Florida Design Naples 7.2

FLORIDA DESIGN

Waterside Bliss

Stunning Retreats in Bonita Springs, Port Royal, Little Hickory Island & Naples Bay

ARTISTIC VALUES

Four Gulf Coast Creatives

You Need to Know

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.

Full-Service Interior Design

Fine Furnishings

Custom Remodeling

Interior Architectural Detail

New Construction

Project Management

“Prunus Avium” – 48” x 48”, oil

“A Touch of Radiance” – 48” x 48”, oil

“Relax & Let it Breathe” – 36” x 24”, oil

“Just Cruisin’” – 40” x 60”, oil

“House of Flowers” – 50” x 60”, acrylic

“Light Show” – 20” x 20”, acrylic

“Gone by Sea” – 40” x 60”, acrylic

“Rolling Tide” – 50” x 75”, oil

Neal & Lisa Adams

The Most Legendary Waterfront Lifestyle Has Arrived in Naples.

For those who long for a home where captivating modern design and a stunning coastal location are just the beginning, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples redefines elegant Southwest Florida living. Endless Gulf views, white-sand beaches, a marina-front lagoon, more than 50,000 sq.ft. of curated amenities, chef-inspired dining, and The Ritz-Carlton legendary service have all come together in one exclusive address limited to just 128 residences.

Discover the waterfront home you have always craved, with graciously sized residences, penthouses, and grand penthouses, elegantly appointed interiors, rooftop retreats, and impeccable attention to detail.

The time has come to make your life legendary.

RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, NAPLES ARE NOT OWNED, SOLD OR DEVELOPED BY THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C. OR ITS AFFILIATES (“THE RITZ-CARLTON”). STOCK RESIDENCES, USES THE RITZ-CARLTON MARKS UNDER A LICENSE FROM THE RITZ-CARLTON, WHICH HAS NOT CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OF ANY OF THE STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS MADE HEREIN. ORAL REPRESENTATION CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples

Now offering Pre-Construction Pricing Residences from $3 million.

Sales Gallery now open 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 106

Naples, Florida 34109

Phone 239-249-6260 RCRNaples.com

DreamHomeYOUR AWAITS

antiques in a Port Royal house.

150 ENVIRONMENTAL ESSENCE

I NTERIOR DESIGN BY LANA KNAPP

The Gulf Coast’s breezes and beaches inspire the interior design of a Bonita Springs penthouse.

ON THE COVER

132 TALL ORDER

I NTERIOR DESIGN BY ALEX THIES ARCHITECTURE BY RICH GUZMAN

A home in Little Hickory Island proves to be a modernist masterpiece with beauty and brawn.

160 R ENOVATION INSPIRATION

INTERIOR DESIGN BY SHERRIE WEIDNER

B UILDING BY CURTIS GUNTHER

A new buy in Tuscany Isle steps into 2023 after an extensive renovation.

170 B ESPOKE TOUCHES

I NTERIOR DESIGN BY GLENN MIDNET & CAITLIN GODWIN

Two designers set out to deliver the perfect family home in Bonita Bay.

150

Environmental Essence

DESIGN BY DWAYNE BERGMANN & MARY SICA Design meant for one family ends up enchanting a Texas clan in search of their Florida retreat.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY LISA KAHN ARCHITECTURE BY STOFFT COONEY ARCHITECTS Shades of blue and green guide the palette narrative in a Naples home that celebrates family.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY CLAIR VAN DER SWAN A modern interpretation of Beaux Arts in a Naples condominium nods to its owners’ classic sensibilities.

DEPARTMENTS

Gulf

96

Susan Bay turns out another timeless collection for Sherrill Furniture.

GARDENS

98 OUTSIDE INTERESTS

Landscape architect Robert Knaak shares intel on the winning elements of garden spaces.

106 SELF ANALYSIS

For Artist Dana Roes, abstract art and introspection go hand in hand.

DWAYNE BERGMANN

/ A Full Service Design Firm

CONTENTS

126

CROWN JEWEL

ARTISANS

110 A LAYERED LANGUAGE

The House of Drop transforms everyday home accessories into one-of-a-kind collectibles.

112 ARTISTIC EVOLUTION

Potter Tracy Gurdian turns to painting, but her love for ceramics still burns bright.

CULTURE

116 THE KAHLO EFFECT

Frida Kahlo is the woman of the hour at two of Naples’ most popular cultural venues.

REAL ESTATE

120 FIVE-STAR QUALITY

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples sets the design bar high with its take on luxury high-rise living.

DISPATCH

126 CROWN JEWEL

The Aman New York hotel offers visitors (and design lovers) the ultimate urban sanctuary.

FD EVENTS

204 AND THE WINNER IS... Cocktails and applause at the Sand Dollar Awards and Gala

COVET

210 SURFACE BLOOM

Designer Judith Liegeois on the floral appeal of Tom Faulkner’s Lily cocktail table 120

FIVE-STAR QUALITY

FLORIDA DESIGN

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Daphne Nikolopoulos

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Luis R. Rigual

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Laurie Spector

ACQUISITIONS EDITOR

Annette Sessa-Galbo

WEB EDITOR

Abigail Duffy

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Roxy Rooney

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Riki Altman-Yee | Paige Bowers

Christopher Day | Jeanne de Lathouder

Ann Kaiser | Linda Marx

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sam Frost | Lori Hamilton

Daniel Newcomb | Venjhamin Reyes

Matt Steeves | Brie Williams

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Selene M. Ceballo

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Lourdes Linares

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Ileana Caban

DIGITAL PREPRESS SPECIALIST

George Davis

ADVERTISING DESIGN COORDINATORS

Anaely J. Perez Vargas

Jeffrey Rey

PUBLISHED BY PALM BEACH MEDIA GROUP NORTH, LLC P.O. Box 3344 | Palm Beach, FL 33480 561.659.0210 | naples@floridadesign.com 561.472.2217 | fdeditorial@floridadesign.com

PUBLISHER

Terry Duffy

PUBLISHER, NAPLES

Elizabeth Goodman

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Jamie Altschul | Harvey M. Dana

Jennifer Dardano | Susan Gibson Howard

DIGITAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Ryan Hollihan

MARKETING MANAGER

Rebecca Desir

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Tyler Sansone

ADVERTISING SERVICES COORDINATOR

Elizabeth Hackney

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Todd Schmidt

IT MANAGER

Keith Gonzalez

CIRCULATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Marjorie Leiva

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Judy Heflin

CIRCULATION ASSISTANT

Britney Stinson

LOGISTICS MANAGER

Omar Morales

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST

Mary Beth Cook

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST

Ana Coronel HOUR

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS FOR 40 WONDERFUL YEARS

BACK TO NORMAL

On a weekday last September, we closed the fall/winter 2022 issue of Florida Design Naples and went home satisfied with the knowledge— and relief—that comes with a job well done. Just days later, we learned that the residence featured on that edition’s cover (a 75-year-old Fort Myers Beach cottage that had been meticulously restored by its owners with the help of Freestyle Interiors & Design and Diamond Custom Homes) had been wiped away by Hurricane Ian’s vitriolic wrath when the storm made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It was a sad and scary moment to be sure, as well as a sobering reminder of one of the unfortunate realities of living in paradise.

In the months since Ian, we’ve kept in touch with many interior designers based in that part of the state to get a sense of how the region is doing. Most of the news from our contacts has been positive. In terms of residential design projects, the area seems to be in renovation mode, and many of the homerelated businesses that suffered damages have resumed normal operations. As the magazine of record for their stories, we are elated.

This spring/summer issue is a reminder of the importance of moving forward. As we put more and more distance between us and the COVID nightmare, we can’t help but feel optimistic about tomorrow. Despite last year’s storm, the Gulf Coast continues to grow, and decision makers are taking notice. Case in point: The Ritz-Carlton Residences Naples by Stock Development, a project that will bring hundreds of luxury high-rise residences to the Vanderbilt Beach area and up the ante on condo design at the same time. (You’ll find specific details on that effort in this volume’s real estate department.)

Equally dynamic is the region’s creative scene. This issue devotes a significant number of pages to that: an interview with Fort Myers artist and professor Dana Roes, a profile on the daring artisans behind the new House of Drop on Naples’ Shirley Street, an article about the work and evolution of potter Tracy Gurdian, and a look at the Frida Kahlo-themed programming that’s taking over both the Naples Botanical Garden and the Naples Art Institute this spring.

Our cover, featuring the beachside pool deck of a modernist home in Little Hickory Island, reminds us that there’s calm and beauty after the storm. Let’s turn the page on yesterday and get back to life as we know it.

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

JUDI TH LIEG EOIS

Growing Gains

I’mfrom Lake Bluff in Illinois, a small town in the suburbs of Chicago that’s big on charm, friendly, safe, and an idyllic place to grow up. I felt Naples shared those same qualities when I visited 20 years ago looking for a place in the sun to call home. Fast-forward to 2023, and I still find myself describing Naples in the same way, albeit on a much grander scale.

When my family and I moved here, the population of Collier County was 275,492, and it’s estimated to be 392,021 by the end of this year. It seems nothing can slow growth here, not even a category 4 storm like Hurricane Ian, which tore through our region last September with its devastating winds and unprecedented flooding. As a matter of fact, the market is thriving and now stands as one of the top 10 growth areas in the nation. To keep up with the population surge, there are quite a few big projects underway. Among those are The Ritz-Carlton Residences Naples by Stock Development and Rosewood Residences Naples by the Ronto Group. Both of these properties will provide luxury beachfront living at its finest and will no doubt attract buyers from all over the world with their superior residences, extraordinary amenities, and quality design. This is Naples, after all, so we wouldn’t expect anything less from two of the region’s most esteemed developers.

This issue is a beautiful example of all the action defining Naples these days. As always, it’s my hope you will find inspiration and enjoyment in what our editorial team has curated for you. Presenting timely, useful, and interesting content in a visually stunning showcase is why we’re here. We are able to do this because we have easy access to the top talent in the industry, something we’re incredibly grateful for. These partnerships are invaluable to the success of Florida Design Naples, so we don’t take them for granted.

From product roundups to profiles on artisans and showrooms, this volume is true to form with its editorial. As for me, I’m particularly drawn to the breathtaking cover spotlighting a Little Hickory Island residence designed by Adelyn Charles. It’s so serene, so elegant, so… well, so Naples.

Enjoy!

LIZ GOODMAN Publisher lgoodman@floridadesign.com

PHOTO BY MEGAN DIPIERO

ALEX THIES

Adelyn Charles Interiors

“Tall Order,” page 132

“This will be a project I will always remember,” says designer Alex Thies of the Little Hickory Island residence featured on this edition’s cover. “It challenged me as a designer and a business owner, and I will always look back on it fondly.” The commission was a chance for Thies and her team to give a family their ideal place in the sun after many years of winters up north. “The house is a showpiece and I really wanted to bring a sense of comfort, so the family could gather comfortably,” says Thies. “It was all about the amazing views of the water and letting natural light in.”

BETHANY O’NEIL

Bethany O’Neil Interior Design

“Vintage Approach,” page 140

“A fresh take on traditional and transitional with a classic style and European flair,” is how designer Bethany O’Neil summarizes her aesthetic approach to interiors. And that’s exactly what she delivered for two young homeowners with old souls when she took on their waterside Port Royal residence. O’Neil set out to infuse the modern French flair her clients wanted by sourcing pieces with with Old World depth and warmth. “The clients allowed me incredible creative freedom,” says O’Neil. “Their trust in me allowed for a very successful outcome.”

LANA KNAPP

Collins DuPont Design Group

“Environmental Essence,” page 150

Nature was foremost in designer Lana Knapp’s mind when tackling a penthouse in Bonita Springs that called for a blurring of indoor and outdoor environs. “The project was a three-year, close-knit collaboration between the client, the builder, and Collins Dupont Design Group to ensure every aspect of the design reflected superb workmanship and a commitment to excellence,” says Knapp. As for the style and sentiments chosen? “Everything in the residence reflects wind and water,” adds the designer. “It all refers to the land and the sea.”

SHERRIE WEIDNER

Clive Daniel Home

“Renovation Inspiration,” page 160

Although her clients had originally envisioned a much milder renovation when they brought on Sherrie Weidner to spearhead the design of the Tuscany Isle home they had purchased in Bonita Springs, the designer convinced them that a total overhaul was necessary. To show them what their new residence could be, she took them on a tour of a model she had recently completed with builder Curtis Gunther for Imperial Homes, and voila, the clients were sold. “That set the bar,” says Weidner, “which was needed to give them the home they had envisioned.”

GLENN MIDNET

Design West

“Bespoke Touches,” page 170

After a couple decided to settle in a Bonita Bay residence that checked off all their musts as their “forever home,” they called on the team at Design West to handle the aesthetics of what “forever” would look like. “It is always our priority to design the homeowners’ space as a cohesive, elevated expression of their aesthetic by weaving memories into something beautiful that endures,” says Design West CEO and founder Glenn Midnet. “The wife inspired us to create a space that reflected her femininity and strength. The result is a beautiful space that’s soft yet strong. A true tribute to her.”

DWAYNE BERGMANN

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors

“Ready, Set, Home,” page 176

“We took a traditional home to a place of relaxation with uncluttered, sophisticated style,” says Dwayne Bergmann about a Sanibel Island property he recently took on with fellow designer Mary Sica. “The original directive was for a serene living environment that would keep lives simple and comfortable,” says Bergmann. “There’s nothing too formal or stuffy, nowhere you can’t sit or engage with the tactile features of the rooms.” The sum of these design efforts is a dwelling where a Texas family has made their Florida dreams come true.

LISA KAHN

Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs

“Color Story,” page 186

Lisa Kahn embraced a chance to put color in the driver’s seat when the owner of a Naples home shared her love for bold palettes and asked her to instill that essence in her residence— mainly in the form of the blue shades from a favorite cardigan. “The design directive for the project was to create an environment of sanctuary where the vibrant family could gather and celebrate life’s moments and milestones,” says the designer. “They wanted a relaxing, colorful, nurturing space for entertaining and having fun. We blurred the lines between inside and out, creating a flow of energy.”

CLAIR VAN DER SWAN

Atelier van der Swan

Unapologetically Classic,” page 196

“It was a modern interpretation of the Beaux Arts style, which is based upon French neoclassicism with a nod to, and taking from, the Renaissance and baroque styles,” says designer Clair van der Swan when asked to summarize her approach in the Naples condominium featured in this edition. “The fundamental aesthetic that I wanted to achieve was simple, timeless and elegant… with a modern flair for our contemporary lifestyles. Telling a good story is never easy, and often it’s even harder to end it right, but we loved every aspect of this project from start to finish.”

Our Spring Collection has Arrived!

Priceless and enduring

Your home is the setting for a multitude of moments. Together, they become lasting memories. In a place fulfilling your idea of perfection. It is undeniably a Diamond.

Create a setting perfect for you

BETHANY O’NEIL INTERIOR DESIGN

Share your interior motives with us.

Evolve your living spaces with our experts in interior design, custom cabinetry, closet organization and remodeling. Transform your environment—and the way you live.

Start with a visit to our showroom.

Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, Suite 402, Naples

“Good

TEXTURE TRIUMPH

Delighting the eye with its three-dimensionality, the Kioto Silver tile by DUNE UNIQUE MATTERS forms an offcentered pyramid that’s impossible to miss thanks to its textural pâte de verre gloss. “It gives off the right amount of sparkle and architectural interest,” says Naples designer Pamela Durkin who relied on the Kioto to create an eyecatching panel above a fireplace in lieu of a more expected mantle. “It’s a ‘wow’ detail you notice right away.” duneceramics.com

PHOTO BY BLAINE JONATHAN

right: Part of the Soirée collection by SCALAMANDRÉ, the Catwalk grass-cloth wallcoverings feature the meticulous work of artisans who embroider thousands of metallic beads to create raised spots in the material. scalamandre.com

below: Designer Thom Filicia’s eye for detail comes through in the Belden-Gray rug for FEIZY, a piece that’s sure to work in various environments. feizy.com

SURFACE UPGRADE

EXQUISITE TEXTURES AND MATERIALS TO DRESS UP WALLS, FLOORS, AND OTHER SPOTS OF INTEREST

left: Designed by Ferruccio Laviani for CASA DESIGN, the Crash Boiserie is a wall panel system in which wood and carving are the distinctive features. casadesigngroup.com

inset below: From ARTISTIC TILE, the Gloss Glass Tresses mosaic’s swirls evoke river currents, locks of hair, and burning flames—you can’t ask for much more from stone. artistictile.com

above: The Bansa Gold & Flamant mosaic by SICIS comes in slabs made from Vetrite, a mix of glass with special polymers and metal. sicis.com

VISIT OUR DESIGN SHOWROOM

Luxury Carpets & Rugs

Providing a comprehensive design and fabrication service to help create custom carpets and rugs for our clients. At our showroom we carry a selection of Luxury In-Stock Rugs available for immediate delivery. 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.

ABOVE: Artist Hunt Slonem’s ubiquitous rabbit gets the material treatment with a range of fabrics for LEE JOFA that feature the artist’s signature brushstrokes. kravet.com/lee-jofa

down the rabbit hole

AS THE CHINESE ZODIAC DEEMS 2023 THE YEAR OF THE FURRY FAVORITE, HOME DECOR FOLLOWS SUIT WITH BUNNY-THEMED ART AND ACCESSORIES

LEFT: Seats don’t get more whimsical than the Rabbit chair by Stefano Giovannoni for CANTONI. Look closer and note that the large ears serve as the chair’s backrest. cantoni.com

RIGHT: A rabbit head on a cast aluminum pedestal by GLOBAL VIEWS is ready to stand guard outside any room in the house. globalviews.com

RIGHT: The Grow House Grow Jardin de Luna cement tiles by Katie Deedy for ANTHROPOLOGIE boast playful imagery with animal characters. anthropologie.com

LEFT: The sheep fur on the Ilaria lounge chair by INTERLUDE HOME can’t help but remind us of the fuzz of bunnies everywhere. Try and resist running your fingers through it. interludehome.com

RIGHT: Balloon Rabbit (Violet) by Jeff Koons for BERNARDAUD is a ceramic sculpture based on his iconic work that makes the ultimate color statement. bernardaud.com

Lusia “Lou” Shafran, CEO & Founder Winner of over 60 Sand Dollar & Aurora Awards

A little magenta goes a long way—as in these two silk pillows from NGALA TRADING with feather-and-down fill to ensure long-lasting coziness. ngalatrading.com

viva magenta!

GO FOR THE BOLD. PANTONE’S COLOR OF THE YEAR DOESN’T HOLD BACK

ABOVE: Purple and magenta PVC strips, accented with Swarovski crystals, descend from the base of the Fan pendant by LIGHTOLOGY in an avantgarde profusion of color. lightology.com

LEFT: Seduction would have been a better name for the Deluxe settee by JET CLASS, a sofa that exudes romance. jetclass.pt

BELOW: The Tropicale Black pattern from the Signature collection of fabrics by BASSETT MCNAB features a sprinkling of magenta blooms amid other less colorforward botanicals. bassettmcnab.com

ABOVE: The glam deco silhouette and vibrant shade of the Charisma Channel armchair by MODWAY add retro-modern style to any space. modway.com

RIGHT: Magenta and mod are a hard combination to beat in the Monolithic sideboard by ROYAL STRANGER royalstranger.com

ABOVE:

art alternatives

COLOR

in

a

TEXTURE

CHRISTOPHER GUY features interlocking shapes that form an

irregular circle inspired by early cubism. christopherguy.com

AND IMAGERY ARE NOT ALWAYS ENOUGH. SOMETIMES, WALLS CALL FOR THREE-DIMENSIONALITY AND

RIGHT: The Splotch by PHILLIPS COLLECTION is an oversized wall tile marked by craters along the surface. A gold finish completes the pieces, which are best showcased as a trio. phillipscollection.com

Found and collected near the Mississippi River, horsetail rush is

common material

the organic wall compositions of Naples artist RAN ADLER, a creative known for abstract works made from plants. ranadler.com

BELOW: The Toledo wall panel by PALECEK features a 3D triangular design of stone in the middle and a frame made from twisted rope mold. palacek.com

ABOVE: Unholy 229 by Matthew Shlian for METHOD & CONCEPT is made using cut and folded paper that’s then stained with antique gold color. methodandconcept.com

RIGHT: Petals made of coconut shell with natural indentations give the Magnolia chandelier by PALECEK its inherent beauty. palacek.com

Bloom Season

DETAILS THAT RECALL FLOWERS AND BUDS MAKE SPRING THE ULTIMATE TIME FOR STATEMENT LIGHTING

ABOVE: Frosted glass shades that remind us of calla lilies are the focus of the Mobius five-light pendant by HUBBARDTON FORGE, a piece whose height can be easily adjusted for versatility. hubbardtonforge.com

BELOW: From SAVOY HOUSE, the Dahlia’s streamlined structure is accented with clear crystal flowers and finished in warm brass with a white shade. savoyhouse.com

ABOVE: Crystals and pearl-like buds on the the Auroa table lamp by SCHONBEK provide the piece with its striking profile. schonbek.com

LEFT: The white buds of LED-lit artisan blown glass in the Fiori Ring chandelier by HAMMERTON STUDIO offer a playful interpretation of mid-century style. studio.hammerton.com

ABOVE: And action! The Director’s chair by FILM CRAFT is constructed of sturdy beech wood and folds just like the real thing. filmcraftla.com

RIGHT: For the ultimate film buff, the Movie Collage digital print wallpaper by HOME DESIGNART DESIGNS features posters from movies both well-known and obscure. etsy.com

now, that’s entertainment!

CREATE THE PERFECT GAME ROOM WITH NODS TO FILM CULTURE, TECHNOLOGY, AND ONE-ON-ONE COMPETITION

ABOVE: The Cabaret air hockey table by ELEVEN RAVENS has a cool architectural vibe that upgrades it from game contraption to statement piece. 11ravens.com

LEFT: The Phantom I speaker from DEVIALET offers state-of-the-art sound and wireless technology with sleek design. devialet.com

BELOW: Crafted in luxurious lacquer, the Eden backgammon set by JONATHAN ADLER opens to reveal a striking interior in classic black, ivory and red, as well as the brand’s popular snake motif. jonathanadler.com

Hollywood Style

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES THAT RECALL GLAMOROUS MOVIE SETS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT

1 Nothing says glamour like a gilded chandelier. The Dream-Maker by CURREY & COMPANY is true to its name thanks to its antique gold leaf finish and curved arms that drip luminous crystals. curreyandcompany.com

2 FORNASETTI loves a little drama, so who better to use as the face of the brand’s Ortensia console than legendary soprano Lina Cavalieri? Made of silkscreened wood, the cabinet adds a dose of whimsy to any room. fornasetti.com

3 Designed by Thierry Lemaire for FENDI CASA , the Parsifal sofa’s rich green velvet upholstery and rigorous geometry give it a starring role. fendicasa.com

4 Designer Alison Rose’s Euclid mosaic for ARTISTIC TILE recalls the Art Deco motifs that Hollywood’s Golden Age pictures were so enamored with. artistictile.com

5 When we look at the Zebra room divider by HOMMÉS STUDIO, we can’t help but think of the seductive privacy screens behind which many a screen siren made herself a bit more comfortable in endless black-and-white movies of the past. hommes.studio

Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013) features spectacular set design by Catherine Martin.

ABOVE: The Partridge Family orange on the Color Ballsy flush mount light fixture by DUTTON BROWN instantly takes us back with its shiny veneer. duttonbrown.com

That ‘70s Show

PATTERNS, COLORS, AND SILHOUETTES FROM THE ME DECADE INFUSE HOME DESIGN WITH GROOVY RETRO APPEAL

BELOW RIGHT: The golden Atollo table lamp by LIGHTOLOGY features a cylinder body that rises to a point, like that of a pencil. lightology.com

RIGHT: Functional and decorative, the Dream bookshelf by KARDIEL boasts that 1970s sensibility that only wood can impart. kardiel.com

An earthy color palette of mineral tones, browns, yellows, and ochres on voluminous curvy shapes makes it obvious that ROCHE BOBOIS is in a 1970s state of mind. Cue up the Bee Gees, please. roche-bobois.com

BELOW: The threedimensionality of the Spiced Geo wallpaper by WEST ELM is ideal for a Brady Bunch dose of style. westelm.com

ABOVE: Each slender arm in the Coral chandelier by SERENA & LILY has been shaped and sanded to mimic the organic look of the marine organism for a delicate and dramatic look. serenaandlily.com

a place in the sun

IN FLORIDA’S GULF COAST, BEACH HOUSE-CHIC STYLE IS ALWAYS IN SEASON

ABOVE: The Ocean collection of drawer handles by PULLCAST makes a case for hardware with jewelry aspirations. pullcast.eu

LEFT: The rope-wrapped Nicosia accent table by CURREY & COMPANY boasts a sophisticated nautical flair and tactile charm. curreyandcompany.com

ABOVE: With its strong architectural lines, dark graphite aluminum, and trims made of teak, the South Beach collection of outdoor pieces by TOMMY BAHAMA FURNITURE feels just right for this coast. tommybahamfurniture.com

RIGHT: A distressed cream faux leather seat perfectly complements the whitewashfinished wood frame of the Maryl dining chair by INTERLUDE HOME. Subtle surface imperfections give it its charm. interludehome.com

LEFT: The sea urchin finish on the base of the Sanibel ceramic lamp by REGINA ANDREW offers just the right dose of coastal chic. reginaandrew.com

MARBLE MARVEL

TIME AND SPACE MUSINGS INFORM DESIGNER ARDA YENIAY’S UNIVERSE TABLE

THE INSPIRATION

For his debut home piece, Turkish designer Arda Yeniay looked up to the cosmos for inspiration for the Universe, a low-profile table made of marble that blurs the lines between sculpture and furniture created specifically for StudioTwentySeven.

“The idea behind the piece was to combine the timeless elegance of art deco with a futuristic edge,” says Yeniay. “I wanted the Universe to evoke feelings of nostalgia while also being relevant to the present and future.”

THE DETAILS

It’s clear that Yeniay considered—and thought through—every aspect of the Universe carefully. Case in point: “The arches at the center of the piece symbolize the infinite nature of the universe through its continuous form,” he says. Executing that continuity required an expert and careful manipulation of the marble.

THE MATERIAL

“I selected marble to challenge conventional norms and explore its potential,” says Yeniay. “The idea of ‘form follows production,’ which I was introduced to during my master’s studies in Milan has inspired me to create sculptural pieces that combine expert craftsmanship with captivating curved forms.”

Specifically, Yeniay opted for Turkish lilac marble, a type of the stone known for its light purple veining.

THE FINAL STEP

“I envision the Universe as a statement piece in spaces that are designed with taste and an appreciation for curated collectibles,” says Yeniay. “It could be used as a unique accent in a living room, an office, or a hotel lobby, or anywhere a touch of elegance with sophistication is needed.” studiotwentyseven.com

d h

DIANA HALL DESIGN

ALFRESCO LIVING

DESIGNER LAURA KIRAR STEPS BEYOND THE LIVING ROOM FOR HER FIRST OUTDOOR FURNITURE COLLECTION FOR MCGUIRE

Laura Kirar and McGuire are not strangers by any means, but Cuerda is the first outdoor collection the renowned designer and artist has created for the furniture manufacturer after many years of collaborations. The 16-piece line takes its name from the Spanish word for rope or cord, and, as such, makes a point to draw attention to the weather-resistant cable rope selected for the pieces, which is intricately wrapped and woven over the frames. Highlights in the collection include a sofa, a lounge chair, a rectangle dining table, a counter table, and an oval end table. “The volumetric language of the Cuerda design alludes to the natural world,” says Kirar. “The pieces invite one to touch, interact, and especially to lounge.” We like the sound of that. bakerfurniture.com

Textile Tactics

A new season calls for new fabrics. The Sleep Bella, Live Bella collection from Bella Notte offers five round throw pillows, four square throw pillows, and seven throw blankets. The pieces come in machine-washable textiles such as organic cotton damask, cotton chenille, jacquard, silk velvet, embroidered silk velvet, quilted silk velvet, cotton velvet, and silk charmeuse in 19 colors ranging from pastels to Corvino black. All are cut, sewn, and dyed at Bella Notte’s Bay Area facilities in California. bellanottelinens.com

above: The Cuerda rectangle table and chairs are both wrapped in weather-resistant cord.

above: Laura Kirar

above left: Square pillows and throws from Bella Notte’s new collection above right: Inspired by vintage chinoiserie, the Lynette blanket is made of silk-linen charmeuse.

The Sleep Bella, Live Bella round throw pillows are 18 inches in diameter.

Photographer: Spacecrafting

above and left: The new Preston system uses recycled and reclaimed woods for endless closet solutions.

below: The Preston’s 360 Organizer is ideal in kitchen pantries to maximize space thanks to its rotating ability.

New World Order

PRESTON—AND PRESTO! THE CONTAINER STORE’S NEW SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATION COVERS THE ENTIRE HOME

Marie Kondo devotees, take note. The Container Store’s newest line, Preston, offers a super-smart system of organization that can be applied in different ways in multiple spaces. Made from recycled and reclaimed woods, the customizable options include wall beds, media centers with concealed parts, garage solutions, and the 360 Organizer, a rotating contraption that puts favorite items at your fingertips and can be used in wardrobes, pantries, wine cellars, and more. Details for these custom niches include various finishes and hardware, glass doors, LED lighting, frameless mirror doors, and leather drawer fronts. containerstore.com

above: Interlude Home’s Ornette armchair covered in Suede Chenille/Shell from the new Coastal collection of upholstery fabrics

Interlude Home turns its attention to the beach house with its new Coastal upholstery collection. The line offers a selection of 58 frames in nine beach-inspired fabrics to be used on sofas, chairs, bed frames, and benches. To best showcase the new upholstery at home, the brand has edited down a selection of chairs, dressers, bedside chests, and accent tables in case consumers are in the mood for something extra. interludehome.com

right and below: Interlude Home’s Arabella chair and Ava sofa covered in Hampton Twill/Surf from the brand’s new Coastal collection of upholstery fabrics

LEFT: The new L Space & Co. showroom will offer a variety of products on display and for sale.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

BELOW: Seating collections on display at L Space & Co.

Lissa Sabatino is not a fan of red tape. That’s why her new L Space & Co., a hybrid of a business that’s equal parts showroom and studio, is dedicated to minimizing delays when it comes to furniture delivery and custom work. The studio part offers the services Sabatino is known for at her interior design practice: custom furniture design, decorative lighting design, 3D renderings, renovations, material selections, installation, and complete project management. The showroom is a marketplace for the sale of smaller goods, as well as to see larger products in vignette settings to better imagine them at home. Highlights include a “bead bar” from Ro Sham Beaux at which customers can create a variety of beaded chandeliers, and offerings from Moss Home Studio, a women-owned furniture brand known for its superior quality. “This idea came from not wanting to wait around,” says Sabatino. “Being able to provide more efficiently and effectively for our clientele is what sets us apart.” lspaceandco.com

Oce Space

It’s not every day that Herman Miller releases a new product. Responding to the changing nature of work settings, the brand recently introduced the Passport, a desk that’s adaptable to home and corporate environments thanks to its compact design (large enough for the essentials, yet small enough for tight areas). The Passport has wheels for easy movement, and optional bag hooks and privacy screens that don’t increase its footprint. The best part? It’s height-adjustable to make it a standing desk if so desired. hermanmiller.com

LEFT: The Passport desk by Herman Miller comes in a variety of finishes and color options.

NAPLES DESIGNER LISSA SABATINO’S NEW SHOWROOM/ STUDIO AIMS TO CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN ACCESSIBILITY AND CUSTOMIZATION

INSET LEFT: Naples designer Lissa Sabatino

THE FAMILY STONE

NEW RAVENNA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF MOSAIC MOXIE WITH THE HERITAGE COLLECTION

New Ravenna can be counted on to release new collections on a regular basis, but the brand’s new Heritage line is special for multiple reasons. Heritage celebrates the mosaic maker’s thirtieth anniversary and features 14 designs handcrafted at the company’s Virginia headquarters from jewel glass and Glazed Basalto (the company’s proprietary volcanic stone) with brass and metallic accents. “The collection journeys through our three decades of design, innovation, and craftsmanship by reinterpreting our most popular patterns and textures,” says Creative Director Cean Irminger. To that end, the categories under the collection include History, which honors the first 10 years when the brand was inspired by mosaics in the Roman African tradition, Texture, which celebrates New Ravenna’s second decade and its foray into Venetian techniques, and Color, a nod to the last 10 years when the focus has been on ombré blends and other shade innovations. Depending on the material, Heritage’s mosaics can be installed on walls and floors, indoors and out. newravenna.com

ABOVE RIGHT: New Ravenna’s Chinoiserie glass-cut mosaic creates a nature scene marked by soft blue and rose shades. ABOVE INSET: The Roman Check mosaic is ideal for patio applications. BELOW: The Reve mosaic brings shine to bathroom walls.

Floor-level Access

Call it great rugs for an even greater cause. Schumacher recently relaunched its in-house designed collection for the first time since it was introduced in the 1960s. The line includes 13 patterns, many of which are inspired by the brand’s most popular fabric and wallpaper designs. The aforementioned great cause? The rugs are woven by female artisans through a program called Women’s Weavers, an initiative that helps women in rural India learn the art of weaving to give them the opportunity to help support their families.

fschumacher.com

BELOW: Swatches from Schumacher’s Vento (BOTTOM), Branson (LEFT), and Zimba (RIGHT) rugs

RIGHT: Schumacher’s Malta French Knot rug is made of wool and cotton on a traditional pit loom.

ADELYN CHARLES INTERIORS

Adelyn Charles Interiors is a full-service design firm deeply rooted in the principles of form meets function. The firm strives to create homes that are equally as comfortable as they are beautiful. With deep roots in architecture and Florida living, Adelyn Charles Interiors understands how to create spaces that impress and suit its clients’ individual needs in a practical and purposeful manner. The company’s mission is to partner with clients to lead them through the entire building process from the initial planning stages through construction completion as a trusted source of guidance and expertise along the way.

ADELYN CHARLES INTERIORS

3920 Via Del Rey, Suite 3

Bonita Springs, FL 34134

adelyncharles.com

RICHLIN INTERNATIONAL

Richlin International is a family-owned distributor of contemporary European and American kitchen, bath, closet, door, and furniture products. Founded more than 20 years ago, the firm has become a leader in the design industry by working with such exclusive partners as Poliform, Viva, Oikos, Fantini, Glas Italia, and Kasthall to pioneer unique, affordable, and luxurious designs for clients throughout Southwest Florida. It distributes innovative, expertly crafted goods designed with superior quality and timeless elegance for local builders, interior designers, architects, and homeowners.

With a passion for delivering unparalleled customer service, the company’s skilled, dedicated, hands-on team oversees all projects from inception through installation and completion. The firm works directly with the trade to select products, measure spaces, and provide custom product specification books, technical cutsheets, and complimentary jobsite visits throughout the project.

Visit the showroom in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, Naples for inspiration, expertise, and premier products.

RICHLIN INTERNATIONAL

2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 616

Naples, Florida 34109

239-659-3007

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.

540 Tenth St. N., Naples, FL 34102.

239.919.6465

totalshade.com

REDUCE SOLAR HEAT GAIN BY 65%

Our primary focus is creating products that insulate interiors from solar heat gain and glare. By using our patented technology, you can manage interior temperatures and lower A/C costs up to 45%.

Total Shade Inc. provides automated shading systems for exterior applications as well, including:

Retractable Awnings

Lanai Screens

Hurricane Screen Systems

WE DON’T JUST USE THE TECHNOLOGY. WE PATENTED IT.

PATENT AWARDED IN 2005.

Ask for Tech Data Sheet.

NAPLES:

Total Shade Inc. 540 10th St. North Naples, Florida 34102 (239) 919-6465

CHICAGO: Total Shade Inc. 505 North Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, Illinois 60611 (708)-558-1057

info@totalshade.com

totalshade.com

Workspace Dyna mics

THE HOME OFFICE EMERGES AS THE MUST-HAVE ROOM OF 2023—AND BEYOND

One of the many lessons the pandemic taught us was the importance of a dedicated space for work while sheltering in place. Whether you call it a study, library, or bureau, the home office is the one room in the house that asks us to forget being homebound and get down to business. Unlike neutral corporate environments, however, these residential spaces can be as personal and customized as you want them to be. Here’s a look at some Gulf Coast home offices with design that’s sure to inspire.

text CHRISTOPHER DAY left: Masculine accents in this TRACI RHOADS-designed study in Naples make it clear it’s the husband’s domain. A navy grasscloth covers the main wall and accentuates the vaulted ceiling, while the gold and crystal cubeshaped chandelier is a cheeky nod to the husband’s love of tequila.

architecture

that evokes emotion

Oak stained in blue on the walls and ceiling gives this home office in Fort Myers Beach a warm vibe, which was one of the main goals of designer LISA KAHN. The armchairs by the doors offer a cozy spot with views of the residence’s garden.

above: A striking shade of deep turquoise on custom cabinetry brings energy into this Old Naples home office designed by ROMANZA INTERIOR DESIGN. Lee Industries Club chairs beckon guests into a conversational corner, while an ottoman reupholstered in Lee Jofa fabric ties the bold hue into the room.

above: Neutral sentiments dominate the RENÉE GADDIS interior design in this home office in Pelican Bay. Abstract artwork completes the desired effect.

PHOTO BY VEJHAMIN REYES; RENÉE GADDIS INTERIORS

PHOTO BY TROY CAMPBELL; LISA KHAN DESIGNS

PHOTO BY BRIE WILLIAMS

right:

Striving

left: Designer MEGAN WINTERS infused joy and classicism in this Naples study with a zebra fabric by Scalamandré that was used both as wallcovering and upholstery. A Maison Jansen desk and vintage lamp from 1st Dibs bring antiques into the equation.

right: Featuring a contemporary aesthetic, this Port Royal home office by ADELYN CHARLES is warmed by the savvy use of different woods—on the floor, on furnishings, and even as a trim detail on the walls. The custom desk’s purposely distressed iron base gives the room an industrial touch.

above: Sometimes, business talks require a more convivial setting. For the lounge in the study of this beachfront Bonita Springs home, FREESTYLE INTERIORS relied on Four Hands furniture atop a broad loom area rug by Kravet. In the background, the office’s Safavieh writing desk beckons with its exotic eucalyptus veneer.

Power of Collaboration

DESIGNER SUSAN BAY DELIVERS ANOTHER COLLECTION FOR SHERRILL FURNITURE JUST IN TIME TO COINCIDE WITH THE REOPENING OF HER DOWNTOWN NAPLES STORE

Naples designer Susan Bay’s connection to Sherrill Furniture goes back more than 10 years to when the company’s then CEO, Buddy Sherrill, called Bay at her summer cottage in Lake Charlevoix, Michigan and asked her to take over the upholstery lines for the brand. Before she knew it, Bay was on Sherrill’s private jet to meet the man in High Point, North Carolina. Two months later, Bay’s first collection for Sherrill Furniture was presented to much acclaim at High Point Market, one of the country’s leading home furnishings trade shows.

“You just don’t say ‘no’ to Buddy,” says Bay. “Since that first meeting, I’ve increased my products for the company to more than 90 pieces annually, which are introduced [as part of the Design Classics Collection] twice a year.”

This spring, the debut of Bay’s latest array of furnishings for Sherrill Furniture coincides with the reveal of her renovated Downtown Naples store, which had been closed since last fall due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

As for the new additions, they include credenzas, mirrors, benches, sectionals, case goods, tables, and club chairs (with finishes in everything from oak to platinum), as well as various upholstery options.

“I design pieces that will stand the test of time because I believe in classic furniture with lasting value,” says Bay. “I create options for today’s lifestyles that feel appropriate in any part of the country.” sherrillfurniture.com; baydesignstore.com

above: A white credenza in a sugar finish with bronze hardware and mirrors with a platinum finish from Susan Bay’s latest collection for Sherrill Furniture

right: Sectional sofa in a modern elm finish, a coffee table finished in oak, club chairs with a diagonal diamond weave, and an oval mirror with an earth-gray finish from Susan Bay’s latest collection for Sherrill Furniture

above: Designer Susan Bay has been collaborating with Sherrill Furniture since 2014.

FROM STREAMLINED PERGOLAS TO NEXT-GENERATION LIGHTING, HERE ARE MULTIPLE ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER TO ENSURE WINNING GARDENS

text CHRISTOPHER DAY

Knaak Design Group in Bonita Springs has made a name for itself for outdoor spaces that don’t sacrifice style for function.

Principal Robert Knaak, a registered landscape architect and certified building contractor, believes in alfresco rooms marked by natural, low-maintenance materials that can put up with whatever the Florida weather throws at them, and styles that favor a clean modern aesthetic that can be updated without starting from scratch. Here, he shares some insight on four of landscape design’s most popular and important features. knaakdesign.com

left and below: Louvered pergolas can be freestanding or attached to the house as an extension of an existing lanai. They can be equipped with lighting, electronics, fans, and other extras to create a room that stands on its own. “Some of ours are programmed to close automatically when sensing rainfall,” says Knaak, “so everything inside is protected.”

PERGOLA PRINCIPLES

“These days clients are asking for pergolas, pavilions or shade structures where they can entertain in inclement weather more and more,” says Knaak. “Louvered pergolas have been very popular in Europe for some time, but only recently have they been engineered to withstand hurricane winds, making them a gamechanger here in Florida. These bioclimatic structures are a great way to add more usable space to the backyard and provide protection from the rain and the sun.”

UNDERFOOT ASSETS

There are multiple ways to add visual interest at ground level, and often times, pavers and hedges are the way to go. “There are many different types of pavers, from natural stone to cement-based, but porcelain pavers have really taken off,” says Knaak. “Over 90 percent of our projects use them because they are resistant to mold and mildew and make great non-slip surfaces.” For homeowners who don’t mind the upkeep, hedge mazes may be the way to go. Popular in formal gardens, parterre box hedges are separated by gravel and sometimes surrounded by flower beds.

right: Manicured hedge mazes impart formal elegance at the front entrance of this estate.

Large pavers give way to small ones in this Fort Myers residence.

POOLS & PLANT LIFE

When it comes to green life around a pool, low-maintenance varieties that can withstand the Florida sun are key. “Grasses such as Chinese fountain add a bit of whimsy thanks to its white, silvery bottle brush that sways in the wind,” says Knaak.

“Ground covers such as perennial peanut or beach sunflower in lieu of turf are good staples. We also try to incorporate species that are not as abundant, like Copernicia alba palm, which has an interesting diamond trunk and compact palmate fronds.” In terms of hardscape and extras, Knaak relies on proven winners: a pergola for shelter from the sun, non-slip surfaces for pavers, and a firepit for nighttime use.

above: This expansive pool deck was broken up with marble pavers with synthetic turf banding. Auntie Lou plants add a pop of red to the very green garden.

above: For this pool in a Fort Myers residence, Knaak designed low colorful shrub beds around the deck and anchored the corners with palms.

left: Outdoor kitchens without shelter are becoming more and more common. This system by Fire Magic is treated with powder-coated aluminum to prevent rust.

LIGHTING MAKES PERFECT

Enjoying our gardens and outdoor spaces once the sun goes down all has to do with proper lighting. “You have to find the right balance of lighting that accentuates the landscape and provides safety without overdoing it,” says Knaak. “You don’t need to light every tree on your property, but it should be evenly balanced throughout. We use a patent lighting system that does all its research and development in the Florida Keys and is meant for harsh marine-type environments.”

right: Uniform accent lighting along a wall and path was installed for safety in a dark area of this property.

A giant banyan tree in a Florida Keys home is up-lit and down-lit by 11 lights, both in the ground and attached to several branches in the tree.

self analysis

Artist Dana Roes’ use of art as therapy has served her rather well. The Fort Myers resident moved to the Gulf Coast in 2009 for a professor position at Florida SouthWestern State College and has since established herself as one of the state’s most introspective and in-demand artists. Her focus? Abstract works that explore the world around us and her role within it.

Do you think you approach painting different because you’re a professor? Not really, but I am definitely a better professor because of the way I approach painting. The more I problem-solve visually in my own work, the more agile I am when it comes time to guide my students in their process during classes.

Your two most recent series, Untitled 2022-23 and Future Tense , are

ARTIST AND PROFESSOR DANA ROES USES PAINTING TO UNDERSTAND HERSELF

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

quite different yet interconnected at the same time, correct? Untitled was developed almost simultaneously with Future Tense . I thought for a while that it was the same body of work, but when I think of it now, I see that the Untitled paintings acted as a palate cleanser. Future Tense was a demanding and intense series. I could not look at the paintings in that series next to one another; they were too loud and too strong. I started to make charcoal drawings on a canvas as an outlet and then I painted layers of pale beige and white values on top. The quiet stillness of the new paintings was an antidote to the loud chaos of Future Tense . They allowed me some distance from the emotional demands of the larger paintings. You’ve said that your paintings “address your place within the psychological and physical space.” Can you expand on that? I continually visit the notion of voids, missing pieces, and inaccessible or unknowable

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANA ROES

left: Future Tense #3, oil on canvas, 2020

below: Artist Dana Roes

spaces. Whether it is the psychological space of a lie, the mysterious space of multiple realities, or the indescribable space I feel when I close my eyes and face the sun, it is resistance to containment and the urge toward expansion that drives my work.

In the past you’ve addressed nature issues and political turmoil in your work. Any interest in going back to those themes? Right now, I am big into denial. I say that humorously, but it’s one thing to be consumed and haunted by headline news, but now I just want to escape. Not in an irresponsible way, but in a way that offers a new solution, a new way of thinking.

Another palate cleanser? Sure. As creative problem solvers and artists, we can’t keep reflecting in the darkest parts of humanity. It’s our responsibility to raise awareness, but we can also offer an alternative way of imagining the future.

What else are you working on these days? This fall I will have an exhibition at the Dunham Family Gallery at BIG Arts on Sanibel Island called “Involution,” which grew out of a collaboration with my friend, poet Brandi George. The show pushes the conventions of artistic creation, combining the power of images and text. What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t painting? I think I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. Art allows me to explore disparate topics from science and philosophy to architecture and politics. I am never bored. danaroes.com

above: Untitled 2022-23 #8, oil paint on canvas, 2023

above: Untitled 2022-23 #2, charcoal and paint on canvas, 2022

left: Future Tense #6, oil, charcoal, and acrylic on canvas, 2021

A Layered Language

AT THE NEW HOUSE OF DROP IN NAPLES, BRITT STEELE AND FABRIZIO VENUTA TURN THE ORDINARY INTO THE COLORFUL

text CHRISTOPHER DAY

Like many passion projects of late, The House of Drop came together after much heartache and soul searching during the long, dark days of the COVID pandemic.

After having to shut the doors to their Nashville-based lifestyle magazine, artists Brittany Steele and her husband Fabrizio Venuta spent countless hours discussing their next move. One random day, as she took inventory of her hundreds of vases, Steele began diddling by turning one of them upside down and letting paint roll down its sides. “Seeing something so normal transform before my eyes as a result of my own hands was [mesmerizing],” she says. “It was like quenching a thirst.”

After some further experimentation with Venuta, the two decided they had an idea original enough to warrant its own studio. Many conversations and considerations later, they decided that studio should be located in Naples. Fast-forward to summer 2022 and The House of Drop is a brick-and-mortar reality in the heart of the city’s art district at 5532 Shirley Street. Here, Steele and Venuta take chairs, lamps, tables, chandeliers, and just about any other home accessory one can think of and unleash their layering process on them. Thousands of layers of paint (sometimes holographic, other times with glitter for depth) eventually saturate the pieces before three final layers of marine-grade resin are applied to ensure a high-gloss finish and preserve the items for years to come. Their creations have since taken off, and these days Venuta and Steele find themselves transforming everything from surfboards to Birkin bags to Jimmy Choo heels into one-of-a-kind collectibles. “We don’t discriminate,” says Steele.

“There’s nothing our drops can’t be poured on.”

As for what’s next? “We can take this in infinite directions in the coming years, given the right opportunity,” says Steele. “We’re always ready to roll up our sleeves.” thehouseofdrop.com

above: The House of Drop co-founder Brittany Steele at work in her Naples studio

left: A lamp after undergoing The House of Drop’s paint layering process

above: The House of Drop co-founder Fabrizio Venuta puts the finishing touches on one of his creations.

Downtown Naples | East Naples | Golden Gate | Marco Island | Bonita Springs | San Carlos | Port Charlotte | Largo | Kingsway

above: Because We’ve Ended as Lovers is representative of Tracy Gurdian’s current focus at Tovari. “It’s abstract plaster on canvas, using graphite, acrylic, and foliage from my Naples garden and neighborhood,” says the artist. “It’s an ode to the Jeff Beck song.”

right: Tovari Designs founder Tracy Gurdian in her studio

Artistic Evolution

In the last couple of decades, Tracy Gurdian has emerged as Naples’ most prolific and respected potter, beloved as much for her one-of-a-kind ceramics as for the Herculean and dangerous method it takes to make them.

Gurdian practices what’s known as raku, a type of Japanese pottery in which the clay is maneuvered with metal tongs in a kiln that reaches more than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The procedure requires two people, equipped with protective goggles and gloves, who move the pieces from the kiln into a post-fire reduction chamber (basically a large can filled with combustibles). This starts another blaze where the ceramics sit, soak up carbon and oxidize, then get doused with water. The chemistry caused by these extremes creates the variety of colors and surface effects that makes raku so popular.

“Some pieces might not come out at all, or they might break, and that’s why I love it,” says Gurdian. “It’s like life. You can’t control what happens.”

above: “I created this raku piece when I crumpled a piece of paper and noticed the beautiful shape it made,” says Gurdian. “We all have flaws; we’re all imperfect. That’s what attracts me to these forms.”

left: “Inspired by sea foam, this is one of those raku pieces I will never be able to recreate,” says Gurdian. “I used a metallic glaze and refired this three times to get this effect. I’m surprised it survived that much heat.”

AFTER WINNING NAPLES OVER WITH HER NATURE-INSPIRED CERAMICS, ARTIST TRACY GURDIAN SHIFTS HER CREATIVE FOCUS TO FOLIAGE PAINTING WITH EQUALLY INSPIRING RESULTS

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

Mickey Dickson Marzucco Principal / Interior Designer ASID, IDS

A dancer until an injury sidelined that career, Gurdian fell into ceramics as a way to deal with depression. “I thought I would be miserable, but the first time I squeezed clay between my fingers it felt like I was choreographing a dance,” she says. “I had the biggest smile on my face.” A raku class came later when she saw a sign that read “Here, not everything makes it through the fire, so you have to learn to let go of it” and knew it was meant for her. In 2013, she launched Tovari (a portmanteau of her children’s names, Tova and Ari), word of mouth got around, and soon she was designing collections for the likes of Kravet, Bergdorf Goodman, and Gump’s. In 2019, she traveled to Japan to see where raku was born and learn kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, and incorporated that into her Naples practice, where she lets nature inspire her designs.

But as much success as her ceramics have brought her, Gurdian is not one to sit still. After spending last summer in Spain, she decided to incorporate foliage painting into her oeuvre. This process, which Gurdian describes as “pressing real botanicals into plaster using the relief as texture” is a welcome departure from the menacing nature of raku—at least for now. “Raku is a big adrenaline rush in which everything is timed, and it can be exhausting,” she says. “Foliage painting is transformative and meditative. It’s exactly what I need right now.” @tovari_designs

above: “I used plaster, watercolor, graphite, and foliage on canvas to create Land Escape,” says Gurdian. “This is a statement piece on the disconnect in society due to [digital devices] and how time spent outside is less. I used color to show how sun exposure can lower stress.”

left: “At nine pounds, this raku candle holder is one of the heaviest pieces I’ve fired,” says Gurdian. “I came up with it after visiting the New Mexico mountains.”

“These raku bowls are informed by my trip to Japan and what I learned from my teachers,” says Gurdian. “I love how each one sparkles with a hint of silver that’s totally random, a happy accident.”

above: “These raku sculptures were inspired by the term ‘see the forest for the trees,” says Gurdian. “I created these after a discussion with my son in which I was trying to make him see why his viewpoint was narrow. The different sizes represent our differering opinions.”

THE KAHLO EFFECT

MEXICO’S FIRST LADY OF ART LEADS THE PROGRAMMING AT TWO NAPLES VENUES

TEXT CHRISTOPHER DAY

FRIDA AND HER WARDROBE

Still a style icon more than half a century after her death, Frida Kahlo’s iconic outfits reflected the love she had for her country’s folklore and artistic traditions while also challenging the gender stereotypes and aesthetic norms of the time. That dichotomy is explored in colorful detail in Miradas de Mujeres: Isabelle de Borchgrave & the World of Frida Kahlo (March 4–June 11), a new exhibition at the Naples Art Institute.

A Belgian artist who first made a name for herself in interior design, de Borchgrave spent nearly three years creating this tangible opus, which is mainly composed of interpretations of Kahlo’s outfits, as well as carpets, furniture, and other elements that recreate the unique universe the artist inhabited. Painted entirely by hand, the entire endeavor required more than two-and-ahalf miles of the cardboard and paper de Borchgrave used for her creations.

Unlike the suffering and pain that’s often associated with the artist’s life and featured in her works, de Borchgrave presents us with a different perspective: the joy of living of a woman who managed to transcend hardship and emerge as a cultural icon.

naplesart.org

ABOVE: A photo book and other memorabilia related to Frida Kahlo that served as inpiration for the exhibition

RIGHT: Artist Isabelle de Borchgrave’s interpretation of a quintessential Kahlo outfit: long dress, traditional Mexican rebozo, and organic jewelry.

ABOVE: de Borchgrave’s take on Kahlo’s jewelry box. The late artist was known to favor carved pieces indigenous to Mexico.

RIGHT: A cardboard urn topped with monkeys, one of Kahlo’s favorite animals.

FRIDA IN RESIDENCE

Throughout her life, Frida Kahlo endured pain that was both physical, caused by a childhood bout with polio and a nearly tragic bus accident in her teens, and emotional, the result of a tumultuous marriage to Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. During these times of suffering, she found solace in the place that would eventually come to be known as La Casa Azul, her residence in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough, a place marked by her love for the natural world. Frida and Her Garden (through Sept. 10) explores the influence this dwelling had on Kahlo’s work.

The Naples Botanical Garden, where the installation takes place, spent nearly a year transforming a previously inaccessible portion of its grounds into replicas of the elements that made La Casa Azul special, including the home’s iconic façade and a step pyramid on which Kahlo and Rivera used to display their collection of pre-Hispanic figures. True to its name, the presentation features various garden spaces with native Mexican plants that visitors may recognize from Kahlo’s paintings, as well as multiple sculptures of animals the artist loved and sheltered. Taken as a whole, the outdoor exhibition is a microcosm of Kahlo’s world and a testament to the power of setting when dealing with heartache. naplesgarden.org

below: A depiction of the garden pyramid that Kahlo and Rivera installed in the garden of La Casa Azul

below: Animal sculptures among the various garden spaces of the Frida and Her Gardens installation

Kahlo in a 1937 photograph by Toni Frissell for Vogue

above: A replica of the façade from La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s home in Mexico City’s Coyoacán area.

FIVE-STAR QUALITY

WITH ITS STELLAR DESIGN TEAM, THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, NAPLES RAISES THE BAR CONSIDERABLY ON CONDO LIVING

Naples-based Stock Development has made a name for itself by building the kind of projects that are partly responsible for giving Florida real estate its glossy appeal. Its latest is no exception. Scheduled to break ground later this year and complete construction by 2025, The RitzCarlton Residences, Naples will form a six-acre coastal enclave with five buildings housing 128 nearly all-custom homes. To ensure the Residences’ design integrity, Stock Development CEO Brian Stock has enlisted a team of experts well-versed in luxury vertical living: architect Robert Hall from Curts Gaines Hall Jones for the buildings themselves, interior designer Cristian Pinedo of Susurrus for the public spaces, and Booth Design Group for all landscape design matters.

“My inspiration was water on the sand, the waves upon the shore,” says Hall. “I wanted to ensure that the movement of water against sand would echo through the architecture, and that the color scheme would reflect

text LUIS R. RIGUAL

One of the standout features of the atrium is a marble spiral staircase that leads to the residential lounge. “It’s not only an aesthetic touch,” says public spaces designer Cristian Pinedo. “It’s a journey to the world above.”

text CHRISTOPHER DAY

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples will rise at the intersection of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Gulf Shore Drive.

the setting itself. I like to compare the experience of approaching and then entering the project to a seashell. The outside is smooth and white, and as you move deeper into the shell, the colors get richer.”

Enhancing the fluid sensibilities Hall established, Booth Design was tasked with softening edges, framing views, creating shade and sun opportunities, and layering different plant species for that all-important blurring of indoor and outdoor.

For his part, Pinedo, who cut his teeth during what he calls the “Golden Age of hospitality in Asia,” wanted to continue what the architecture and landscape design teams had established outside. “Nearly every sentiment that has inspired this project has been about the sense of place—the feel of sand sifting through fingers, the warmth of wood, and the smoothness of seashells,” he says. To him, that means a fusion of cold and warm textures, dramatic statements through lighting, and earthy colors.

In terms of the residences themselves (which are priced from $3 million to well over $20 million), the units offer open layouts with European-style kitchens and baths, Cambria quartz countertops, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, Dornbracht pull-down faucets, Toto toilets, and porcelain and wood floors.

“When you treat the design with honesty, nature gives back,” adds Pinedo. “I think that’s why this project feels so calm and peaceful. You know when something is authentic, and I know people will feel that here.” rcrnaples.com

above: Due to its prime location, the residence’s ample terraces will offer views of Vanderbilt Beach and the Gulf of Mexico. below: Pool decks will make up the many amenities, which also include a marina, a putting green, dog-walking trails, and a full-service spa.

Open layouts and luxurious finishes are hallmarks of all the residences.

FENCES

PERGOLAS

ARBORS

GATES

TRELLISES

RAILINGS

LIVE OUTSIDE EXPECTATIONS

Bring inspired ideas for your outdoor home to life with Walpole Outdoors. Schedule your free design consultation today.

walpoleoutdoors.com | 888.534.5909

On the corner of 57th and Fifth in Manhattan, luxury hospitality brand Aman has introduced its signature Asian-infused minimalism and serene spaces, bringing a moment of calm to a city known for its fevered pace and electric energy.

Aman New York is the newest occupant of the landmark Crown Building, a palatial structure whose history is entwined with the mythology of New York City. The transformation, led by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects, respects the building’s past while staying true to Aman’s design ethos. Built in 1921, at the height of America’s Gilded Age, the Crown was designed by Warren & Wetmore, the architects behind such Manhattan icons as Grand Central Station and the Helmsley Building. Everything about the Beaux-Arts building exuded affluence and rarefied privilege, from its elaborate entrance to its famously gilded crown, whose finish is owed to 30 gallons of liquid gold.

above: The 7,000-square-foot Garden Terrace on the fourteenth floor offers year-round dining.

below: The Crown Building, home of Aman New York, was designed by Warren & Wetmore and built in 1921. It is one of the finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture in North America.

CROWN JEWEL

AMAN NEW YORK EMERGES AS MANHATTAN’S MOST DESIGNFORWARD URBAN SANCTUARY

The Lobby Lounge, on the fourteenth floor, is a welcoming space with a soaring atrium, multi-layer ceiling, and a variety of textures in earth tones. The lantern-inspired bamboo and paper sculptures created by Peter Gentenaar carry the eye upward.

text DAPHNE NIKOLOPOULOS

So how does one take a neoclassical exterior with massive proportions and French Renaissance detailing and convert it into a quietly impressive environment inspired by the tranquil beauty of nature? Gathy and his team created spaces within the greater space, effectively bringing down the scale to intimate proportions. As in other Aman hotels, an extensive palette of woods—from oak to cinnamon—contributes warmth, while metal elements

ABOVE: A 65-foot heated pool is a central feature of the Aman Spa, which occupies three floors. Thanks to glass screens, the working fireplaces appear to float within the tranquil space.

Residential

including bronze and blackened steel add an edge consistent with the urban milieu. Though simple lines define the spaces, the design is anything but simple. The genius is found in details like a woven woodand-stone floor pattern that recalls Asian rattan baskets, the signature starburst pattern of ancient straw marquetry, and strategically placed gold accents that allude to the building’s iconic emblem.

Suites and residences extend the design oeuvre of the public spaces. Each of these spaces has a working fireplace—previously unheard of in New York—separating the bedroom and living room. In the suites, art murals inspired by Pine Trees , Hasegawa Tohaku’s fifteenth-century masterpiece that is now designated as a Japanese National Treasure, create a striking focal point. Pivoting panels with backlit rice paper serve both form and function: They’re bold architectural elements that also act as screens for privacy and light flow.

Through tension between old and new, earthly and ethereal, Aman New York has achieved a feeling of tranquility uncommon in the City That Never Sleeps. amannewyork.com

ABOVE: Aman honors the Crown Building’s artistic heritage (it was once the home of the Museum of Modern Art) with art installations like this sculptural piece by Alfred Haberpointner, located in the arrival lobby.

LEFT: Backlit rice-paper panels adorned with a woven pattern are set inside louvered doors that pivot to adjust light or separate rooms, as seen in this division between the primary bedroom and bath.

ABOVE: All suites feature working fireplaces separating the living and bedroom areas.The room layouts and architecture, which relies on volume and flow for impact, are inspired by Aman properties in Southeast Asia.

TOGETHER WE COULD BUILD HERE

THE WIDER THE VIEWS THE MORE YOU’LL LYKOS

We position your floor plan to optimize the surroundings. Such as ensuring windows and sliders frame panoramic views and abundant natural light. Enjoy the uncompromising quality and value of your home and land, delivered together by us. Trusted and Lyked since 1991.

interior design ALEX THIES, ADELYN CHARLES INTERIORS, BONITA SPRINGS, FL residential designer RICH GUZMAN, R.G. DESIGNS, BONITA SPRINGS, FL

builder POTTER HOMES, BONITA SPRINGS, FL

landscape architecture

ARCHITECTURAL LAND DESIGN, NAPLES, FL

text RIKI ALTMAN-YEE

photography DANIEL NEWCOMB, JUPITER, FL

AFTER LIVING IN NORTH DAKOTA,

Minnesota and Ohio, Julie and Michael Walton were more than ready to leave miserable winters behind them when they moved to Florida nearly two decades ago. Once settled on the Gulf Coast, they eventually downsized into a midsize ranch home on Bonita Beach, but eventually that place became too small to entertain their expanding family. A couple of years back, when they spotted a double lot with a teardown not far from where they lived, they realized it was a boon. “We knew exactly what we wanted,” says Julie. “And we knew how we wanted it done.”

above: Taking inspiration from the shape of a schooner’s sails, residential designer Rich Guzman of R.G. Designs in Bonita Springs created this angled roof-design to ensure sunlight pours through the home in interesting ways throughout the day.

below: Homeowners Julie and Michael Walton wanted their home to turn heads and their architect delivered. “It has changed the face of Bonita Beach,” says interior designer Alex Thies, who grew up in the area. “It is probably one of the largest houses that’s been built on the beach, and it definitely makes a statement.”

TALL ORDER

A MODERNIST MANSION IN LITTLE HICKORY ISLAND PROVES ITS

METTLE WITH UNFUSSY DESIGN AND SUPREME CONSTRUCTION

The house cuts an imposing figure on a double lot that’s mere steps from the Gulf. Potter Homes was responsible for the superior construction of the home, which survived 2022’s Hurricane Ian with little damage.

The Waltons envisioned a house filled with natural light and a roof that took inspiration from the sails of a schooner. After discovering that residential designer Rich Guzman of R.G. Designs was the talent behind all the neighboring structures they admired, they entrusted him to bring their dream home to fruition. Shortly thereafter, together with builder Potter Homes, Guzman and his team went to work on the 7,200-square-foot estate (with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and two powder rooms) that would ultimately change the architectural landscape of Bonita Beach. As architectural plans were drawn up and talk of interior design began, Guzman recommended Alex Thies of Adelyn Charles for the job.

“This house is a showpiece and I really wanted to help Julie bring a sense of comfort to it, so

her family could gather comfortably,” says Thies. “So much of the exterior architecture bleeds into the interior, specifically the large ‘sails’ that are on the roof. There’s a very big connection between the inside and outside of the house.”

To that end, the design crew outfitted the space with furnishings and finishes that suit the modernist structure. The angles and shapes of the interior architecture were allowed to dictate the overall look, which is sleek, modern, and marked by a mostly blue and gray palette. “The homeowners really wanted it to be all about the amazing views of the water and letting natural light in,” says Thies. “Considering the structure is mere steps from the beach, that wasn’t much of a problem.”

left: A neutral palette of white and gray dominates the residence’s main floor. The design team warmed up the interior with the use of wood.

below: Spirit Rising, a resin painting by California artist Nicholas Mirandon, brings a vibrant blast of color to the dining room.

To warm up the interiors, Thies opted for wood finishes and furnishings. On the main floor, which is predominantly covered with large-format concrete-style tiles, stained wood doors and a floating staircase with 10-foot-wide oak treads, along with a live-edge dining table and stained cabinetry, raise the style temperature just the right amount.

The fact that this is a family home is impossible to miss. Upstairs is a flex room for the grandchildren to hang out in. There’s a second chef’s kitchen hidden from view, behind the sleek one all guests see when they walk in, where all the messy cooking takes place. And in the great room, more than a dozen chairs and multiple sofas hint at the many gatherings the place has seen.

Less than a year after moving in, the house proved itself in another way when Hurricane Ian hit the Gulf Coast. The Waltons watched in horror as sea water surged toward them and waves crashed into the structure. The residence held its own against the storm and emerged mostly unharmed. “That day is forever cemented in our minds,” says Julie, “but the structure did exactly what it was supposed to do and survived.”

Beauty and brawn—a hard combo to beat.

below: One of the most popular spots in the home is this flex room on the second floor, which offers a large TV set, comfortable sofas from Vanguard, and chairs from Scan Design.

“The homeowners really wanted it to be all about the amazing views of the water and letting natural light in,” says interior designer Alex Thies. “Considering the structure is mere steps from the beach, that wasn’t much of a problem.”

Drapery pockets create a fantastic optical illusion in the primary bedroom. “We continued it around the perimeter of a lot of the rooms to really give the effect of these floating ceilings,” says Thies. Light fixtures from Lumens hover in front of windows and an Arctic acrylic coffee table from Bernhardt can be seen in the forefront between twisting chairs by Interlude Home and a sofa by Vanguard.

The home was required to be more than 14 feet above the sand per Florida’s hurricane codes, so the architectural team worked with Christian Andrea of Architectural Land Design in Naples to design an elevated pool that appears to flow directly into the Gulf of Mexico.

above: An outdoor living and dining area, with furniture from Brown Jordan and Tropitone, is popular for family gatherings all year round.

SOURCES

GREAT ROOM

Sofas – Natuzzi Italia, Naples, FL

Club chair – Kravet Inc., Naples, FL

Cocktail tables – Palecek, Richmond, CA

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

KITCHEN

Cabinetry designed and fabricated by Magnolia Cabinet Company, Sarasota, FL

Island designed and fabricated by Magnolia Cabinet Company, Sarasota, FL

Stools – Owner’s collection

Pendant lighting – Lightology, Chicago, IL

DINING AREA

Table – A Carpenter’s Son, Columbus, OH

Chairs and console – Owner’s collection

UPSTAIRS LIVING AREA

Sofa – Vanguard Furniture, Conover, NC

Chairs – Scan Design, Naples, FL

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

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Posted bed and bench – Owner’s collection

Bedside chests – Lexington Furniture, High Point, NC

Lighting – Lumens, Sacramento, CA

Sofa – Vanguard Furniture, Conover, NC

Chairs – Interlude Home, Christiansburg, VA

Cocktail table – Bernhardt Furniture, Lenoir, NC

Area rug – Jaipur Living, Acworth, GA

POOL AREA

Lounges – Tropitone, Irvine, CA

Water element – Architectural Land Design, Naples, FL

Railing –Sunmaster, Naples, FL

LOGGIA

Sofa – Tropitone, Irivine, CA

Club chairs – Brown Jordan, Costa Mesa, CA

Cocktail table and area rug – Owner’s collection

Dining table – Artesia, Miami, FL

Chairs – Brown Jordan, Costa Mesa, CA

Vintage Approach

FINE ANTIQUES AND RICH MATERIALS IMPART FRENCH FLAIR IN A WATERSIDE PORT ROYAL RESIDENCE

interior design BETHANY O’NEIL, BETHANY O’NEIL INTERIOR DESIGN, NAPLES, FL

architecture JEFF HARRELL, HARRELL & CO. ARCHITECTS, NAPLES, FL builder NICK RADICK, KNAUF-KOENIG GROUP, NAPLES, FL text PAIGE BOWERS

photography LORI HAMILTON, NAPLES, FL

above: A curved wrought-iron door offers a glimpse of the winding stone staircase that meanders through a maze of foliage to the main home’s entrance.

left: A renovated roof now tops the cantilevered walkway that overlooks a lush courtyard with a stunning koi pond and connects the main residence to the guest house.

Designer Bethany O’Neil centered the living room on the fireplace and then created multiple comfortable seating areas where guests can relax. The palette is rather neutral with shades of cream and beige. Details include sheer draperies, glass-topped tables, and mirrored surfaces.

AFTER PURCHASING A FRENCH WEST

Indies-style residence by the water in Port Royal, its homeowners were certain they did not want the coastal look that’s so prevalent in these parts. The young couple envisioned bright rooms layered with rich fabrics and furnishings that told a story, and they knew that they could count on interior designer Bethany O’Neil to deliver that classic style without making it feel stodgy or old-fashioned.

“The secret to a house with soul and meaning is the introduction of something special,” says O’Neil. “As I see it, you achieve that through the use of antiques in the right place and with the right finish. Then, wonderful things happen.”

Overlooking Champney Bay and surrounded by trees, the 8,000-square-foot house (with six bedrooms and seven-and-a-half baths) boasts resortstyle exteriors with multiple terraces, a koi pond,

below:

Nestled in a corner of the living room is an L-shaped banquette and a cocktail table where guests can congregate.

“The secret to a house with soul and meaning is the introduction of something special,” says interior designer Bethany O’Neil. “As I see it, you achieve that through the use of antiques in the right place and with the right finish. Then, wonderful things happen.”

left: In the kitchen, bespoke lighting fixtures hang over a large gray marble island that anchors the room. Per the homeowners, the space was modernized to satisfy modern lifestyles.

below: “People can sit there for hours, play games and feel connected to the person doing the cooking,” says O’Neil about the breakfast nook and its comfortable linen banquette.

a pool, an outdoor kitchen, and even its own secluded beach. But before O’Neil could work her magic inside, there were some restoration issues to address with the help of builder Nick Radick of Knauf-Koenig Group. A breakfast bar was installed in the primary bedroom. Walls were moved and a new floor plan emerged boasting two large bedrooms with new connecting bathrooms. The interior and exterior were repainted a soft white. Dark walnut flooring was installed. The roof was replaced, and a walkway connecting the main home to a guest house (where the first floor was remodeled) was covered.

above left: At the top of a staircase, an antique mirror on the wall behind a narrow Italian cabinet laden with quartz flowers becomes a focal point. “It gives you something pretty to see the second you reach the top of the stairs,” says O’Neil.

left: The primary bathroom embraces glamour with antiques that include a vanity, a velvetupholstered stool, and framed intaglios on the wall. The previous shower was converted to a steam shower encased in marble slabs.

“I just love the drama of a lot of drapery,” says O’Neil about the heavy fabric treatments in the primary bedroom, which makes the room feel much taller than it is.

As the renovation was in process, O’Neil set out to deliver the modern French flair her clients wanted by sourcing rich fabrics, gilded mirrors, dark wood furnishings, and other pieces to infuse the various rooms with Old World depth and warmth. As she sourced, she decided what would be antique and what would be new, and then ensured the vintage pieces would become focal points.

A long the way, buffets were lined with velvet and then “waxed, buffed, and touched up.” Draperies were chosen for the windows and doors. A glass-topped table and aged mirrored cabinet were incorporated to soften and reflect the abundant light that pours in during the day. And black iron doors were selected to separate the lounge from the family room. Antique chandeliers were initially considered, but when they couldn’t arrive in time, new ones did the job quite well.

O’Neil also had flow to consider. Inspired by the existing wrought-iron chandeliers in the living room, she tied together the rooms by weaving additional wrought iron throughout the home, whether it was on lighting fixtures or window hardware.

The designer also incorporated the homeowners’ musts along the way. The kitchen was made more functional with additional storage and other modern amenities. The formal dining room was converted into a club room, complete with a fireplace. A gym was turned into a guest bedroom. And the imposing living room was reconfigured to feel more intimate.

“I had incredible freedom with this project,” says O’Neil, “but my favorite part was working with the clients and making their vision come true.”

above: To accommodate the homeowners’ wishes, the design team transformed what was once the dining room into a club room reminiscent of the one at The Dewberry in Charleston, South Carolina (the clients’ favorite). The bar mimics the finish of the lacquered buffet opposite it. Green velvet chairs make this an ideal room for pre-dinner cocktails.

SOURCES

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Club chairs – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Side chairs near fireplace – Antiques circa 1920s, Bethany

O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Cocktail table – EJ Victor, MP Interiors, Miramar Design Center, Estero, FL

Sofa table – Niermann Weeks, Michael Taylor, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Table lamps – Visual Comfort, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Paul Ferrante Inc., Los Angeles, CA

Fireplace designed by Harrell & Co. Architects, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Classic Stone Naples, FL

Mirror above fireplace – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Area rug – Custom, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – Highland House, MP Interiors, Estero FL

Antiqued doors with gold grill – Busby Cabinetry, Bonita Springs, FL

Stump table – Baker Furniture, Chicago, IL

End table with marble top – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Pharmacy lamp – Visual Comfort, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

KITCHEN

Cabinetry designed and fabricated by Busby Cabinets, Naples, FL

Island design fabricated by Busby Cabinets, Naples, FL Stools – Vanguard, International Design Source, Naples, FL Pendant lighting – Julie Neill, New Orleans, LA

BREAKFAST AREA

Table – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Banquette custom designed Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Donata’s Workroom,

Naples, FL

Chair – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Niermann Weeks, Michael Taylor, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

ENTRY HALL

Buffet – Antique, James Jeffrey, Palm Beach, FL

Mirror – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Lamp – Visual Comfort, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Flower sculptures – John Richard Collection, Greenwood, MS

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Vanity – Antique, Fox Glove Antiques, Atlanta, GA

Ottoman – A. Tyner, Atlanta, GA

Side table – Foxglove, Atlanta GA

Chandelier and tub – Owners’ collection

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed – Lillian August, Hickory White, International Design

Source, Naples FL

Bench – Hickory White, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Side table – Antique, A.Tyner, Atlanta, GA

Lamp – John Richard Collection, Greenwood, MS

Mirror above bed – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Currey & Company, Atlanta, GA

Club chairs – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Table – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Drapery fabric – Cowtan & Tout, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

CLUB ROOM

Club chairs – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL

Fabric – Cowtan & Tout, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Cocktail table – Baker Furniture, Chicago, IL

Buffet – Jean–Marc Frey French Antiques, Austin, TX

Cabinetry bar – Busby Cabinets, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Julie Neill, New Orleans, LA

Area rug – Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL

right: The rear of the home includes a lagoon-like pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a twosided fireplace.

Environmental Essence

DESIGN TOUCHES INSPIRED BY THE GULF COAST’S WATERS AND BREEZES EVOKE AN ELEGANT VERSION OF NATURE IN A BONITA SPRINGS PENTHOUSE

interior design LANA KNAPP, COLLINS DUPONT DESIGN GROUP, BONITA SPRINGS, FL text RIKI ALTMAN-YEE photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL

Eschewing a predictable palette, designer Lana Knapp of Collins DuPont Design Group in Bonita Springs says she looked to the surrounding environs to inform the materials and shapes that gave this penthouse its elegant flair. Here, she evoked all the natural elements with an ocean blue rug from Stark Carpet, a fireplace surrounded in marble, and wooden ceiling treatments meant to remind us of swaying palm fronds.

“EVERYTHING

IN THIS

residence reflects wind and water,” says Lana Knapp, senior designer at Collins DuPont Design Group in Bonita Springs, about a 3,200-square-foot penthouse that overlooks both Naples Bay and the Gulf. “The ceiling details evoke the feeling of moving water. The beams in the living room emulate swaying palm fronds. The outside border of the ceiling detail in the grand salon looks like waves. Everything refers to the land and the sea.”

And that’s just fine with its residents, all of whom are self-described nature lovers from up north who spend their winters on the Gulf Coast and wanted to ensure their Florida perch was a microcosm of the surroundings right outside their door. “They wanted it to be very natural looking,” says Knapp, “so I chose a very cool color palette that is reminiscent of sand, water and sky, all natural colors that will live well, which means they’re neither too bright nor too dark. They’re right in the middle.”

In all, the penthouse has four bedrooms, two of which were converted into offices, and four bathrooms with a powder room. Since Knapp had previously handled the interior design for another family member’s home, the clients were familiar with her approach. And while they did not come to her with a book of photos or a list of preferences, they did have one caveat: “The place couldn’t just be pretty; it had to be comfortable, and every little

left: Knapp worked with Connor & Gaskins in Naples to turn a drywall eyesore into a chic wine room, and then accessorized the adjoining dining room with a dining table and chairs from Baker Interiors Group. The light fixture by Hammerton merited its own architectural detail on the ceiling.

A structural column in the great room was disguised by wrapping it in epoxy resin panels commissioned from Miami’s The Art of Alex. A Stark Carpet helps to visually delineate the space.

nook and cranny had to perform some type of function,” says Knapp. “Other than that, they didn’t want anything ultra-modern. The phrase we used was ‘contemporary without any harsh lines.’”

K napp started the project with an overhaul of the kitchen, which was not entirely functional and adjacent to a drywall buffet that made the dining area awkward. She eliminated the eyesore by turning it into a chic wine cellar. She also designed built-ins with a fireplace in the living room, along with a custom humidor in the bar for a prized cigar collection.

A nother design challenge was a structural column in the middle of the great room—“large and round with a 33-inch diameter.” To transform

Various types of stone were used in the kitchen, including backlit Cambria for the waterfall edge.

right: Glass doors were installed in the family room for privacy and to let natural light filter in and out.

“Everything in this residence reflects wind and water,” says Lana Knapp, senior designer at Collins DuPont Design Group. “Everything refers to the land and the sea.”

it, Knapp commissioned Miami-based artist Alex Turco to create epoxy resin panels depicting a sea life scene, then backlit the piece. “They refer to the artful column as ‘the aquarium,’” says Knapp. “They love it.”

A nother custom Turco artistic touch the homeowners are rather fond of is a series of resin frames lit from within that serve as ornamental architectural distractions on the lengthy hallway that leads to the bedrooms. “They glow at night,” says Knapp, “and the bamboo imagery on them alludes to nature once again.”

Since the designer delivered the project, she hears the family has been extending its Florida stays more and more. We’re guessing waking up next to the water in Knapp’s version of nature beats a cold northeast morning any day of the week.

The home office features art that reminds the family of their safari trips to Africa. Knapp incorporated modern elements in the room, such as the glass-topped desk from Connor & Gaskins Unlimited, an angular cocktail table from ST2 Furniture, and a ring light fixture from Hubbardton Forge.

above: Resin frames with a bamboo motif from The Art of Alex were incorporated into the hallway that leads to the primary bedroom. “It’s a beautiful introduction to the fabrics that I use later on in the primary suite,” says Knapp.

below: One of the home’s two offices is feminine in spirit, albeit in shades of blue.

right: The primary bedroom features a Hickory White bed, velvety Vanguard Furniture chairs, and an Innovations bench. Wood veneer wallcoverings from Maya Romanoff complete the scene.

below: Brown Jordan recliners on this terrace make it an ideal spot to take in Naples’ stunning sunsets.

SOURCES

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – Quintus, Jerry Pair Showroom, Hollywood, FL

Club chairs and arm charirs – Quintus, Jerry Pair Showroom, Hollywood, FL

Cocktail table – EJ Victor, Morgantown, NC

Round tables – Robert James Collection, Chula Vista, CA

Drink table – Theodore Alexander, High Point, NC

Table lamps – Wildwood Lamps, Rocky Mount, NC

Fireplace designed by Lana Knapp, Collins DuPont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by CGUnlimited, Naples, FL

Area rug – Stark Carpet, Stark Showroom, Hollywood, FL

BAR AREA

Bar island designed by Lana Knapp, Collins DuPont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Conceptual Woodworking & Design, Fort Myers, FL

Stools – Century Furniture, Hickory, NC

Pendant lighting – Hubbardton Forge, Castleton, VT

DINING ROOM

Table and chairs – Baker Interiors Group, Connelly Springs, NC

Lighting – Hammerton, Salt Lake City, UT Wine room designed by Lana Knapp, Collins DuPont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Conceptual Woodworking & Design, Fort Myers, FL

MUSIC AREA

Chairs – Quintus, Jerry Pair Showroom, Hollywood, FL

Cocktail table – Robert James Collection, Chula Vista, CA

Drink table – Century Furniture, Hickory, NC

Water column element designed and fabricated by The Art of Alex, Miami, FL

Lighting – Hammerton, Salt Lake City, UT

Area rug – Stark Carpet, Stark Showroom, Hollywood, FL

KITCHEN

Cabinetry and island designed by Lana Knapp, Collins DuPont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Conceptual Woodworking & Design, Fort Myers, FL Stools – Swaim, High Point, NC

Lighting – Hammerton, Salt Lake City, UT

DEN/OFFICE

Leather sofa – Hancock & Moore, Hickory, NC

Side chairs – Baker Interiors Group, Connelly Springs, NC

Cocktail table – ST2 Furniture, Akron, OH

Chest – Alfonso Marina, B. Peterson, West Palm Beach, FL

Glass desk – CGUnlimited, Naples, FL

Lighting – Hubbardton Forge, Castleton, VT

Drapery fabric – Opuzen, Ammon Hickson Showroom, Dania Beach, FL

Area rug – Stark Carpet, Stark Showroom, Hollywood, FL

STUDY

Wall cabinetry and desks designed by Lana Knapp, Collins

DuPont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Conceptual Woodworking & Design, Fort Myers, FL Round table – EJ Victor, Morgantown, NC Chairs – Roberta Schilling Collection, Miami, FL

Chandelier – Wired Custom Lighting, Dania Beach, FL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed and headboard – Hickory White, hickorywhite.com

Bench – Gianti Fabrics, Huntingdon Valley, PA; custom fabricated by Innovations, Fort Myers, FL Side tables – Nancy Corzine, Ammon Hickson Showroom, Dania Beach, FL

Occasional chairs – Vanguard Furniture, Hickory, NC Lucite table – Interlude Home, Trumbull, CT

Wall coverings – Maya Romanoff, Skokie, IL

Drapery fabric – Osborne & Little, Ammon Hickson Showroom, Dania Beach, FL

THROUGHOUT

Design team – Colleen Wilson, Sophia Yost and Jennifer Denis, Collins DuPont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL

Architecture – Curtis Gaines Hall Jones Architects, Inc., Tampa, FL

Builder – BCBE Construction, LLC., Naples, FL

Interior construction – Conner & Gaskins Unlimited, Naples, FL

Ceiling elements designed by Lana Knapp, Collins DuPont Design Group, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by CGUnlimited, Naples, FL

RENOVATION INSPIRATION

WHEN TWO YOUNG HOMEOWNERS fell in love with a Tuscany Isle property in Bonita Springs, they initially envisioned only a minor renovation after purchase. Their plan was to update the kitchen and primary bath while maintaining the home’s original footprint, flooring, and architectural details. But their interior designer, Sherie Weidner, had very different ideas on the subject. Because the house had been built in 1999, Weidner felt a complete renovation was in order. When the clients hesitated, she suggested they all take a trip to the Valewood model home in Quail Creek Country Club that she and builder Curtis Gunther, owner of Imperial Homes, had recently completed.

“As I was hoping, our clients absolutely loved the California-chic vibe of the model,” says Weidner, an award-winning designer at Clive Daniel Home in Naples. “Seeing it firsthand helped them envision the potential of their new home, and it set the bar for a larger scope of renovation work for their dwelling on Tuscany Isle.”

Situated within the heavily wooded, winding roads of a stately neighborhood tucked within The Colony, the exquisite 4,346-square-foot property looks out over a sparkling private lake teeming with wildlife, including many unique bird species. A breathtaking lanai provides enviable views of incredible sunsets in a peacefully secluded setting.

“We chose the property because of the views and the ability to open the house to provide seamless outdoor living,” says the homeowner. “We also like that the community has many attractive amenities, including a private beach, kayaking, a fitness center, and an excellent golf club nearby.”

The couple worked closely with Weidner and Gunther—who became their builder on this project— to transform the house with a more open, familycentric floor plan and a fresh, modern aesthetic. The homeowners also requested several intimate spaces

GUIDED BY THEIR INTERIOR DESIGNER AND BUILDER, A FLORIDA COUPLE EMBRACES THE CHALLENGE OF A FULL-SCALE HOME RENOVATION IN BONITA SPRINGS

interior design SHERIE WEIDNER, CLIVE DANIEL HOME, NAPLES, FL builder CURTIS GUNTHER, IMPERIAL HOMES OF NAPLES, INC., NAPLES, FL text JEANNE DE LATHOUDER photography MATT STEEVES, NAPLES, FL

left: Lined with tall palm trees, this pristine Tuscany Isle dwelling in Bonita Springs’ The Colony neighborhood offers the homeowners effortless indoor-outdoor living, a family-centric floor plan, and a fresh and modern Florida aesthetic. The charming brick motor court frames the grand entrance and aligns with the home’s graceful architectural symmetry.

Enclosed in steel and glass walls, the dining room emits an intimate vibe while offering splendid views of the entrance foyer’s contemporary artwork. Plush upholstered dining chairs appear visually weightless with their acrylic legs, and a goldfinished chandelier overhead lends an element of glamour.

to accommodate their regular social gatherings with friends and family. The front and back exterior facelift included removing the arched, Mediterranean details and updating the lighting. The windows of the front exterior entrance were replaced with hurricane-impact, square openings. The secondlevel’s upper railings were replaced with streamlined, contemporary windows that also updated the interior aesthetic of the foyer. The front exterior and three-door garage openings were squared off and painted in rich charcoal. At the entrance, gorgeous Italian gray marble replaced brick pavers and palm trees, opening up the sight line to the front door.

The design team also renovated the lanai with marble flooring, a reconfigured pool with a spa addition, and plush lounging furniture. Designed for cozy alfresco entertaining, an added feature wall includes a fireplace outfitted with an elegant porcelain tile surround. A revamped outdoor kitchen with new cabinetry, countertops, appliances, lighting, and counter-height stools allows effortless open-air cooking and dining.

“Designs for the interior renovation focused on replacing all columns and arches, layers of crown molding, dividing walls, lighting, plumbing, cabinetry, and ceiling details,” notes Weidner. “The once-popular travertine marble floors were replaced throughout with European white oak wood in an Urbino finish. Rich and striking tones of black, gold, and white take center stage in this total

above: The clean, classic lines of walnut-finished wood beams replaced the former great room’s heavy wood ceiling. The space was further enhanced with modern lighting features and an extra window that creates a pleasing symmetry. A massive 114-inch sectional by Rene Cazares sports a rich black finish against creamy white upholstery.

transformation from Old-World Tuscany to 2023 California chic.”

For the dining room, Weidner installed a contemporary three-sided glass and metal wall around the perimeter, one of the homeowners’ favorite features in the house. The contrasting materials redefine the space, giving it a sleek, modern vibe. In addition, the adjacent living room, seen through the dining room’s transparent walls, was transformed into a sophisticated “chat room” that showcases a dramatic eight-foot floorto-ceiling fireplace wall clad in elegant Sahara Noir stone.

“I was off to the side saying prayers for the five men hoisting up the 1,000-pound slabs,” says Sherie with a laugh. “This renovation was a collaborative effort on every level. The homeowners were incredible to work with, and we immensely enjoyed getting to know each other.”

The couple’s love for photography inspired a “world gallery” next to the dining room displaying their top 10 favorite black-and-white photographs from travels to seven continents. Their penchant for figurative imagery also drove the art selection throughout the home.

“We were sensitive to having sight lines that would accentuate the art we selected

left: A graphic black-and-white Euclid onyx backsplash, along with an elegant custom Modern Air range hood embellished with brushed Naval Base brass accents, creates a dramatic impact in the kitchen. Black trimmed cabinetry mixed with white cabinets conveys dynamic visual contrast, and a patterned rug underfoot amplifies the look.

below: The residence’s extensive renovation brought a modern feel and hi-tech functionality to the kitchen and its adjacent dining area. Here, a chic coffee bar mirrors the black-and-white patterned onyx feature wall that defines the cooking space. Curvy Adriana Hoyos dining chairs surround a glass-topped table, lending an organic feel.

A contemporary fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling Sahara Noir stone wall from Florim replaced a former tapestry wall and transformed the formal living room into a sophisticated “chat room.” Reiterating the home’s California-chic tone, swivel chairs by designer Rene Cazares upholstered in a luxe cream performance fabric complement a pair of circular cocktail tables.

below: The primary bathroom received a beautifying facelift by eliminating shower walls and raising the ceiling to create a more open and grand aesthetic. Lustrous oversize porcelain tiles grace the floors and the walls behind a freestanding tub. Honey-bronze fixtures and lighting add the final touches with elegant simplicity.

“Sherie created unique design elements to make our house special and strove to design spaces that reflect our aesthetic,” notes the homeowner. “Her furniture selections and design vision provided us with a house that is both livable and elegant.”

right: Awash in quiet hues of beige and cream, the primary bedroom emanates comfort and luxury. An elegant, fully upholstered bed from Adriana Hoyos’ Rumba collection features a contemporary horizontal pattern handcrafted on the headboard, making it the jewel of the space.

to have in the house and chose fabrics and furniture to provide a backdrop that would emphasize contemporary Florida living,” says the homeowner. “Our black-and-white color palette is calming and provides the opportunity to include splashes of color, creating an almost-modern art energy throughout the home.”

A rguably, one of the most innovative displays of the dramatic black-and-white palette appears in the kitchen and adjacent coffee bar area, where two onyx accent walls generate showstopping focal points. In addition, black cabinetry flanking the cooktop adds to the dynamic visual impact.

“Sherie created unique design elements to make our house special and strove to design spaces that reflect our aesthetic,” notes the homeowner. “Her furniture selections and design vision provided us with a house that is both livable and elegant. We also shared a lot of laughs and would welcome the opportunity to work with her again.”

Overlooking the tranquil waters of a private lake, the lanai offers the best seat in the house for taking in spectacular sunsets. The homeowners updated the pool to include a spa, and a cozy seating area enlivened with a bold black-and-white patterned rug provides plenty of seating for alfresco entertaining.

SOURCES

DINING ROOM

Table – Woodbridge Furniture, High Point, NC

Chairs – Design Master, Hickory, NC

Chandelier – Mariana Home, Wilson’s Lighting, Naples, FL

GREAT ROOM

White sofa – Renee Cazares. Los Angeles, CA

Cocktail table – Adriana Hoyos, Calderon, Quito, Ecuador

Sofa back tables – Oliver Home Furnishings, High Point, NC

Area rug – Clive Daniel Home, Agra, India

KITCHEN

Cabinetry designed by Rob VanBenschoten, Encore Cabinets and Sherie Weidner, Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Designer’s Choice, Rockledge, FL

Hood – Modern-Aire, Ferguson, Naples, FL

Wall covering – Ceramic Matrix, Naples, FL

Lighting – Kichler, Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL

BREAKFAST AREA

Glass table – Vanguard Furniture, Hickory, NC

Chairs – Adriana Hoyos, Calderon, Quito, Ecuador

Lighting – Mariana Home, Wilson’s Lighting, Naples, FL

LIVING ROOM

Club chairs – Renee Cazares, Los Angeles, CA

Cocktail tables – Adriana Hoyos, Calderon, Quito, Ecuador

Side table – Adriana Hoyos, Calderon, Quito, Ecuador

Chandelier – Mariana Home, Wilson’s Lighting, Naples, FL

Lamps – Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL

Fireplace wall designed by Sherie Weidner, Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Modern Tile, Naples, FL

Area rug – Clive Daniel Home, Agra, India

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed and headboard – Adriana Hoyos, Calderon, Quito, Ecuador

Chest – Caracole, Greensboro, NC

Lamps – Clive Daniel Home Showroom, Naples, FL

Chandelier over bed – Modern Forms, Wilson’s Lighting, Naples, FL

Seating area sofa – Burton James, High Point, NC

Ottoman – Ambella Home, Archdale, NC

Lighting over sofa – Mariana Home, Wilson’s Lighting, Naples, FL

Shell artwork – Palecek, High Point, NC

Area rug – Clive Daniel Home, Agra, India

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry designed by Rob VanBenschoten, Encore Cabinets, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Designer’s Choice, Rockledge, FL Sconces – Mariana Home, Wilson’s Lighting, Naples, FL Tub – DXV, Ferguson, Naples, FL

Flooring and shower wall – Modern Tile, Naples, FL

LOGGIA

Sofa and grouping – South Sea Outdoor Living, Greensboro, NC

Pillows – Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL Cocktail table – Couture Jardin, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Area rug – Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL

THROUGHOUT

Ceiling details designed by Sherie Weidner, Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Imperial Homes of Naples, LLC., Naples, FL

Dining room glass/metal wall designed by Sherie Weidner, Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Priceless Customz Fabrication, Naples, FL

Countertops by Cosentino, Almeria, Spain, and fabricated by Marble.com, Naples, FL

Bespoke Touches

INFUSED WITH SERENE NEUTRALS AND SOFT SHADES OF BLUSH, A NEW BONITA BAY HOME OFFERS A HAVEN FOR A FAMILY TO MAKE LASTING MEMORIES

WHEN IT CAME TO choosing a location for their “forever” home, a top priority for the owners of a lavish 6,902-square-foot property was to create a special place for their family to come together and make cherished memories. Also high on their list of musts was finding a neighborhood that offered activities for all ages. As soon as they set foot in Bonita Bay, an exclusive area in Bonita Springs that seamlessly integrates championship golfing with the scenic natural beauty of Estero Bay, it was love at first sight. Here, they could enjoy nature walks, beautiful private beaches, various sports, and all the social and leisure amenities unique to the community.

“ The wife inspired us to create a space that reflected her femininity and strength,” says Glenn Midnet, founder and CEO of Design West, who, along with team designer Caitlin Godwin, set out to conceptualize a bespoke family oasis. “To bring this inspiration to life in a meaningful way, we weaved soft blush tones and plush textiles balanced with cooler grays and neutrals. The result was a beautiful tribute to the homeowner—a space that is soft yet strong.”

interior design GLENN MIDNET & CAITLIN GODWIN, DESIGN WEST, NAPLES, FL text JEANNE DE LATHOUDER photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL

left: The great room’s tranquil palette, organic forms, and linear architectural details create an elevated living experience designed to bring the family together. A creamy white EJ Victor sofa combines with plush pink chairs and soft gray occasional chairs, all from Sam Moore. The marble-clad entertainment center takes center stage along with a stunning Currey & Company chandelier.

The dining room features an elegant stone-topped table from Old Biscayne illuminated with a linear chandelier from Visual Comfort. Sleek Vanguard dining chairs include host and hostess versions defined by contrasting accent fabrics from Cowtan & Tout on the chairbacks.

To introduce the home’s color story, the team paired an abstract artwork tinged with shades of blush against the modern lines of a black-and-white custom console table that anchors the entrance foyer. “The feminine blush tones bring something different to the coastal color palettes typically found in southwest Florida dwellings,” says Godwin.

In the great room, symmetry imposes a sense of order with a U-shaped seating group that allows smooth easy traffic flow throughout the space. Perfect for cocktails and conversation, the room directs attention to an illuminated entertainment wall—the area’s main focal point. Backdropped by Bonita Bay’s tropical landscape, the sun-filled space is a family favorite at day and night.

The dining room also inspires family gatherings, with an elegant stone-topped table counterbalanced with upholstered chairs comfy enough for after-dinner lingering. In soft romantic lighting or natural sun, this inviting space offers views of the lanai and outdoor kitchen—another coveted spot made for entertaining. “The high-contrast neutral palette of the outdoor selections for the lanai allows the vibrant landscaping to add pops of color to the design,” adds Midnet.

In the primary bedroom, clean-lined modern luxury reigns supreme—upholstered wall panels bring a touch of custom exclusivity that will be fashionable for years to come. “Other elements include floating nightstands and elegant

left: The light-filled foyer sets the tone for the home’s subtle color palette and clean, modern aesthetic. A graphic black-and-white abstract painting with soft blush hues complements a customized console table that echoes the chic color theme.

below: Dressed in soothing shades of white and silvery gray, the study emanates a serene vibe. A custom Wood-Mode wall unit outfitted with Hafele lighting offers a functional and sophisticated workspace, and an ethereal Oly Studio chandelier lends an organic touch.

shell pendant lights that flank a plush bedding ensemble to evoke a tranquil haven,” says Godwin.

The study’s ethereal vibe offers the homeowners a relaxing retreat and workspace. Here, a wall unit embellished with Phillip Jeffries wallpaper balances beautifully with a shimmering gray armchair and ottoman, and a sculptural clear castresin chandelier.

“ The most fulfilling part of this design commission was executing the owners’ vision,” notes Midnet. “It is always our priority to design the homeowners’ space as a cohesive, elevated expression of their aesthetic by weaving memories and experiences into something that’s beautiful and will endure.”

SOURCES

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – EJ Victor, Morganton, NC

Pink chairs – Sam Moore, sammoore.com

Occasional chairs – Sam Moore, sammoore.com

Cocktail table – Phillips Collection, High Point, NC

Chandelier – Currey & Company, High Point, NC

Drapery fabric – Schumacher, fschumacher.com

DINING AREA

Table – Old Biscayne Designs, Americus, GA

Chairs – Vanguard Furniture, Conover, NC

Lineal chandelier – Visual Comfort & Co., High Point, NC

Drapery fabric – Schumacher, fschumacher.com

ENTRY

Console – Old Biscayne Designs, Americus, GA

Artwork – Leftbank Arts, High Point, NC

Bubble chandelier – OLY Studio, High Point, NC

STUDY

Chair and ottoman – Sam Moore, sammoore.com

Chandelier – OLY Studio, High Point, NC

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed designed by Design West, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Raebecca Drapery by Design, Bonita Springs, FL

Bench – Vanguard Furniture, Conover, NC

Headboard wall designed by Design West, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Raebecca Drapery by Design, Bonita Springs, FL

Pendant lighting – Currey & Company, High Point, NC

Grouping chairs – Sam Moore, sammoore.com

Cocktail table – Phillips Collection, High Point, NC

Area rug – Carpet Source, Winter Park, FL

GUEST ROOM

Beds – Design West, Naples, FL

Headboard wall designed by Design West, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Raebecca Drapery by Design, Bonita Springs, FL

Chandelier – Currey & Company, High Point, NC

Area rug – Surya, High Point, NC

LOGGIA

Wicker sofa – Kannoa, Miami, FL

Stools – Essentials for Living, essentialsforliving.com

above: The primary bedroom offers the homeowners a luxurious retreat. Floating nightstands by Old Biscayne Designs flank the velvet-clad geometric headboard wall created by Design West. Capiz shell pendant lights from Currey & Company lend a touch of feminine elegance, and a leather bench from Vanguard complements the sumptuous texture mix.

right: The guest room’s smartly dressed twin beds include custom Eastern Accents scarves with coordinating custom shams covered in Zoffany fabric. A custom headboard upholstered with Kravet fabric unifies the space, and a selenite Currey & Company chandelier adds an element of glam.

below: Echoing the interior palette and aesthetic, the loggia offers seamless indooroutdoor living. A wicker sofa from Kannoa and Azzurro Living wicker lounge chairs infuse stylish texture while providing optimal comfort. Stools from Essentials for Living line the kitchen island, and a fireplace/ entertainment wall sits in the center of the action.

READY, SET, HOME!

AN UNEXPECTED TURNKEY RESIDENCE IN SANIBEL ISLAND TURNS OUT TO BE EVERYTHING ITS NEW-TO-FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS ENVISIONED

above: Starting with a neutral color palette on the floors and clean-lined sofas, the designers layered in textures and colors that include silver velvet on the throw pillows, an animal print on the rug, and reflective glass tabletops and metal end tables.

NATIVE TEXAN LAURA WOOD-SMITH is a selfdescribed “beach girl” who decided in 2021 that it was time for her and her spouse to try something new. After all, their kids were grown and on their own, so why not live life on their terms? Before they knew it, they had sold their house on Lake Travis and set about finding a new home on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

“My father used to live in Bonita Springs, and when he was still alive, we used to take day trips over to Sanibel Island and we’d marvel at how lush, green, and beautiful it was,” recalls Wood-Smith, who had set her sights on the low-key island as a potential retirement locale. But finding a dream home in the area was a lot more complicated than she anticipated. It was “next, next, next” until the day they walked into a fourbedroom, four-bath, 4,785-square-foot residence that took their breath away. The place was ideally situated, bright in tone, and required no renovations. Best of all, it came already decorated in a style ideally suited for the new Floridians.

right: The dining room’s glass-topped table base is crafted from petrified wood and was chosen specifically for its one-of-a-kind grain and hue. “When you come up the stairs to the main living area, if you look to the right, this table is one of the first focal points,” says designer Mary Sica, who continued to play with pattern with the custom-made geometric light fixture that hangs over the table, and the curved, waterfall curtain panel.

interior design DWAYNE BERGMANN & MARY SICA, DWAYNE BERGMANN INTERIORS, FORT MYERS, FL text PAIGE BOWERS photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL

Multiple seating areas in the grand salon make it a perfect place for entertaining guests. With pearlescent accents on the chairs and pillows, stylized marine art, and stark-white coral pieces on display, the room is coastal chic without the clichés the style can imply.

“At first, we felt intimidated by how bright the house was because everything we’d known before in Texas was marked by dark wood and heavy limestone,” says homeowner Laura Wood-Smith. “But now, when I open the blinds and I see the foliage and the bay, and the pelicans and ospreys flying by, I think, ‘This is home.’ It’s everything I dreamed of.”

left: Designer Dawyne Bergmann says he didn’t want to overthink the kitchen design, so he created a simple and modern space full of high-gloss white cabinets and gold Cambria quartz Britannica backsplashes and countertops for visual interest.

below: “In kitchens, I’m typically about functionality first, then style,” says Bergmann. This one nods to both with state-of-the art appliances and top-of-the-line textures.

“Our agent asked me if I wanted to look at anything else and I said, ‘I don’t think so,’” says WoodSmith with a laugh. “This had it all.”

As luck would have it, the residence had been previously designed by Dwayne Bergmann and Mary Sica for clients who then decided to move on and sell it fully furnished. Wood-Smith immediately responded to the elegant aesthetic and neutral background enhanced by organic textures, wow-factor lighting pieces, and geometrical accents.

“The original directive was for a serene living environment that would keep lives simple and comfortable,” says Bergmann. “There’s nothing too formal or stuffy, nowhere you can’t sit or engage with the tactile features of the rooms.”

above: The grand salon offers a fusion of organic-themed elements such as coral, animal prints, and cork juxtaposed with geometric steel chandeliers that ground the more fluid textures in the room. “With this mix of mediums, we would have had some confusion if we hadn’t used the stronger essence to stabilize the design,” says Bergmann. “You’ll see this [concept] reflected in every room in the house.”

right: To prevent clutter in the home office, the design team provided two custom-made desks, two chairs, two small file cabinets, and floating shelves with just the right amount of surface space.

The residence is a contemporary design lover’s dream. In the living room, hard-edged stone and steel coffee tables are softened by a sofa’s plush velvet throw pillows, which cry out to be touched. In the dining room, a petrified wood table base is lightened by a glass tabletop and playfully patterned curtains. Horizontal lines lose their harshness in rooms with stone walls and animal prints. These mixes may be unexpected for Sanibel Island, but in Bergmann’s and Sica’s hands, they come together effortlessly.

A fter so many disappointments, Wood-Smith was delighted with what she saw. “At first, we felt intimidated by how bright the house was because everything we’d known before in Texas was marked by dark wood and heavy limestone,” she says. “But now, when I open the blinds and I see the foliage and the bay, and the pelicans and ospreys flying by, I think, ‘This is home.’ It’s everything I dreamed of.”

“The original directive was for a serene living environment that would keep lives simple and comfortable,” says designer Dwayne Bergmann. “There’s nothing too formal or stuffy, nowhere you can’t sit or engage with the tactile features of the rooms.”

A plush sectional sofa in front of the big screen TV set makes the family room the most comfortable spot in the house.

above: “There is a very clear departure from the rest of the house in the primary bedroom,” says Bergmann. Dark fabrics with heavy patterns and fabric-covered wall panels envelop the space, which includes custom-made floating nightstands and a bed box.

SOURCES

DINING ROOM

Table – E.M. Soberon, Dania Beach, FL

Chairs – Century, Atlanta, GA

Lighting – Hammerton Lighting, Salt Lake City, UT

Drapery designed by Mary Sica, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Mona Raye’s Custom Bed & Windows, Altona, NY

GRAND SALON

Sofas designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Taylor King, Taylorsville, NC

Pillows designed by Mary Sica, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Mona Raye’s Custom Bed & Windows, Altona, NY

Club chairs – Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Hammer Fine Furniture, Bell Gardens, CA

Thin, round cocktail tables – Vanguard, High Point, NC

Pedestal side tables – Interlude, Trumball, CT

Lighting and sconces – Hammerton Lighting, Salt Lake City UT

Fireplace designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL

Round area rug – Kyle Bunting, Austin, TX

KITCHEN

Cabinetry and island designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated Artcraft, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Stool – Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, fabricated by Hammer Fine Furniture, Bell Gardens, CA Backsplash and countertop – Cambria, Fort Lauderdale, FL Lighting – Hammerton Lighting, Salt Lake City, UT

FAMILY ROOM

Sofa – Bracci, High Point, NC

The primary bath was reconfigured to move the shower closer to natural light and make extra room for walk-in closets and vanities.

Cocktail table – Vanguard, High Point, NC Side pedestal table – Vanguard, High Point, NC Area rug – Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by L&M Custom Carpets and Rugs, Johns Island, SC

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Diamond Upholstery, Cape Coral, FL Bedding designed by Mary Sica, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Mona Raye’s Custom Bed & Windows, Altona, NY

Wall designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by ROMO, Chagrin Falls, OH

Bedside chest – Armadi Art USA, Millburn, NJ

Sofa designed by Mary Sica, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Hammer Fine Furniture, Bell Gardens, CA

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry – Artcraft, Niagara Falls, ON

Bench – Jessica Charles, Atlanta, GA

Hanging lighting – Hammerton, Salt Lake City, UT Sconces – Hammerton, Salt Lake City, UT

interior design LISA KAHN, FINDING SANCTUARY BY LISA KAHN DESIGNS, NAPLES, FL

architecture STOFFT COONEY ARCHITECTS, NAPLES, FL builder BCB HOMES, NAPLES, FL

landscape architecture ARCHITECTURAL LAND DESIGN INC., NAPLES, FL

text LINDA MARX

photography BRIE WILLIAMS, CHARLOTTE, NC

COLOR STORY

FROM

UNDENIABLE

FAÇADE TO LANAI, A HOMEOWNER’S FAVORITE PALETTE IMPARTS

PERSONALITY IN A NAPLES RESIDENCE

Blue Balinese-inspired shutters with matching planters define the cheerful façade of the twostory residence.

right: In the great room, the wife’s chosen shades of blue and green echo the outdoors in the Manuel Canovas drapes and Hickory sofas and armchairs. The patterned Kravet area rug pulls the room’s colors together.

WHEN INTERIOR DESIGNER LISA KAHN first met Tina Pregont, the homeowner was wearing a blue cardigan that would soon tell the story of their work relationship.

“Tina loves her hues,” says Kahn. “She wore the blue sweater to let us know the exact color we needed to capture when we designed certain rooms in her new house.”

Said house is a 7,000-square-foot residence (with five bedrooms and eight baths) that backs up to a golf course and which Tina shares with her husband and their two chocolate Labrador Retrievers. The designer/client meeting was a success. “I was impressed with Lisa right away,” says Pregont. “She is bohemian and color-oriented, which I loved, and she knew what I wanted. I told her about my

below: Designer Lisa Kahn designed the wood buffet with lattice detail for a touch of classicism in the dining room. The crystal chandelier by Kelly Wearstler was chosen for its shape and the way it drapes down. “The look is clean and transitional, which works perfectly,” says Kahn.

love for bright blues and greens with mixed patterns, which give me a feeling of calm. Everything Lisa suggested back was happy and fresh.”

Kahn made a case for a symbiosis between indoors and out by creating a flow of energy, light, and color: “I love to blur interior design with exterior natural surroundings, which brings healing energy into the house. The colors Tina chose were ideal. We were thrilled to bring her vision to life.”

In the great room, which overlooks the golf course through large glass windows, that vision is honest to Pregont’s color directives. From flora-themed Manuel Canovas drapes to Hickory sofas and armchairs upholstered in green and blue fabrics, the room happily says no to neutrals.

Blue wins again in the dining room, where the Pierre Frey fabric on the dining chairs is the exact tone as Pregont’s aforementioned sweater.

The kitchen is a showplace of finishes, from walnut to riftcut oak, that work effortlessly together. To satisfy the couple’s gourmet inclinations, there are two island countertops made of quartz. One is surrounded with Thibaut stools for family dinners; the other is strictly for food preparation. “We entertain often,” says Pregont, “and I like to cook for guests when we don’t use catering.”

The homeowner’s preferred color scheme also makes an appearance in the primary bedroom, most noticeably in the form of Kravet’s leaf-themed wallpaper. Once again, Kahn blurred the lines of inside and outside in a satisfying way.

“ Tina was willing to be bold, so everything in this commission worked together really well,” says Kahn. “The whole experience was marvelous.”

left: The kitchen boasts a tropical vibe imparted by the colors chosen. “I wanted something layered and collected here,” says Kahn. “We used metal finishes like brass, silver, and gold as the space unfolds. It’s a room that gets people talking.”

above: A breakfast nook repeats the kitchen’s colors, which blend easily with the Indonesian abstract artwork on the wall.

above: Quality textures in the powder room include a grass-cloth wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries and a vanity with raffia doors topped by a marble countertop.

below: The primary bathroom’s undeniable focal points are the Murano glass chandelier above the tub and the Schumacher draperies over the windows.

above: The idea for the periwinkle palette of the VIP guest room was based on a showhouse room the homeowner loved. The mural featuring topiary trees from the Italian countryside is another nod to the outdoors.

below: Patterned wallpaper from Thibaut echoes the desired tangerine shades that dominate this guest room.

above: “Tina is fearless when it comes to patterns and textures,” says Kahn of the homeowner. Case in point: the ivy-themed wallpaper above the bed in the primary suite.

SOURCES

DINING ROOM

Table – Alfonso Marina, High Point, NC

Host/hostess chairs – Highland House, High Point, NC

Fabric – Old World Weavers, Jim Thompson, Clarence House, New York, NY

Buffet – Ruffino, Fort Myers, FL

Vintage Chanel scarf – Owner’s collection

Chandelier – Visual Comfort, High Point, NC

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – Hickory Chair, Hickory, NC

Fabric – Perennials Fabric, Dallas, TX

Green chairs – Hickory Chair, Hickory, NC

Fabric – Thibaut, thibautdesign.com

Cocktail table designed by Lisa Kahn Designs, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Creative Metal & Wood, Thomasville, NC Console – International Design Source, Naples, FL Table lamps – Bay Design, Naples, FL Drapery fabric – Cowtan & Tout, cowtan.com

Area rug – Kravet Fabrics, Naples, FL

KITCHEN

Cabinetry and bar designed and fabricated by Ruffino Cabinetry, Fort Myers, FL Hood – Ruffino Cabinetry, Fort Myers, FL Backsplash – Ruben Sorhegui, Naples, FL Island counter designed by Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Naples Stoneworks, Naples, FL

Stools – Thibaut, thibautdesign.com

Lighting – Urban Electric, North Charleston, SC

BREAKFAST NOOK

Tulip table – CUO Modern, Crate and Barrel, crateandbarrel.com

Chairs – Woven, High Point, NC

POWDER ROOM

Cabinetry – Ruffino Cabinetry, Fort Myers, FL Mirror – Wilson Lighting of Naples, Naples, FL Wall covering – Flight, Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries.com

GUEST BEDROOM-BLUE

Bed – Thibaut, thibautdesign.com

Bench – Made Goods, High Point, NC

Wall covering – Scalamandré, Hollywood, FL

GUEST BEDROOM-ORANGE

Bed – Redford House, redfordhouse.com

Night table – Made Goods, High Point, NC

Bench – Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com

Wall covering – Thibaut, thibautdesign.com

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Tub – Kallista, kallista.com

Chandelier – Louise Gaskill Company, High Point, NC

Drapery fabric – Schumacher & Co., Dania Beach, FL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Bed and headboard – Chaddock, Morganton, NC

Bench – Brownstone Furniture, Richmond, CA

Occasional chairs – Highland House, High Point, NC

Side table – Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com

Mirror – Carvers Guild, carversguild.com

Wall covering – Kravet Fabrics, Naples, FL

Area rug – Kravet Fabrics, Naples, FL

LANAI

Dining table – Cassoni LLC, Miami, FL

Stripped grouping and chairs – Pavilion Furniture, pavilion-furniture.com

Fabric – Perennials Fabric, Dallas, TX

THROUGHOUT

Ceiling details designed by Santuary by Lisa Kahn Designs, Naples, FL

left: The back lanai offers spectacular views of the golf course the home backs onto. The sliding glass doors here are framed in the same color blue as the shutters and planters at the front of the house.

below: Mahogany shutters enclose the poolside shower for privacy and some Bali-inspired style.

Unapologetically

Classic

A NAPLES CONDO GOES FOR THE BOLD WITH OLD-WORLD ELEGANCE MARKED BY CUSTOM

FURNISHINGS,

ART, AND ACCESSORIES

text ANN KAISER

left: Even with a short timeline for the project, Clair van der Swan designed many of the home’s furniture pieces. Her elegant coffee table was the perfect fit for the living room, one of the many spots in the home where the homeowners can enjoy their water views. Even better is the breeze on the lanai.

below: The entryway sets the home’s tone right away, with a trio of Italian mirrors across from a graphic painting by van der Swan. The blue doors were inspired by the colorful doors of Paris that have been subdued by weather and time.

AS FAR AS HER CRAFT GOES, Clair van der Swan thinks of everything.

The designer has been fine-tuning her holistic style since childhood. As a kid, she discovered designer Marcel Wanders in the pages of her mother’s fashion magazines, and liked that he considered—and often created—every element of his projects. “That’s my idea of interior design, you do the entire space,” she says. When it came to a recent commission involving a Naples condominium, that included the walls, ceilings, floors, and a fair amount of the furniture pieces. Her clients, Bill and Kathy Schirmang, hail from the metropolitan Chicago area, but prefer the weather and views in Naples so much that they decided to make it their primary residence. When

interior design CLAIR VAN DER SWAN, ATELIER VAN DER SWAN, LOS ANGELES, CA & MIAMI, FL

builder BCB HOMES, NAPLES, FL

photography SAM FROST, CULVER CITY, CA

In the upgraded study, the husband’s old guitar stand would have stuck out like a sore thumb. He asked for something better suited to the new space, and builder Steve Ferqueron came up with this design, which is modeled after an upside-down bass clef.

they set out to update their waterfront condo, they first brought on Steve Ferqueron along with the building team from BCB Homes in Naples, but finding the right designer proved a little more difficult. After an unsuccessful local search, Ferqueron suggested van der Swan, whose style was quite different than what the homeowners had seen so far—but, as it turns out, it was just what they were looking for.

“ They adored Clair at ‘first speak’,” says Ferqueron. The Schirmangs gave the designer a little bit of guidance and a lot of space for creativity. In her initial conversations with the couple, van der Swan immediately understood what they wanted: “Something classic, a little bit of French influence, coastal but not Florida coastal,” she says. “And of course, to take advantage of those water views and splashy sunsets, the kind that envelop your senses and leave an impression.”

Ferqueron became a crucial collaborator, helping van der Swan address certain structural issues and making design contributions of his own. They reimagined every room, from floor to ceiling, and infused each space they tackled with elegance, ease, and a bit of modern flair. As she likes to do, van der Swan was not only the interior designer on the project, but the furniture designer, art curator, and in one case, artist.

In the dining room, where the ceiling was raised by more than a foot, the designer centered an acid-etched antique mirror over a custom table that she designed (down to the wax finish, which took several tweaks to get just right)) to give the space even more visual height. The striking

For the two paintings over the sofa in the home’s study, van der Swan just gave the artist the background colors and let him create the rest: On the left, a blue background to reflect the ocean side of the home, and on the right, an olive-green to echo the Florida woods.

console tables are van der Swan originals too, with richly stained walnut wood bases on a tilt, topped with sleek Calacatta marble.

To complement the furnishings, van der Swan curated a varied art collection with a mix of commissioned and existing pieces. The dramatic painting over the living room sofa is artist Jake Wood-Evans’ dream-like interpretation of Peter Paul Rubens’ Diana and her Nymphs Hunting. In the study, new custom walnut wood paneling is the backdrop for an original Picasso purchased at auction from Sotheby’s. For the opposite wall, van der Swan commissioned two pieces from an LA-based artist John Millei whose work reminded her of Picasso’s brush strokes.

Throughout the home, van der Swan punctuated the rooms with cohesive color by painting all the doors in Sherwin Williams Dignity Blue, and echoed the hue in the graphic artwork in the entryway, a piece she created herself. In the primary bathroom, where a wall of antique mirrors is used to dramatic effect, the rug echoes the ocean blue once again.

Textured and eye-catching, the floors and ceilings are standout surfaces. The flooring throughout the home is completely new, and was fit together with painstaking care by Ferqueron: a chevron pattern in the primary bedroom, Versailles parquet in the living and dining rooms, and a knockout Marie Antoinette-inspired design in the study. The ceilings, too, received special attention, including a honeycomb pattern in the primary bedroom, which adds style without busyness. “We wanted to sprinkle some seasoning up there, but not overpower it,” says Ferqueron. Attention to detail is literally around every corner. But as gorgeous as it is, this home is not just a showcase—it’s a warm, welcoming, and comfortable classic that delivers exactly what the client wanted. “I started with a feeling,” says van der Swan. And she ended up with something completely original.

above: van der Swan designed these tilted console tables, which she calls Invitation to Temptation because of their off-balance profile. The stained walnut wood base has a similar design to the dining table.

left: In the breakfast room off the kitchen, van der Swan gave a flower painting pride of place by keeping other furnishings quiet. The French limestone flooring is from Paris and continues out onto the lanai.

Clever sizing with paneling fools the eye and gives the dining room more balance. It provides a beautiful backdrop for van der Swan’s custom furniture, as well as the gorgeous hand-carved dining chairs in burned wood from Moooi.

SOURCES

ENTRY

Mirror grouping – Edizione Limitata Factory, Gallerie Philia, New York, NY

Artwork – Clair van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Ceiling fixture – Circa Lighting, West Hollywood, CA

LIVING ROOM

Sofa – B&B Italia, WPA Chicago, Chicago, IL

Armchair – A. Rudin, Los Angeles, CA

Cocktail table – Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Side table – Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Area rug – The Rug Company, Los Angeles, CA

Chandelier – Baccarat, Miami, FL

STUDY

Black sofa – American Leather, Bassman Blaine, Irvine, CA

Glass cocktail table – Barberini & Gunnell Srls, Ancona, Italy

Side table – Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Cabinetry and desk designed by Atelier van der Swan, Los

Angeles, CA & Miami, FL, and Steve Ferqueron, Reside Custom

Homes, Los Angeles, CA, and fabricated by Ruffino Cabinetry,

Naples, FL

Sconces – RH, Los Angeles, CA

Guitar stand designed by Stephen Ferqueron, Reside Custom

Homes, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Flooring designed by Stephen Ferqueron, Reside Custom

Homes, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL, and fabricated by Unique Wood Co., Naples, FL

BREAKFAST AREA

Table – Balsamo Antiques, New York, NY

Chairs – France & Son, New York, NY

Chandelier – Serena & Lily, West Hollywood, CA

DINING AREA

Table – Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Chairs & chandelier – Moooi, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Consoles – Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Poster bed and bedside chest – Vintage, Owners’ collection

Lamp tables – Ralph Lauren, Circa Lighting, West Hollywood, CA

Bench – Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Chair – Vintage, Owners’ collection

Decorative table – Mackenzie Childs, Aurora, NY

Chandelier – Sabrina Landini Studio, Pisa, Italy

PRIMARY BATHROOM

Cabinetry designed by Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL, and fabricated by Ruffino Cabinetry, Naples, FL

Round mirror – Atelier van der Swan, Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL

Sconces – The Urban Electric Company, North Charleston, SC

Tub – WaterWorks, West Hollywood, CA

Lighting – APPARATUS, Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage wall mirror – Glass Visons Studio, Los Angeles, CA

Area rugs – King Kennedy Rugs, Los Angeles, CA

THROUGHOUT

French limestone supply – Onestoneworld Inc., Long Beach, CA

Stone & tile installation – Supreme Flooring, Naples, FL

Finish carpentry – Specialty Contracting Services, Fort Myers, FL

Interior doors – Architectural Resources & Associates, Inc., Miami, FL

Wall painting – Barrier Solutions, Naples, FL

Custom furniture – Mario Grimaldi International, Los Angeles, CA

above: The primary bedroom’s art deco-inspired ceiling design is delicate, but still makes an impact.

Though window dressings were eschewed to take in maximum views, hidden shades can be rolled down when it’s time to turn in. The Italian hanging lamp was chosen for its pretty chiffon silk shade and jewel-like pendant.

left: The primary bathroom is full-on glam, with a Waterworks soaking tub set in front of a wall of acid-etched antique mirrors. The pieces were made in Los Angeles and marked so they could be carefully reassembled in just the right configuration in Naples.

below: Silver-leaf cabinets turn up the elegance in the primary bath, but the vibrant hues in the 100-year-old Persian rug, which van der Swan found in Los Angeles, add a little more playfulness and liveliness to the space.

AND THE WINNER IS...

The annual Sand Dollar Awards and Gala is a time to recognize the Gulf Coast’s top interior talents, and the event’s last edition was as popular and well-attended as ever. Much of that had to do with the hard efforts of Committee Chair Blanca Vasquez, who spearheaded the evening alongside designer Wilfredo Emmanuel and (immediate past chair) Lynne Sambouly. With a theme of “The Timeless Twenties: Past-Present-Future,” the gathering held its 32nd anniversary as it recognized 64 companies. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE MCDONALD

GIANLUCA GARGANTINI, LAURA MAXIMO

SAND DOLLAR AWARDS COMMITTEE

SAMANTHA BENSON, SHARONICA TROUTMAN, JOY MORELLI

MADDIE SCOTT, TIM BOWER, LYNDSEY NICKLAS, GRACE WISE

SANDI MASSIE, DUANE MASSIE, MICHELLE COTTO, ELISA & MATT BARHOUM, DOUGLAS NESMITH, LINDSAY THURSTON

MICHELLE MCLEOD, LIZ GOODMAN

KARIME VELASQUES, ASHLEY CARRANCO, EMA RODRIGUEZ

SARAH & MICHAEL HINES

CAMERON MCMULLEN, ANDREA KRAFFT

Guests gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and much applause. Sponsored by the Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) Sales and Marketing Council (SMC), the awards are presented to builders, developers, architects, remodelers, interior design firms, landscape architects, and marketing, sales and/or advertising professionals who have demonstrated building, design, and marketing excellence in Collier County.

BRANDY CARREJO, ANNA OLIBO, DIANA HALL, TAYLOR MORRISON, ELISABETH MANCHEGO

AGATA CIAVAVINO, KAITLYNN MORENO, MEGHAN SAMSON

GUIDO FERNANDEZ, KATHY SMART, AOME ROGERS, DAVID MINTON, CHRISTINA HATCH, MARIO VALLE, SHANNON REED, ANDY REED, DANIEL THUMAN, LUKE PFEIFFER

GINGER SHOUP, JENNY ELLIS, LANA KNAPP, SHERRI DUPONT, JEN DENIS, SOPHIA YOST

JULIE FRANCO, ANA LOPEZ

SONA GOMEZ, DAVE ARTER, KIM BUEHLER

LAURIE WALTER, CLAUDINE WETZEL

WILFREDO EMMANUEL, GARY HARLAN

KATIE, CHRIS & DEE DEE EMMERIK, LUIS & KIMBERLY CRUZ

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editorial consideration. For information, call the editorial department at 561.472.2217.

WHO’S HOT?

Do you know artists, architects, or designers we should feature in an upcoming issue of Florida Design? Email detailed information to editorial at fdeditorial@floridadesign.com.

DWAYNE BERGMANN INTERIORS

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 INTERIORS

12195 Metro Pkwy., Suite 1-3, Fort Myers, FL 33966

1391 Third Street S., Naples, FL 34102

239.344.7455

dwaynebergmann.com

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.

PALMBEACHMEDIA.COM

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

BEFORE IT’S TRENDING, IT’S AT COVERINGS

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SURFACE BLOOM

DESIGNER JUDITH LIEGEOIS RESPONDS TO THE FLORAL FINESSE OF TOM FAULKNER’S LILY COCKTAIL TABLE

THE DESIGNER: “I often say a home will tell you what it needs,” says Naples interior designer Judith Liegeois. “That being said, there are times when I know immediately what needs to be done.” That yin-yang philosophy has made Liegeois one of the Gulf Coast’s most in-demand designers with projects lauded for their savvy use of palette, style, and layering.

THE OBJECT : Inspired by the flower’s leaves, the Lily cocktail table by Tom Faulkner is assembled in Venice with a steel or brass frame and a surface made of Murano glass or marble. The piece works alone for a subtle touch or in multiples for a much bolder statement.

IN HER WORDS : “I am inspired by the Lily’s organic shape, mixed materials, and the balance between its delicate stand and thick top,” says Liegeois. “My favorite is the Murano glass version, which would be perfect as part of a group in a client’s lounge.” tomfaulkner.co.uk; judithliegeoisdesigns.com

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

1400 Gulfshore Blvd. N., Suite 106 Naples, FL 34102 239.430.3883

watersidebuildersinc.com