Florida Design Naples 7.1

FLORIDA DESIGN

At

Nothing Compares.

Let us showcase your home like no other.

The choice when selling precious assets— including your home

Neal

EVERY GREAT DESIGN BEGINS WITH AN EVEN BETTER STORY. YOURS.

EVERY GREAT DESIGN BEGINS WITH AN EVEN BETTER STORY. YOURS.

Discover how our acclaimed design team creates bespoke luxury interior design solutions driven by the chapters of your life that inspire you. Schedule a complimentary personal Design Profile at our inspiration studio located in Mercato, Naples or at DWest.com.

Discover how our acclaimed design team creates bespoke luxury interior design solutions driven by the chapters of your life that inspire you. Schedule a complimentary personal Design Profile at our inspiration studio located in Mercato, Naples or at DWest.com.

At Kalea Bay, the perfect day ends in “Y”

Deciding which day is the best day at Kalea Bay is quite simple. It’s any day that ends in “Y.”

Mondays are made for workouts on our sky deck. Tuesdays are for tennis. On Wednesdays, watch the sun setting from your oversized lanai. Treat yourself on Thursdays with poolside service – around each of our three pools. Friday night fun is always found at the Club and around the bar. Splash away your Saturdays atop 23 stories at our rooftop pool. Sunday morning mimosas taste best when sipped in your very own stylish, sophisticated space.

Yes, every day is the best day at Kalea Bay.

DreamHome

Many first discover us from their friends who are lifelong clients. Others through referrals from the region’s most renowned architects and interior designers. And some who came across a Diamond simply while meeting a new neighbor.

Discover us and create your own Diamond today.

FLORIDA DESIGN

Autumn At Home

FEATURES

162 NAUTICAL NOTES

INTERIOR DESIGN BY SHERRI DUPONT & HAILEY BURKHARDT

AR CHITECTURE BY MHK ARCHITECTURAL & PLANNING

Subtle maritime moxie makes all the difference in a coastal contemporary residence.

170 NEXT-LEVEL STYLE

INTERIOR DESIGN BY WENDY BERRY

BU ILDER: C.R. SMITH

A Kal ea Bay penthouse in infused with a metropolitan vibe devoid of coastal clichés.

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

152 COTTAGE CACHET

INTERIOR DESIGN BY MICHELLE STAHL

BU ILDER: DIAMOND CUSTOM HOMES

A Fort Myers Beach cottage gets a second life as a vacation residence thanks to a thorough renovation.

180 MODERN MONOCHROME

INTERIOR DESIGN BY MINKA MCDONALD & LUCY WARREN

A design team showcases its talent for the understated with a black-and-white palette in a Downtown condo.

188 NEW HISTORY

INTERIOR DESIGN BY GLORIA BLACK

AR CHITECTURE BY GREGG WEBER & ADNAN AHMEDIC

A designer embraces the classical and vintage in a new build with inspiring results.

Copyright 2022, Florida Design’s Naples Edition Volume 7#1 Fall 2022/Winter 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Palm Beach Media Group. Neither the publishers nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Ads in this publication are not intended as an offer where prohibited by state laws. Florida Design’s Naples Edition is published by Palm Beach Media Group North. Subscriptions are available for $19 per year: circulation@floridadesign.com. Postage paid at West Palm Beach, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Palm Beach Media Group, 1000 N. Dixie Hwy., Suite C, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

COTTAGE CACHET A Waterside Reinvention

Myers

GULF GEM

INTERIOR DESIGN BY RANDI SCOTT & LIZ BROWN

CHITECTURE BY C.R.SMITH

by the water

out to

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

INTERIOR DESIGN BY CARLEEN YOUNG

HITECTURE BY ROD ASHMORE

model home

purpose

A STEP ABOVE

INTERIOR DESIGN BY ALEXIS THIES & EMILY SCHLIMM

CHITECTURE BY RICH GUZMAN

living

ROTHKO OR THE KNOLL?

CULTURE CLUB

BOOKS

124 MAGIC TOUCH

A volume on Dorothy Draper by the late Carleton Varney highlights the life of the grand dame of design by her ultimate fan and champion.

ARCHITECTURE

128 STRUCTURAL INTREGRITY

Architects Randall Stofft and John Cooney share their insight on design as their firm celebrates two decades of superior work.

GARDENS

134 EUROPEAN PERSUASION

A Naples home’s outdoor spaces pays tribute to farmhouse gardens across the pond.

DISPATCH

140 CULTURE CLUB

Regional traditions work their way into the design aesthetic of the new W Algarve in Portugal.

FD EVENTS

228 THE RIGHT SETTING

The League Club celebrates the art of tabletop with Naples Tables.

BEST OF SHOW

232 FALL DEBUTS

Standout selections from High Point Market’s spring 2022 edition deserve renewed attention.

DESIGN RESOURCES

234 ART SHOWCASE

COVET

238 STYLE CROSSING

Designer Laurie Walter clues us in on her chic chair of choice.

FLORIDA DESIGN

Daphne

Riki

Annette

CONTRIBUTING

Jean

Selene

Kayla

Ileana

DIGITAL

redefine luxury

THE DREAM FACTORY

Provident Jewelry is proud to present The Dream Factoryin Naples, Florida.

An innovative approach to luxury; join us to indulge in a vintage wine, fine scotch or gourmet coffee while you browse the finest timepieces & the most luxurious jewelry available.

WEST PALM NAPLES JUPITER FORT MYERS

FLORIDA DESIGN

Art Gallery 5th Avenue South, Naples

Kathleen

Beth

Coronel

AUTUMN AGENDA

As I write this, temperatures are still hovering around the upper 90s most days, but Florida is ready for autumn. Fields promising pumpkin patches, hay mazes, and warm cider seem more prevalent than ever this year—who cares if sweater weather is nowhere on the forecast? In these parts, we do traditions our way!

Here in Naples, the start of fall doesn’t come with falling leaves or brisk breezes, but there’s certainly change in the (humid) air. The Gulf Coast’s summer doldrums aren’t as comatose as they once were, but autumn still has a get-back-to-business vibe as part-time residents return to their homes. The same can be said of the region’s design scene, which is the reason behind the timing of this issue. Consider this volume a harbinger of good things to come.

Let’s start with our cover. All of us in editorial instantly fell in love with the image by photographer Venjhamin Reyes of a modern cottage in Fort Myers Beach that was brought back to life by Michelle Stahl and the team at Freestyle Interiors. The way in which Venjhamin captured the indoor/outdoor spirit of this home signifies what living in Southwest Florida is all about. The fact that there’s a compelling story about collaboration and preservation behind the photo made it all the more special, and contributor Michelle Payer details all that in her article. Of course, that’s just one of the compelling features in this edition. There are seven others highlighting interiors by the region’s top talents that are just as worthy of your attention.

The rest of our pages are equally enticing. Our Details pages are as dynamic as ever thanks to the shrewd scouting efforts of Acquisitions Editor Annette Sessa-Galbo. Our FD Asks department features insightful conversations with a trio of Naples designers about approaching art collections in interior design commissions. I very much enjoyed speaking to architects Randall Stofft and John Cooney about their 20 years (and counting) in Naples. Our showrooms coverage features two very different new home stores in Florida. And I have to draw your attention to our new department, In-Depth, in which we dissect an artisan piece in what we hope is an interesting design backstory.

I can’t leave you without mentioning our Florida Design Seaglass Awards, a project we’ve been working on for months. This new event will recognize the talents of our design community on a statewide level (in case you’re not aware, FD has a quarterly statewide edition as well), and we’re certain that Southwest Florida will feature prominently in there. The actual awards ceremony will take place sometime in spring 2023, but in the meantime, we want your input on nominees. Log on to fdseaglassawards.com for all the details on how to get involved.

Looks like a busy season is ahead for all of us. Here’s to an exciting fall.

LUIS R. RIGUAL Editor-in-Chief lrigual@floridadesign.com

JUDI TH LIEG EOIS

Inspiration Starts Here

This beautiful fall/winter edition celebrates the seventh anniversary of Florida Design Naples and my first issue as publisher of this esteemed title. I have been a huge fan of this publication since its inception, so I feel honored to be part of a team that takes so much pride in their work and consistently delivers such a superior product—a magazine that reflects the beauty of Southwest Florida and highlights the design talent of this exciting region. There’s certainly no shortage of that in these parts.

Our proximity to the water and the natural beauty of Southwest Florida provide infinite design possibilities to homebuyers. The boundaries of outside and inside are often blurred, and we cherish the cooler months ahead when living outdoors is the norm. Our vibrant design community is rapidly growing, and we are no longer defined by one type of design style. As you will see in this issue, the editorial team has curated an impressive lineup of home features that reflect this mix of ideas. Our stunning cover story is the perfect example of that. It’s hard to believe this Fort Myers Beach cottage was once a forgotten property ready to be torn down until a couple from Minnesota discovered its potential and decided to bring it back to life. They could have easily torn down the structure to build a new one, but instead they opted to renovate the place and preserve its history. They did this with the help of the pros at Freestyle Interiors & Design, a Bonita Springs firm whose outstanding work is no stranger to these pages. Isn’t it the perfect inside-outside Florida house? Of course, the rest of the features don’t fall short on inspiration. From penthouses to beachside estates, the editorial team scoured the Gulf Coast to bring our readers multiple representations of superlative interior design. Equally impressive are the articles on new products, architecture, hospitality, new showrooms, and festive tabletops.

As I see it, your home should be a refuge from the outside world, a place to feel happy, safe, and comfortable. All the residences in this edition deliver these attributes and so much more. I hope you enjoy reading about them, and everything else in this volume, as much as I did.

Enjoy the issue.

LIZ GOODMAN Publisher

PHOTO

L’art de Vivre • The art of Living

MICHELLE STAHL

Freestyle Interiors & Design

“Cottage Cachet,” page 152

Restoring historic properties to new glory is as rewarding as interior design commissions get. Michelle Stahl recently got to flex those muscles at a 1940s-era cottage in Fort Myers Beach that she modernized into the spectacular beach house that fronts this edition’s cover. Stahl researched similar properties before tackling the job to ensure everything was done to her specific liking. “It was about creating a new home,” she says, “but we also wanted to honor the original style and architecture.”

HAILEY BURHARDT & SHERRI DUPONT

Collins DuPont Design Group

“Nautical Notes,” page 162

A residence on the water with a boat garage all but screams nautical design. For Sherri DuPont and Hailey Burhardt, however, the key to a Mangrove Bay home was to incorporate the maritime look in subtle ways that didn’t venture into cliché territory. “We chose a contemporary nautical décor that doesn’t knock you over the head,” says DuPont. “It’s a traditional maritime look with a wink and a smile.” Their subdued coastal vibe works in every way.

WENDY BERRY

W Design

“Next-Level Style,” page 170

When a Midwestern couple hired Wendy Berry to spearhead the design of their Naples’ penthouse in Kalea Bay, the husband and wife were clear about what they did not want: coastal influences. “They wanted clean and modern; a residence that [would be just as appropriate] in New York City or Chicago,” says Berry. The designer delivered on that directive with a metropolitan vibe that’s nuanced, textured, and full of visual surprises. “It’s a sophisticated space that’s in tune with their active Naples lifestyle.”

MINKA MCDONALD

Jinx McDonald Interior Design

“Modern Monochrome,” page 180

Designer Minka McDonald likes to incorporate color into her projects, and most of her clients ask her to raise the volume on hues as far as coastal homes are concerned. But a recent commission in Downtown Naples called for the opposite of that. The Ronto Group instructed McDonald and Lucy Warren to design a condo model unit using a mostly black and white palette. McDonald delivered with a residence that the designer calls “elevated, sophisticated, organic, warm, young, and current.”

GLORIA BLACK

Gloria Black Design

“New History,” page

A new build in North Naples for a New England family recently allowed designer Gloria Black to do something she wasn’t expecting. The clients urged her to incorporate Old World ideas into the built-from-scratch residence, and Black did not disappoint them. “I endeavored to achieve classical architectural elements mixed with fresh, clean furnishings, and finishes,” says Black. “A mix of old and new; honoring history, yet enhancing it for today’s lifestyle.” In other words: the best of both worlds.

RANDI SCOTT

Calusa Bay Design “Gulf Gem,” page

As soon as a Vermont couple decided to make the move to a high-rise Naples residence by the water, they called Randi Scott and Liz Brown of Calusa Bay Design to give the property its design identity. “They requested light wood floors and dark wood features, which is something you don’t hear very often in Naples,” says Scott. “And no florals or botanicals of any kind. Just a straightforward schematic of whites, grays, and navies that tied into the finishes and wouldn’t compete with their art collection.”

ROD ASHMORE & CARLEEN YOUNG Ashmore Design

“Great Expectations,” page 208

A recent model home commission put the talents of Rod Ashmore and Carleen Young to the test. The duo was asked to design a 4,700-square-foot residence in Naples, and midway through the project, they were directed to incorporate the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert collection into the design. The team came through with a contemporary residence distinguished by custom ceiling features and a polished midcentury modern vibe that sold the place in record time.

ALEX THIES

Adelyn Charles

“A Step Above,” page 216

Soon after a Midwestern couple enlisted Potter Homes to build their dream vacation home from the ground up, they called on Alex Thies to oversee the design of the residence, something that the designer says made all the difference: “Our niche is new beachfront construction, and when we get involved at the very start of a project, we have an opportunity to deliver everything at a higher level.” True to her word, Thies gave her clients a beachside retreat that’s sophisticated and cozy.

TEXTILE TACTICS

Orchids Have Dreams is one in a handful of patterns in artist Hera Ford’s new fabrics collection for Schumacher. Ethereal and poetic, the designs retain the character of Ford’s botanical illustrations while evoking a personal connection to the Mississippi plantation where her grandmother was born. fschumacher.com

MAGICAL THINKING

TEXT LUIS R. RIGUAL

ABOVE:

Beckmann’s

ABOVE:

Objets Nomades collection from LOUIS VUITTON

Introducing Our Bonita Springs FL Showroom!

Introducing Our Bonita Springs FL Showroom!

For over 15 years, Custom Floors Design has been proudly serving Clients in Massachusetts. We have expanded our services to the SWF area. Our design showrooms are located in Stoneham MA, and Bonita Springs, FL. We carry a wide selection of the finest luxury carpeting and area rugs. In our design showrooms, we provide a comprehensive design and fabrication service to help create custom carpets and rugs for our clients. We also have an exclusive collection of our own carpet and rug designs in a variety of luxury fibers and textures. We specialize in custom design and reproduction of fine carpets and rugs, custom fabrication, binding, serging, wall-to-wall and custom stair runner installation.

For over 15 years, Custom Floors Design has been proudly serving Clients in Massachusetts. We have expanded our services to the SWF area. Our design showrooms are located in Stoneham MA, and Bonita Springs, FL. We carry a wide selection of the finest luxury carpeting and area rugs. In our design showrooms, we provide a comprehensive design and fabrication service to help create custom carpets and rugs for our clients. We also have an exclusive collection of our own carpet and rug designs in a variety of luxury fibers and textures. We specialize in custom design and reproduction of fine carpets and rugs, custom fabrication, binding, serging, wall-to-wall and custom stair runner installation.

24830 S Tamiami Trail STE 3100

24830 S Tamiami Trail STE 3100

Bonita Springs FL 34134 | O. (239) 221-7278

Bonita Springs FL 34134 | O. (239) 221-7278

CustomFloorsDesign.com

CustomFloorsDesign.com

Scan to schedule a showroom visit

Scan to schedule a showroom visit

Into the Deep

1 Diverse sea organisms populate the Mikonos wallcovering by SCHUMACHER in a motif that’s meant to be noticed. schumacher.com 2 Shell discs in various sizes frame the Abaco mirror by OUR BOAT HOUSE for a home accent that’s both textural and beautiful to look at. ourboathouse.com

3 The manta ray gets the golden treatment in this PULLCAST drawer handle shaped like the beloved sea critter. pullcast.eu 4 A school of fish swim across an azure sea in this pattern by designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for THE RUG COMPANY. Is this wool carpeting or underfoot art? therugcompany.com 5 Reminiscent of barnacles that thrive in tidal waters, the Dakota vase by ARTERIORS is handmade with porcelain and then coated with a matte bisque glaze (with droplets of blue inside the shells) for a most realistic finish. arteriorshome.com 6 Clear beads that hang down like tentacles and a dimpled nickel shade give the Medusa pendant by CURREY & COMPANY an artisan quality that highlights the superior skills of the brand’s craftspeople. curreyandcompany.com

LEFT: For the Senjyo pendant for CURREY & COMPANY, Hiroshi Koshitaka uses rattan woven around a wrought iron frame to explore his fascination with the color field tradition of the 1940s. curreyandcompany.com

ORGANIC TOUCH

RATTAN INFUSES ALL-NATURAL CHARACTER IN OUR LIVING SPACES

TEXT LUIS R. RIGUAL

RIGHT: Made of mahogany wrapped with rattan, the Scallop table by SERENA & LILY can work as a nightstand, a hallway accent, or a side table. serenaandlily.com

ABOVE: A geometric frame made of hand-bent rattan gives the Geneva mirror by SELAMAT its multi-dimensional effect. selamatdesigns.com

BELOW: The height variations on the panels of the Paola dressing screen by SWEETPEA & WILLOW add dimension and natural appeal to the bedroom. sweetpeaandwillow.com

by

LEFT: Reeds are fastened to a sinuous framework and finished in a honey-toned stain coated with glossy lacquer to infuse the Riviera lounge chair JONATHAN ADLER with what he calls a modern take on ’50s French rattan style. jonathanadler.com

BLUE PERIOD

FROM FURNITURE TO ACCENTS, NAPLES’ COLOR OF CHOICE REMAINS AS RELEVANT AS EVER

TEXT LUIS R. RIGUAL

RIGHT: Handmade with hair-on-hide from Italian and French tanneries, the Bloom rug by KYLE BUNTING is a meticulous study in texture. kylebunting.com

LEFT: The intense cobalt resin of the handmade Omer table by MADE GOODS makes it an eye-catching accent piece in any space. madegoods.com

ABOVE: The mix of Prussian blue drawers and gray veneer curved doors infuses the Da Vita dresser by CARACOLE with a sophisticated profile influenced by a modern Italian aesthetic. caracole.com

In a charming shade of coastal blue, the Juliet chest by MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS is a chic storage solution for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and entryways. mgbwhome.com

BELOW: Blue velvet, brushed brass, and Art Deco inpiration come together effortlessly in the Andrea ottoman by ARTERIORS, a piece marked by intrinsic arteriorshome.com

LEFT: The fluted porcelain shade of the Dulcet pendant by CURREY & COMPANY is a festive celebration of color with various tones of blue at the forefront. curreyandcompany.com

and 1940s glamour.

Hardware Upgrade

TEXT LUIS R. RIGUAL

A collaboration between interior designer Charlotte Lucas and MODERN MATTERS, the Capsule Collection of decorative hardware takes its cues from a fusion of coastal motifs, making it ideal for homes on these parts of Florida. modern-matters.com

ABOVE: Either with brass accents or without, these doorknobs by NANZ are available in standard, custom-plated, or patinated finishes. nanz.com

BELOW: Asymmetrical polished brass tubes give the Brubeck door lever by PULLCAST its sculptural quality. pullcast.eu

LEFT: Honoring Roman sculpture and architecture, the Niemeyer Collection of wing handles from JET CLASS is enriched with gold, silver, or champagne leaf finishing. jetclass.pt

BELOW: Conceived by Marie-Véronique

Swannell, the Signature Collection of drawer handles from HAUTE DECO explores how bronze accents are sublimated when refracted through a layer of cristalle glass. hautedeco.com

LEFT: Layered petals cradle the bulb in the Glam Lotus sconce by SHADES OF LIGHT shadesoflight.com

BELOW: The Azu linear pendant by FINE ART HANDCRAFTED LIGHTING takes its name from the azucena flower as it offers an interplay of crystal and gold brushed metal adornments. finearthl.com

In Full Bloom

FLORAL THEMES TAKE OVER LIGHTING

R.

RIGHT: Composed of 420 handcrafted porcelain leaves, the Gingko chandelier by ANDREEA BRAESCU is a bespoke statement to artistry and imagination. andreeabraescu.com

RIGHT: Slim like the woman who inspired it, the Twiggy floor lamp by MITZI is just the right amount of groovy thanks to retro white petals that sprout from an opal bulb. mitzi.com

ABOVE: Known for its golden glow, the Paavo chandelier by HUDSON VALLEY features delicate discs of soft-white plaster and gold leaf above an opal glossy shade. hvlgroup.com

the hot stuff

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

s

Featuring a brown chevron pattern when closed, the DrawBar cooling drawer by DOMETIC offers room for five wine bottles, as well as integrated design that makes us wonder why no one had come up with this idea before. dometic.com

s

Two cups, one machine—that’s the idea behind the Coffee Select by MIELE, which brews dual lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and regular coffees with ease. mieleusa.com

Engineered for home chefs, the 30-inch or 36-inch gas cooktop by THERMADOR offers state-of-the-art heat distribution, bases made for easy cleanup, and metal knobs with blue illumination. thermador.com

s

All ice is not equal! The Opal Nugget ice maker by GE APPLIANCES makes the frozen stuff out of compacted ice flakes to avoid clumping. Cheers to that. geappliances.com

s

The single mixer faucet by OFFICINE GULLO features a left-side joystick that resembles those found on boats and yachts. But instead of engaging the engine, this one controls the water temperature. us.officinegullo.com

s

Since its introduction a couple of years back, the Dolce & Gabbana electric kettle for SMEG has become the chic kitchen’s appliance of choice thanks to its colorful Sicilian motifs. smeg.com

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Alfresco Flair

IN FLORIDA, OUTDOOR LIVING GETS MORE APPEALING COME FALL AND WINTER.

ARE FIVE FUN MUST-HAVES FOR

LEISURE

1 The Bum-bum speakers by Eugeni Quitllet for VONDOM are meant to recall seashells we hold up to our ears to hear the ocean. Let them play your life soundtrack this autumn and into the new year. vondom.com

2

The handmade Laurel surfboard by Thierry Andre for CASA BLANCA can indeed hit the waves if required, but its bold green imagery also makes it ideal as a decorative wall accent. casablancaparis.com

3

Alerting all Gulf Coast Cleopatras! Made of Corian material, the Miami outdoor bed by EICHHOLTZ is accented with banana leaves in a golden finish for a decadent tropical statement. eichholtz.com

4 A cocoon of sorts, the Cube by SKYLINE DESIGN features an intricate pattern shell that lets sunlight and breezes in. skylinedesign.com

5 Your next pool party just got an upgrade! The Dayclub floating cabana by FUN BOY is designed for four lucky souls with dual mesh baths and a central niche for drinks or a speaker. funboy.com

character study

ITALIAN DESIGNER IVAN PARADISI BRINGS LUSCIOUS TEXTURES TO THE FOREFRONT WITH THE STELLA ROSSA CABINET

ONE OF A KIND

A bespoke piece in every way, the Stella Rossa cabinet was conceived by Ivan Paradisi, a singer turned furniture designer. The piece is marked by straight lines and wooden inlays that come to life with different layers and curves. As Paradisi puts it: “The idea was to create an elegant and unconventional piece that would catch the eye with its peculiar silhouette. I wanted to break the standard for bar furniture.”

IN THE MIX

The front doors of the Stella Rossa feature colored maple, ebony, and brass in an eyecatching mix. “Maple is flexible, malleable, and easy to color, so it allows me to realize a lot of my ideas,” says Paradisi.

“Ebony is more capricious, but it’s the most noble of the precious woods and I wanted to add this elegant touch. As for brass, it was a way to combine stability and infuse some character.”

TIME & PATIENCE

A piece like the Stella Rossa cabinet takes about 13 to 15 weeks to complete. “All my furniture is 100 percent handmade,” says Paradisi. “I start from the base and grow it piece by piece. All this time is worth the end result.”

INSIDE STORY

Beyond the Stella Rossa’s impressive shell is a leatherlined interior with three shelves. “I couldn’t just concentrate on the appearance,” says Paradisi. “I understand that furniture still needs to be practical.”

SUPPORT GROUP

“The legs had to be able to hold a heavy asymmetrical structure, the body if you will,” says Paradisi. “I found the solution with these elegant legs that look thin and weak, but are actually very sturdy.” ivanparadisi.com

PHOTO

IVAN PARADISI

“Good design has the power to influence and transform daily life.”

Rattan Revival

DESIGNER JOE COLOMBO’S MOST UNLIKELY COLLECTION GETS A REINVENTION

Known for his love of what was new and next, industrial designer Joe Colombo was a futurist through and through. That’s why he seemed a most unlikely candidate back when manufacturer Pierantonio Bonacina tapped him to create the Basket collection, a line of furniture made from rattan, the most unfuturistic of materials (especially back in the future-obsessed 1960s). Apparently, Bonacina saw what the rest of his contemporaries couldn’t. Colombo’s modernist sensibilities injected new life to rattan’s organic lines, and aesthetes were delighted with the innovative balance he brought to the line. This fall, Danish brand GUBI is relaunching the collection (out of circulation for decades) with three of its most popular pieces: a three-seater sofa, a two-seater sofa, and a lounge chair, all of which share the same construction. The items now feature a more environmentally responsible steel skeleton covered

with woven rattan skin made from interlaced strips and oval stakes. “It’s a privilege to revive Joe Colombo’s extraordinary vision,” says Marie Kristine Schmidt, chief marketing officer at GUBI. “Rattan is not a material commonly associated with his work, so it’s wonderful to showcase the diversity of the output he achieved.” gubi.com

ON THE SURFACE Mosaic manufacturer New Ravenna has introduced five new additions to its Studio Line collection, bringing the total number of designs to a whopping 82. The selections, available for both residential and commercial installations, include Jute (a textile pattern in tumbled stone), Twill (which emulates a dried eucalyptus leaf), Arbus and Gridded Check (both of which feature geometric patterns and warm tones), and Orion (a reverse of the original black-and-white version honed with Thassos and accented with brass stars). The natural stone mosaics are all handcrafted at New Ravenna’s Virginia headquarters and available for shipping in two days. newravenna.com –LRR

left inset: Late designer Joe Colombo below: The lounge chairs from the Basket collection for GUBI are constructed of steel and then covered with rattan.

above: New Ravenna’s Orion mosaic features a pattern of brass stars.

The brand’s Jute and Arbus patterns can be installed indoors or out.

Patio Principles

BELAMO BRINGS ITS GARDEN PARTY TO NAPLES

ABOVE: Belamo’s Senso dining table features an oak surface atop an aluminum frame.

The brand’s new showroom in Naples features vignettes of its various collections.

Just in time for fall’s alfresco celebrations, Belamo, the high-end outdoor furniture brand with roots in Belgium, has opened a new showroom (its third in the U.S) on Tamiami Trail North. The 6,000-square-foot space caters to both designers and the public with its own collection of artisanlike pieces (known for integrating powder-coated aluminum frames, Italian ceramic tabletops, and reclaimed teak), as well as offerings from brands such as Roolf Living, Fatboy, and Les Jardins. belamo-design.com

WINDOW WONDERS

The new Old World Suite collection from Hope’s Windows is not entirely true to its name. The line does feature an early 1900s aesthetic on its glass-and-steel windows and doors, but the strength and performance of said pieces is as 2022 as manufacturing gets with features such as thermal technology, insulation for optimal energy efficiency, and virtually unlimited fix and operable window configurations. hopeswindows.com –LRR

DECO MOVES

Art Deco style is hard to beat when it comes to inspiration. The movement’s happy colors, smooth lines, and geometric ornamentation can’t help but delight the eye. NIBA Designs has captured all those qualities in its new rug collection, a line inspired by the style’s influence on the architecture of New York City and Miami. A dozen or so patterns pay tribute to well-known landmarks, including Modernity, which nods to Manhattan’s Flatiron Building, Skyscraper, with chevron motifs that allude to South Beach’s pastel properties, and Interlace, which recalls the curves of the Raleigh Hotel pool. nibadesigns.com –LRR

LUIS R. RIGUAL

ABOVE: Steel and frosted glass wall and door system from Hope’s Windows’ Old World Suite

ABOVE: NIBA Design’s new rugs feature Art Decoinspired patterns such as Stained Glass.

FROM

The brand’s U Turn and Modernity patterns

Five-Star Quality

MEYER DAVIS BRINGS ITS LESS-IS-MORE DESIGN AESTHETIC TO THE RITZCARLTON RESIDENCES, ESTERO BAY

OBJECT OF DESIRE

We love artisan. We adore handmade. We die for out-of-the-box. The new Sierra coffee table by Mavimatt is all three. The piece consists of two parts: a body in the shape of a diamond with a very thin tip to give the impression that it’s suspended in the air, and a cater mold that simulates spilled liquid. Made from a mixture of carbon and fiberglass (or cast metal, marble, and malachite for some custom editions), the Sierra comes in various finishes and colors for the ultimate living room statement. mavimatt.com –LRR

BELOW: The Sierra coffee table by Mavimatt is a design marvel in more ways than one.

Top-tier talents continue to put their imprint on Florida. No stranger to real estate properties in Miami, Meyer Davis, the New York-based multi-disciplinary studio headed up by Will Meyer and Gray Davis, has been tapped to work its design magic closer to home in the public spaces of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay. The property, which will consist of two towers (housing 224 condominiums starting at $2.8 million), won’t be completed until 2025, but developers recently revealed renderings that showcase what interested buyers can expect. In terms of design, Meyer Davis, whose mantra is “intelligent subtraction yields the greatest results,” is expected to deliver natural colors and raw textures that capture the essence of the Gulf Coast. In other words? The kind of exotic surfaces, custom millwork, and lighting sentiments those seven-figure price tags demand. theresidencesesterobay.com

ABOVE: A rendering of the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay shows Meyer Davis’ interior design. LEFT: The project will consist of two towers housing 224 residences.

FABRICS OF OUR LIVES

As the days get shorter and the nights grow milder, Gulf Coast Floridians await that first winter snap with anticipation. Bella Notte’s new collection was conceived with those sweater-weather lovers in mind. The line includes a variety of snuggle-up items, including the Vienna throw, a rich blanket made of chenille jacquard with a silk trim that has cold front written all over it. Additional selections include cushions and pillowcases, all made in small batches with low-impact dyes to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint. bellanottelinens.com

–LRR

chenille.

TEXT LUIS R. RIGUAL

The BIG COVER-UP

Holly Hunt’s new Langham wallcovering is made up of hand-applied metal leaf squares that create a wide grid pattern.

MORE IS MORE

Holly Hunt welcomes autumn with 18 new wallcoverings that range from performance vinyl to hand-applied metal leaf in a variety of textural patterns. Various moods and colors are covered with selections such as Ponti (a tight pattern of horizontal stripes that resembles woven textiles), Rossi (a backdrop reminiscent of paper weave), and Alberti (a contemporary take on the classic straw motif). hollyhunt.com

LEFT: Made entirely of metal leafing, Holly Hunt’s Waldorf wallcovering features tonal variations, imperfect edges, and delicate textures.

Samples from the Second Glance and Setai collections of wallpaper

SILENT BEAUTY

There’s much more than meets the eye in Arte’s new collection of wallcoverings, Objet. The line draws inspiration from decorative mouldings such as skirting boards, cornices, wainscoting, and panels, and all coverings are finished with a suede-like material that’s extra tactile. Additionally, the fabric’s 3D quality enables it to absorb sound more fully, which makes it ideal for controlling acoustics in home theaters, offices, and baby nurseries. arte-international.com

A light blue version of the Grandeur wallcovering from Arte’s Objet collection highlights the fabric’s elegant look, which makes it ideal for formal rooms.

FROM TOP: Details of Objet’s Pantheon (in beige) and Grandeur (in purple) wallcoverings by Arte

PHOTO

COURTESY OF ARTE

Taking Indoor Design & Comfort Outdoors

RESEARCH PROJECT

When Palm Beach designer Leta Austin was tapped by Waterhouse Wallhangings to create her first wallpaper line, the tastemaker didn’t hesitate. She pored through thousands of wallpaper designs in Waterhouse’s archives in New York and came up with 70 prints. Highlights include everything from Les Jeux Orietaux, depicting Asian scenes and characters, to La Chasseur et Village, motifs that recall the court of Versailles. waterhousewallhangings.com

FROM TOP: Two samples of the Sky & Branca Red line from La Vita Giardino by Alessandra BrancaLA DOLCE VITA

Home doyenne and Palm Beach regular Alessandra Branca is no stranger to textiles, and her latest collection is an homage to her Italian upbringing. La Vita Giardino offers fabric selections meant for outdoor use that can handle anything the elements throw at them. Patterns include Sky & Branca Red (think summer vacations), Terracotta & Nero (inspired by Villa Kerylos), and Verde & Portuguese (a nod to Bahamian gardens). casabranca.com

FROM

LEFT: Leta Austin’s wallpaper collection for Waterhouse Wallhangings includes the patterns Foster Stripe, Petite Fougere, and Les Jeux Orientaux, all based on vintage designs from Waterhouse’s archives.

FROM

Samples of the lines Terracotta & Nero (top) and Verde & Portuguese from La Vita Giardino by Alessandra Branca

Photographer: Spacecrafting

ANGELA FINE FURNISHINGS

Angela Fine Furnishings is a luxury retail store and design studio owned by Angela Lossia. Her showroom is an ever-changing display of unique art, accessories, lighting, and furniture, all selected by Lossia’s discerning eye. Need help filling in empty bookshelves or accessorizing your master bedroom? A licensed interior designer is available to assist you with all types of projects. Lossia’s design team has extensive product knowledge and experience to help you select the perfect items. The team can oversee your project from idea inception to completion. Angela Fine Furnishings in North Naples should be your next go-to destination.

Naples, FL 34110

PBS CONTRACTORS

Established in 1986, PBS Contractors serves the Naples and Southwest Florida community with a concierge approach to its clients, ensuring relationships are built on trust. As Naples’ only Concierge Builder, PBS approaches each unique project by focusing on clients’ needs, desires, and design aesthetic, and building a partnership with each client from concept through completion. The company’s primary focus is providing exceptional service and fostering lifelong relationships while delivering expectations above and beyond. Whether you are looking to build your custom luxury dream home or hire the firm as your renovation specialist, PBS Contractors’ commitment to excellence and exceptional client service promises to support you every step. That’s what sets it apart and is the PBS advantage.

PBS CONTRACTORS

Corporate Square

FL

JUDITH LIEGEOIS

The Rothko or the Knoll?

BLENDING HARMONIOUS INTERIORS WITH CHERISHED ARTWORKS REMAINS ONE OF DECOR’S MOST DELICATE BALANCING ACTS. HERE, THREE NAPLES DESIGNERS REVEAL THEIR RESPECTIVE APPROACHES

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

far left inset: Designer Judith Liegeois far left: A Liegeoisdesigned foyer proffers an artful setting without any traditional art per se, but rather exquisite furnishings.

left: “Here is an example of creating a space that works with an existing art collection,” says Liegeois of this North Naples residence featuring art by Richard Merchán. “The owner is a working artist and a collector. We blended her collection into the studio, and also gave her space for her own creativity.”

What’s the first thing you think when you know an upcoming design commission involves an art collection? I think, ‘Oh, yes!’ An original, wellcurated art collection is the ultimate gift to a design project.

What’s the most important aspect to consider when dealing with art in a design job? Balance. It’s about connecting the art with the intimacy of the space, and, more importantly, the art relating to the client.

In terms of new builds, have you helped many clients start an art collection as part of your design process? Some. In those instances, art incorporation is the last step of the project. That doesn’t mean we haven’t found pieces along the way, but we wait until the end to reflect back on what pieces are needed to complete the collection.

Your portfolio features numerous commissions in which you’ve incorporated very artistic furnishings and accessories. Would you say

that’s just as involved as working with a more traditional art collection? Absolutely, 100 percent. In approaching a design project, furnishings and lighting are an added dimensional element to the space. It comes down to form and function.

Do you find a particular genre of art more difficult to work with than others? I wouldn’t say I find any one genre challenging. My job is to rise to the challenge of incorporating the client’s art into the designed space.

What do you focus on when the art isn’t your cup of tea? I focus on a wonderful dinner and drinks with friends.

What about art in your own home? What do you surround yourself with? I respond to color, the artist, the artist’s story, and what story each piece tells. I have a collection of inherited pieces and it’s all mixed up in terms of mediums, but each piece means something special to me. judithliegeoisdesigns.com

above: Museum-white walls provide an ideal backdrop for two abstract artworks.

“AN ORIGINAL, WELL-CURATED ART COLLECTION IS THE ULTIMATE GIFT TO A DESIGN PROJECT.”

KIRA KRÜMM

above: Designer Kira Krümm

below: D’Alessandro Léon’s Silver Morning provided the ideal subdued colors Krümm wanted for this bedroom.

The sculpture (made from a seven-foot natural root) in this Vanderbilt Beach living room serves not just as a decorative anchor, but also to hide an electrical outlet. The piece mirrors the neutral palette Kira Krümm often employs in coastal residences.

What are your main priorities when approaching a design commission that you know will involve a significant art collection? I think about the type of art we’re going to be working with and the areas of the home that the art has to go in. First, you deal with the type of art, whether it be sculptures, paintings, bas-reliefs, prints, or whatever else. From there, the scale, size, palette, and style will determine the direction you take.

Do you often help clients decide which pieces from their collection to showcase? Yes. The curating of the art plays a very important role in the composition and aesthetic outcome of any space.

How do you accentuate the positive when the collection is not to your liking? On occasion, we must let go of our aesthetic sensibilities and accept there is a more important purpose to a space that the homeowner has determined. But if the art does not contribute to the balance and harmony of a space, then I will try to help my client find another place where it can be enjoyed.

above: A collection of watercolors depicting seashells by Meredith Martens flanks the entertainment unit in this Krümm-designed living room. “I chose these works for their organic shapes and ethereal colors,” says the designer.

What type of art do you find the most challenging to work with? Conceptual art because it’s created purely to express a theory or statement. It’s always challenging to find the right platform for this genre in a personal sanctuary such as a home, although it’s a challenge I welcome.

What’s your personal predilection when it comes to art in your interiors? Actually, I married a gallery owner and we owned an international art gallery in China representing American and South American artists for almost a decade, so we’ve been collecting pieces together for the past 22 years. Our collection is mostly paintings and photographs with some sculptures. What I like most from those are the abstracts.

Are there times when you just have to let the art win in a job? Yes. One of my first projects in Naples was more than 20 years ago in a penthouse right next to the Ritz for a celebrity client. The style of the interior was transitional in white and light neutrals. My client called me very excited about a painting she had purchased as a birthday gift for her husband to hang over the mantle. When I arrived to see it, it was a Thomas Kinkade painting of a night winter snow scene. In that moment, I didn’t have the heart to tell her what I was feeling.

Today, that could have been avoided with a simple photo via text. koastaldesigngroup.com

“THE CURATING OF THE ART PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE COMPOSITION AND AESTHETIC OUTCOME OF ANY SPACE.”

MICKEY DICKSON MARZUCCO

Do you approach design jobs that involve an art collection differently from others? Not really. We discuss the sentiment of the art and where the clients envision seeing it in their home if they have a space set in mind. Otherwise, we will give suggestions as to where we feel it would fit best.

What about new houses? Have you helped clients create an art collection from scratch? Yes. That approach is different with each client. We discuss the style and medium wanted and then search for pieces to show the client. In some instances, we may already have artists in mind.

What are the main priorities to observe when you’re dealing with a significant art collection? The importance of each piece to the client and making sure we have adequate wall or floor space to showcase the pieces as they should be showcased. And lighting, which may need to be adjusted to highlight the piece.

What do you do when the art is less than you expected? The art doesn’t have to be my liking. We need not forget that we are designing for the clients and that this is their home and their art, so we respect that and place the art in a place where they can enjoy it.

Have you ever coaxed a client to not incorporate a particular artwork? I would not say coaxed, but I’ve strongly suggested alternatives.

What about your personal preferences when it comes to art? What do you respond to? I like a variety of styles that you can mix. It’s very subjective. ecruandebodydesign.com

left: Marzucco commissioned an oil on canvas depicting an American farm from artist Trip Park for this living area.

right: “These three abstract pieces once lived in different areas of the home,” says Marzucco, “but when we renovated, we decided to group them together.”

“WE NEED NOT FORGET THAT WE ARE DESIGNING FOR THE CLIENTS AND THAT THIS IS THEIR HOME AND THEIR ART.”

above right: Designer Mickey Dickson Marzucco above: Various light fixtures in the shape of jellyfish proffer an out-of-the-box artistic vibe in this dining room. To keep that sentiment going, Marzucco introduced another graphic element with the zebra print on the chairs.

LEFT: The Sue is a threeseater sofa made of teak and rope that’s equally appropriate indoors or out.

BELOW: At Faro co-owner Fadia Bechara is a Colombia native who spent 16 years in Italy before landing in Naples earlier this year.

good company

At Faro is the type of shop you might wander into without purpose and then find you don’t want to leave. Owners Fadia Bechara and Robert Casaburi have worked hard to attain that retail magic. Since arriving in Naples from Europe back in April, the business partners have been carefully conceptualizing every corner of what can best be described as a lifestyle showroom, a space for sustainable furniture and home accessories, as well as unexpected extras.

“It’s a haven of cool elements punctuated by whites, natural tones, and earthy elements,” says Bechara when asked to put the vibe into words. “It’s a warm, welcoming environment where visitors can find everything for the house, as well as rare gifts and some interesting books.”

AT FARO

In terms of layout, At Faro is divided into different room settings that allow customers to envision the product in their own spaces. “We have created a maze-type effect [that leads to discoveries],” says Bechara. “One needs to provide the customer not just with an attractive shopping experience, but also a platform that shows products in their setting.”

Those products include an eclectic variety of sofas, chairs, tables, and other furniture, as well as accessories, from lamps to pillows, that are all handcrafted using as small a carbon footprint as possible. “It’s hard to give a genre to our inventory because it’s a mix of styles,” adds Bechara. “It’s modern without being hard and cold; classic without unyielding boundaries. It’s all-encompassing with relaxation as a main theme.”

Bechara and Casaburi want to differentiate themselves from the pack and it shows. A visit to At Faro inevitably begins with some fresh coffee and a chat with the owners, and ends with a guaranteed desire to come back. “Coming here is an experience onto itself,” says Bechara. “We want to put the joy back into shopping and human relations.” atfaro.com

ABOVE: The Glo throw is made of organic cotton. ABOVE RIGHT: Ceramic trays from the Bax collection come in various earth tones. RIGHT: Side tables made of marble and teak BELOW: A trio of Jay candles feature unscented paraffin wax.

SETTING ROOTS

DESIGNER FRANK PONTERIO SOLIDIFIES HIS GULF COAST PRESENCE WITH A NEW DESIGN STUDIO AT THE COLLECTIVE

above left: The Valentina fabric pattern for Clarence House was inspired by Ponterio’s longtime good friend, Valentina Bertazzoni. above right: The Adami fabric pattern for Clarence House is named after the Italian town Ponterio’s mother was born.

Since launching his interior design business in 1994, Frank Ponterio has amassed an impressive clientele of discerning homeowners who turn to him for what many call his aesthetic sixth sense. Those who know him insist he has an innate ability to read people and immediately know what they need from a space. He then translates that knowledge into interiors that are balanced, timeless, and beautiful.

That acumen served him well when he decided to develop his own lines and go into collaboration with some of the top brands in the design business, as well as when he resolved to expand his reach into Florida by opening a Naples office. This fall he’s taking a chance on the Gulf Coast again with the debut of a new design studio at The Collective, the popular complex dedicated to design and lifestyle shops on Naples’ 10th Avenue South.

above: Ponterio’s Salotto cabinet for Arteriors is wrapped in vellum and accented with bronze rivets.

OF FRANK PONTERIO

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

above left: The Paolo fabric pattern for Clarence House was inspired by travels through much of Italy. above right: Designer Frank Ponterio

Photo: Michael Kaskel & Jen Packard Builder: The LYKOS Group, Inc.

ABOVE: Ponterio’s Lee lounge chair for Lee Jofa

RIGHT: Ponterio’s Griffith chandelier (in black glass and bronze) for Arteriors

BELOW: The Isabella sofa (named for Ponterio’s daughter), Gavin lounge chairs, Georgie cocktail tables, Franklin side tables, and Sam sconces are all part of the designer’s collaboration with Lee Jofa.

“We opened our first office two-and-a-half years ago with a five-year plan to grow; fast-forward and here we are,” says Ponterio about the 1,200-square-foot space that finds him alongside neighbors such as Casa Italia, Perennials Sutherland, and The Luxury Bed Collection. “The new space is more of a working studio with the majority of the square footage being allocated to our library of materials, furnishings, lighting, and art.”

The new location intends to put the focus on fabrics from vendors not usually represented in Naples, including textiles from Loro Piana and De Le Cuona. The space will also offer access to Ponterio’s lines with Gregorius Pineo, Holly Hunt, and Clarence House.

Although the new studio should keep him busy well into the new year, those familiar with him know the man doesn’t rest on his laurels for too long.

“There are things in the works,” says the designer when prompted for information. “I’m just starting on few new ventures with industry partners and another on the development/ custom home front. All will be revealed in due time.” frankponterio.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANK PONTERIO

Color Spectrum

FLORIDA’S GULF COAST has been a source of inspiration to creatives from all over the world, and when artist Amy Moglia Heuerman moved here in 2013, she too succumbed to its charms.

“I vacationed in the area for years and slowly fell in love with it,” says the former books and puzzles illustrator. “The Gulf of Mexico waters can be as a calm as a lake or as alive as the Atlantic Ocean with crashing waves. This region, with its romantic sunsets, can be so inspiring.”

Those temperamental waters and vibrant sunsets are the themes of many of Heuerman’s acrylic-on-canvas paintings, richly layered abstracts rendered with palette knives, scrapers, and brushes that evoke serenity and invite viewers to emotionally respond to the shapes and colors of clouds and rolling tides.

“I don’t paint from a picture, but from my imagination and my memories,” says Heuerman about her process, which usually involves five to seven hours a day in her studio. “The images are in my subconscious, and I have to get them out.”

ABOVE: “Inspiration comes from all my experiences,” says Naples artist Amy Moglia Heuerman. “I might be at a farmers’ market and instead of looking at the vegetables, I am looking at the way someone’s shirt colors are interacting. I am hyper aware all the time.”

A LOVE FOR THE GULF COAST AND ITS ALLURING SPIRIT INFORMS THE SERENE WORK OF NAPLES ARTIST AMY MOGLIA HEUERMAN

TEXT

ABOVE:

quiet, and serene” are the words Amy Moglia Heuerman uses to summarize Ocean Light

As popular as they are, seascapes aren’t Heuerman’s only means of expression. The pandemic and its anxious uncertainty brought about a creative pivot in the form of The Girls , a series that alludes to the joys of childhood. “I went back to my inner five-year-old when I was protected, happy and carefree,” she says. “That was my way of dealing with my Covid fear.”

Recent experimentation (this time out of curiosity) also yielded another series, as of yet untitled, featuring floral bouquets marked by a saturation of color. “They were not initially floral paintings, but when standing at a distance, that’s what they became,” says Heuerman. “Your brain fills in the gaps and you see flowers.”

As for what’s next, Heuerman hopes to continue exploring bolder brushstrokes and colors in a new series of abstracts. “That takes more guts from me, but I love the process of learning, growing, and reaching,” she says. “The feeling when I’ve nailed a painting that was scary to do is an adrenaline rush like no other.” amyart.net

left: “Drama Queen was about capturing energy,” says Heuerman. “It’s big, bold, and strong.”

above: Crystal Clear alludes to the Gulf Coast’s fair-weather days.

below: “I can just imagine these flowers having a dance party when the lights go out and no one is watching,” says Heuerman about Dancing in the Dark, part of a recent series dedicated to floral bouquets.

above: Innocence, happiness, and joy are obvious themes in Crossroads, a painting from Heuerman’s

The Girls series

above: Sunshine and turquoise waters inspired the yellow-drenched Parachutes

SUPPER SUPREME

ART OF HOME ENTERTAINING GETS ITS

AT

The joy of celebration was palpable at the recent Naples Tables, an annual gathering organized by The League Club at which dozens of design companies and designers (both local and not) showcase their talents with tabletop presentations that make a case for over-the-top dinner parties. From nautical themes to Old Hollywood glamour, here’s a look at 10 of the event’s highlights. leagueclub.org

LEFT: “I wanted my table to feel like a Mediterranean dinner party effortlessly set in an olive grove with wildflowers picked from a neighboring field,” says PETER J. ANTANELIS of his tablescape, a summery presentation marked by pops of yellow and blue, rustic dinnerware, hammered flatware, and texture in the form of rattan placemats and napkin rings.

above: Artist Carlos Gamez de Francisco’s artworks celebrating women was superimposed on the plates, chair covers, and tablecloth for the presentation from MILLER GALLERY, making one point clear: The future is female.

right: UP FOR GRABS owner Katherine Goodman let the parrot candlesticks from her private collection serve as inspiration for her tablescape. Bird-themed dinnerware, Thibaut fabric, and purple orchids did the rest.

above: For her contribution on behalf of the HUNT SLONEM HOP UP SHOP, gallerist Penelope Kernen created a tablescape featuring Slonem’s most popular character. Rabbit Run dinnerware was employed for both its charm and as a nod to interior design legend Bunny Williams, the event’s honorary speaker. Lacquered boxes, blue stemware, black tumblers, and candlesticks of varying sizes completed the look.

above: English gardens and Charlotte Moss inspired the PATINA COLLECTION table by designer Karen Bell. Titled Bespoke Vintage, the tablescape incorporates arabesque fabrics to good effect, and a European patina that’s impossible to miss.

right: For her entry to represent KEY LIME

COTTAGE DESIGNS, designer

Andrea Zarins let the vibrant and colorful Tresor de la Mer silk fabric by Versace take the lead as an impactful backdrop to malachiterimmed plates, a three-tiered platter with cascading orchids, seashell and oyster decorations, and white angelthemed candlesticks.

above: An observant ceramic cheetah watches over Terry Walker’s creation for LULU CADIEUX. As the designer puts it: “Our table melded both new and vintage layers—fresh flowers, fine table linens, handmade dishes, and, of course, the feline sculpture—to reflect our philosophy that an authentically luxurious life has elements of design, beauty, hospitality, and humor.”

above: When deciding on a landmark to represent his table, WILFREDO EMANUEL couldn’t stop thinking about the Naples Pier. “The table represents the boardwalk, the orange roses allude to our sunsets, and I even designed a custom rug to show the gorgeous sands of the shore and blue waters of the Gulf, and make the table feel as if it was floating,” he says. “I wanted guests to feel like they were really there.”

right: “I’m a lover of using color and pattern to make spaces pop, and my tablescape was a direct reflection of that,” says designer DENISE FOGARTY. Her tabletop interpretation of that means yellow roses, fabrics marked by spot prints, and dinnerware with intriguing imagery.

above: Memories of a stay at Hollywood’s legendary Beverly Hills Hotel with her daughter unleashed cinematic inspiration for LEILANI BENNETT. “The pink-andgreen banana leaf tablecloth we used is in the same classic pattern of the wallpaper that lines the hotel’s walls,” says the designer. “And my favorite touch is a centerpiece with twinkle lights and faces of iconic Hollywood stars.”

There are interior motives behind everything we do. Your home should evolve just as your life does. With interior design expertise, custom cabinetry, professional space planning and remodeling prowess, let us transform your environment and the way you live.

Magic Touch

CARLETON VARNEY’S FINAL BOOK IS AN ODE TO THE WOMAN WHO REWROTE THE DECORATING PLAYBOOK

Days after a copy of The Draper Touch arrived in the mail, I got the news that the book’s author, beloved designer and friend Carleton Varney, had passed away. At dinner just a few weeks prior, he’d told me how excited he was about this deluxe edition of the book of the same title he’d written in 1988. He considered it a career highlight and a privilege to tell Dorothy Draper’s story.

That didn’t surprise me, because I’d seen his reverence for Draper before, most recently at his decorating school at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan. His students kept gushing about his visionary decorating style, but Carleton gave all the credit to Draper, who’d given him his start in the business and had developed the exuberant style he later became famous for. He was forever the protégé of the Dutchess of Decorating, as he called her, even after she was gone.

ABOVE: The Draper Touch was originally released in 1988. A new deluxe edition, with archival photography and gold-edged pages, was released in May by Shannongrove Press.

RIGHT: A hand-colored postcard of the nightclub Fefe’s of Monte Carlo in New York City.

ABOVE: The bold design of Quitandinha hotel near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, showcases Draper’s deft hand with color.

ABOVE RIGHT: The Dorothy Draper Westinghouse Dream Home for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City was Draper’s final project.

TEXT DAPHNE

In The Draper Touch, Carleton tells the story of the woman who changed the game in interior decorating by making bold and gutsy choices. Her calling card was color, a fearless blend of prints, and big scale.

The book is more biography than design bible, but it does include some of Draper’s most dramatic design moments: the so-called “Dorotheum” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Quitandinha resort in Brazil, the Versailles nightclub in New York City, and The Greenbrier hotel in West Virginia, a Dorothy Draper & Company client from 1948 to present day.

Carleton’s dedication to preserving Draper’s legacy is obvious in the pages of this beautiful, gold-edged tome. Perhaps one day someone will immortalize his considerable design achievements as he did hers.

LEFT: Designer Julie Lazarus, who collected Dorothy Draper memorabilia, created this wall in her home using original menus from Draper projects.

ABOVE: The self-service restaurant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was known as the “Dorotheum” in honor of Dorothy Draper, who designed it.

LEFT: The late Carleton Varney, affectionately known as Mr. Color, was a protégé of Dorothy Draper.

LEFT: The Greenbrier Hotel is Dorothy Draper’s greatest design legacy, according to The Draper Touch. Though Carleton Varney had updated the original design (circa 1948) over the years, Draper’s design vision has been meticulously preserved and is evident in rooms like the Trellis Lobby.

So(u)rcery

the magic for

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

This 1.7-acre estate is a prime example of Stofft Cooney Architects’ work: a modern home constructed with meticulous attention to detail, as well as the latest techniques and materials available.

above: John Cooney and Randall Stofft head up one of the Gulf Coast’s most lauded and in-demand architecture firms.

We can’t speak about architecture in Southwest Florida without mentioning the influential efforts of Stofft Cooney, a studio that has given the Gulf Coast its most impressive private properties as it helps to usher in a new era of design for the area. Leading the charge are principals Randall Stofft and John Cooney, two individuals who continually advance their profession with each project they take on. As their firm celebrates its 20th anniversary in Naples, we spoke to the two tastemakers about the city then and now, the challenges of their industry, and what we can expect next. stofft.com

So, tell us about Naples back in 2002. What was the city’s design scene like? Cooney: I remember it as untapped back then, with limited architecture sporadically around town. That’s about it.

What made you want to open an office here? Cooney: Randy, that one is yours. Stofft: I had grown up coming to Naples and Boca Raton all my life because I had

grandparents in each place. I had two or three clients that asked me to do homes for them here, and just based on that I knew it was time to have an office here.

How did you two partner up? Stofft: John came to work for me as senior architect and his vision of the firm and architecture were so well matched with mine, I knew instantly that I wanted him to be my partner. Cooney: We definitely clicked, and it was clear to me that Randy would be a mentor for me throughout my career.

What’s the firm’s philosophy when it comes to architecture and design? Stofft: We believe design should stand alone, relate to site and context, fulfill clients’ requirements, and enhance lives. Cooney: To exceed our clients’ expectations while delivering classical, timeless architecture that will stand the test of time.

Has that changed? Cooney: I would add that we now have an emphasis on starting trends, not following them.

ARCHITECTS RANDALL STOFFT AND JOHN COONEY CELEBRATE TWO DECADES OF DESIGN INGENUITY

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

This Gulf front home was designed in 2010 for a family of five that wanted a small beachfront bungalow (albeit one with three pools). The contemporary style was warmed up by the use of teak wood siding details and custom-made Tischler und Sohn solid teak windows.

What would you say Naples’ design language is?

Cooney: I see it as sophisticated and classic with a tropical twist. Stofft: Classic, understated elegance, but pushing to tasteful tropical modern. It’s a nice mix of sophisticated Midwestern tastes that are willing to be creative.

The Mediterranean style has had a stronghold here for a few decades, but that seems to be changing. Do you think Naples is moving on from that? Stofft: Those heavy Mediterranean rooms and spaces have never been conducive to our clients’ lifestyles. For them, it’s glass, glass, and more glass. Our forte has been to introduce a more open and brighter feel in a timeless package.

You two have worked all over the country. What do you make of the design sensibilities of your clientele here? Stofft: Naples clients tend to be a little less glamorous and much more forward-thinking with their architecture.

We can’t mention architecture these days without discussing climate change. In what ways do you address current environmental issues in your work? Cooney: Solar energy, minimal carbon footprints, and extremely efficient products are staples of our design. Stofft: Our homes are the most innovative and technologically advanced in the planet. Designing for sun control and prevailing breezes is our specialty.

What do you recall about your early projects in Naples before you went into business together? Stofft: I started with two or three Port Royal homes and then some very

above: The front entry of this Port Royal residence features a solid mahogany tongue-and-groove ceiling decorated with mahogany brackets and corbels.

Located in the Port Royal neighborhood of Naples, this home was built on three lots that were combined into one. The transitional style of the house, which looks out onto Treasure Cove, features a variety of different roof types and heights.

large homes in Quail West, which got a lot of publicity in those days. Cooney: Early in my career I interviewed for a large Port Royal home and a Captiva Beach estate. These high-end jobs set the tone for future projects.

What do you see for the firm in the next 20 years? Stofft: I believe we will add a few more key people. Cooney: Ideally, continued architectural excellence.

At the end of the day, what makes you want to come into the office day after day?

Cooney: The fact that every client, property, and design is unique. Nothing in our profession is monotonous. Stofft: I love the design process and our projects get more challenging every day. I love art, so if I wasn’t doing this, I’d be a starving artist.

above: Cooney calls this home an example of their “organic architecture, where structures are built in harmony with humanity and its environment.” A flat roof differentiates this residence from others in its Port Royal neighborhood.

above: One of the firm’s most recent projects, this grand costal contemporary estate, completed in 2020, features interiors that open to balconies and terraces offering ocean and pool views from almost every room in the structure.

The owners of this estate requested a “Hamptons meets Florida” look and the firm delivered with a post-modern shingle-style beachfront home.

above: This Port Royal residence is credited with kicking off the British West Indies style of architecture that became so prevalent in Naples around 2014.

Where Designs Come to Life

European Persuasion

GARDEN TRADITIONS FROM ACROSS THE POND MAKE THEIR WAY TO A FARMHOUSESTYLE RESIDENCE IN NORTH NAPLES

The home doesn’t look like it belongs in Naples—or anywhere in Florida for that matter—and that was the main appeal. When Patrick Trefz of Outside Productions was first approached about creating the gardens of a golf community residence built to resemble a centuries-old European farmhouse, the landscape architect couldn’t say yes fast enough.

above: “This area of the front yard aptly represents the play in textures of green with the grasses contrasting with the broadleaf shrugs,” says landscape architect Patrick Trefz of Outside Productions. “We had a large specimen oak tree brought in to give the home a feeling that it had been built around something large.”

left: A fountain in the home’s back garden was designed as if it had once been part of a water well the family used for farming and household chores.

“[The goal was to] design the garden as if it was the remains of an earlier formal garden that had become a little overgrown and haphazard over the years as it was passed from one generation to the next,” says landscape architect Patrick Trefz. “If you look closely, you can see the bones of the ‘old garden’ in features such as the low-border hedges.”

After some research into antique farmsteads and country houses in France, Britain, and other nations in the old continent, Trefz and his seasoned team dug into the project with as much authenticity as possible.

“Our client had a strong conceptual vision for the project,” says Trefz. “[We were to treat this] as a property that had been owned by several generations of the same family.”

As the make-believe got underway, the Outside Productions team focused on greenery and vegetation that would read genuine, such as an oak tree for the front yard, silver agave, fine-texture grasses, and bougainvillea for pops of color. They also incorporated features that matched the home’s exterior architecture, such as stone walls made with Ozark moss. Ornamental extras, such as fountains and water features, also echo the rustic shell

left: Features like the Ozark moss stone walls were incorporated to mirror the home’s exterior architecture. “Ozark moss is a very old stone formed in ancient glaciers,” says Trefz. “We liked having an agent of Mother Nature represented.”

of the house. “[The goal was to] design the garden as if it was the remains of an earlier formal garden that had become a little overgrown and haphazard over the years as it was passed from one generation to the next,” says Trefz. “If you look closely, you can see the bones of the ‘old garden’ in features such as the low-border hedges.”

There are surprises along the way, including citrus trees in terra cotta pots, a fire pit that backs up to a natural preserve, and a pool, which is an obvious departure from the whole fantasy, but a homeowner must.

“The client directive for this commission was rather unique and that was exciting,” says Trefz. “It made the project extra special for us.” opidesign.net

above: Outside Productions designed the pool and decking as simply as possible. “If an old farmhouse had a pool, this is what it would look like,” says Trefz. “A clean rectangle with no frills or flash.”

left: In the back of the residence, stone steps lead to a fire pit that backs up to a natural preserve.

far right: Bougainvillea and silver agave were two of the varieties of plant life used throughout the gardens. “We went as authentic as possible,” says Trefz. “You won’t see a palm tree anywhere.”

Culture Club

Travelers go to Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, for various reasons. Nature lovers want to see the area’s jagged cliffs merging with crystal-clear waters for themselves. Surfers arrive ready to ride the glassy-green waves the coastline delivers from November through March. In-the-know revelers prefer the summer, when the Mediterranean climate sets the tone for beach parties that last from dusk until dawn. Now, aesthetes have a reason to flock there too thanks to the recent opening of the W Algarve, a five-star hotel that represents the next generation of design-centric properties in W’s portfolio.

Aesthetically conceived by AB Concept, the forwardthinking hospitality design studio out of Hong Kong, the W Algarve’s look and vibe are all about visually integrating the traditions and heritage of this special part of Portugal into every corner possible. The hotel’s sensory experience begins at the main entrance’s porte-cochère under a massive lattice

above: A wall covered with handmade ceramic plates is the first feature guests encounter upon entering the property.

far left: Market Kitchen, the hotel’s all-day eatery, takes its design cues from local markets with features that include patterned flooring and azulejo tiles.

LOCAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS SET THE DESIGN TONE AT THE W ALGARVE IN PORTUGAL

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

W

above: A lattice framework reminiscent of an ocean wave welcomes guests to the W Algarve.

framework meant to resemble a wave, or as AB Concept co-founder Ed Ng puts it, “a wave to embrace the arrival moment.” Guests then enter the building to encounter a wall populated by infinity mirrors and handmade ceramic plates from Vista Alegre, a porcelain craft company that has been in business for nearly 200 years. Not far from here is the W Lounge, a space defined by ornamental shells made with clusters of colored glass and metal that take their inspiration from Moorish jewelry. Deeper into the hotel is the bar, where a 66-foot onyx counter extends from the interior to the outdoor terrace underneath handblown glass lighting pendants. These social environments quickly establish the prevailing palette, a mix of aqua, green, and blues that allude to the local beaches.

Upstairs, the 134 guestrooms embrace what Ng calls “clean maximalism,” an on-point description for accommodations that incorporate filigree bedside lanterns, glass panels embossed with crochet patterns, and mosaic-clad

left: The hotel’s lounge is marked by semi-circular glassand-metal installations inspired by Moorish jewelry. The colors and patterns on these eye-catching features are reminiscent of the town’s architecture.

below: The W Algarve’s bar counter is made of onyx and extends from the lounge to the outdoor terrace. Made by the Czech glass brand Lavit, the light pendants nod to Moorish fashion styles with delicate metal chains and studs.

“We love to create expressive designs for both experience and memory, creating both impactful first encounters and lasting impressions,” says designer Ed Ng, co-founder of AB Concept. “That’s the human touch.”

PHOTOS

W

left: The design of the hotel’s Exhale Spa was inspired by local fishing decks. A feature with marble pillars at the spa’s entrance creates a soothing sound effect reminiscent of waterfalls.

below: A glass panel with crochet patterns separates the sleeping area from the bath in one of the hotel’s guestrooms.

bathrooms with tasteful restraint. The same can be said about the hotel’s two restaurants: Market Kitchen’s intended convivial atmosphere is impossible to miss with its communal table and counter seating, while Paper Moon’s spirit is much more subdued thanks to an all-white interior and timber flooring.

“We love to create expressive designs for both experience and memory, creating both impactful first encounters and lasting impressions,” says Ng. “That’s the human touch.” marriott.com

POTTER HOMES,

Potter Homes officially started in 2001, but Bill Potter has been building custom homes in Southwest Florida for more than 30 years. In that time, Bill has built more than 100 beach homes and has been joined by his three sons, who contribute toward the mission. Potter Homes is—and will continue to be—a small, family-oriented company that focuses on relationships and quality construction. They enjoy being able to attend to the needs of their customers and are motivated by the trust that their clients put in them. Additionally, they understand that each home is personal, and their goal is to work with each homeowner, ensuring that they feel valued, cared-for, and confident that their home is built with the highest level of excellence in the industry.

POTTER HOMES, INC.

Bonita Beach Road,

Springs,

TOTAL SHADE INC.

Total Shade Inc., innovative leader in shade technology, offers smart and beautiful shades with a view and always pushes the limits for energy reduction in building integration. There is a wide variety of fenestration system openings in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The company specializes in the manufacturing, design, and installation of window-treatment systems and is the sole manufacturer of its products. Commercially, Total Shade helps building owners retain tenants and improve occupancy rates by incorporating insulating window-treatment systems. Residentially, it improves indoor living quality and lowers day-to-day heating and cooling costs.

The company’s vision: to manufacture products comparable to international standards and to be customer-focused and globally competitive through better quality, latest technology, and continuous innovation.

The energy saving reached by Total Shade’s products enables it to provide customers with a proven system for reducing the costs of managing a home or business environment. Energy reduction/savings will vary.

TOTAL SHADE INC.

Tenth St. N., Naples, FL 34102. 239.919.6465 totalshade.com

Cottage Cachet

A DESIGN INTERVENTION TRANSFORMS A FORGOTTEN FORT MYERS BEACH HOUSE INTO A CONTEMPORARY RETREAT WITH COASTAL CHARM GALORE

interior design MICHELLE STAHL, FREESTYLE INTERIORS & DESIGN, BONITA SPRINGS, FL builder DIAMOND CUSTOM HOMES, NAPLES, FL

text MICHELLE PAYER photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL

Once closed off, the sunroom now makes the most of the home’s ocean views. It’s an open space with pocket doors that lead directly to a whitewashed cedar terrace. “That’s where we spend most of our time, looking out to the Gulf and watching people walk their dogs or ride their bicycles,” says the wife. “The viewpoint is so different from being high up in a condo. Being at eye level with the sand makes you want to step outside and enjoy the outdoors.”

above: The interior designer and homeowner, who became close friends during the design process, spent hours together choosing the Viz Art glass wall décor for the entry foyer. The colorful collection is perched above a tactile Pottery Barn bench and a C Company rug.

IN LIFE AND REAL ESTATE, some things are meant to be. A few years back, when one half of a Minnesota couple was vacationing with her friends in Fort Myers Beach, the owner of the house she was staying at casually mentioned the neighboring cottage was for sale. Intrigued by the property’s 75-year history and the fact that it had only had two owners in all those decades piqued her interest. Upon closer inspection, she realized the place reminded her of a beach painting she had purchased while traveling through Belize. A few months later, the woman and her husband were the proud owners of the oceanfront gem. Then began the arduous process of transforming the structure into their Gulf Coast vacation home.

Although the local permit process would have made razing the old structure and building anew a much quicker endeavor, the owners committed to a painstaking, multi-year restoration to preserve the cottage’s history, use parts of the old shell in its refresh, and create a modern, cozy getaway just steps from the sand and surf.

“The original was old and dark with wood paneling on the walls and a blocked-off sunroom that did nothing,” says Michelle Stahl, an interior

In the living room, the beach cottage vibe is achieved with white wainscoting, nickel gap trim, a faux wood beamed ceiling, and original pine floors that were meticulously restored. The homeowners selected all the home’s accent pieces, including turquoise table lamps that complement the art, a CTH Sherrill coffee table, and a jute area rug by Abbey.

KUKK

NAPLES

KUKK

NAPLES

designer with Freestyle Interiors who spearheaded the renovation. “I said, ‘Let’s rip down some walls and open this home up.’”

Before such pronouncements, however, Stahl had done her homework. She researched the cottage’s architectural details and toured historic homes along the same vein in St. Augustine and Koreshan State Park in Lee County. “It was about creating a new home while honoring the original 1940s style,” she says. “I looked closely at the time period, which is how I got the idea for the home’s trim, wainscoting, and other details.”

Th is studied approach ensured the home would enter the twentyfirst century while staying true to its provenance. Overall, the desired beach vibe was achieved with a mostly neutral color palette, beamed ceilings, and chunky textures (such as rattan and jute) throughout. Pops of pink, turquoise, and blue (via pillows and other accessories) solidify the coastal charm. The Freestyle Interiors team brought wrought-iron spindles and wood newel posts to stairs leading to a

left: The home’s dining room and kitchen areas boast front plate glass and side windows that invite the beach inside. Turquoise touches come from a grand Currey & Company chandelier, iridescent pendant lighting, and bold glass tiles. A natural wood dining table with wicker chairs complements the kitchen’s original pine flooring and tactile, hammered nickel sink.

new second floor. There, in a space entirely devoted to the homeowners’ primary suite and office, and in the lower guest bedrooms, light oak complements the original pine flooring, which was restored to its former glory. The light-filled kitchen nods to old and new with a retro La Cornue stove, iridescent pendant lighting, and a bright aqua chandelier. Nearby, the dining room is a study in textures thanks to ample wicker chairs surrounding a wood table. As for that aforementioned sunroom? It was reborn—complete with glass-framed pocket doors—and now connects the living room and dining area while boasting the best views of the water from anywhere in the home.

Outside, a palette of radiant yellow with turquoise (in the form of shutters and doors) ensures the house can be spotted by the boaters who cruise by, a thought that brings a smile to Stahl’s face. “It’s the most fun project I’ve ever worked on,” she says. “A truly special house.”

left: A sunny first-floor guest bathroom is simple, yet inviting with retro white wall tiles, rattan-framed mirrors, and nautical-style lights above a freestanding white vanity.

above: The owner asked that every bedroom in the residence have its own unique ceiling.

This first-floor guestroom’s design visually enlarges the space, while wide French doors lead to a whitewashed terrace.

right: A most cheerful laundry room repurposes one of the home’s original refurbished doors on an updated slider. Annie Selke blossom wallpaper surrounds a stacked washer/dryer, lemon yellow floor-to-ceiling cabinets, a large farmhouse sink, white subway tile back walls, and a hexagon-shaped marble floor.

“It’s the most fun project I’ve ever worked on,” says interior designer Michelle Stahl. “A truly special house.”

The homeowners summarize the expansive second-floor primary suite with its covered deck and unobstructed Gulf views in one word: “yummy.” Although designer Michelle Stahl was apprehensive about the paint color requested, Behr’s Pearly White shade works perfectly. A framed Palecek piece made of hand-cut coconut shells above a Robert James rattan-and-wood bed complements textured Anthropologie nightstands for beach-chic style.

“It was about creating a new home while honoring the original 1940s style,” says interior designer Michelle Stahl. “I looked closely at the time period, which is how I got the idea for the home’s trim, wainscoting, and other details.”

SOURCES

SUNROOM

Sofa – Lexington Home Brands, High Point, NC Club chairs reupholstered by Pindler & Pindler

Fabric, Bahama Upholstery, Fort Myers, FL

Bench – Currey & Company, Atlanta, GA

Fabric – Jane Churchill Fabric, Raebecca Drapery by Design, Bonita Springs, FL

Area rug – Abbey Carpet and Floor, Naples, FL

ENTRY

Bench – Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com Glass art – Wilson Lighting, Bonita Springs, FL

Area rug – Company C, Concord, NH

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com

Abstract pillows – D.V. Kap Home, dvkap.com

Cocktail table – CTH Sherrill Occasional, sherrill-occasional.com

Table lamps – Pacific Coast Lighting, Chatsworth, CA

Mirror – Shades of Light, Richmond, VA

Area rug – Abbey Carpet and Floor, Naples, FL

KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST AREA

Cabinetry and island fabricated by Kitchens by Clay, Naples, FL

Backsplash – Design Works, Naples, FL

Stools – Universal Furniture, Conover, NC

Pendant lighting – Shades of Light, Richmond, VA Table and chairs – Essentials for Living, Foothill Ranch, CA

Chandelier – Currey & Company, Atlanta, GA

GUEST ROOM (PINK)

Bedside chests – Lexington Home Brands,

The first-floor guestroom is grounded in a cheerful aqua paint, reflecting the nearby ocean. A customized Vanguard nightstand is a practical touch between two queen rattan beds.

High Point, NC

Lamps – Wilford and Lee, Fort Myers, FL

GUEST BATHROOM

Mirrors – Selamat, High Point, NC

Lighting – Kichler Lighting, kichler.com

LAUNDRY ROOM

Bar cart – Serena and Lily, serenaandlily.com

Wallpaper – Annie Selke, annieselke.com

Barn door refurbished – Diamond Custom Homes, Naples, FL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed – Robert James Collection, robertjamescollection.com

Bedside chests – Anthropologie, Naples, FL

Lamps – Wilford and Lee, Fort Myers, FL

Club chair – Burton James, City of Industry, CA

Artwork above bed – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Area rug – Company C, Concord, NH

GUEST BEDROOM (AQUA)

Bed – Universal Furniture, Conover, NC

Bedside chest – Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com

Lamp – Wayfair, wayfair.com

THROUGHOUT

Wainscoting – Diamond Custom Homes, Naples, FL

Plantation shutters – Devlin Shutters, Fort Myers, FL

Window shades – Automated Shading and Light Control, Bonita Springs, FL

Ceiling beams – Diamond Custom Homes, Naples, FL

Ceiling fans – Lighting First, Bonita Springs, FL

Flooring – Feil Flooring, Fort Myers, FL

A dynamic artwork by Mat Sanders, Speed Boat 2, sourced from the Wendover Art Group, anchors the dining room. The dining table is made of mahogany finished in a warm neutral topped with a glaze. A dynamic red-and-white Pollock fabric on the host and hostess chairs creates a bright, resonant element in the space.

Nautical Notes

COMPLETE WITH AN UNDERGROUND BOAT GARAGE, A COASTAL CONTEMPORARY RESIDENCE IN MANGROVE BAY CHARMS WITH MARITIME MOXIE

interior design SHERRI DUPONT & HAILEY BURKHARDT, COLLINS DUPONT DESIGN GROUP, BONITA SPRINGS, FL

architecture MATTHEW KRAGH, MHK ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING, NAPLES, FL

builder LOTUS CONSTRUCTION, NAPLES, FL

developer MANGROVE BAY DEVELOPMENT, NAPLES, FL

landscape architecture ARCHITECTURAL LAND DESIGN, NAPLES, FL

text SAXON HENRY

photography BLAINE JOHNATHAN, NAPLES, FL

above: Lead architect Matthew Kragh describes the style of the home as his take on Old Florida coastal contemporary, a description best illustrated by the complex architectural elements on the balcony above the garage.

WHEN A HUSBAND AND WIFE TOURED what was to be a model home in Naples’ Mangrove Bay, they immediately saw its superb potential and knew it was for them. The clincher? A boat garage with access to the Gordon River built into the ground floor that they instantly knew would win their five sons over. The nautical addition was a first for Matthew Kragh and his team at MHK Architecture, but one he knew would appeal to a specific buyer.

“It’s a cool man-cave experience,” he says. “I believe a great deal of time will be spent there.”

The boat garage is one of many alluring features in the 7,159-square-foot residence, a house that’s tailor-made for the Gulf Coast thanks to the efforts of Mangrove Bay Development and Lotus Construction. Just two floors above, open living areas proffer contemporary living,

right: The great room is awash in toned down marine hues that reflect the surroundings on the yacht basin. Here, a large sectional was chosen for comfort, while the vintage-inspired chairs between the living room and kitchen surround a metal cocktail table. Braided jute rugs bring texture to the social space.

below: The entry foyer on the first floor leads directly to the stairs and the living spaces. The console table is made of mahogany with a top in a linen finish and legs in ash gray. The art, Classic Coupe by Thom Filicia, was purchased at Wendover Art Group.

made all the more gracious by Sherri DuPont and Hailey Burkhardt of Collins DuPont Design Group, the team selected to spearhead the interior look.

Because the home was intended as a model, the design team had made many of its furniture decisions before the homeowners stepped in with their purchase offer. Luckily, they were the right ones. “When they looked over our choices, they loved everything,” says DuPont. “We then revised some of the rooms to accommodate their family.”

DuPont and Burkhardt took their aesthetic cues from the surroundings and the Old Florida coastal contemporary style Kragh and his team had established architecturally. Because the Gordon River is a small yacht basin, the pair of designers surveyed the newest luxury yacht clubs throughout

Hawaii, California, and Florida for inspiration. “We chose a contemporary nautical décor that doesn’t knock you over the head,” says DuPont. “The deeper navy palette with pops of cool reds nods towards a traditional maritime look with a wink and a smile.”

Equally on board with the life-by-the-sea mood, Burkhardt was also excited about the perfect blend of high design and casual comfort coming together: “The combination of high-gloss cabinetry mixed with the warm wood flooring and ceilings intermingled with the white trimwork helps further the contemporary sea feeling we had in mind.” That desired coastal vibe led to decisions such as the board-and-batten walls, a design touch found in many traditional beach homes but updated here with a semi-gloss paint in the same color as the trim throughout the house.

In the main guest bedroom, the headboard and footboard are covered in woven abaca, which interior designer Sherri DuPont describes as a “New Age twist on familiar woven wicker beds.” The area rugs add pops of bold color. Accent tables in a weathered gray finish sit in front of a an abacacovered sofa.

Another must for the design crew was leaning into the very intentional indoor/outdoor character of the house, something Kragh worked hard to establish. “We wanted to make the entire inside and outside areas work together as a huge, dynamic entertainment space,” says DuPont. “This is why we added the second island as a server between the kitchen and dining room. I think my favorite aspect is that the sliding doors can open up and create a seamless entertainment space.”

Kragh’s favorite elements of the finished home include how its positioning on a “cream-ofthe-crop lot” within Mangrove Bay and the massing of its three-level design, which creates a careful balance of light, texture, and shadows.

“Our aim was to make a sophisticated but livable house for the family that would be using it,” says the architect. “We strive to take the roots of historic influences and detail our houses in unique and clean ways.”

right: In the primary bathroom, the floors and accent wall beside the shower suggest they were culled from driftwood, but they are actually made of stone. The polished nickel finish on the sconces echoes the silver finishes on the decorative mirrors. The countertops are covered in quartz with an eased edge.

“We chose a contemporary nautical décor that doesn’t knock you over the head,” says interior designer Sherri DuPont. “The deeper navy palette with pops of cool reds nods towards a traditional maritime look with a wink and a smile.”

above: “These are a fresh slant on campaign chests,” notes interior designer Sherri DuPont about the Bungalow 5 nightstands. “They have a gray-washed case accented by a whitelacquer drawer-front.” The navy color on the wall is Naval by Sherwin-Williams, which the designers repeated throughout the house.

SOURCES

DINING ROOM

Table – Century Furniture, Hickory, NC

Hostess chairs – Designmaster Furniture, Hickory, NC

Fabric – Pollock, New York, NY

Chairs – Century Furniture, Hickory, NC

Chandelier – Gabriel Scott, New York, NY

Artwork – Mat Sanders, Wendover Art Group, Largo, FL

Drapery fabric – Schumacher, New York, NY

FOYER

Console – Ambella Home Collection, Dallas, TX

Artwork – Thom Filicia, Wendover Art Group, Largo, FL

GREAT ROOM & KITCHEN

Sofa – Vanguard Furniture, Conover, NC

Club chairs – Jessica Charles, High Point, NC

Cocktail table – Vanguard Furniture, Conover, NC

Seating grouping chairs – Bernhardt, Lenoir, NC

Island designed by Collins Dupont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Ruffino Cabinetry, Fort Myers, FL

Stools – Palecek, Richmond, CA

GUEST SUITE

Bed and headboard – Bernhardt, Lenoir, NC

Stools – Bernhardt, Lenoir, NC

Sofa and club chairs – Bernhardt, Lenoir, NC

Table grouping – Hooker Furniture, Martinsville, VA Area rugs – Nourison, Saddlebrook, NJ

GUEST BEDROOM

Bed – Vanguard Furniture, Conover, NC

Side tables – Bungalow 5, Oakland, NJ

Lamp – FlowDecor, Maple, Ontario, Canada

Drapery fabric – Schumacher, New York, NY

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry designed by Collins Dupont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Ruffino Cabinetry, Fort Myers, FL

Mirrors – Uttermost Rocky Mount, VA

Sconces – Modern Forms, Lighting First, Bonita Springs, FL

Tub – Signature Hardware, Erlanger, KT

TERRACE

Dining table – Summer Classics, Pelham, AL

Chairs – Dovetail, Los Angeles, CA

Chaise lounge chairs – Pavillion Furniture, Miami, FL

Seating – Bernhardt, Lenoir, NC

Wicker side tables – Summer Classics, Pelham, AL

Fireplace designed by Collins Dupont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Lotus Construction, Naples, FL

Pool wall designed by Architectural Land Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Custom Pools of Naples, Naples, FL

Hurricane shutters – Sentinel Storm Protection, Naples, FL

left: The dining table in the outdoor living space is made of wrought aluminum with a slate top and a base in a powder-coated finish called Oyster. The chairs are wrapped in a marine-grade rope and have powder-coated legs in black.

NEXT-LEVEL STYLE

A PENTHOUSE IN NAPLES’ KALEA BAY EMBRACES GULF COAST LIVING WITH METROPOLITAN SENSIBILITIES

interior design WENDY BERRY, W DESIGN, NAPLES, FL & CHAGRIN FALLS, OH

builder CR SMITH, NAPLES, FL text JEAN DE LATHOUDER

photography SEAN MURPHY, NEPTUNE BEACH, FL

left: Clad in warm stained woods, the entry foyer delivers a cozy landing for this penthouse. A collage composition by Marta Fabregas emits an element of intrigue, and beyond, a round yet square-framed mirror makes an exceptional companion for E.J. Victor’s streamlined console.

NO MATTER HOW TIRED or busy she may be, interior designer and W Design owner Wendy Berry instantly gets recharged when talking shop. Case in point: When asked for details about a recent project in North Naples’ Kalea Bay community, she energetically unravels a descriptive story filled with interesting anecdotes about an oceanside penthouse where the homeowners are still discovering details months after its completion.

“The clients are an active Midwestern couple who wanted their second home to feel very unlike their home up north,” says Berry. “They wanted clean, modern, and beach-friendly, but not coastal; a residence that [would be just as appropriate] in New York City or Chicago.”

To distinguish a dining area amid the open floor plan, interior designer Wendy Berry cleverly installed a suspended wood ceiling punctuated with a brass pendant light from Urban Electric.

Leather-covered Chaddock chairs surround an ebonystained table from Baker, and an abstract painting by Luis Kaiulani complements the space’s lustrous gold accents.

below: A living room hallway leads to wooden doors opening onto the primary suite. Tall and slender acacia wood sculptures lend an organic feel, as does a bench handcrafted with exotic wood that features smoothly indented niches for sitting.

W Design’s white high-gloss ceiling treatment produces a decidedly glam reflective element while lending a satisfying juxtaposition to the darker wood tones.

The living room flows effortlessly into a glossy all-white kitchen outfitted in Calacatta Lincoln marble. The design team amplified the clean design by wrapping the stove hood in the same marble for a modern, seamless look, and coloring the pendant lights to match the marble’s gray veining.

Located 23 floors up, the 3,800-square-foot condominium is the pinnacle property in one of Kalea Bay’s five high-rises, and, like all apartments in these towers, primely situated to take advantage of the Gulf Coast’s legendary sunsets.

“The clients were hands-off and gave us a ton of latitude,” says Berry. “The design and overall feel were birthed from natural wood tones—white oak, bleached walnut, natural teak, and driftwood. We created contrast with a cool, ocean-inspired palette, natural marbles, and a mix of metal tones.”

Since all the condo units throughout the building have identical shells, the W Design team worked to incorporate distinctive design features that would give the space its own identity. For the penthouse

especially, Berry was insistent on a luxurious feel with a cozy, comfortable vibe. Thus, she opted for a neutral, monochromatic color scheme with a montage of light wood tones mixed with splashes of ocean blue and green. She then layered rich materials, including leather, natural stone, lustrous metals, and nubby textiles, to create depth and texture in every space. Antiques, artifacts, special accessories, and custom artwork by celebrated artists all contributed to the home’s well-curated demeanor.

“The clients live here seasonally, so they wanted this place to make them feel like they were on vacation,” says Berry. “We strategically designed a sophisticated residence that would befit their active Naples lifestyle.”

Providing a knockout first impression is a white high-gloss ceiling treatment throughout that balances the wood tones and imparts brightness and reflection. The only exceptions are a striking wood-beamed ceiling in the entrance foyer, a suspended wood ceiling feature in the dining area, and the principal bedroom’s bleached walnut ceiling, which wraps the space with warmth.

Another striking focal point as one steps off the elevator is the kitchen. With flawless slabs of Calacatta Lincoln marble and an unexpected marble-wrapped hood over the stove, the space is ethereal and serene.

For a creative transition from the foyer to the living area, the design crew incorporated a wood wrap to bring a notable design feature to the TV wall and balance out the primary suite’s double entry doors. The built-in TV was framed with black-stained and natural-stained oak, while the console table was covered in cream leather to create contrast. “It was the perfect answer for color and texture,” notes the

left: The powder room’s sleek allure comes from Blue De Savoie marble slabs cladding the floating vanity surface and the back wall.

On the adjacent wall, a handmade gold-leaf crinklepaper wallcovering imparts both sheen and texture.

above: In the living area, a two-toned wall feature frames the TV in black-stained and natural-stained oak. Below, a built-in console covered in cream leather with contrasting leather handles generates a supple textural element. Adjacent shelving trimmed with iron inlay echoes the TV wall’s black accents, and plush seating pieces grounded with a custom Tufenkian rug align with the room’s monochromatic appeal.

right: The foyer instantly delivers visual interest with stained wood beams lining the hallway ceiling that create dimension and emphasize the soaring ceiling height. A full-length mirror at the end of the hallway magnifies the narrow space, and a solitary sculpture emits a quiet gallery vibe.

Ensconced in warm woods and cool muted hues, the primary bedroom offers a peaceful oceanside sanctuary for the homeowners. Bleached walnut ceiling panels wrap the space in warmth, and a custom-stained headboard wall with column detailing creates depth. The rug’s subtle color shifts emulate the ocean’s waves.

below: The primary bathroom was designed to capture a luxury resort feel with open towel storage and an indulgent soaking tub. Entirely clad in a Mia Field Series marble from Ann Sacks, the space embodies a sense of movement with the stone’s wavy veining.

designer, “and it gave us a more subtle distinction between the dark and light woods.”

Prominent metal accents include the dining room’s gleaming brass pendant light, a polished brass vanity front in the powder room, and dark metal bases on the sleek living room club chairs accented with a round hammered-metal side table.

From the living room, glass doors open onto a breezy lanai, where a three-dimensional limestone tile wall with undulating lines emulates the movement of the water. Pale blue-green marble walls in the principal bathroom and the soft, fluctuating shades of blue in the primary bedroom rug also embrace the ocean aesthetic.

“I loved that these clients allowed us to be creative with custom details that define separate spaces all within one huge space,” says Berry. “They were blown away with the end result and couldn’t believe the outcome.”

In the primary bathroom, a luxuriously large walk-in shower covered in polished marble features a massive window with a view of the primary bedroom and the ocean beyond.

The terrace’s blend of charcoal, cream, and natural teak tones complements the gray-blue seascape and green space below. On the back wall, undulating Ambra Gris tiles charm the eye with their rippling design. A woven rug underfoot contributes a textural accent.

SOURCES

ENTRY

Artwork – Marta Fabregas, Blink Group Fine Art Gallery, Miami, FL

Round mirror – Lillian August, lillianaugust.hickorywhite.com

Console – EJ Victor, Morganton, NC

Wallcovering – Mark Alexander, The Romo Group, Chagrin Falls, OH

DINING AREA

Table – Baker Furniture, bakerfurniture.com

Chairs – Chaddock, Morganton, NC

Fabric – Wipelli Inc., wipelli-international.com

Pendant lighting – Urban Electric, North Charleston, SC

Artwork – Luis Kaiulani, Blink Group Fine Art Gallery, Miami, FL

Wallcovering – Mark Alexander, The Romo Group, Chagrin, OH

HALLWAY

Bench – Roberta Schilling Collection, Miami, FL

Floor lamp – Niermann Weeks, niermannweeks.com

Sculptural artwork – Taracea, High Point, NC

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – W Home Collection, Naples, FL

Club chairs – Baker Furniture, bakerfurniture.com

Cocktail table – W Home Collection, Naples, FL

Sofa back table – Taracea, High Point, NC

Round side table – Artifacts International, Chula Vista, CA

Wood accent table – Mimi London, Los Angeles, CA Table lamp – John Rosselli & Associates, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Wall cabinetry designed by W Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Woodworks Naples, Naples, FL

Artwork near TV set – Celadon Art, Burlington, ON, Canada

Sconces – Boyd Lighting, boydlighting.com

Area rug – Tufenkian, Chicago, IL

KITCHEN

Stools – A. Rudin, arudin.com

Pendant lighting – Urban Electric, North Charleston, SC

POWDER ROOM

Cabinetry, counter, and wall designed by W Design, Naples, FL Oval mirror – The Bright Group, Chicago, IL

Sconce – The Bright Group, Chicago, IL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Vestibule artwork – Elizabeth Pruna, Blink Group Fine Art Gallery, Miami, FL

Bed and side tables – Baker Furniture, bakerfurniture.com Lamps – Porta Romana, portaromana.com

Wall designed by W Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Woodworks Naples, Naples, FL

Chandelier – 1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com

Area rug – The Rug Company, Chicago, IL

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry designed by W Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Woodworks Naples, Naples, FL

Wall material – Ann Sacks, annsacks.com

Chair – Bradley USA, bradleyusa.com

Sconces – Visual Comfort, Houston, TX

THROUGHOUT

Ceiling treatments designed by W Design, Naples, FL

Millwork and fabricated by Woodworks Naples, Naples, FL

Flooring – Legno Bastone, Naples, FL

Lanai wall material – Ambra Gris, Artistic Tile, artistictile.com

Modern Monochrome

A BLACK-AND-WHITE PALETTE IN A DOWNTOWN NAPLES CONDOMINIUM FULFILLS A CLIENT’S DIRECTIVE TO GO BOLD

SHADES OF BLUE and other nautical tonalities seem to be de rigueur inside Gulf Coast properties, especially those near water, but when The Ronto Group tasked Minka McDonald and Lucy Warren of Jinx McDonald Interior Designs with giving life to a condominium at the Eleven Eleven Central complex in Downtown Naples, the color discussion never veered too far off from black and white.

“In t hese parts, the coastal trend has been really hot for a while, and a lot of clients come to us for that look,” says McDonald. “But this was actually a break from that. These clients wanted bold, so we made it a strong point to not use blue.”

Since McDonald’s mother founded the Naples design firm, where she’s now president, more than 20 years ago, the studio has become known for high-end

left: “It feels very grand for a smaller condo,” says interior designer Minka McDonald of the 2,500-square-foot residence. To fulfill the bold design direction in the living room, the design team chose a sectional sofa and throw pillows by Rowe Furniture, an ivory-and-charcoal striped area rug by Loloi, and a rattan-and-linen accent chair from Four Hands.

interior design MINKA MCDONALD & LUCY WARREN, JINX MCDONALD INTERIOR DESIGNS, NAPLES, FL text RIKI ALTMAN-YEE photography BLAINE JOHNATHAN, NAPLES, FL

residences that are comfortable, livable, and functional, with casual elegance always front of mind. The younger McDonald continues that tradition, albeit with unmistakable millennial sensibilities. When it came to developing a mood board for the 2,500-square-foot residence, the team focused on descriptors such as elevated, sophisticated, organic, warm, young, and current. “On Instagram, we called it our hip little hottie,” says McDonald. “It was great fun.”

As palette was so crucial to the project, setting the proper backdrop was paramount. This was done with blond oak flooring that proffers a warmth and two rather specific shades of Sherwin-Williams paint: Crushed Ice (an off-white with gray undertones) for the walls, and a crisp Extra White for the trims and ceiling.

Bold statements were incorporated whenever possible, such as in the living room with a SherwinWilliams’ Tricorn Black chevron pattern wall treatment that anchors an abstract art canvas and an eye-level oak shelf.

When making their furniture selections, McDonald and Warren opted for pieces mostly framed in black, but featuring wood caning, soft linen, or lustrous marble. Anchoring the center of the living room is a black-trimmed antique mirrored coffee table from International Design Source the designers

The design team expertly paired the dining table with Antonia Cane chairs from Four Hands. Behind the sofa is a dark charcoal table from Lexington and jute rope-wrapped lamps by Currey & Company.

had been eyeing for a while. Light fixtures with generous silhouettes were chosen for impact. And greenery throughout the apartment makes the transition from room to room seamless.

Because the condo was envisioned for a young homeowner, some rules were bent. An area meant to be a den or home office was instead made into a game room filled with off-the-cuff furnishings. “It’s right off the living and dining rooms, so we wanted to create a hangout that expanded the conversation space,” says Warren. “Because of it, the whole condo reads more as a larger, open plan.”

In t he kitchen and bathrooms, the palette remains honest to the rest of the residence, with unexpected accents like oversized subway tiles and wall sconces that are decorative and functional. The bedrooms ease off the dark agenda with more white and gray tones, but colors beyond that remain in check. Strong and bold is what The Ronto Group wanted, and strong and bold is what they got.

“This was a very fun project for us,” says Warren. “We are fairly colorful designers, but this allowed us to show our depth in an entirely different way.”

above: Vintage black-and-white photographs of beach life stay honest to the residence’s prominent palette. Most of the framed pieces throughout the condo came from Leftbank Art and Wendover Art Group.

above: With its black cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and subway tile backsplash, the kitchen could easily lean classic, but it was modernized by adding chrome hardware and Silestone’s Et Marquina marble with distinct veining on the island.

right: The bathrooms were kept simple with black tile flooring, black quartz countertops, and white cabinetry. Sconces from Anthropologie flank an oval mirror from Uttermost.

left: “I thought this would be a fun place to make a statement,” says interior designer Lucy Warren of the game room. She nodded to geometry via the hexagon pattern on the fabric of the chairs and the area rug.

SOURCES

LIVING ROOM

Sectional – Rowe, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Pillow fabric – Rowe, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Club chair – Four Hands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Cocktail table – Uttermost, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Side table – Four Hands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Sofa console – Lexington Home Brands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Table lamps – Currey & Company, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Mariana, Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL

Artwork above mantle – Bobby Berk, Left Bank Art, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Artwork on walls – Christopher Kennedy, Wendover Art Group, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Floating mantel shelf – Chris Green, Cameron Carpentry Naples, Naples, FL

Area rug – Loloi Rugs, International Design Source, Naples, FL

DINING AREA

Table – City Furniture, Naples, FL

Chairs – Four Hands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Currey & Company, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Photographic prints – Wendover Art Group, International Design Source, Naples, FL

left: A zigzag dresser from Currey & Company adds visual energy to a guest bedroom. A nightstand and headboard from Crate & Barrel appear in the mirror’s reflection.

below: The black-and-white palette was carried onto the terrace with seating from Telescope Casual and tables from Four Hands.

“In these parts, the coastal trend has been really hot for a while, and a lot of clients come to us for that look,” says interior designer Minka McDonald. “But this was actually a break from that. These clients wanted bold.”

GAME

KITCHEN

Gray and white tones dominate in the primary bedroom. The Capital Lighting chandelier was chosen because it references the fretwork on the cabinet, the pattern on the Lexington Home Brands chair’s arms, and the motif on the Fabricut curtains.

Island designed by Jinx McDonald Interior Designs, Naples, FL

Stools – Cox Manufacturing, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Stool fabric – Lexington Home Brands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

POWDER ROOM

Vanity – ProCraft Cabinetry Florida, Deerfield Beach, FL

Oval mirror – Uttermost, International Design Source, Naples, FL Sconces – Anthropologie, anthrogologie.com

GUEST BEDROOM

Wall mirror – Uttermost, International Design Source, Naples, FL Chest – Currey & Company, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Artwork above chest – Katherine Jury, Minted Art, minted.com

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed, headboard, chests, and dresser – Lexington Home Brands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Lamps – Regina Andrew Designs, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Photographic print – The Chelsea Collection, Left Bank Art, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Accent chair – Lexington Home Brands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Drapery fabric by Fabricut, International Design Source, Naples, FL, and fabricated and installed by Cover Up Designs, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Capital Lighting, Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL

Area rug – Surya, International Design Source, Naples, FL

TERRACE

Sofa and side chairs – Telescope, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Dining table and chairs – Four Hands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Side tables and nesting tables – Four Hands, International Design Source, Naples, FL

THROUGHOUT

Developer – Anthony Solomon, Jim O’Donnell, & Van Osborne, The Ronto Group, Naples, FL

Builder – Jessica Lynch, BCBE, Naples, FL

The home’s coastal-inspired exterior marries modern design details with traditional elements. Lush landscaping frames the palatial circular driveway.

New

THERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL about an older home. It could be a façade’s rich design details, a charming layout, or original flooring that looks even better with age. Yet, once in a while, a new build is orchestrated so thoughtfully that the outcome is immediately captivating and bursting with—almost authentic—historical charm.

When designer Gloria Black was called on to envision a North Naples winter escape for a growing New England family, she knew that staying true to her client’s penchant for traditional and timeless design elements would be key. “I endeavored to achieve classical architectural elements mixed with fresh, clean furnishings and finishes,” says Black. “A mix of old and new; honoring history, yet enhancing it for today’s lifestyle.”

In collaboration with Bonita Springs architect Greg Weber of South Florida Design, Black started the project with just a sprawling empty lot that faced a verdant golf course. This blank slate allowed the design pros to envision a 9,200-square-foot home with five bedrooms and nine baths that, as Weber puts it, would take

above: To create texture and interest in the foyer, the design team employed a grid-like pattern of applied molding. An oval mirror by Lily Koo is positioned above a console that was designed by Gloria Black. A duo of sconces by Visual Comfort illuminates the vignette.

The formal living room offers consummate comfort and a tranquil feel with a plush sectional and swiveling club chairs from RC Furniture, and a pair of cocktail ottomans designed by Black. The

Lighting First chandelier resembles a diamond ring.

In the dining room, which comfortably seats eight, a vintage table sourced by the homeowner is surrounded by chairs from Designmaster Furniture covered in Cowtan & Tout fabric.

“advantage of the views while integrating the palatial yet functional indoor and outdoor living areas as one continuous space.”

Black and Weber worked closely throughout the design process. “We started by hand-sketching the most important rooms in the house, and that is when the character of the home really started to emerge,” notes Black, “because additional areas were added to the scope that made a large impact on the final aesthetic.” For example, a sunroom was added to the rear of the home, and the outdoor living areas were expanded to include a cabana, an outdoor shower, and a drastically different pool deck than the one that was originally imagined.

To g ive the interiors an age-old look and feel with a modern twist, custom baseboards and casing were installed throughout the home, along with custom moldings in areas such as the foyer and staircase for allencompassing visual texture. “Because of the grand scale of the home, the ceiling designs were important to fully make the most of the space and to give the home a cozy feel,” says Black. “Using beams in the main

A trio of fixtures by Visual Comfort offers a warm glow above the opulent bar and wine display, which was designed by Black and fabricated by iDesignBuild in Lake Placid. The barstools are from Designmaster Furniture.

above: “The kitchen has a magical, whimsical vibe,” says designer Gloria Black. “It’s grand, yet extremely inviting, like an English bed and breakfast.” The white cabinetry is accented by two oak and marble islands. A shimmering backsplash of custom stained glass from Artistic Tile and four pendants by Hudson Valley Lighting infuse the space with drama. Upholstered in soft blue Kravet fabric, the barstools are by Designmaster Furniture.

left: The powder room gets its punch from a vibrant wallcovering from Arte.

above right: The breakfast area’s palette of light blues inspires serene mornings. A custom china cabinet provides ample storage.

living areas was a way to bring the warmth of the wood floors back up to the ceilings and to wrap the spaces in similar finishes for a cohesive look.”

Luckily, the homeowners allowed the design team plenty of leeway when it came to decorating decisions, but the one nonnegotiable action item was the creation of several spacious hubs for entertaining inside the home. The first is the formal living room, which plays host to a 15-foot-wide fireplace that is surrounded by book-matched blue calcite. “Not only is it a showstopping focal point, but it’s also incredibly calming,” says Black. “Because the clients resonated with tones of cornflower and sky blue, we used as much exotic stone in these tranquil hues as possible.”

Another centerpiece of the home is the bar, which is positioned off the dining room. Inspired by the opulent hotel bars in Black’s native Chicago, the designer created a patterned wood ceiling and an antiqued mirrored wine display. “The bar really sets the tone for the rest of the home,” says Black. “Not only does the design offer a sense of old meets new, but it also reflects the artwork and structural

right: While a custom-designed bed and headboard anchor one wall of the elegant primary bedroom, the opposite wall is gallery-like, displaying books and artifacts.

The armchairs are by Taylor King and the bench is by Vanguard Furniture.

below: The primary bathroom’s glamorous vibe was achieved through the use of crystal chandeliers and marble surfaces.

elements beyond the space, making it feel even more expansive and intriguing to visiting family and friends.”

Wh ile the residence was conceived as a vacation getaway, the clients were so satisfied with the end result, they’ve decided to make it their primary home in the near future—the ultimate seal of approval. Weber, for one, was not surprised. “The house captures what the South Florida lifestyle is all about,” says the architect.

“From the luxurious resort-style amenities to the comfortable interiors and endless opportunities for entertaining, it amounted to their dream home come true.”

SOURCES

ENTRY

Console designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Old Biscayne Designs, Americus, GA

Mirror – Lily Koo, Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Visual Comfort, Houston, TX

LIVING ROOM

Sofa and club chairs – RC Furniture, City of Industry, CA

Cocktail ottomans designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Blend Home, Cookeville, TN

Sofa and side tables designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Old Biscayne Designs, Americus, GA

Chandelier – Lighting First, Naples, FL

Fireplace designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Build, LLC, Naples, FL

Area rug designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Abbey Carpet, Bonita Springs, FL

DINING ROOM

Table – Owner’s collection

Chairs – Designmaster Furniture, High Point, NC

Fabric – Cowtan & Tout, Brooklyn, NY

Buffet designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Old Biscayne Designs, Americus, GA

Artwork above buffet – Owner’s collection

Chandelier – Visual Comfort, Houston, TX

Drapery fabric – Romo, Chagrin Falls, OH

BAR

Cabinetry and island designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by iDesignBuild, Lake Placid, FL

Stools – Designmaster Furniture, High Point, NC

Lighting

KITCHEN

Cabinetry

Stools

Fabric

Hanging

BREAKFAST AREA

Table

Chairs

Fabric

Striped all-weather chairs and a coordinating cocktail table by Brown Jordan create an intimate sitting area for family and friends to convene.

Chandelier – Lighting First, Naples, FL

POWDER ROOM

Cabinetry designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by iDesignBuild, Lake Placid, FL

Mirror – Lily Koo, Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL

Sconces – Visual Comfort, Houston, TX

Wallcovering – Arte, Zonhoven, Belgium

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by iDesignBuild, Lake Placid, FL

Hanging lighting – Hudson Valley Lighting, Wappinger Falls, NY

Chandelier – Owner’s collection

Tub – Ferguson Showroom, Naples, FL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed and headboard designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL,

and fabricated by Blend Home, Cookeville, TN

Wall designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL

Bench – Vanguard, High Point, NC

Bedside chests designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Old Biscayne Designs, Americus, GA

Armchairs – Taylor King, Taylorsville, NC

Chandelier and hanging lighting – Hudson Valley Lighting, Wappinger Falls, NY

Cabinetry designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by iDesignBuild, Lake Placid, FL

Drapery fabric – Carleton House Fabrics, Norcross, GA

Area rug designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Abbey Carpet, Bonita Springs, FL

LOGGIA

Table and chairs – Mamagreen, Chicago, IL

Island designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by iDesignBuild, Lake Placid, FL

Stools – Brown Jordan, Costa Mesa, CA

Pendant lighting – Hubbarton Forge, Castleton, VT

COVERED PATIO

Chairs and cocktail table – Brown Jordan, Costa Mesa, CA

Sconces – Hubbarton Forge, Castleton, VT

Fireplace designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Build, LLC , Naples, FL

Wall and outside shower designed by Gloria Black Design, Naples, FL

THROUGHOUT

Flooring – Naples Flooring Company, Naples, FL

Complete with jaw-dropping views of the Gulf of Mexico, the sun-dappled terrace was populated with waterfall-armed wicker chairs by Brown Jordan and concrete cocktail cubes that create an idyllic mise-en-scene for sunset watching.

SWAPPING THE HISTORICAL PEDIGREE of Richmond, Vermont for the alluring sunsets of Florida’s Paradise Coast had its list of pros and cons for an obstetrician and her husband. But once the couple discovered a 4,500-square-foot condominium overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Mystique, a 21-story luxury high-rise on Pelican Bay Boulevard in Naples, they knew a move south was inevitable.

“When we started looking at real estate, we were thinking low-maintenance, with a view, and within walking distance to the beach,” says the wife. “When we saw the unit at Mystique, we knew it was perfect.”

Gulf Gem

A HIGH PERCH OVERLOOKING NAPLES’ PRISTINE WATERS INSPIRES A NEW ENGLAND COUPLE TO TRADE COLONIAL CHARM FOR WEST FLORIDA SUNSETS

interior design RANDI SCOTT & LIZ BROWN, CALUSA BAY DESIGN, NAPLES, FL builder C.R. SMITH, NAPLES, FL text KERRY SHORR

photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL

Perched on the seventeenth floor, the decorator-ready condo had numerous assets, including breathtaking eastern and westerly vantages, a private elevator, a sun-splashed terrace, a completed kitchen and bathrooms, and plenty of lateral space for living and entertaining.

After the couple closed on a Super Bowl Sunday, their real estate agent suggested they speak to Randi Scott and Liz Brown of Calusa Bay Design, an award-winning design firm in Naples whose residential interiors are known for their comfort, elegance, and impeccable attention to detail.

“We met them at a spec home we had designed with a color palette they really liked, and they

above: A look into the bedroom hallway reveals a partial view of Beachside Beauty, one of three works in the residence by artist T.S. Harris.

said they would get back to us in a few days,” remembers Brown. “Twenty minutes later they called us to say we were the right fit and they were ready to proceed.”

From the beginning, the homeowners were clear about wanting a sophisticated, modern-coastal aesthetic with rooms centered around reading, relaxing, and spending time together.

“They requested light wood floors and dark wood features, which is something you don’t hear very often in Naples,” says Scott. “And no florals or botanicals of any kind. Just a straightforward schematic of whites, grays, and navies that tied into the finishes and furnishings and wouldn’t compete with their art collection.”

When delineating the home’s expansive footprint, the couple delighted at the idea of creating cohesive and harmonious spaces that mixed case goods by Baker, Holly Hunt, and other artisans with upholstered pieces cast in an array of similar hues.

The design crew began the condo’s transformation by encasing the concrete flooring with a select grade European white oak that stands up to heavy traffic and looks fresh underfoot. Next, every door, including

In the great room, a Joseph Jeup faux linenwrapped cocktail table, centered between oversized sofas wrapped in a creamy, Cryptontreated fabric, was such a hit, the couple had a double made for their other home. Theresa Girard’s Distant Whispers hangs prominently within the custom built-in unit.

“They requested light wood floors and dark wood features, which is something you don’t hear very often in Naples,” says interior designer Randi Scott. “And no florals or botanicals of any kind. Just a straightforward schematic of whites, grays, and navies that tied into the finishes and furnishings and wouldn’t compete with their art collection.”

the front entrance, was replaced with a modern profile and entryways were trimmed in dark wood.

In t he dining room, light-colored wall coverings mix with rich wood features and earthy accents to keep the space feeling airy and bright. Orbicular crystal sconces add organic interest above a custom walnut buffet the designers had made locally. Side chairs dressed in disparate colors and patterns inject warmth and texture. The star of the space is a striking, 84-inch chandelier whose thalassic silhouette complements the home’s magnificent water panoramas. “We opted for the wave design because it really spoke to the Naples look without being too coastal,” says Brown. “Each drop is a solid crystal, so it reflects the light beautifully.”

Ha nging in the neutral-toned great room is one of the couple’s favorite abstract artworks, Theresa Girard’s Distant Whispers, sourced from Gardner Colby Gallery in downtown Naples. The walnut built-in here was designed to mask a low-voltage transformer and cleverly serves as a de facto frame. At the opposite end, the family room is an inviting spot to unwind thanks to rows of floating walnut shelving that were installed to augment warmth and bring gravitas to cherished mementos and an impressive book collection.

above: Allocated for leisurely activities like reading and watching television, the family room also plays host to book club meetings and serves as an overflow space for dinner guests. Wallcoverings crafted from natural horsehair hang behind floating shelves stocked with books and objets d’art. The designers had to significantly size down the fireplace mantel, which is fronted in Pompeii quartz.

Ochre’s Moonlight Murmuration chandelier dazzles above a large dining table. The chairs were purposefully covered in contrasting fabrics. “The back of the chairs is more formal and gives an edge to the room, while the inside is more functional and user-friendly,” says interior designer Liz Brown.

SOURCES

TERRACE

Chairs – Brown Jordan, Miami, FL

Fabric – David Sutherland, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Cocktail cubes – Four Hands, Austin, TX

Side tables – Emissary USA, Chamblee, GA

Area rug –Jaipur Living, Miami, FL

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – A. Rudin, New York NY

Fabric – Theodore Alexander, High Point, NC and Century Furniture, Atlanta, GA

Cocktail table – Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Side tables – Restoration Hardware, rh.com

Ceiling designed by Calusa Bay Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Woodworkers Cabinetry of Naples, Inc., Naples FL

Area rug – International Design Source, Naples, FL

FAMILY ROOM

Sofa – Joseph Jeup, Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Fabric – Burton James, City of Industry, CA

Club chairs – Adriana Hoyos, Miami, FL

Armchairs – Burton James, City of Industry, CA

Fabric – Romo, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Cocktail table custom designed by Calusa Bay Design, Naples, FL

Round drink table – Arteriors, Lewisville, TX

Fireplace designed by Calusa Bay Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by C.R. Smith, Naples, FL

Faux finish – O’Guin Decorative Finishes, Naples, FL

Ceiling designed by Calusa Bay Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Woodworkers Cabinetry of Naples, Inc., Naples, FL

Area rug – Kravet Fabric, Naples, FL

The primary bedroom exudes neutral charm with Suite Dreams nightstands, jewelshaped mirrors, and a crystal chandelier above a Theodore Alexander bed.

DINING ROOM

Table – Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Chairs – Baker, Charlotte, NC

Fabric – Romo, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Cabinetry designed by Calusa Bay Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Woodworkers

Cabinetry of Naples, Inc., Naples, FL

Wallcovering in cabinetry – Phillip Jefferies, Fairfield, NJ

Chandelier – Ochre, David Sutherland Showroom, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Sconces – David Sutherland Showroom, DCOTA,

While they won’t play favorites, the homeowners say they love the feeling of complete tranquility in the primary bedroom sitting area. One reason for that might be that their prized painting, Donna Bruni’s Awakening, hangs prominently above a console table. “I find it very serene and peaceful,” says the wife. “When I look out over the mangroves, it seems to complete the space.”

Although there were delays due to the pandemic, the beachfront apartment was completed in less than a year. The day before the big reveal, the entire Calusa Bay Design team gathered to get the condo move-in ready for their clients who were staying in Vermont.

“When we walked in, everything was glowing,” says the wife. “We looked at every piece of furniture, every wallcovering, and it was spectacular; just as we imagined it would be.”

A treasured abstract painting, Awakening by Donna Bruni, brings an air of calm to the primary bedroom’s sitting area, a prime spot for quiet contemplation.

Dania Beach, FL

Mirror – Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Area rug – International Design Source, Naples, FL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed and headboard – Theodore Alexander, Charlotte, NC

Bench – Adriana Hoyos, Miami, FL

Side tables – Berman Rosetti, Los Angeles, CA

Lamps – Icon LTG, Boca Raton, FL

Chandelier – Ochre, David Sutherland Showroom, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Area rug – FJ Kashanian, Plainview, NY

PRIMARY BEDROOM SITTING AREA

Club chairs – Kravet Furniture, Anderson, SC

Fabric – Hickory White, Charlotte, NC and Romo, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Ottoman cube – Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Leather – Edelman Leather, New Milford, CT

Side table – John Pomp, J Nelson, SFDP, Hollywood, FL

Console – Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Artwork above console – Donna Bruni, Gardner Colby, Naples, FL

The home’s landscape architecture was executed by Patrick Trefz of Naplesbased Outside Productions, and includes a cabana complete with fireplace and multiple water features inside the pool. Furniture selections from Tommy Bahama’s Los Altos, St. Tropez and Abacado collections were used in the home’s multiple alfresco spaces.

GREAT

left: The home’s façade reveals the tabby stucco that was used to wrap the walls around the house’s main entrance.

design & architecture

SOME WOULD-BE HOMEOWNERS prefer to see a potential purchase as a blank canvas upon which they can project the house of their dreams. Others need some aesthetic help in that regard, and for them, a few visual aids can go a long way. It’s with this latter group in mind that Rod Ashmore and Carleen Young of Ashmore Design in Bonita Springs approached a 4,700-square-foot house in the Moorings area of Naples. The task ahead was made all the more interesting when the powers that be asked them to incorporate the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert collection into the design. Needless to say, Ashmore and Young were up for the challenge.

“We had started in a St. Barts direction, but changed gears when we were given the description

The ceiling pattern in the great room, arguably the home’s most eye-catching feature, is not structural, but simply ornamental.

Aside from a Phillips Collection cube table, every furniture piece in this room from the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert collection.

“We had started in a St. Barts direction, but changed gears when we were given the description of the furniture,” says interior designer Carleen Young. “It wasn’t the Tommy Bahama we were expecting. The selections had cleaner lines, a lighter finish, some curves, and a kind of midcentury modern/1970s retro vibe, so we decided to approach the project from a modern tropical [mindset].”

right: Red accents on a Covina leather chair from the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert collection contrast with various shades of green in a backlit Vitrite gem glass panel.

of the furniture,” says Young. “It wasn’t the Tommy Bahama we were expecting. The selections had cleaner lines, a lighter finish, some curves, and a kind of midcentury modern/1970s retro vibe, so we decided to approach the project from a modern tropical [mindset].”

The work began with some inspired modifications Ashmore thought were needed. “My job is to oversee not only the layout and design of the house, but also the production of the house during construction,” he says. “This type of construction management allows us to bring out the detailing [we envision for a particular structure].” Some of the elements the design team chose to incorporate included tabby stucco for various outdoor walls, a custom float-away glass door between living room and lanai, a two-sided fireplace in the outdoor living area, and multiple dynamic ceiling designs, something that’s become an Ashmore Design signature. (“It’s one of our niches,” says Ashmore, “and one of the reasons we have the client base that we do.”)

With those aspects underway and an enviable flow-through floorplan that seamlessly merges both the indoor and outdoor environments, the team

Often used for entertaining, the main kitchen features an ample counter fronted by Kipton stools from the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert collection. A mix of white lacquer and wood cabinetry proffer both warmth and modernity.

incorporated a variety of custom features. The focal point of the great room, for instance, is a framework of pendant lights and beams that complement the furniture pieces and walnut cabinetry. The kitchen is adorned with gold laminate toe kicks, which tie into gold fixtures, and a backsplash covered with Ann Sacks tile. Its island features a white leather countertop and brown sandalwood granite that resembles petrified wood. In the bedrooms, textures in turquoise, burnt orange, and sage green nod to the Tommy Bahama furniture’s Arizona and Palm Springs inspirations.

These ideas were only half cooked when Gina Woodruff’s real estate agent and Young (who was in the middle of staging the rooms) gave her a FaceTime tour of the property, but it was enough to convince her and her husband Doug to book a flight from Arizona to see the house in person. Within a matter of days, a sales contract had been drawn up. Although Gina had originally envisioned her Naples home would have a coastal feel, the Ashmore Design approach instantly won her over. “The selections were outstanding,” she says. “You start at the floor, and it’s fabulous. Then you look up at the ceilings and those are fabulous too. There was something to delight the eye everywhere we looked.”

The couple was so smitten with the house, they sold their Arizona place fully furnished and pushed up their move from outside of Phoenix to Florida by three years. It was the right decision by far. “We’re like kids in a candy store,” says Gina. “We feel like we’re on a permanent vacation.”

right: In the outdoor dining room, tabby stucco makes another appearance as a surround for the two-sided fireplace, leading the eye up to ceiling panels backlit with LED tape lighting and rattan Alondra chandeliers from Made Goods. “We wanted to give them a tropical resort atmosphere,” says interior designer Carleen Young.

BACK EXTERIOR

Sofa lounge – Tommy Bahama Los Altos Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Dining table and chairs – Tommy Bahama St. Tropez Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL Gazebo designed by Ashmore Design, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Big Als Welding, Naples, FL Gazebo drapery – Window Wear Design, Naples, FL

Gazebo seating – Lexington, Tommy Bahama Abaco Collection, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Fire element – HPC Fire, All American Gas, Fort Myers, FL Pool designed by Outside Productions, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Nassau Pools, Naples, FL

GREAT ROOM

Sofa – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Chairs – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Cocktail table – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Sofa back table – Tommy Bahama Island Fusion Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Cube – Phillips Collection, International Design Source, Naples, FL Lucite/wood side table and decorative gold table – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Table lamp – John-Richard, International Design Source, Naples, FL Cabinetry – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL Artwork above cabinetry – Peggy Joy Cross, Virginia Beach, VA Console – Jeff Sandifer, Level Line Cabinets of Southwest Florida, levellinecabinetry.com

Glass above console – Vetrite glass, Sicis, Ruben Sorhegui Tile Distributors, Naples, FL

Sliding TV wall designed by Ashmore Design, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Mark Bowerman, Straightline Carpentry, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Metropolitan, Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL Entry chandelier – John-Richard, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Sconces above console – Lumens, lumens.com

KITCHEN

Cabinetry and island designed by Jeff Sandifer, Level Line Cabinetry of Southwest Florida, levellinecabinetry.com, and fabricated by Crystal Cabinet Works, Princeton, MN Backsplash – Ann Sacks, Tile Market of Sarasota, Sarasota, FL Stools – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Lineal lighting – Eurofase, Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL

SOURCES

below: Another ceiling treatment imparts drama in the primary bathroom. Among the selections here are a pendant light and mirror from Arteriors and a Duravit Viu bathtub.

above: Myriad pieces from the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert collection were incorporated into the guestroom, including a Moreno nightstand, a Paxton triple dresser, a Rancho Mirage panel bed, and an Ambrose round mirror.

OUTDOOR DINING AREA

Table base – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Glass top – Glassisimo, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Chairs – Tommy Bahama Island Fusion Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Lighting – Made Goods, International Design Source, Naples, FL Accessories on table – West Elm, westelm.com

GUEST BEDROOM

Bed and headboard – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Dresser, bedside tables, and side chair – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Lamps – John-Richard and Uttermost, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Round mirror – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington,

Offering a perfect view of the pool, the primary bedroom comes together perfectly with simple ceiling beams, a Remington gentleman’s chest from the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert collection, a custom bed, and window treatments that nod to desert sunset colors.

International Design Source, Naples, FL

Drapery fabric – Walfab, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Area rug – KAS rug, Abbey Carpet and Flooring, Naples, FL

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry – Jeff Sandifer, Crystal Cabinet Works, Level Line Cabinetry of Southwest Florida, levellinecabinetry.com

Shower designed by Ashmore Design, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by JRD Industries and My Shower Door, Naples, FL

Mirror – Global Views, International Design Source, Naples, FL Metal fabrication – Big Al’s Welding, Naples, FL

Stools – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Artwork – Left Bank Art, International Design Source, Naples, FL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed – Window Wear Design, Naples, FL

Dresser and bedside table – Tommy Bahama Palm Desert Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Side chair – Tommy Bahama Collection, Lexington, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Drink table – Artistica, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Arc floor lamp – Uttermost, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Artwork – Wendover, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Window treatments – Window Wear Design, Naples, FL

Area rug – Nourison, Abbey Carpet and Flooring, Naples, FL

THROUGHOUT

Lighting designers – Lynne Stambouly & Curtis Searles, Illuminated Design, Naples, FL

Millwork – Straightline Carpentry, Naples, FL

Ceiling design – Ashmore Design, Bonita Springs, FL

Fireplace – Stellar, Grate Fireplace, Fort Myers, FL

TV door panels – Plyboo, Smith and Fong, Alterna Corp, Miami, FL

Garage door – Renlita Custom Opening Solutions, Bonham, TX

A Step Above

A NEWLY BUILT RESIDENCE IN FORT MYERS BEACH RAISES THE BAR ON OCEANSIDE LIVING WITH EXPERT CONSTRUCTION AND ASTUTE DESIGN

interior design ALEX THIES & EMILY SCHLIMM, ADELYN CHARLES INTERIORS, BONITA SPRINGS, FL

architecture RICH GUZMAN, R.G. DESIGNS, BONITA SPRINGS, FL builder RYAN POTTER, POTTER HOMES, BONITA SPRINGS, FL landscape architecture OUTSIDE PRODUCTIONS, NAPLES, FL

text JUDY MARTEL

photography BLAINE JOHNATHAN, NAPLES, FL

above: The exterior of the 5,500-squarefoot home is blue stucco crafted to look like siding, while the lower-level stucco is clad in flagstone. The same flagstone covers the pillars flanking the gates leading into the home.

right: A prime spot at sunset (or any other time), the infinity pool was elevated to ensure optimal views.

AS FAR AS DREAM HOMES GO, nothing beats building from scratch. The process allows owners to have a say in every step of the construction stages, and avoid costly mistakes and renovations in the future.

A Midwestern couple knew this was the only way to go when they decided to take a leap of faith with a vacation getaway on Fort Myers Beach, an area they knew well due to their regular winter visits to the Gulf Coast. “We like it here because it’s always been a little more rustic than Naples,” says the husband, who’s been coming to the area since he was a child. “Plus, the lots are larger than in Naples or Bonita Springs, so we knew there would be more ways to take advantage of the water views.”

As the couple had been living in a spec house built by Potter Homes, they knew exactly who to ask to bring their getaway to life. The lot selected had its

fair share of challenges. A bungalow that couldn’t be salvaged had to be torn down, and truckloads of state-certified native sand from regulated quarries had to be brought in to ensure a secure foundation. The next step was to sink nearly 100 pilings into the ground to stabilize and raise the structure to the required height. From the outside, the home that the wife describes as a “coastal farmhouse” presents a seamless, graceful façade, but the living areas are actually raised above the garage and entrance foyer. By design, the stucco walls at garage level are built to break in the event of a major storm so that seawater can flow freely among the pilings and hopefully leave the two living floors above intact. The clients learned that and countless other facts about seaside building from Potter

left:

top level of the residence has a bonus flex room that was designed to be a casual hangout. The blue tile in the bar reflects the shades of the ocean.

“Our niche is new beachfront construction,” says interior designer Alex Thies, “and when we get involved at the very start of a project and see the plans, we have an opportunity to deliver everything at a higher level.”

One level up from the foyer, the main living room is the first social area visitors see.

owners wanted warm, inviting, and comfortable,” says interior designer Alex Thies. “This room is all about indoor-outdoor living.” The furniture is covered in performance fabrics and the ceiling beams are stained a darker color to give the room dimension.

Flooring here, as throughout the rest of the house, is European oak.

Homes partner Tom Potter, who was instrumental throughout the entire construction process.

As soon as there was a structure to work on and a layout was decided, interior designer Alex Thies of Adelyn Charles Interiors was brought into the project to create the comfortable beach vibe the owners envisioned. Thies and Potter had worked together before, so their easy rapport made the process as smooth as new builds can be. “Our niche is new beachfront construction,” says Thies, “and when we get involved at the very start of a project and see the plans, we have an opportunity to deliver everything at a higher level.”

Thies and her team were true to her words. The finished home is large enough to accommodate

left: The kitchen is open to the main level living area. The owners fell in love with the quartzite countertop, so the design team used it for the walls and backsplash as well. The generous island is a gathering space for guests when the owners entertain. The chandelier above the dining table is crafted from cocoa beads.

below: A powder room reveals clever use of blue-and-gray tiles on the walls and penny tiles on the floor. As interior designer Alex Thies puts it: “It’s a space with personality.”

Vaulted ceilings in the second living area on the upper floor make the space appear larger with wall-to-ceiling windows for a cruise ship effect. The paintings by local artist Molly Wooley reference the bungalow that once stood on the site of the home.

below: Another bar, adjacent to the kitchen, echoes the home’s nautical theme with accent walls covered in blue mosaic.

above: Stained oak on the walls and ceiling give the home office a warm vibe. The custom desk features a hammered metal base for an industrial touch.

above: “It was important for us that the bed in our primary suite face the ocean,” says the husband. “That’s not always the case, but we wanted to make sure we woke up seeing the water. From the bedroom lanai, we can see all the way to Naples and Sanibel.”

visiting family and friends, yet anchored in modern coziness. Natural materials like rattan and various woods offset serene shades of blue throughout, and references to the home’s main purpose as a beach getaway don’t beat you over the head, but are rather cleverly revealed. Case in point: a triptych of acrylic paintings featuring palms by local artist Molly Wooley that allude to the aforementioned beach cottage that, unfortunately, couldn’t be saved.

The completed project was particularly fulfilling for Thies. It was the first commission executed after she launched her own firm, and also the first realized amid the supply shortages and frustrating delays caused by the pandemic. “I learned a lot and there were plenty of expectations that had to be readjusted,” she says with a sigh, “but the clients couldn’t have been more loyal. I’m now designing their home up north.”

The homeowners were equally satisfied. “We’ve ended up with a place that immediately reads upscale from the moment you enter it, but that’s also completely livable,” says the wife. “We couldn’t be happier with Alex and her team. Everything about this house works for us.”

below: Glazed cabinetry in the primary bath imparts a European feel. The main light fixture is made of coconut shells, while the tile flooring features a herringbone pattern.

above: An aerial view of the property reveals that the home is on a 75-foot-wide by 200-footdeep lot, making it stand out from the smaller cottages and older bungalows on the beach.

below: The outdoor covered areas include a dining room with a table large

to accommodate eight, and a living room

with a fireplace and a textured stone wall.

Stools – Vanguard, Hickory, NC

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – Kravet, Naples Design District, Naples, FL

Wicker armchairs – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Cocktail table – Century, Hickory, NC

Sofa table – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Side table – Century, Hickory, NC

Fireplace designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Potter Homes, Bonita Springs, FL

Area rug – Kravet, Naples Design District, Naples, FL

UPSTAIRS BAR AREA

Table – Robert James Collection, High Point, NC

Hanging lighting – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Cabinetry designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studio, Naples, FL

KITCHEN

Cabinetry designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studio, Naples, FL

Backsplash – Sunmac, Fort Myers, FL

Island designed and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studio, Naples, FL

Stools – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Pendant lighting – Minka-Lavery, Lighting First, Bonita Springs, FL Table and chairs – Vanguard, Hickory, NC

Chandelier – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Round mirror – One Kings Lane, New York, NY

Drapery fabric – Fabricut, Tulsa, OK

POWDER ROOM

Cabinet – Distinctive Kitchen Studio, Naples, FL

Vessel bowl – Ferguson Kitchen and Bath, Naples, FL

Mirror – Rejuvenation, Portland, OR

Hanging lighting – Palecek, Richmond, CA

SECOND LIVING AREA

Sofa and club chairs – Taylor King, Taylorsville, NC

X-benches – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Side table – Century, Hickory, NC

Sofa table – Robert James Collection, Hight Point, NC

The two lounge chairs on the shallow end of the infinity pool are the amenity’s prime spot, especially when the sun begins its daily descent into the horizon.

Stools – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Artwork – Molly Wooley, Fort Myers, FL

HOME OFFICE

Desk and chair – Century, Hickory, NC

Cabinetry – Vanguard Furniture, Hickory, NC

Artwork – Leftbank Art, La Mirada, CA

Drapery fabric – Lee Jofa, Bethpage, NY

BAR

Cabinetry and wine bar designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studio, Naples FL

Island designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, Fl, and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studio, Naples, FL

Stools – Vanguard, Hickory, NC

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed – Kravet, Naples Design District, Naples, FL

Settee lounge – Kravet, FL

Bedside tables – Kravet, Naples, FL

Lamps – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Club chairs and side table – Vanguard, Hickory, NC

Artwork – Trowbridge, High Point, NC

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studio, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Hanging lighting – Hinkley, Lighting First, Bonita Springs, FL

Sconces – Hudson Valley, Lighting First, Bonita Springs, FL

Tub – Ferguson Kitchen and Bath, Naples, FL

Accent table – Four Hands, Austin, TX

LOGGIA

Sofa and chairs – Restoration Hardware, Corte Madera, CA and Palecek, Richmond, CA

Cocktail table – Restoration Hardware, Corte Madera, CA

Table – Restoration Hardware, Corte Madera, CA

Chairs – Palecek, Richmond, CA

Lounges chairs – Restoration Hardware, Corte Madera, CA

Pool lounges – Tropitone, Irvine, CA

1. Standing: Kaleigh Grover, Wilfredo Emanuel, Gary Harlan, Lorraine Winkler, and Meegan Wyatt

Seated: Fran Fenning, Liz Goodman, Daphne Nikolopoulos, Kathy Beuttel, and Jane Enos

2. Pam Calligaro, Laura Elder, Deb Bailey, and Patty Cullinan

THE RIGHT SETTING

Design and philanthropy converged at Naples Tables, a yearly fundraiser organized by The League Club. More than 50 designers, from Florida and elsewhere in the country, displayed their aesthetic skills by creating tabletops that ran the gamut in terms of themes. One particular favorite was the contribution from the Hunt Slonem Hop Up Shop, which used Slonem’s popular bunny character in its design as a nod to interior designer Bunny Williams, the gathering’s honorary speaker. Guests enjoyed lunch on the showcase tables, making it a memorable and animated afternoon.

got architectural lighting design?

Wilson’s interactive Lighting Design Studio in Naples is a must-see for anyone building a custom home*. Our architectural lighting designers can greatly enhance the look of your home by customizing: · recessed lighting · cove lighting · in/under cabinet lighting · toe kick lighting · art lighting · backlit stone · and more.

In addition, the Wilson showrooms offer the most impressive selection of in-stock decorative lighting, ceiling fans, and home furnishings in Southwest Florida. Come see us today!

Naples, FL

Bonita Springs,

*Architectural lighting is extremely time sensitive. Visit or make an appointment early in your project to ensure we can properly accomodate your architectural lighting needs.

Park,

WATERSIDE BUILDERS

Specializing in building luxury residences in Naples, Waterside Builders is a full-service custom homebuilder bringing together the very best talents in the industry, including architects, interior designers, and specialty craftsmen. Owner and president Mike Assaad, a native Neapolitan, began Waterside Builders in 1999 and has since grown the company into one of Naples’ most sought-after builders for clients seeking true quality and originality in their custom dream home. From teardown to move-in day, Waterside Builders manages all aspects of the new-home construction process, providing consistent client communication throughout. The company’s completed homes grace the streets of Port Royal, Aqualane Shores, Coquina Sands, The Moorings, and Park Shore. Waterside Builders also believes in building a strong community and plays an active role in giving back to Naples by supporting youth sports and other local philanthropies.

WATERSIDE BUILDERS

Enrollment

art

ROSE GLASS

EMILY JAMES GALLERY

SWEET ART GALLERY

Naples,

GALLERY

GALLERIES

DWAYNE BERGMANN

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors specializes in high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, from interiors and architecture to full-service builds and remodels throughout the United States, Canada, South America, and the Bahamas. The drive to deliver on individuality contributes to Bergmann’s distinctive aesthetic. Bergmann recently debuted one of his newest ventures: the Linea capsule collection with Italian marble company Kreoo, which won the Best of Salone Award during Milan Design Week. The collection features remixed materials, natural layering, and geometric shapes in different dimensions and materials to form artistic and opulent objects.

The designer’s newest showroom opened on Naples’ Third Street South last year, where he also introduced his new cabinet line—a range of custom styles combining luxe materials into functional designs. Bergmann’s current project is the expansion and remodel of his new design center, set to house his upcoming upholstered furniture collection and an expansive design library.

DWAYNE BERGMANN

SETTING THE STANDARD

Palm Beach Media Group is a renowned publishing company with print publications representing a mix of proprietary titles and custom magazines, along with digital solutions, serving the entire state of Florida and more.

PUBLISHER OF:

Naples Illustrated Naples Charity Register Palm Beach Illustrated Palm Beach Charity Register Naples Realtor Magazine Palm Beach Relocation Guide Vero Beach Magazine The Jewel of Palm Beach: The Mar-a-Lago Club Jupiter Magazine 5th Avenue South: 5th Avenue South Business Improvement District Aventura Magazine Naples 100 Stuart Magazine Community Report: Collier Community Foundation Fort Lauderdale Illustrated Palm Beach 100 Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation Vero Beach Magazine: Vero Beach Handbook art&culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Time and Treasure: Guide to Better Giving Florida Design Southwest Florida Relocation Guide Florida Design Miami Edition Florida Design Annual Sourcebook Florida Design Naples Edition Fisher Island Magazine Club Braman Magazine Advances: Tampa General Hospital Naples on the Gulf: Greater Naples Chamber Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club

STYLE CROSSING

DESIGNER LAURIE WALTER RIFFS ON THE LINEAR GLAMOUR OF THAYER COGGINS’ 989 CHAIR

THE OBJECT: Originally designed in 1968 by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, the 989 lounge chair (or T-Back as it’s come to be known) features a prominent steel frame that has made it a favorite of modernists since its introduction. Today, it comes in an array of fabrics, leathers, and finishes for the most custom of interiors.

THE DESIGNER: Laurie Walter is the founder and principal of Cardamon Design in Naples, a studio where designs evolve from one-on-one client conversations and are inspired by their vision and personality.

IN HER WORDS: “This piece is timeless and unique, which is the reason it’s a favorite of mine. It combines big comfort with glamour, and features a beautiful combination of clean lines and whimsy.” cardamondesign.net; thayercoggin.com