A Modern Farmhouse Designed For All

By Mary Lou Janson

Interior Design: Crespo Design Group

Photography: Mike Butler

Combining stylish and sophisticated features with décor selected for functionality and practicality created a home that makes a great impression on guests while also providing comfort and durability for its occupants, a family of seven plus three dogs.

Enrique Crespo, principal of Crespo Design Group and his senior designer Lisa, worked closely with the newly constructed home’s developer, Steven Anthony Luxury Homes, from initial concepts to final finishes to conceive a family-friendly residence filled with flair.

“The owners wanted a beautiful home that would be resilient enough to take the daily wear and tear from the family while reflecting a refined, farmhouse modern style,” Crespo said. Embracing that aesthetic resulted in creating a look and lifestyle for both entertaining and everyday needs. A sleekly designed, open kitchen allows interaction with guests while also providing the perfect vantage point for keeping children within view.

“The kitchen features an urban floor plan. It’s a place where lots of different functions can be going on but the parents can watch the kids whether they are in the pool or the family room,” he added.

Walls accented with wainscoting, tray ceilings displaying exposed beams, an entire room’s walls displaying a handprinted mural and floors constructed from oil-finished French white oak hardwood enhance the elegance of the interior while large, inviting sectionals, playful bean bag chairs and sturdy, made-to-order bunk beds add an easy-living element.

Two of the residence’s more kidcentric spaces include an upstairs playroom where family and friends can gather to view movies and play video games. A mudroom on the main floor offers the perfect landing spot for whatever gets discarded after walking through the front door — school backpacks, sports gear, shoes and jackets. It’s even outfitted with charging stations for cell phones and storage space for pet food and supplies.

For the adults, Crespo fashioned a primary bedroom and bathroom where both parents can fully disconnect from the demands of their hectic lives. From the artistically framed four-poster bed and soothing color palette to the inviting soaking tub and over-sized walk-in shower, it is clear that this space is reserved for relaxation.

Furnishings crafted from selected woods and featuring bursts of bright color or bold patterns add to the allure of the main floor’s indoor/outdoor space, whether it is vibrant portrayals of Asian warriors featured on the powder room wallpaper or an office chair covered in a vivid Jokhang tiger print from the luxury collection of Schumacher fabrics that is paired with a Burl wood desk.

“(The wife) loves color and is adventurous and open to trying new things, not to overpower the house with color, but to give the family fun areas because they are a young family,” said Crespo.

Using color to convey playfulness is evidenced in the formal dining room where walls featuring flowers painstakingly painted against a backdrop of various shades of gray and dramatic drapes in that same shade of chartreuse definitely lighten the mood.

A cooling, more coastal vibe defines the outdoor area where a large curved sectional faces the combination pool/spa, an outdoor kitchen is equipped for entertaining and mature tropical trees and lush, leafy plants provide scenery and serenity that make the backyard the perfect place to escape.

Centrally located in Palma Ceia’s Golfview Estates neighborhood, this two-story home is filled with natural light filtering through windows and French doors. Supplementing that sunlight are an array of dazzling light fixtures throughout the living and dining areas.

“I feel lighting is like fine jewels that accent everything like a great pair of earrings,” added Crespo. M

Crespo Design Group FL: 813.831.0949 | CA: 424.340.6461 www.CrespoDesignGroup.com

“His knowledge was a true asset when deciding to sell my condo and evaluating the price. He showed attention to detail and was responsible, and efficient on all emails, calls and questions which made the sale of my condo effortlessly sell within 1.5 months...”

- Lynn N.