FLORIDA DESIGN

The Gulf Coast’s Pastel State of Mind
Celebrating the Grand Opening of Midway Sports Complex
Wild Blue at Waterside has captivated homeowners with its Lakewood Ranch location, incomparable residences and resort-style amenities. This awardwinning community by Stock Development features single-family homes by some of the area’s most notable builders and incredible lifestyle amenities, including the newly opened 13-acre Midway Sports Complex. Construction on the 30,000-square-foot social clubhouse begins this summer, with indoor and outdoor dining, two pools, a movie theater, fitness center and 9-hole premier putting course. Now’s the time to discover Sarasota’s most desirable nature-centric luxury community.
By the water, in the water, on the water. Whenever you wish. Wherever you want. All this, steps to Sarasota, yet secreted privately away on Golden Gate Point. This is the incomparable life Amara, unquestionably, Sarasota’s most exciting and remarkable residences, ever. Add your name to our early interest list.
Bonita Springs House of Cabinetry 239-948-3040
Bradenton Epoch Solutions 941-761-8855
Bradenton Epoch Solutions 941-761-8855
Cape Coral Top Level Cabinetry 239-310-5535
Ft. Lauderdale Lifestyle Cabinetry 954-563-1801
Living Color Cabinetry 954-970-9511
Fort Myers
Dwayne Bergmann Interiors 239-344-7455
Islamorada JDR Designs 610-639-3905
Jacksonville Kitchen Art of North Florida 904 262-5580
Lake Mary Signature Kitchens 407-330-6860
Melbourne Pro Cabinets of Central Florida 269 290 9632
Miami Luv My Kitchens
786-276-9990
Trimline Design 305-666-7609
Naples Tradewind Designs 239-354-4708
Interior by Design West 239-514-1234
Palm Beach Gardens
Rachel Eve Designs 561-694-0146
Sarasota Cooks Custom Cabinetry 941-366-6112
Renaissance Design Studio 941-921-9393
Stuart Superior Kitchens 772-286-6803
Tampa Artisan Design 813-922-7909
Vero Beach
Dawn Wallace Designs 772-999-2691
William Charles 772-562-5101
For more inspiration visit wood-mode.com
ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.
PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN
88
INTERIOR DESIGN BY CARRIE RILEY & LEA LENNOX
A less-is-more approach that respects natural materials guides the design of a custom residence in Lakewood Ranch.
INTERIOR DESIGN BY BLAKE SCARBROUGH ARCHITECTURE BY DON COOPER
Florida’s majestic blue heron inspires the tone and palette of a vacation home on Anna Maria Island.
66
INTERIOR DESIGN BY ELLEN HANSON ARCHITECTURE BY DON COOPER
In Sarasota’s Cherokee Park, a contemporary take on Florida vernacular architecture sets the tone for craftsman-inspired interiors that nod to the past.
98 METRO MOXIE
INTERIOR DESIGN BY AUBREY O’BRIEN & SOUNDOUS BENTERKI
Urban sophistication with subtle nods to coastal design impart a modern vibe in a downtown Sarasota apartment.
INTERIOR DESIGN BY JESSICA HOLMES HOLIDAY
An open layout with multiple gathering spaces brings welcome serenity to an indoor/outdoor vacation home on Anna Maria Island.
40 MATERIAL EXPLORATION
STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN artist Hanna Heino turns to clay for her sculptural interpretations of light.
42 Design news and notes from Florida and beyond COLLECTIONS
48 TAKE IT OUTSIDE
Best of Show Zigzag Pizzazz
24 FINAL FLOURISH 22 SWEET SURRENDER
58 THE LEEDY LEGACY
The latest outdoor furniture collections beckon life alfresco.
52 LEGACY LESSON
A new tour of The Ringling Museum of Art touches on the property’s design and architecture history.
54 BY GEORGE!
A new exhibit at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens reveals a rock royal’s passion for horticulture.
56 VIBRANT MEMORIES
Artist John Pirman puts Sarasota’s architectural past in colorful perspective.
The late Gene Leedy designed some of Sarasota’s most prominent buildings before settling north in Winter Haven. Now, a local architect is ensuring his contributions are not forgotten.
62 THE SCIENCE OF STRUCTURE
With Sarasota as his lab, Gary Hoyt brings a researcher’s approach to architecture.
64 SUM OF ITS PARTS
Once a schoolhouse many years ago, a Longboat Key residence receives a modern addition that elevates its original 1930 architecture.
COVET
112 OPTICAL DIMENSION
Light, color, and texture interact effortlessly in Joan Konkel’s three-dimensional sculptures—and Sarasota designer Nikki Sedacca is perfectly fine with that.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Daphne Nikolopoulos
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Luis R. Rigual
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Laurie Spector
ACQUISITIONS EDITOR
Annette Sessa-Galbo
MARKET EDITOR
Kristen Desmond Lefevre
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
Melinda Lanigan
WEB EDITOR
Abigail Duffy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christopher Day | Jeanne De Lathouder
Saxon Henry | Mallory Jacobson
Florian Jouin | Stephanie Smith
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tara Correa | Ryan Gamma
Blaine Johnathan
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Selene M. Ceballo
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lourdes Linares
PRODUCTION COORDINATORS
Ileana Caban
Anaely J. Perez Vargas
DIGITAL PREPRESS SPECIALIST
George Davis
SENIOR DESIGNER
Jeffrey Rey
ADVERTISING DESIGN COORDINATOR
Alvys Hernandez
GROUP PUBLISHER
Terry Duffy
PUBLISHER, SARASOTA
Elizabeth Goodman
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Kim Aloia | Denise Autorino | McKenzie Burleigh
Harvey M. Dana | Jennifer Dardano
Ryan Hollihan | Susan Gibson Howard
MARKETING MANAGER
Rebecca Desir
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Tyler Sansone
ADVERTISING SERVICES COORDINATOR
Elizabeth Hackney
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Todd Schmidt
IT MANAGER
Omar Greene
CIRCULATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS
Marjorie Leiva
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Judy Heflin
CIRCULATION PROMOTIONS MANAGER
David Supple
CIRCULATION ASSISTANTS Britney Stinson | Cathy Hart
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Omar Morales
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST Mary Beth Cook
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST Ana Coronel
The last time I wrote this note for the fall 2024/winter 2025 Architecture Issue, my focus was on the design professionals pushing Sarasota into the future with their forward-thinking projects. The edition featured stories on the Renzo Piano and Sweet Sparkman collaboration on the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, on architect Steffani Drassi’s sensory connection to design, and on landscape architect Michael Gilkey’s award-winning gardens.
We sent the volume to press and began focusing on the next one, and then everything changed for Sarasota. Hurricane Helene hit the state with its Category 4 winds on September 26, 2024, and 13 days later, Hurricane Milton took a similar, destructive path. Soon enough, we began to hear the aftermath stories from our colleagues and clients in the area and learned that some of the homes we’ve featured in this magazine were destroyed. As a lifelong Floridian, I should be used to this by now, but how does one get used to this? Six months later, there’s still work to be done, but serious progress has been made. As far as design goes, we continue to hear stories about businesses reopening and residential projects moving forward, and that’s all very satisfying.
In this issue, we turn the corner on Hurricanes Helene and Milton and focus on business as usual. Among the forthcoming highlights is a story by contributor Saxon Henry on the late Gene Leedy and his architectural contributions to the city, many of which would have likely been forgotten if not for the efforts of local architect Max Strang. It’s an interesting read to be sure. I also urge you to discover (or get reacquainted with) local artist John Pirman’s colorful artwork and the way it pays tribute to past Sarasota architecture through our art profile on him. Visits to both the Ringling Museum of Art and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are a must this spring, and you’ll realize that once you read our articles on what’s new at said venues. And, as you’ve come to expect, we have 46 pages of home features that highlight the best of interior design in the region, and it all starts with the ultra charming Cherokee Park residence that graces our cover.
Enjoy the issue.
LUIS R. RIGUAL Editor-in-Chief lrigual@floridadesign.com
A well-curated design magazine has the power to inspire and entertain its readers by offering a captivating blend of creativity, innovation, and visual storytelling. It relates to interior design and architecture that encompass trends, news, profiles on professionals challenging the status quo, highlights of furniture that merit attention, and examples of design work that inspires. Our talented editorial team sets out to do that with every issue of Florida Design Sarasota.
The more I explore Sarasota, the more I am enchanted by its unique brand of culture. The Gulf region is not called the Cultural Coast for nothing. In this city, art is as important as the stunning beaches with their turquoise waters and the lush greenery all around us. You do have to dig a little to find the goods, however. That’s where our editorial team comes in. I may be this magazine’s publisher, but I am also one of its most dedicated readers. This issue’s cultural coverage offers plenty of discovery. I particularly enjoyed reading about Sarasota artist John Pirman and his bold and colorful artworks, which are so accurately attuned to their surroundings. One of my favorite landmarks in the city is the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, so I was ecstatic to hear there is a new reason to visit the grounds this spring for the venue’s exhibition on George Harrison and his gardening contributions to the world. I wasn’t aware that the lead guitarist for The Beatles had quite the green thumb, so I’m excited to see how the Selby explores that aspect of his life with an interactive show that’s sure to be a winner.
Of course, I have to mention this edition’s architecture content. Sarasota’s architectural legacy is worldrenowned, so it’s inspiring to see how current-day architects are carrying on that tradition. I was fascinated by all three subjects highlighted in this edition, starting with the late Gene Leedy, a Sarasota School original member whose work won’t be forgotten thanks to the efforts of a new nonprofit. I was also glad to see the efforts of local architects Gary Hoyt of Hoyt Architects and Hannah Boehmer of Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors get the coverage they deserve.
Finally, I can’t talk about inspiration without mentioning our interior design stories. This issue’s lineup of home features celebrates the artistry of interior design while showcasing the exceptional talent of the industry. The editorial team scoured the area for interesting and dynamic projects—from Sarasota proper to Lakewood Ranch— and their sleuthing paid off. We have articles on the superior work of Carrie Riley, Aubrey O’Brien, Jessica Holmes Holiday, Blake Scarbrough, and Ellen Hanson, who made the cover thanks to the charming home office she created for a residence in Amelia Island.
I hope that the forthcoming pages inspire your inner creative.
Enjoy the issue.
LIZ GOODMAN Publisher lgoodman@floridadesign.com
Ellen Hanson Designs
“Modern Nostalgia,” page 66
Interior designer Ellen Hanson was one in a group of talented professionals chosen by builder Ryan Perrone of Nautilus Homes to bring the Cherokee Park home that graces our cover to life. Hanson worked closely with the homeowners to conceptualize a style counterbalancing the relaxed Florida vernacular with metropolitan sophistication. “Our goal from the beginning was to help create a home that felt appropriate to the early twentieth-century styles found in historic areas of Sarasota while subtly incorporating modern features that would enhance the young family’s lifestyle,” says the designer. “The palette throughout the residence is inspired by craftsman-style houses yet interpreted in fresh and vibrant ways.” ellenhansondesigns.com
Riley Interior Design
“Neutral Nuances,” page 78
A less-is-more approach turned out to be the best design plan for a custom Lakewood Ranch residence. Seasoned designer Carrie Riley knew that the key to success was to let the outstanding water views shine. “There are a lot of whites and fuss-free textures because I want your gaze to filter right through the space like it’s a canvas,” says Riley, who worked on the project with designer Lea Lennox. Refined yet low-key, Riley’s clients asked for luxury contemporary furnishings that wouldn’t feel out of place with bathing suits and bare feet. The idea? Elegant but not haughty. “In this home, I used a lot of wood tones with matching beams and flooring,” says Riley. “The goal was to keep an organic aesthetic and bring nature in.” riley-id.com
Aubrey O’Brien
“Metro Moxie,” page 98
“My design approach is best described as curated contemporary,” says designer Aubrey O’Brien. “It’s a refined balance of artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary sophistication. Each space is thoughtfully curated, blending bespoke details with modern sensibilities to create interiors that feel both timeless and uniquely personal.” That was certainly the approach she took at the downtown Sarasota residence of a client who wanted a contemporary and metropolitan space. To infuse calm and sophistication, O’Brien and designer Soundous Benterki incorporated furnishings and light fixtures with architectural appeal, as well as rugs and artwork to warm up the living space. In the end, the designers delivered a city-centric perch with little nuances to Sarasota’s coastal location. aubreyobrien.com
WBS Interiors
“Beach Nest,” page 88
Once they had built their ideal vacation home on Anna Maria Island, a Lakeland couple called on interior designer Blake Scarbrough, with whom they had worked before, to finesse the furnishings, fabrics, window treatments, and finishing touches, including commissioned works—a blue heron mural among them—by local Florida artists. That detailed blue heron mural would go on to inspire the tone of the home more than anyone anticipated. “They wanted an updated traditional look and a predominantly blue color palette reinforcing the exterior hues of the shutters and millwork,” says Scarbrough. “In the end, we delivered a home that they use and adore. They hope to make many happy memories there.”
HSH Collective
“Blurring the Lines,” page 104
Designer Jessica Holmes Holiday doesn’t hesitate when asked about her favorite aspect of a vacation residence she recently tackled on Anna Maria Island. “The kitchen,” she says enthusiastically. “I love it because it is truly the heart of the home, and it allows the rest of the residence to relate to nature. The room offers the happiest moment in the house. It is front and center when you walk through the door, which in the floor plan made zero sense, but it makes the home feel magical.” As for the rest of the dwelling? “Comfort was key,” adds the designer. “Ensuring the house had a variety of gathering spaces for all members of the family was a must, and each space needed to be its own moment.” hshcollective.com
The Dwell Collection from UNIVERSAL takes its cues from architecture, drawing from iconic elements in buildings across the country. The silhouette of the Reese chair certainly applies. Framed in hand-accented metal for an angular feel, the chair features a tight back and an ample seat for comfort. Custom options include more than 700 types of fabrics or leathers. universalfurniture.com
Designed by Maurizio Manzoni for the base of the Silo console consists of a series of cylinders made from Corten metal, satin chrome with a carnelian finish, and travertine. roche-bobois.com
The large-scale graphic pattern of the Riad wallcovering by THE HOUSE OF SCALAMANDRÉ was inspired by the archways of traditional Moroccan courtyards. scalamandre.com
FURNISHINGS SERVE UP A SCOOP OF PANTONE’S 2025 COLOR OF THE YEAR: THE DELICIOUS MOCHA MOUSSE
LEFT: The subtle curves of the Calder sectional by BERNHARDT are all the more appealing in this subtle shade of brown. bernhardt.com
Handcrafted from ethically and sustainably sourced Springbok hide, this pillow from NGALA TRADING combines brown tones for Pantone perfection. ngalatrading.com
ABOVE: The Twirl door lever from GLITTERS HARDWARE captures fluidity in metal and comes in a variety of finishes. glittershardware.com
BELOW: Inspired by the Pop Art movement, the Kisses and Hugs knobs from MODERN MATTER mix whimsy and color. modern-matter.com
LEFT: Available in three lengths, the Persona pulls by DUTTON BROWN mix orange and silver for a vibrant statement. duttonbrown.com
susandunn.com
Shiny and textural, the Turtle knobs remind us of they make their way to the water.
SCULPTURAL SHAPES
ELEVATE FURNISHINGS INTO WORKS OF ART
LEFT: Available in a variety of woods and made by the master artisans at CASSINA this sculptural table from Jaime Hayon’s Réaction Poétique collection was inspired by the organic shapes conjured by Le Corbusier. cassina.com
The marble floating spheres and tabletop of the Kosmos center table from HOMMES STUDIO lend traditionally heavy stone an uncanny feeling of weightlessness. hommes.studio
LEFT: With four adjustable arms that provide directional lighting, the Spyder chandelier from REGINA ANDREW offers a bold ceiling statement. reginaandrew.com
LEFT: Designed by Nathalie du Pasquier for MEMPHIS MILANO, the Emerald sideboard is finished with geometric patterns and an interplay of forms and colors for a touch of surrealism. memphis.it
ABOVE: Sculptor John Koga designed the Pau Hana chair for RALPH PUCCI in plaster with an abstract form that recalls the natural beauty of Koga’s native Hawaii. ralphpucci.com
Define Art Gallery proudly represents the extraordinary talents of Deena Marie King, Gary Hall, Liz Cole, and Pearl Berger. Each artist brings a unique vision and style, offering captivating works that inspire. Explore their remarkable creations in person at our gallery or conveniently online.
Designed by Lauren Rottet for VISUAL COMFORT the Entoure rotating pendant can tilt up or down to cast light in various directions. visualcomfort.com
RIGHT: A contemporary take on an ancient shape, the large-scale Fleur de Lis pendant from MODERN FORMS features gracefully looped metal arms that evoke a sense of fluidity. modernforms.com
looped metal arms that evoke a sense of
ABOVE: The Eclissi carved glass ceiling light from GASPARE ASARO is designed around three pairs of shades bound by a series of brass rings. gaspareasaro.com
Handcrafted metal arms intertwine around a column of crystal in the Tempest chandeiler from SCHONBEK schonbek.com
MOTION-INSPIRED FIXTURES BRING MOVEMENT TO ILLUMINATION
RIGHT: Designed by Alexandre Dubreuil for ROCHE BOBOIS, the Unfold floor lamp is made up of three Asian-inspired fan shapes that are grouped together to create a flower-like form. roche-bobois.com
finding the magic for your design
ABOVE: As chic as bathroom furnishings get, the Tortoise vanity by MAISON VALENTINA features a spacious Marquina marble top and gold-plated tubes for towels. maisonvalentina.net
ELEGANT OPTIONS FOR STONE, LIGHTING, AND ACCESSORIES CALL FOR A BATHROOM UPGRADE
BELOW: Featuring a textural golden shell, the Pietra vessel sink by RUVATI is constructed of porcelain ceramic for superior strength. ruvati.com is
LEFT: Marked by shades and graphics, the classic elegance of the Aesthetica marble by JUST TILE & MARBLE makes it ideal for wall and floor applications.
justtilenmarble.com
The gold tone of the Rain shower flush mount by DORNBRACHT is but one of its charms. The hardware can be wall mounted or ceiling integrated for ultimate versatility. dornbracht.com
LEFT: An intriguing wall lighting solution that nods to mid-century modern style, the Fori double sconce by HAMMERTON features two artisan blown glass shades with metalwork detail and a back plate. hammerton.com
THE CENTURIES-OLD ROYAL PATTERN KNOWN AS FLAMESTITCH IS AS RELEVANT AS EVER
LEFT: The upholstery of the Eleganza Nia by KARTELL offers a subtle interpretation of flamestitch that complements the fluidity of the chair. kartell.com
RIGHT: Forget paint. For an accent wall that really pops, you can’t go wrong with the weighty and textured Medora tapestry by COLEFAX AND FOWLER colefax.com
LEFT: Named after the Greek word for wave, the Kyma fabric from BEAUMONT & FLETCHER is a rich cloth that’s hand-dyed and woven in Italy. beaumontandfletcher.com
The Flame Embroidery textile from
is finely spun from cotton yarns, making it ideal for furniture and accessories. kravet.com
BELOW: No brand has made flamestitch more relevant than MISSONI. The brand’s Aconcagua cylindrical pouf is characterized by its wave-like take on the pattern. missoni.com
For over five decades, Florida Design Works has been the leader in providing exclusive home improvement and building products for the interiors and exteriors of homes, buildings, and more. Whether it’s a remodeling endeavor or a new construction project, its showroom features an array of exclusive products that can elevate any room. Collaborate with seasoned architectural and design representatives for a seamless experience. With thousands of options from numerous manufacturers, Florida Design Works provides a diverse range to mix and match, ensuring the ideal combination for your project. Its team is equipped to match any design inspiration and offer a plentiful selection of options to create the perfect space.
FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS
29 N. Pineapple, Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
941-340-0037
floridadesignworks.com
Honors Interiors is a full-service interior design and project management firm, specializing in creating bespoke second and seasonal residences along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota, and beyond. They cater to discerning homeowners seeking a stress-free approach to designing their dream retreat.
Honors Interiors redefines convenience and luxury. They craft impeccable design plans and tap into their extensive network of trusted contractors and artisans to bring every detail to life. Whether refreshing a space with custom architectural details or managing a complete renovation and full home of furnishings, they handle every aspect with precision and care. With their private receiving warehouse, they curate and house furnishings and materials until installation day. The turnkey service ensures that your home is not just beautiful but movein ready—complete with every essential, from designer cookware to luxurious linens. It’s an unparalleled experience their clients rely on to make their second home an effortless escape.
HONORS INTERIORS
5103 Lena Road, Suite 108
Bradenton, FL 34211
941-773-1092
honorsinteriorsllc.com
The Plumbing Place is the only familyowned-and-operated decorative plumbing and hardware showroom in the area. Now in its thirty-ninth year, it has always enjoyed a reputation for showcasing the very best in kitchen and bath fittings and fixtures from around the world. Their team of pleasant and experienced sales consultants enjoy assisting customers in creating the perfect kitchen or bath. The 6,000-square-foot showroom displays a wide variety of products, and offers the opportunity to see, touch and experience those products. Many products are in stock in their on-site warehouse and available for immediate pick-up or delivery from Tampa to Naples. Today’s discriminating customer seeks the value associated with top-quality products at fair and competitive prices. The Plumbing Place can provide not only a vast array of style choices, but options to fit any budget. Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, a “showroom-in-ashowroom” located inside The Plumbing Place offers the best selection of doors locksets, cabinet hardware, and much, much more. Open six days a week to the public and to the trade, they are conveniently located at 5678 Fruitville Road, just West of I-75, exit 210, in Sarasota. Whether you seek the very best, or the most value for your dollar, they have it all for you at The Plumbing Place
THE PLUMBING PLACE
5678 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-378-5678
theplumbingplace.com
“Best showroom in town with an amazingly knowledgeable staff.”
- DAVID B.
STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN ARTIST HANNA HEINO TURNS TO CLAY FOR HER SCULPTURAL INTERPRETATIONS OF LIGHT
TEXT CHRISTOPHER DAY
THE INSPIRATION
“Nubes Lumier was inspired by light and its transformative properties,” says Finnish artist Hanna Heino. “I wanted to capture light as both a tangible and physical quality in a symbolic way.”
THE PROCESS
“My approach is very intuitive, a long journey that takes months to complete,” says Heino. “The process starts with shaping the body of the sculpture, followed by building an internal net structure to support the weight of the thousands of handcrafted clay petals on top, each of which is individually attached to the body. Once the structure is complete, I let the stoneware dry for about a month before beginning the glazing and firing process.”
THE MATERIALS
“The sculpture is handcrafted from stoneware clay and features layers of glaze and golden metallic paste,” says Heino. “I’ve had a connection with clay since childhood, when I first dabbled with it in my town’s local workshop. It’s an endlessly challenging medium, and its ancient essence resonates deeply with me as an artist.”
THE FINAL WORD
“This piece reflects my commitment to craftsmanship and materiality while exploring poetic tensions,” says Heino. “My hope is that it evokes a moment of stillness and reflection for those who engage with it.” hannaheino.com; studiotwentyseven.com
CHRISTOPHER FARR CLOTH’S NEW LAMPSHADES OFFER A FRESH WAY TO SHOWCASE THE BRAND’S WINNING TEXTILES
Lovers of vintage design are bound to enjoy a visit to the new Sarasota Toy Museum. Conceived by local Richard Pierson, the new 5,000-square-foot art space and retail store is dedicated to child’s play from the past—everything from superhero lunch boxes and dolls to cap guns and robot figures. “I’ve always had a love for collecting and dreamed of opening a comic book shop, but then I decided to go for something much bigger,” says Pierson. “I hope people come in for the nostalgia.” On display is a 20-by-30-foot model train set representing Vermont’s Green Mountains that makes its way through a large portion of the venue. Alas, that one is not for sale. sarasotatoymuseum.com
Christopher Farr Cloth
in the brand’s Soprano Circus (left) and Lost & Found (right) fabrics.
Founded in 2000 by Michal Silver with partners Christopher Farr and Matthew Bourne, Christopher Farr Cloth is renowned for its time-honored approach to textiles through its lines of fabrics, wallcoverings, and trimmings. That Old World approach continues with the brand’s new—and first—collection of lampshades. Handcrafted at Dollis Hill in London, the lampshades are available in 6-inch and 14-inch versions (custom sizing is also an option), and they are made with the company’s best-selling prints, all of which have been designed by artists and designers such as Kit Kemp, Raoul Dufy, and Michael Szell. To showcase the shades, Christopher Farr Cloth tapped photographer Christopher Horwood, who captured the pieces in surrealist backdrops inspired by the works of René Magritte. christopherfarrcloth.com
Talk about choices! RH’s 2025 outdoor offerings include more than 40 collections by leading designers from Sydney, Los Angeles, Barcelona, London, and other world-class cities. Among the highlights are the collections from Antwerp’s Mathias de Ferm and Milan’s Arthur Gentil, who are collaborating with RH for the first time in their careers. De Ferm’s collection, Striata, is a line defined by the sculptural barrel-back silhouette of its pieces and their meticulous wrapping in handwoven rope. Gentil’s contribution consists of two lines. Sedona offers furniture that embraces geometric forms with an elegant juxtaposition of solid and open space, and ultra-thick cushions. Sedona Cane is all that with the introduction of textural panels made of handwoven cane. rh.com
and
ABOVE LEFT: Bronze-frame loungers with outdoor bouclé upholstery from RH’s Sedona collection
Lifestyle design brand Marimekko and fabric behemoth The House of Scalamandré have joined talents once again for a new collection of fabrics. The new textiles are designed to be used for interior design applications such as drapery and accents, and they include eight prints in various colorways. “We are excited to work with The House of Scalamandré, which is known for their strong commitment to the art and craftmanship of design products,” says Noora Laurila, senior VP of sales for the U.S. west region at Marimekko. “While physical and online Marimekko stores are at the heart of our brand experience, valued partners such as The House of Scalamandré provide us access to new customers in North America, which is one of our main markets.” marimekko.com; scalamandre.com
Unikko
New year, new colors. So it goes at Farrow & Ball. The British paint company has added 12 new hues to its signature palette: nine brand-new creations and, for the first time in its history, three previously archived shades. Handcrafted in Dorset, the new colors range from a deep terracotta to a delicate pink and were inspired by everything from garden tools and favorite dresses to folkloric fireplaces and everyday heroes. farrow-ball.com
Knoll enthusiasts, take note! The brand recently released a new edition of its iconic Morrison Hannah chair. Designed by Andrew Morrison and Bruce Hannah, the chair was introduced in 1973 and described by its creators as “easy to manufacture, easy to reupholster, easy to live with, and easy to love.” Hannah went on to say that it’s a chair “that smiles at you.” Updates to the chair include the addition of more foam for comfort and a wider range of tilt so that users can settle themselves more easily. The new Morrison Hannah offers buyers four models, six frames, and a range of textiles and leathers (in various colors) to choose from. knoll.com
For FLLAIR, his inaugural outdoor furniture collection for Dedon, designer Sam Wilkinson found inspiration in Fiskardo, a fishing town on the northern tip of Greece’s Kefalonia island. This is a place where balmy sunny days are best spent watching sailboats pour in and out of the port. All that down time and languid bliss account for FLLAIR’s soft yet sculptural curves and graphic braided weave. Made up of an armchair and a dining table, the collection’s two pieces feature a woven base that radiates warmth. “I hope the design has instant appeal through its graphic aesthetic,” says Wilkinson, “and that it goes on to further delight through its level of detail.” dedon.de
How’s this for a sequel? The second release of the Nudo Collection by Kelly Wearstler for Arca introduces seven new designs to the popular line. Like its predecessor, Nudo 2.0 reinterprets traditional weaving techniques with bold knot motifs that bring interlaced geometries to life, but this time, Wearstler’s stone of choice is onyx. “The collection’s interplay of light and shadow ensures that each piece takes on a dynamic and ever-changing character, reflecting the surroundings and offering a new perspective from every angle,” says Wearstler. “Additionally, the line highlights Arca’s expertise in marrying high technology with artisanal finishes, crafting pieces that merge nature’s organic beauty with human ingenuity.” arcaww.com; kellywearstler.com
Modulnova keeps words like “functionality,” “durability,” and “integrated” front of mind every time it conceives a new collection, and the Italian brand’s XY line is no exception. Influenced by biophilic principles and characterized by sculptural silhouettes, the series (made up of a table, a bench, and a chaise lounge) is defined by strips of ash wood joined by using steel threaded bars and special joints that are mostly invisible to the eye. As expected, the collection is resistant to anything Florida’s unforgiving weather throws at it. Be still our minimalist hearts. modulnova.com
Both durable and eye-catching, Modulnova’s
Designer Monica Armani pays tribute to her Italian hometown through a new collection for Brown Jordan
When tapped to design a new outdoor collection for Brown Jordan, designer Monica Armani didn’t have to look far for inspiration. She let the serene landscapes of Italy’s Adige Valley and her hometown of Trento inform the 16-piece line she dubbed Trentino. The collection makes the most of powder-coated aluminum frames, hand-woven rope, and plump cushions made for lazy afternoon naps, and includes dining tables, coffee tables, a variety of side tables, an armchair, a lounger, a loveseat, and a sofa. “This collaboration was a natural fit,” says the designer. “We’ve designed a collection that embraces functional outdoor living while celebrating the beauty of design.” brownjordan.com
Tuuci makes a splash with its largest outdoor collection to date
Tuuci understands the fact that outdoor furniture can make or break a day under the sun. The brand has made a name for itself by providing lines that address comfort, style, and functionality equally. And we’re not just talking about their state-of-the-art umbrellas. This year brings four collections (loungers, tables, benches, and planters) to the forefront. Luma is what the brand calls “a fusion of luxury and durability with master craftsmanship.” The look of this line was inspired by jewelry, so button accents and custom bezels abound. Characterized by open arm designs, floating platforms, and tailored cushions, Horizon is all about clean architectural lines and ideal for transitional design tastes. The Sail line is true to its name with a nautical vibe as a result of the weaved fabric accent on the furniture’s frames, a feature reminiscent of sailboats. Finally, Sola offers modular pieces that can function on their own or connect with others for limitless configurations. tuuci.com
Introduced to the U.S. market during December’s Miami Art Week, Poltrona Frau’s Boundless Living Outdoor Collection reimagines how furnishings can adapt to diverse environments by offering options for settings that include expansive gardens, poolside retreats, intimate balconies, urban rooftops, and even the decks of superyachts. The collection’s four lines, designed by longtime contributors to the brand, embody PF’s elegant and timeless aesthetic and its commitment to comfort and durability. Marked by a woven motif, Solaria (from Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba) offers wicker and rattan furnishings, as well as a repertoire of nautical cordembellished products. Mirabell (from GamFratesi) pays tribute to the twentiethcentury French style of classic wrought iron benches and outdoor seating found in private gardens and quaint gazebos. The Sparkler line (from Kensaku Oshiro) alludes to its creator’s childhood in Japan with lanterns inspired by what he calls “organic modernism.” By contrast, Secret Garden (from Roberto Lazzeroni) takes us to Scandinavia with pieces made of solid teak that reveal themselves upon closer inspection. poltronafrau.com
Muuto’s new duo stays honest to Scandinavian design
In Scandinavian design, less is always more, a mindset that Danish brand Muuto has adhered to since its founding and which is prevalent in its latest collection, Settle. The new line features the efforts of long-term Muuto collaborators Torbjørn Anderssen and Espen Voll and consists simply of two pieces, a sofa and chair. “The tubular steel and supporting textile bands on each of the pieces are a nod to the classic traits of outdoor furniture, while the upholstery and tailored details lean on the feel of indoor sofas and chairs,” says Anderssen. “This meeting of opposites gives them a light, contemporary, and distinctly Scandinavian feel.” muuto.com; dwr.com
TEXT LUIS R. RIGUAL
Damage to The Ringling Museum of Art and its different campuses after back-to-back hurricanes last fall forced a pivot on the institution. As the property dealt with reparations, Katie Nickel, head of The Ringling’s educational programs, and her staff used the downtime to curate a new tour. “The new format offers the most holistic and comprehensive review of John and Mable Ringling’s life here in Sarasota,” says Nickel. “Visitors will learn more about the origins of circus history, Florida gardening, Florida architecture, baroque art, and much more—100-plus years is a lot to cover.” Indeed, it is. Here’s a primer on what attendees can expect.
The new tour begins with a look at how John Ringling became one of the names behind the Greatest Show on Earth. The Ringling’s Historic Circus Galleries date back to 1948 and include all sorts of paraphernalia dealing with circus culture. It is here that visitors will encounter Wisconsin , the Ringlings’ private rail car, a 65-ton moving home that was as luxurious as any other accommodation in the Ringlings’ rarified world. The wooden rail car, outlawed by the city of New York because of the fire hazard these types of rail cars posed when entering the city’s tunnels, once featured its own set of monogrammed tables and glassware. In its heyday, Wisconsin took the couple on their vacations to Utah and Yellowstone National Park.
Stop two on the tour is The Ringling’s Bayfront Gardens, some 66 acres of diverse plants and trees that speak to the institution’s commitment to horticulture. The property’s alfresco highlights include the Secret Garden, a spot where Mable cultivated colorful bromeliads, succulents, and other Florida-friendly varietals; and the Dwarf Garden, an area with a selection of stone statues representing various characters from Italy’s commedia dell’arte . The property’s Rose Garden is closed for renovations, but will be part of the tour once reopen. For those interested, the various gardens’ trees include 14 banyans, one shaving brush, one tiger’s claw, one bunya pine, one rainbow eucalyptus, and six varieties of bamboo.
In 1924, the Ringlings commissioned American architect Dwight James Baum to design them a winter residence inspired by Venice, the couple’s favorite city. Baum delivered with a 36,000-square-foot Mediterranean Revival estate that combines various design influences. Although the tour doesn’t go inside the mansion, a return visit will acquaint interested parties with the structure’s interior design, closely overseen by Mrs. Ringling, and which, like its architecture, is a pastiche of different styles. Since it was finished in 1926, Ca’ d’Zan has been on a constant state of renovation. The most recent restoration efforts focused on the building’s western façade to reduce the intrusion of water due to poorly sealed doors and windows, the exterior’s most defining feature.
“John H. Phillips was the architect who designed the Museum of Art, the last stop in the tour, in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo,” says Nickel. “Like architect Dwight James Baum did with Ca’ d’Zan, Phillips incorporated a blend of European styles that pay attention to comfort, detail, opulence and wonder.” The tour explores the Museum of Art’s courtyard and its Triumph of the Eucharist series, a monumental collection of tapestries by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens that date back to the 1620s. After that, guests can walk the 95-year-old museum on their own and encounter hundreds of French and Italian masterworks from the seventeenth century, as well as a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David on the bridge that connects the museum’s two wings. ringling.org
TEXT FLORIAN JOUIN
Musician George Harrison’s gardener persona may come as a surprise to some, but the man’s passion for flora was hardly a secret. The Beatles’ lead guitarist came out as a gardener in a 1979 Rolling Stone magazine interview and then went into the subject in detail in his 1980 autobiography, I Me Mine , which he dedicated “to gardeners everywhere.”
This spring, the Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s Downtown Campus is delving into that aspect of Harrison’s life with a new exhibit. George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life (through June 25) is the ninth installment of the Selby’s annual Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, which is dedicated to exploring the work of major artists dealing with the environment.
A longtime lover of nature (he wrote The Beatles’ hit Here Comes the Sun ), Harrison’s full immersion as a horticulturist began not long after The Beatles disbanded, and the 27-year-old purchased an 1889 estate known as Friar Park in Oxfordshire, England. There, away from the media and his rabid fans, Harrison went to work revitalizing the property’s long-neglected 32-acre grounds.
“In the garden, you see all the seasons come and go,” said Harrison in a 1981 Good Morning America interview. “The flowers don’t answer you back.”
The Selby’s exhibition highlights Harrison’s efforts at Friar Park and how he expanded the topiary displays its previous owner had started. Featured in the show will be a showcase of objects and ephemera from the Selby’s Museum of Botany & the Arts and a tour of horticultural vignettes in the venue’s Tropical Conservatory—all set to a soundtrack featuring Harrison’s music and lyrics. selby.org
John Pirman’s digitally drawn art began to develop as he earned a BFA in graphic design and illustration at Kent State University. After graduating, he studied with the great Paul Rand in Switzerland, all before making his way to New York City to begin a career as a freelance illustrator in 1979. His successful run there included editorial work for some of the country’s most popular magazines, including Vogue, Travel & Leisure and Forbes , and advertisements that promoted reruns of acclaimed television series like Mary Tyler Moore and I Love Lucy . He left Manhattan for Florida in 2008, lured to Sarasota by the area’s beauty and light.
“After 33 years of living in New York, I moved into a 1948 home on Siesta Key designed by Paul Rudolph and learned about the Sarasota School of Architecture, which was a huge inspiration and a life-changing experience,” says Pirman. “Sarasota’s architecture plays such an important role in the subject
matter of my art because of its interesting geometry and design. It’s one of the reasons I came to live here.”
Pirman’s compositions come together in Adobe Illustrator as he arranges the elements he has identified into a cohesive whole before they are produced as archival pigment prints. “Being aware of color is in my DNA,” he says about his works’ vivid exuberance. “It evokes my emotions, controls my mood, and it’s something that strongly defines my art.” There is also sense of nostalgia in his compositions that’s intentional. “I want to create the excitement of seeing Florida’s Gulf Coast as a kid during the 1960s,” he explains. “The beaches and motels were glamorous with brightly glowing neon signs. These were some of the happiest memories I had with my family, and sadly, many of these buildings that were so much a part of our history are gone.”
Pirman is also influenced by the aspects that make Sarasota so special. “Sunlight, simplicity of shapes, and minimalism are factors that define the style of my art, and Sarasota’s intense natural light creates a visual drama by helping clarify an object in a composition as it casts shadows,” he says. “An illusion of three-dimensional volume now exists with light and dark colors playing off each other. Great design is timeless.” johnpirman.com
THE LATE GENE LEEDY DESIGNED SOME OF SARASOTA’S MOST PROMINENT BUILDINGS BEFORE SETTLING NORTH IN WINTER HAVEN. NOW, A LOCAL ARCHITECT IS ENSURING HIS CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Efforts to shine a brighter light on the achievements of the Sarasota School of Architecture practitioners continue to expand as more of its members are celebrated and their legacies are solidified. A nonprofit founded to preserve architect Gene Leedy’s contributions to the modernist movement is one of the newest. Double Tee Arts, as it is called for the trademark exposed beams so pronounced in Leedy’s architecture, has just wrapped its inaugural year. Initiated by local architect Max Strang, the project is geared toward cementing Leedy’s storied career—one that began when he became the first Sarasota employee of Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell, the two men who came up with the precepts that now define the Sarasota School of Architecture.
With a spirit of adventure that his daughter, Saffie Leedy Farris, remembers well, Leedy left Rudolph and Twitchell’s practice to begin his own firm. Deciding he wanted to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond, he turned his
attentions to Winter Haven where he went on to design both commercial and residential buildings, including his own home and a separate office/studio. Farris remembers the moment she realized her father had become that bigger fish. She was 4 years old when a TV interview with him came on as she was watching her favorite show. “I asked, ‘Daddy, what are you doing on TV? Batman is on!’” she says. “I reached to turn the channel and when I saw the reaction in the room, I realized Daddy was possibly as famous as Batman !”
The number of significant buildings Leedy designed in Florida cements that statement. Though most of his work that has survived is found inland, his contributions to Sarasota architecture continued after he moved. Unfortunately, the most prominent buildings on that list, incuding Brentwood Elementary School (1958), the Solomon Residence & Studio on Siesta Key (1970), and the Leedy Beach House on Casey Key (1985), have been demolished. Leedy’s relationships with the Sarasota practitioners continued as well. Farris recalls driving her father, Rudolph, and Bert Brosmith to Tampa for an American Institute of Architects convention in the early 1980s. Leedy told his colleagues they must come up with a name for themselves, suggesting the Sarasota School of Architecture. Farris said Rudolph seemed humbled by it.
Farris remembers the home her father designed for them as a dynamic character in their lives. This is also the case for Strang, whose family home was designed by Leedy. Built in 1970, the 5,500-square-foot house became
inset: Strang on the lawn beside the Leedy residence in Winter Haven just after he purchased it and before he began its restoration. He also added a pool that Leedy had designed but never built.
a formative backdrop for the young boy. “Something I remember so clearly is bringing friends home and watching them trying to process the materials and the spaces,” he says about the modernist structure in Winter Haven. “It was normal for me, but it was foreign to them.” Strang’s relationship with Leedy deepened when he interned for him between graduating from architecture school at the University of Florida and attending graduate school at Columbia. As Strang built his own practice, he found that the principles he had learned from Leedy informed his work, as if by osmosis.
Strang and Leedy were collaborating as late as 2016 when they were making plans to bring the residential buildings Leedy designed in Winter Haven up to code, the timeliness of this effort intensifying when Hurricane Irma significantly damaged the Leedy House in 2017. When Leedy died in 2018, his children suggested Strang buy and restore the home and the office, which he did, seeing them as opportunities to tell a fuller story of the man and the architect. “With the Leedy legacy, it is still a major awareness initiative,” Strang says about his efforts, which now include monthly salon evenings in the Leedy home. “As a kid, Leedy’s buildings nurtured me, and now I’m nurturing them.”
The salon gatherings are led by the organization’s first scholar-inresidence, Anne-Marie Russell, who staged an exhibition about Leedy’s residential work at Architecture Sarasota in 2022 and is undertaking an ongoing research project called Reading Leedy. “I am excavating his bookshelves and gaining a better understanding of his values, interests, and thought process,” says Russell. “This is revealing what a serious environmentally conscious thinker he was, but there is still so much more to unpack that is fresh and relevant today.” doubleteearts.org
Within the field of architecture, there are those who solely focus on the buildings they envision and those who see themselves as outliers. Gary Hoyt is one of the latter. He filters his skills as a designer through the lens of environmental engineering, which he studied in the master’s program at the University of Florida. The founder and president of Hoyt Architects and the co-creator of Imerza, a software program that facilitates real-time modeling for design teams, says this added dimension has resulted in a practice that feels more like a studio than a standard office. The depth is bearing fruit, as Hoyt was the only Florida architect to be welcomed into the College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2024.
As a young practitioner, Hoyt headed up the design work Seibert Architects undertook on Longboat Key. During his four years there, he frequently dined with and went boating with Tim Seibert, the founder of the firm, who is known as a member of the Sarasota School of Architecture for his focus on designing for regional climatological conditions, as the original architects in the group were. Hoyt has taken their precepts to a twenty-first-century level. “I always knew I would establish an office that would meld architecture and the environment, and a place where we would investigate how tech makes an impact on the process of design,” he explains. “We’re first adopters. We look around and identify tools we can play with. We’re agnostics who are open to throwing anything into the mix.”
left: A rendering of One Park East, a luxury residential and mixed-use tower in Sarasota that will rise above Bay Park. Designed by Hoyt Architects, the project broke ground in October 2024.
below: Hoyt Architects designed Patriot Plaza within the Florida National Cemetery in Sarasota. The key features of the project include a rostrum that is large enough to accommodate a 55-piece orchestra and a covered amphitheater with seating for up to 2,800 people.
This is all possible because he’s developed a team whose members boast both breadth and depth in their capabilities. “Architects are in a unique position to bridge different visions in cities, which are intricate organisms,” he says. “We like working at a high level of complexity.”
Imerza and the other tech services his practice offers have developed naturally for Hoyt, as he enjoyed computer programming as early as high school. That said, it’s the built world that holds his fascination. “We like the craft of architecture as much as visualizing it,” he explains. “There is something very satisfying about visiting a job site and smelling the concrete.”
To Hoyt, concepts as seemingly mundane as how a person steps onto a sidewalk are highly relevant when undertaking urban design on such a granular level. “Sarasota is our lab, and we get a lot built,” he says. “Being local and watching our city come alive through our projects is very satisfying.” hoytarchitects.com
and design
75,000-square-foot
The recent recipient of an addition by Hannah Boehmer of Sweet Sparkman Architecture, this Longboat Key property’s original residence is nestled beneath a banyan tree that spreads its limbs toward the new primary bedroom suite. The size of the home grew from 1,340 square feet to 2,300 square feet once the addition was completed.
TEXT SAXON HENRY | PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN GAMMA
For a 1930 Longboat Key building that once gathered students to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic as a one-room schoolhouse, the sum of its updated parts is a lesson in transformation. Converted into a singlefamily home long ago, its owners approached Hannah Boehmer, design director at Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors in Sarasota, when they decided to expand both vertically and horizontally. For Boehmer, the key laid in approaching the structure’s Old Florida vernacular with a contemporized point of view.
“Blending styles can be a challenge,” says the architect. “The homeowners showed me an image of an old historic stone structure in a vineyard in Europe that had a modern addition they really liked. Seeing it helped me understand the contrast they were hoping to achieve.”
The house was flanked by porches on the east, south, and west sides that extended outward to shade the interiors, a quintessential hallmark of the Florida architecture of the 1930s. Two of those porches were repurposed as interior spaces in the new design, while the one off the living room remained. FEMA regulations drove the elevation of the new wing that now holds the primary bedroom suite. The three to four feet above ground that would satisfy the requirement would not have been tall enough to serve as a room, so Boehmer increased the height to give the homeowners a usable space. “Woodworking is a hobby the husband enjoys, and he had been using a small shed, so we added enough headspace so he could create a nicer workshop there with plenty of outlets for all of his equipment,” she explains. “The other big consideration was not interfering with the large banyan tree on the west side of the home.”
Perspective is everything when such a dynamic natural feature is in the mix. “The first or second time I went for a site visit, they walked me to the farthest northwest corner of the property to look at the tree from that angle,” notes Boehmer. “It was the best view of the home, and they didn’t want an addition that would interfere with that experience. The massing of the glass portion of the primary bedroom was designed so that the views were toward that tree and other landscaping features; the solid portions ensure that the neighboring residences cannot be seen from the room.”
The way the design team framed the scenery with the thick surround on three sides makes a stylistic statement and serves as a sun-management feature. “By elevating the structure, we gave the homeowners the feeling they were up in the canopy,” explains Boehmer. “We love to do this with architecture.”
The opportunity to bring a new perspective to a building set within the lushness of the home’s surroundings made this project a powerful one for Boehmer. “I enjoy designing on sites with existing structures because I find them the most interesting,” she says. “Having something to work with makes the process more dynamic because the constraints require more imagination; my creativity spins faster in this situation because it’s a bit of extra work to accommodate what exists.” sweetsparkman.com
right: “The metal that forms the thick feature surrounding the primary bedroom on three sides has a mitered corner that creates more of a seamless and modern detail than if I had simply put a cap on it,” explains Boehmer. “The surround was shipped in three pieces from the factory, and it was really fun to push a material beyond what I’d done previously.”
below: “When looking at the terrace off the primary bedroom, you can see that the metal that wraps around the balcony comes into the interior as well,” says Boehmer. “This cohesion of materials is always important to me in my work.”
IN SARASOTA’S CHEROKEE PARK, A CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON FLORIDA VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE SETS THE TONE FOR CRAFTSMAN-INSPIRED INTERIORS THAT NOD TO THE PAST
interior design ELLEN HANSON, ELLEN HANSON DESIGNS, SARASOTA, FL
architecture DON COOPER, COOPER JOHNSON SMITH PETERSON ARCHITECTS, TAMPA, FL
builder RYAN PERRONE, NAUTILUS HOMES, SARASOTA, FL
structural engineer SNELL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, SARASOTA, FL
landscape architecture MICHAEL A. GILKEY, SARASOTA, FL
text JEANNE DE LATHOUDER
photography RYAN GAMMA, SARASOTA, FL
above: A brick pathway leading to the front porch creates a welcoming sense of arrival. Ipe wood decking, mahogany railings with Chippendale-patterned balusters, painted timber columns, and exposed rafters establish the craftsman cottage aesthetic. New Horizon shutters in Chelsea Gray complement GulfSeam’s Napa Champagne roof.
left: Designed for relaxing, dining, and cooking, the screened porch includes generous seating, a summer kitchen, and natural Dominican coral stone flooring, blurring indoor/outdoor boundaries. Serena & Lily outdoor furnishings create a seamless aesthetic accented with patterned pillows by Charlotte Osterman Design.
CHEROKEE PARK IS ONE OF SARASOTA’S most charming communities. Located west of Tamiami Trail and two miles south of downtown, the historic neighborhood is well-known for the heritage oak trees that line many of its streets and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. A young couple knew all this when they began driving regularly through the area in search of a new residence. Their diligence paid off when they spotted an available lot (next to the water no less) during one of their treks. Before the sale was even put into motion, the husband and wife had already imagined the look of their newly built forever home.
“The owners—one local and the other from Minnesota—chose this area for its many attributes,” says builder Ryan Perrone of Nautilus Homes, who initiated the project. “They envisioned a home that would feel like it had been in their family for generations.”
And that’s exactly what they got. Designed with architect Don Cooper, the new corner-lot dwelling spans 5,710 square feet and blends timeless architectural elements with contemporary elegance. “The architecture’s Florida vernacular style creates
Soaring vaulted ceilings, a sleek precast fireplace, and elegant herringbone flooring define the living area. Connected to the porch with a folding glass door system, the living room also closes off from the kitchen via a custom metal and milk glass pocketing window system. Vintage barrel-back swivel chairs complement a free-form cocktail table from Bradley USA and Homenature’s curved-back sofa.
a seamless connection to the surrounding natural beauty,” adds Perrone.
El len Hanson, founder and creative director of Ellen Hanson Designs, also collaborated with the homeowners to conceptualize the interior design, a balance of Florida vernacular and metropolitan sophistication. “Our goal from the beginning was to help create a home that felt appropriate to the early twentieth-century styles found in historic areas of Sarasota while subtly incorporating modern features that would enhance the young family’s lifestyle,” notes Hanson. “The palette throughout the residence is inspired by craftsman-style houses, yet interpreted in fresh and vibrant ways.”
Inside the house, the great room opens to a spacious screened porch through an expansive sliding glass Euro-Wall, creating a fluid transition between inside and out. A flexible furniture layout maximizes these connected spaces by offering entertaining options for large and intimate gatherings.
“Drawing Gulf breezes from all sides, the house maintains a sense of privacy while connecting to nature,” says Hanson. “There’s even a small tower with a yoga space that allows for views of the Bay
“The mandate for the interiors was to create family-friendly spaces while maintaining an aura of sophistication and ease,” says designer Ellen Hanson. “The palette throughout the residence is inspired by craftsman-style houses, yet interpreted in fresh and vibrant ways.”
The dining room’s extra-long vintage French farmhouse table from Chairish accommodates large family gatherings, and CB2’s green velvet chairs create a conducive modern contrast. A vibrant work by local artist John Pirman enlivens the space with color, and shiplap-style wainscoting reinforces the home’s craftsman detailing.
Anthropologie’s chic desk and task chair give this dreamy, light-filled home office a bespoke feel. A woven chair from Lulu and Georgia creates a textural accent, while Crate & Barrel cabinets display art books and collectibles. Pansy Bayou Design Atelier’s colorful flatweave rug reinforces the wall’s watery green-blue hue.
of Sarasota and stunning sunsets. The mandate for the interiors was to create family-friendly spaces while maintaining an aura of sophistication and ease.”
Fa miliar and humble materials like oak, terracotta, ceramic, and plaster call to mind homes that have been well-loved for generations. In addition to Hanson’s architectural nods to the craftsman/bungalow style, such as painted ceiling beams, bay windows, and shiplap, her team repeated the nostalgic visuals through millwork details. Notable features include shaker-style cabinet faces, a built-in dining bench, a furniture-like kitchen island, a butler’s pantry, and a sunny mudroom with hidden and open storage. “Cabinet hardware, lighting, and surface materials all cohered to the craftsman aesthetic while speaking to the current moment through a sophisticated color scheme, modern touches, and exquisite lighting,” says Hanson. “Whenever possible, I directed my selections toward items made in the States by next-generation American craftspeople.”
With a distinct section of the home reserved for sleeping quarters spread across separate floors, multi-layered window treatments from blackout
left: Dressed in playful coral hues, this bedroom features a vintage-style bed paired with charming accent pieces, including a Cura Home side table and Anthropologie’s patterned bench.
The primary bedroom emanates a mellow vibe with natural textures and a neutral palette tinged with soft peach accents. Clad in Phillip Jeffries grass cloth, a feature wall spotlights a deep-blue abstract painting, creating a moody focal point over the streamlined Anthropologie bed. A retro-modern chandelier lends a chic vintage touch.
a
echo the silver sheen of the fixtures and drawer
to sheer ensure that all circadian scenarios are satisfied. Bespoke offices for the parents and a generous playroom for the kids allow everyone to study, play, and work in spaces created for their needs. A thoughtfully curated selection of art, distinctive lighting, and one-of-a-kind rugs elevate every space through color, texture, and volume.
“The home we built is an homage to the former home we removed from the property,” notes Perrone. “The owners are very family-oriented with two wonderful little girls, and they love to enjoy Sarasota’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Their vision aligned with our commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design. Collaborating with them and the design team was a pure joy.”
Inspired by the relaxed Florida vernacular style, a lavish outdoor living area wraps around an interior courtyard with a glistening pool dotted with palms. The layout maximizes natural light and captures the coastal breezes while ensuring privacy. Landscape architecture by Michael A. Gilkey enhances the courtyard’s pristine aesthetic.
SOURCES
LIVING ROOM
Blue sofa, club chairs, and rattan ottoman – Lulu and Georgia, luluandgeorgia.com
White sofa – Home Nature, homenature.com
Swivel armchairs – Braden River Antiques, Sarasota, FL, and fabric by Christopher Farr Cloth, Holland & Sherry, Dania Beach, FL
Cocktail table – Bradley USA, bradleyusa.com
Blue ottomans – Designer’s Resource of Florida, Sarasota, FL, and fabric by Pindler Showroom, Hollywood, FL
Chandelier and floor lamps – Circa Lighting, circalighting.com
Table lamp – Braden River Antiques, Sarasota, FL
Pillows – Designer’s Resource of Florida, Sarasota, FL, and fabric by Charlotte Osterman Textiles, Fritz Porter Showroom, Charleston, SC ENTRY
Console – Skylar Morgan Furniture, skylarmorganfurniture.com
Chandelier – Urban Electric Co., urbanelectric.com
Chandelier over stairs – Circa Lighting, circalighting.com
Artwork – Shannon Woodford, shannonwoodford.com
DINING ROOM
Table – Chairish, chairish.com
Chairs – CB2, cb2.com
Chandelier – The Urban Electric Co., urbanelectric.com
Artwork – John Pirman, johnpirman.com
OFFICE
Desk, desk chair, and lamp – Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
Chair – Lulu and Georgia, luluandgeorgia.com
Cabinetry – CB2, cb2.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry, island, and hood – Sarasota Architectural
Woodworking, Sarasota, FL
Cabinet hardware – Rejuvenation, rejuvenation.com
Pendant lighting – Allied Maker, alliedmaker.com
Sconces – Blueprint Lighting, blueprintlighting.com
Stools – Industry West, industrywest.com
POWDER ROOM
Sink – Kast Sinks, kastconcretebasins.com
Mirror – Braden River Antiques, Sarasota, FL
Sconce – Nicky Kehoe, nickeykehoe.com
Wallcovering – Abnormals Anonymous Wallcoverings, abnormalsanonymous.com
GUEST BEDROOM
Side table – Cura Home, mycurahome.com
Bench – Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Sarasota Architectural Woodworking, Sarasota, FL
Cabinet hardware – Rejuvenation, rejuvenation.com
Sconces – Circa Lighting, circalighting.com
Bed – Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
Dresser – Lulu and Georgia, luluandgeorgia.com
Chairs – Braden River Antiques, Sarasota, FL, and fabric by Savel Fabrics, savelinc.com
Accent table – Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com
Chandelier – Braden River Antiques, Sarasota, FL
Sconces – etsy.com
Floor lamp – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Wallcovering – Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries.com THROUGHOUT
Lanterns – Rejuvenation, rejuvenation.com
Ceiling fans – Big Ass Fans, bigassfans.com
Cabinetry and woodworking – Sarasota Architectural Woodworking, Sarasota, FL
Area rugs – Ellen Hanson Designs Private Label, ellenhansondesigns.com
To maximize space, a playroom above the garage provides an enchanting hideaway for the home’s children. A Blu Dot powder-coated coffee table serves as a play table for the youngsters.
below: The residence’s playroom glows from within over the garage, creating architectural allure from the street view. An arched balcony with French doors and a bank of windows on the other side of the house ensure plenty of natural daylight.
interior design CARRIE RILEY & LEA LENNOX, RILEY INTERIOR DESIGN, SARASOTA, FL
builder ROY DUPUIS, ANCHOR BUILDERS, SARASOTA, FL
text STEPHANIE SMITH
photography BLAINE JOHNATHAN, NAPLES, FL
A LESS-IS-MORE APPROACH THAT RESPECTS NATURAL MATERIALS GUIDES THE DESIGN OF A CUSTOM RESIDENCE IN LAKEWOOD RANCH
CERTAIN INTERIOR DESIGNERS OFTEN AIM to make their work stand out, ensuring it commands attention rather than fade into the background. But Carrie Riley crafted the interiors of a Lakewood Ranch custom house with a different goal in mind—she let the views of the water outshine her design.
“There are a lot of whites and textures because I wanted your gaze to filter right through the space like it’s a canvas,” says Riley, describing the entrance to a 7,055-square-foot home in the Wild Blue at Waterside community. “I didn’t want bold or over-designed pieces to interrupt the view.”
Defined by neutral tones—beige, white, gray, and black— the residence’s quiet luxury emphasizes durability and investment pieces that will retain their value. Riley, who has perfected this understated elegance over her 30-year career designing Florida homes, executed the look with precision.
left: A reeded wall makes for a statement entrance in the front foyer space. An organic feel with natural elements welcomes guests into the residence.
“The wood twig chandelier is inspired by nature but leveled up in crisp white,” says Riley. “I actually own this same piece because I love it so much.”
right: The office is walled off but still see-through. This room is meant to be more edgy with walls constructed out of black powdered metal and glass.
Riley tied the office to the nearby foyer with a similar dramatic round chandelier from Visual Comfort that also employs organic materials.
The original space presented little warmth or symmetry. Riley transformed it by a nchoring the room with four-sided seating, including thick rattan chairs, suede-fringed ottomans, and channel-tufted sofas. Rough-cut stone side tables flank the arrangement, adding structure and balance. “I love creating symmetry in blank spaces,” says the designer. “It should feel composed yet inviting.”
Subtle glamour infuses the room, highlighted by a scallop-shell mirror, a beveled fireplace, and shimmery wallpaper that looks like it’s reflecting the lake’s light. Riley’s textural choices invite touch, from the rough stone to the suede accents.
As she does with all her projects, Riley ensured her timeless design approach aligned with the exterior architecture style chosen by the builder and architect. Perhaps that’s
The dining room ties back to elements in the office as both incorporate modern suspended black metal shelving. The stone pillars in the bar area are meant to mirror the exterior stone cladding on the exteriors of the house.
why Anchor Builders continues to partner with Riley on its clients’ luxury custom homes in this high-end planned community. “I’ve worked with Anchor for 22 years. I’m in lockstep with them by now.”
Refined yet low-key, Riley’s clients asked for luxury contemporary furnishings that wouldn’t feel out of place with bathing suits and bare feet. “In this home, I used a lot of wood tones with matching beams and flooring to keep an organic aesthetic and bring nature in,” she says. While the interiors are indeed luxurious, it still feels appropriate to kick off footwear and plop onto a sofa. The designer’s penchant for natural materials is made obvious throughout the home. The archways in the kitchen were custom-made with smooth stained wood that bends to the radius of the arches. This same grooved wood is repeated on the ceiling in the primary bedroom but painted in stark white. Although in different shades and widths, the beveled pattern is echoed in the living room fireplace, the low cabinets in the office, and in the primary bathroom’s walls and scalloped tub.
“Simplicity, cleanliness, and calm,” was the aim for the kitchen aesthetic. Riley purposely d idn’t want this room to be overly designed or as textured as the rest of the house. “A kitchen can look cluttered when there are too many design elements,” she says. Sleek low-back stools are tucked away under the waterfall counter that has an underbelly of oak. As a result, the look here is clean but not overly utilitarian.
Despite all her efforts, Riley’s attempts to make her design approach take a back seat failed. This elegant, au courant, and livable house is proof of why her work resonates so strongly with Sarasota’s most discerning homeowners.
above: A look into the theater room reveals a much bolder use of color than anywhere else on the residence. The dark blue Wolf Gordan wallpaper was chosen to reflect the color of the water only steps away. The floor plan here offers an easy connection to the outdoor kitchen, allowing whoever is grilling to interact with guests inside.
SOURCES
LIVING ROOM
Side table – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Chandelier – Eurofase, eurofase.com
Sconces – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Fireplace designed by Riley Interior Design, Sarasota, FL
ENTRY
Mirror – Made Goods, madegoods.com
Millwork designed by Riley Interior Design, Sarasota, FL
OFFICE
Desk chair – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Armchairs – Palecek, palecek.com
Wire shelving – Anchor Builders, Sarasota, FL
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and island – Wood Mode, wood-mode.com
Low stools – Palecek, palecek.com
DINING AREA
Lighting – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Wire shelving – Anchor Builders, Sarasota, FL
Drapery – JF Fabrics, jffabrics.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bedside tables and dresser designed by Riley Interior Design, Sarasota, FL
Lighting – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Wood Mode, wood-mode.com
Tub – Gorman’s Bath Gallery, Sarasota, FL
Shower area designed by Riley Interior Design, Sarasota, FL
THEATER ROOM
Lighting – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Sofa back table and stools – Universal Furniture, universalfurniture.com
LOGGIA
Pendants above dining table – Palecek, palecek.com
Fireplace designed by Riley Interior Design, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by Lanai Lifestyles, lanailifestyles.com
Dressed in a bevy of natural hues, this indoor/outdoor living room continues the textures found inside with a stone cylindrical coffee and side tables, as well as weathered teak chairs with ropewrapped armrests and a stunning stone fireplace. While the materials Riley chose are all ideal for inclement weather, the entire space is wrapped by outdoor screens that keep rain and insects away.
below: The breakfast area’s light-filled position by the water makes it a favorite spot to start the day. A Worlds Away table surrounded with chairs from Furniture Classics composes the perch for taking in the views over morning coffee. An Asian-inspired cocktail table creates an exotic textural accent piece.
PRISTINE WATERS, GOOD FISHING, lazy days, and quiet nights—Anna Maria Island checks off all the boxes as a retreat. All those attributes enticed a couple from Lakeland to purchase a premier waterfront lot in the area and build a vacation home there. Poised on Sarasota Bay, the property nestles into a quiet street in Holmes Beach, touting views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the left and the Manatee Avenue Bridge to the right. Aspiring to create a traditional, timeless, and unforgettable house they could pass down for generations, the homeowners sought out the area’s reputable husband-and-wife building team, Greg and Lee Ross, owners of Ross Built Custom Homes.
“ This home sits on a unique slice of property, so we first contacted Don Cooper, a Tampa
architect known for his classic, timeless designs,” says Lee. “We introduced him to the homeowners, and their connection was solid from the very first meeting they had.”
The couple envisioned a relaxed yet elegant retreat built with their growing family and grandchildren in mind. Collaborating with Cooper, they designed a lavish, 4,000-square-foot home that nods to the Dutch Colonial style of the British West Indies. Its flexible floor plan—comprising four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a bunk room hideaway for the kids, and an elaborate tackle room for the fisherman of the house—features a plethora of indoor/outdoor gathering spaces and private spots where family and guests can escape to watch the sunset or put the kids down for a nap. Ultimately, the home strikes a perfect balance of social spaces mixed with cozy little niches for peace and quiet.
“Ea rly on, we landed on a color theme that drove all the finishes in the
Natural finishes, textural accents, and organic elements define the dining room. The grain of a wood table from Furniture Classics combines with gray woven and rattan chairs from Jeffan Imports. A chandelier from Visual Comfort lends understated elegance.
Positioned in a wing on the north side of the house, the kitchen and an alluring sitting room boast a high-pitched ceiling with intricate beamwork. Strategic window placement creates the feeling of being on a ship deck looking out onto the vast ocean.
home,” says Lee. “The regal blue heron, a prevalent bird on the island, inspired the design palette and the home’s name. Magically, at the project’s grand finale, a blue heron landed on the roof during our photo shoot.”
Custom exterior details generate an inviting warmth with quaint gas lanterns, a rich mahogany entrance door, prominent bracket hardware, a shingled roof mimicking slate, and perfectly appointed shutters that make the home feel like it’s been here for a century or more. Upon entering the foyer, one is awestruck by a custom-louvered archway showcasing prime views of Sarasota Bay. “The architect designed the most elegant arched entryways that frame the water views and welcome you into the living spaces,” says Greg. “A low coffered ceiling throughout the living and dining area creates some dimension without taking your eyes off the view.”
Once they finalized the design intentions and materials, the homeowners called on Lakeland interior designer Blake Scarbrough to finesse the furnishings, fabrics, window treatments, and finishing touches, including commissioned works—a blue heron mural among them—by local Florida artists. “This is the fourth project I’ve done with these clients, and we have been friends for many years,” says Scarbrough. “They wanted an updated traditional look and a predominantly blue color palette reinforcing the exterior hues of the shutters and millwork. For balance, every room in the house is painted a wonderful shade of white that was developed by the builders themselves. It’s the most perfect hue of white I have ever used.”
above: Positioned just off the upstairs guest bedrooms and bunk room, a covered upper-level deck provides a serene and secluded spot.
In the primary bathroom, an elegant white soaking tub pops against soft gray limestone flooring, complementing the home’s understated palette. Backdropped by lush garden views, the enchanting space casts a glow in the evening with sconces and a chandelier from Visual Comfort.
The primary bedroom’s restful blue and white palette takes cues from the seascape outside the window. A custom-upholstered headboard and matching bed skirt create a soft focal point, and a pair of baby blue club chairs and an ottoman from Wesley Hall Furniture compose a plush seating area.
On the main level, an expansive covered deck creates an alfresco extension of the living spaces, along with a stunner pool patio that gets rave reviews. “The backyard of this home literally stops boat traffic,” says Greg. “The tiered yard is elegant and reminiscent of a wellappointed resort. The sweeping views of Sarasota Bay are great day and night, and the Sunshine Skyway is always a treat for visitors.”
Especially during spring and summer, the owners love to fish and entertain, hosting their family members and grandchildren on most weekends. “They use and adore this house,” notes Scarbrough, “and they hope to make many happy memories here.”
SOURCES
LIVING ROOM
Sofa and chairs – Wesley Hall Furniture, wesleyhall.com
Cocktail table – British Traditions Furniture, High Point, NC
Sofa back table – Kenian Fine Rattan Furniture, kenian.com
Blue drum table – Kevin Song Imports, kevinsongimports.com
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Area rug – Addison/Dicus & Bailey, Tampa, FL
BREAKFAST AREA
Table – Worlds Away, worlds-away.com
Chairs – Furniture Classics, furnitureclassics.com
Lounge and ottoman – Wesley Hall Furniture, wesleyhall.com
Cocktail table – Kenian Fine Rattan Furniture, kenian.com
Area rug – Fiberworks, Addison/Dicus & Bailey, Tampa, FL
DINING ROOM
Table – Furniture Classics, furnitureclassics.com
Chairs – Jeffan, jeffan.com
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
TERRACE
Chairs and cocktail table– Palecek, palecek.com
Dining table – Jonathan Bucklew, Lakeland, FL
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Ross Built Custom Homes, Bradenton, FL
Chandelier and sconce – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed and headboard – Mary Anderson, Lakeland, FL
Fabric – Stout Textiles, estout.com
Bedside chests – Phillips Scott, phillipsscott.com
Lamps – Kevin Song Imports, kevinsongimports.com
Wicker stools – Kenian Fine Rattan Furniture, kenian.com
Club chairs and ottoman – Wesley Hall Furniture, wesleyhall.com
POOL PATIO
Pool – Ross Built Custom Homes, Bradenton, FL
left: Showcasing panoramic views of Sarasota Bay, the home’s impressive resort-style pool patio and its pristine tiered yard often slow down the passing boat traffic. Custom pavers with grass strips woven in between define the landscape, while decorative planters mark the waterside edge of the pool.
URBAN SOPHISTICATION WITH SUBTLE NODS TO COASTAL DESIGN IMPARTS A MODERN VIBE IN A DOWNTOWN SARASOTA APARTMENT
left: Two of Stephen Kenn’s Inheritance sofas—with steel frames supported by militarystyle belts and topped with canvas upholstery—present a unique visual in the living room, where a handwoven floor covering by Beni Rugs is plush underfoot. The spherical pendant is by Isamu Noguchi.
In
dining area,
as a
focal point in
room. “Her work is threedimensional,” says designer Aubrey O’Brien. “It presents as both a painting and a sculpture.”
interior design AUBREY O’BRIEN & SOUNDOUS BENTERKI, AUBREY O’BRIEN, SARASOTA, FL
builder PHILLIP FINNELL, FINNELL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, BROOKSVILLE, FL
text MALLORY JACOBSON
photography RYAN GAMMA, SARASOTA, FL
“MY ART IS IN THE EDIT,” says interior designer Aubrey O’Brien. “To me, designing a home is like painting, as it starts with a vision and then a layering of materials, textures, and color. It’s about knowing when to take a step back and when to stop.”
In t he case of a 2,100-square-foot condo (with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a half bathroom) in downtown Sarasota, O’Brien and designer Soundous Benterki focused on creating a look that’s metropolitan and au courant but doesn’t forget its location on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“I spent two days with the client in New York, where we visited showrooms, and he approved almost all of the furnishings on the spot,” she recalls. “The rest of the pieces were sourced from L.A. or custom fabricated for us.”
When she began work on the project, O’Brien was essentially handed over a white box. In order to channel a sense of calm and sophistication, she incorporated furnishings and light fixtures with architectural appeal, as well as rugs and artwork to warm up the living space. In the dining room, for instance, the focal point is a hanging pendant by Apparatus. With its triangular suspension and a solid brass frame, it immediately catches the eye. “It’s called Trapeze, and we liked that nod to the circus given Sarasota’s history with Ringling,” says O’Brien. “It’s a true conversation piece.”
Th roughout the main living areas, wood flooring arranged in a herringbone pattern brings about an understated elegance. O’Brien says that her client saw similar floors in one of the New York showrooms they visited, sparking the idea: “He was first drawn to herringbone floors in a Paris apartment while he
was traveling for work many years ago, and seeing them again brought him back to that particular point in time.” So in they went into the residence, albeit in a large-scale pattern for a contemporary touch.
To f urther personalize the unit, the design team opted for bespoke white oak cabinetry and shelving in the office. The centerpiece of this space is a photograph of still blue water by Jami Goldman. “It’s a smaller room, so having the perspective of the artwork really draws you in,” notes O’Brien. “Also, the built-ins and the sofa have the proportions of more imposing pieces, and we intentionally kept the same scale to make the space feel more sizable.”
As a whole, the apartment is true to O’Brien’s design intent: curated and refined with a laid-back vibe. “Nothing here tries too hard,” she says. “The floor-to-ceiling windows and 13-foot ceilings bring in great lighting, and the space has a natural urban-meets-coastal feel where one can’t help but be relaxed.”
Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm’s FK87 Grasshopper chair offers an ideal perch for lounging in the primary bedroom. “It’s an iconic and forever piece,” says O’Brien.
SOURCES
LIVING AREA
Sofas – Stephen Kenn, stephenkenn.myshopify.com
Cocktail table – Evan Spencer, evan-spencer.com
Round lighting – Isamu Noguchi, noguchi.org
Drapery – The Shade Store, Tampa, FL
Palm tree – Troy’s Tropics, Sarasota, FL
Area rug – Beni Rugs, benirugs.com
DINING AREA
Table – RH, rh.com
Chairs – Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com
Lighting – Apparatus, apparatusstudio.com
Artwork – Samantha McCurdy, samanthamccurdy.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and island – Pear Tree Cabinets & Design, Sarasota, FL
right: In the guest bedroom, a canopy bed from RH is paired with Serena & Lily’s palm motif wallpaper in a soothing powder blue shade. A scalloped-edge jute rug, also from Serena & Lily, completes the room’s laid-back vibe.
Backsplash – Fireclay Tile, fireclaytile.com
Island chairs – Suite NY, suiteny.com
Pendant Lighting – Allied Maker, alliedmaker.com
DEN
Sofa – Arhaus, Sarasota, FL
Cabinetry designed by Aubrey O’Brien, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by SGR Woodworks, Trumbull, CT
Sconces – CB2, cb2.com
Artwork – Jami Goldman, jamigoldmanphotography.com
Area rug – Beni Rugs, benirugs.com
POWDER ROOM
Cabinetry – Pear Tree Cabinets & Design, Sarasota, FL
Vessel sink – Concretti, concrettidesigns.com
Sconces – RBW, rbw.com
Mirror – Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com
Wallcovering – Gucci Décor, gucci.com
A custom headboard upholstered in Ralph Lauren fabric and floating nightstands are married with carefully selected decorative accents in the primary bedroom, conjuring a tranquil ambience.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Custom bed, headboard, and bedside table designed by Aubrey O’Brien, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by SGR Woodworks, Trumbull, CT
Wall lamp – Allied Maker, alliedmaker.com
Floor lamp – Lumens, lumens.com
Lounge chair – Suite NY, suiteny.com
Area rug – Art + Loom, Miami, FL
GUEST BEDROOM
Poster bed – RH, rh.com
Bedside tables, lamps, wallcovering and area rug –
Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com
THROUGHOUT
Developer – Dunn Hospitality Group, Sarasota, FL
Additional architecture – Halflants & Pichette, Sarasota, FL
Closets – California Closets, Sarasota, FL
Shutters and roller shades – Shutter Elegance, Sarasota, FL
The design team chose a tile for the pool deck that reads similarly to the interior floors to create a visual ease for the transition from indoor to out. “The client, builder, and I felt that placing the continuous glass railing around the exterior of the home and then carrying it inside was a key element,” says designer Jessica Holmes Holiday. “This house is open and free—any other railing would have made it feel fenced in.”
The combined living and dining room was designed for flexibility, as the dining table can also serve as a place for family games or for a workspace. “It is tucked away from heavy traffic flow but not cut off from the living room, which extends effortlessly to the porch and into the kitchen,” says Holiday. “The entertainment console was a key selection to ground the space. It was the first piece of furniture I selected. I was drawn to the warmth of the wood and the texture in the piece.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER JESSICA HOLMES HOLIDAY of HSH Collective in Holmes Beach has an immense appreciation for the quality of the natural light that bathes the homes she creates for clients on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“I watch with fascination as illumination becomes the art for a room,” she explains. “It also helps to capture little peek-a-boos of water or vegetation as highlights beyond the windows.”
Th is aspect of her work was certainly front of mind when she was envisioning the interiors of a 3,600-square-foot residence on Anna Maria Island. “The clients demanded that the house must engage in a natural conversation with its surroundings,” says the designer. “The focus was
below: At the corner of the den just off the kitchen, a textured screen made of wood is one of the rare spots in the home where the glass railing felt too transparent. White oak was specified to echo the flooring that begins on the stairs beyond it and leads to the upper-level bedrooms.
“It gives you a sense of curiosity about the next space and creates a beautiful opportunity to play with natural light,” says Holiday about the slatted partition. “This is one of my favorite corners in the house.”
to achieve such a seamless flow that it wasn’t immediately clear whether you were on the inside or the outside of the home.”
Comfort was also a paramount priority, so spaces for the multigenerational family members to gather and relax together were a must. “Giving the homeowners a variety of seating areas creates flexibility—everyone can be together when the entire family comes to town or the husband and wife can feel cozy when it is just the two of them,” says Holiday. “I planned the seating in a way that I knew some spots would be perfect for someone wanting to quietly read while others would appeal to those looking to gather.”
A Visual Comfort freeform chandelier that would illuminate the entire surface of the island was chosen for the kitchen. “I did not want multiple pendants, and I needed something structured that would provide an ample amount of light since the island is a kitchen workspace,” explains Holiday. All of the shelving and cabinetry is made of rift-cut white oak. Leather counter stools bring warmth to the space.
Installing the kitchen in the middle of the main living spaces is one of the project’s greatest successes. “This is the happiest moment in the house,” she explains. “The kitchen is front and center when you walk through the front door, which in the floor plan made zero sense, but it makes the home feel magical. I chose a white oak for the vertical surfaces and hung a gorgeous but restrained chandelier over the large island.”
Because the designer had completed previous residences for this family, she knew many of their desires upfront. “This house is used as a vacation retreat, a place to nourish the soul, so a relaxed Zen vibe was very important,” says Holiday. “The entire property has a calmness to it, and each space melts into the next. I wanted to embrace that energy by using mostly neutrals in the common areas and diving into some bolder colors in the bedrooms to react to the views through the windows. Each of these spaces feels like it dipped its toes into the color palette that surrounds the house.”
Wh ile the beauty of the residence speaks for itself, Holiday says ensuring function was key. “I always approach design from the needs of the clients first,” she explains. “Knowing how they will use the home is
below: “White seemed the way to go with the dining room table,” says Holiday. “I didn’t want anything harsh or another wood tone. The chairs have the perfect amount of wood to contrast their cream fabric.”
initially the most important thing; then I make sure I reflect the personalities of the homeowners and the natural setting.” The envelope she is working within also provides inspiration. “I love honoring the architecture surrounding my interiors,” she adds. “An example in this case is that with the kitchen being the focal point and the soul energy of the home, it was important that the room relate to the wide expanse of glass sliders that lead to the terrace. This creates a true sense that it’s the heart of the home.”
Holiday’s use of neutrals, the disciplined sprinkling of textural details, the cleanlined but roomy furniture, and her restraint with pops of color coalesce into a serene setting she celebrates for how certain she is the home will be thoroughly enjoyed. “Each space needed to be its own moment,” she notes, “a special place to connect with family or curl up with a book.”
SOURCES
LIVING ROOM
“The clients demanded that the house must engage in a natural conversation with its surroundings,” says designer Jennifer Holmes Holiday. “The focus was to achieve such a seamless flow that it wasn’t immediately clear whether you were on the inside or the outside of the home.”
Buffet – Pink Pineapple, Bradenton, FL
Sconces – Shades of Light, shadesoflight.com
Sofa and club chairs, cocktail table, and buffet – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Area rug – Annie Selke, annieselke.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and island – Progressive Cabinetry, Bradenton, FL
Stools – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Lighting – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
DINING ROOM
Table – Palecek, palecek.com
Chairs and buffet – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Mirror and lamps – Pink Pineapple, Bradenton, FL
UPSTAIRS FAMILY ROOM
Sofa, club chairs, and cocktail table – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Outdoor table and chairs – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Area rug – Annie Selke, annieselke.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed, headboard, bedside tables, and bench – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Lamps – Pink Pineapple, Bradenton, FL
Area rug – Annie Selke, annieselke.com
THROUGHOUT
Millwork – Mason Martin Builders, Bradenton, FL
Landscape architect – Altman Landscape, Sarasota, FL
Pool designed by HSH Collective, Holmes Beach, FL, and fabricated by Agnelli Pools, Bradenton, FL
Pool lounges and side tables – Four Hands, fourhands.com
above: “In the bedrooms, I leaned into the natural colors from the environment around the home,” says Holiday. “The residence faces a bay, so the tones echo the color of the water, the cabbage palms, the fig trees, and the herons that fly up to perch on the home’s dock.”
LIGHT, COLOR, AND TEXTURE INTERACT EFFORTLESSLY IN JOAN KONKEL’S THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCULPTURES— AND SARASOTA DESIGNER NIKKI SEDACCA IS PERFECTLY FINE WITH THAT
THE TASTEMAKER: An art and design lover, Nikki Sedacca is the lead designer at Curated Interiors in Sarasota. With 35 years of experience behind her, Sedacca has made a name for herself for homes with a refined sense of color, light, texture, and pattern.
THE OBJECT: “My work unchains color and allows it to cross dimensions,” says artist Joan Konkel. “It aims to create a unique realm where light, color, and space interact with metal and layered mesh to form a visual labyrinth.” We couldn’t think of a better statement to describe Whimsy in Blue , an amorphous sculpture that’s both abstract and organic at the same time.
IN HER WORDS: “Joan Konkel’s approach to layering gives her sculptures incredible depth and movement,” says Sedacca. “This piece would make a perfect statement in a neutral, texturerich living room, serving as both the focal point and a source of inspiration for accent colors.” curatedinteriorssrq.com; joankonkel.com