “but now she has the most beautiful kitchen in the neighborhood.”
Throughout the home, elegant details such as iridescent lighting, handblown glass, and performance fabrics that mimic linen underscore the team’s belief that luxury and livability are inextricably linked. The primary suite features curved furniture silhouettes and a textural wall-to-wall carpet, creating a soft ambiance, while custom pieces reflect the couple’s sophisticated but relaxed lifestyle. “They were wonderful to work with,” the wife says. “They listened to us and knew how to get things done.”
For the designers, the real reward is watching the clients fall in love with their home. “They’re in their 80s, and their kids are jealous of how cool their place is,” McKinlay says with a smile. “They’ve lived full lives, and we just wanted to give them a space that reflects that joy.” n
“We always start neutral and layer in color through art, glass, and accessories,” Melanie Rose, co-owner of McKinlay Rose Interiors
explains. “That
way, it feels like a breath of fresh air and our clients can grow with it.”
Dining Room: A rich mix of textures gives the dining room its refined yet welcoming tone. A linen-inspired palette softens a custom cashmere-finished table, heirloom-quality chairs, and tailored drapery. Décor from John-Richard, such as the glass bowls and elegant candlesticks, adds a personal touch and a splash of color. A striking ceiling fixture hung from the silver-leaf inset ceiling treatment completes the look, creating an upscale space ideal for family dinners or formal entertaining. “This room is so pretty and bright,” the homeowner notes. “It’s our go-to space.”
Primary Suite: A stunning wooden sculpture from John-Richard hangs above the fireplace, while furnishings from Bernhardt add an elegant touch. This includes a fully upholstered headboard and a pair of curved benches at the foot of the bed, which enhance the room’s sophistication and movement. A cozy reading nook features accent chairs from Universal Furniture, providing a relaxing space to unwind at the end of the day. The wall-to-wall carpet, reminiscent of soft sand, adds texture, and a door leading directly to the backyard and pool area completes the serene atmosphere, showcasing a subtle palette inspired by nature’s elements.
Primary Bathroom: Pendant lights with mother-of-pearl inlays soften this highly customized bathroom, where stone details and crisp white cabinetry coexist with silk drum shade chandeliers and pendant lighting that adds sparkle. Custom rugs tailored to fit the unique shapes of spaces showcase the care designers invest in every selection. A consistent color palette connects the area to the adjoining bedroom, creating a seamless, spa-like retreat.
Written by Heather Shoning
Interior Designer:
McKinlay Rose Interiors
3637 South Westshore Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33629
813.981.0613
www.mckinlayrose.com
Photography by Danielle Bradley Photography