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7 Architects You Need to Know
Autumn on the Gulf
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Since inception, residences at The Regent have been synonymous with luxury, yet no other offering has exhibited such quality, efficiency, and superior design as this. The “no expense spared” remastering of this Gulf-front penthouse was a collaboration of the locally favored Borelli Construction and Calusa Bay Design, and personifies a sleek yet comfortable elegance that is rarely achieved.
It’s been years in the making. Tower 500. Kalea Bay’s final offering. No detail has been overlooked, nor untouched. Beginning with the desire to create vast outdoor living areas, these sophisticated residences are replete with enviable south and west views. 10-foot ceilings are now standard as are elevated selections. The last of its kind and a first in resort-style living. Only at Kalea Bay.
FLORIDA DESIGN
STRUCTURE SAVANTS
7 Architects You Need to Know
Autumn on the Gulf
Waterside Residences in Old Naples, Port Royal, Bonita Beach & Fort Myers
vol. 9 no. 1
ON THE COVER
180 RETHINKING COASTAL
INTERIOR DESIGN BY ALEX THIES & MORGAN SWANSON
R ESIDENTIAL DESIGN BY R.G. DESIGNS
Contemporary style makes all the difference in a custom residence on the shores of Bonita Beach.
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY BLAINE JOHNATHAN
FEATURES
190 TOP-FLOOR PANACHE
INTERIOR DESIGN BY STEPHANIE FRALEIGH
ARCHITECTURE BY BECK ARCHITECTURE
A penthouse high above Naples’ Gulf Shore Boulevard takes design to the next level with custom elegance and splendid views.
198 STYLE INTERVENTION
INTERIOR DESIGN BY BETHANY O’NEIL
A young couple enlists a skilled designer to rework the interiors of their Pine Ridge Estates residence in North Naples.
206 GULF RETREAT
INTERIOR DESIGN BY RENÉE GADDIS & NATALIE CARSON
ARCHITECTURE BY MHK ARCHITECTURE
A bayside home in Royal Harbor nods to Southwest Florida’s good life with elegant coastal design.
216 TOTAL MAKEOVER
INTERIOR DESIGN BY DWAYNE BERGMANN, LEA TALIERCIO & LYNNE PANNETON
A winter home in Fort Myers trades Mediterranean style for contemporary cachet.
Copyright 2024, Florida Design’s Naples Edition, Volume 9#1 Fall 2024/Winter 2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Palm Beach Media Group. Neither the publishers nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Ads in this publication are not intended as an offer where prohibited by state laws. Florida Design’s Naples Edition is published by Palm Beach Media Group. Subscriptions are available for $15 per year: circulation@floridadesign.com. Postage paid at West Palm Beach, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Palm Beach Media Group, P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480-9883.
FEATURES
222 FOREIGN AFFAIRS
INTERIOR DESIGN BY MARTIN HORNER & SHEA SOUCIE
ARCHITECTURE BY KUKK ARCHITECTURE
Global travel influences inform the refined and sophisticated interiors of a Naples residence.
232 COTTAGE CHARACTER
INTERIOR DESIGN BY CATHARINE WILLMER
The renovation of a 1960s ranch-style house in Aqualane Shores makes a winning case for tropical style with vintage charm.
242 THANK YOU, NEXT
INTERIOR DESIGN BY JUDITH LIEGEOIS
A designer helps a Naples client begin a new chapter in life by repurposing cherished furniture and accessories in her new residence.
CONTENTS
IN-DEPTH
92 REFLECTIVE QUALITY
The Nativo mirror by Abel Cárcamo for StudioTwentySeven reflects its creator’s appreciation for artisanal traditions.
BUZZ
94 BUZZ
What’s new and noteworthy in Naples’ design scene and beyond
AGENDA
116 SETTING THE TONE
Tastemaker Alex Hitz brings his hosting finesse to Naples Tables 2025.
COLLECTIONS
118 BRAND EVOLUTION
With a new collaboration with Naples’ Escalante hotel set for release this fall, Turk & Turk in Fort Myers continues to up the ante on its fashion-forward home collections.
SHOWROOMS
122 FEEL-GOOD RETAIL
Happy homewares await visitors at The Wallflower Shoppe in Cape Coral.
124 THE WAY HOME
An exhibition by Becky Suss at Naples’ Baker Museum explores the relationship between creative vision and memory.
GALLERIES
128 DESIGN DEVOTION
M ike and Kelly Mahigel share their genuine and personal appreciation for postmodern treasures at PDA Gallery.
130 PHOTO POETRY
David K. Beavis’ romantic portraits of nature find an ideal backdrop in downtown Naples.
ARTISAN
132 BALANCING ACT
Estero potter Jordan Blankenship creates ceramics that are both precious and practical.
FD ASKS
136 NATIVE TOUCH
The grounds of a gulfside home in Boca Grande showcase the beauty and resilience of West Florida’s local vegetation and materials.
ALFRESCO
140 EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Landscape designer Erica Klopf goes beyond the aesthetic to create edible and medicinal gardens that are good for people and the environment.
CONTENTS
ARCHITECTURE
144 DEFINING MOMENTS
Fort Myers architect Joyce Owens takes clients on meaningful journeys with every project she takes on.
148 WHERE AND WHEN
HOTELS
160 FIVE-STAR QUALITY
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is back after an ambitious design overhaul.
DISPATCH
164 DESIGN CHECK-IN
Four new Florida hotels, four very different styles
YACHTS
168 THIS IS SPARTA!
I nspired by its ancient namesake’s mighty soldiers, H eesen Yachts’ latest super-vessel is ready for modern-day odysseys around the world.
SEAGLASS
2024
250 DESIGN CHAMPIONS
A look at the Gulf Coast winners of Florida Design’s 2024 Seaglass awards
EVENTS
256 STYLE & TASTE
The League Club’s Naples Tables enchants design lovers all over again.
COVET
258 CUSTOM CRYSTAL
Designer Lisa Kahn falls for the bespoke charm of Louise Gaskill’s Grace chandelier. 152 THE BROADER VISION
Randall Stofft and John Cooney cast a wide net when looking for inspiration, which fans out globally and reaches back in time.
A worldly outlook and boutique approach inform the dynamic work of architects Brandt Henning and M ichaela Reiterer Henning.
Architects Michael Hajjar and Rob H erscoe offer differing points of view to collaborations that meet their clients’ ultimate needs.
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DESIGN LANGUAGE
As a lover of words and the way they work together, I thoroughly enjoyed how the architects profiled in this issue use language to describe their work. Not only do these individuals create structures that catch our collective eye, but they’re also able to describe them with just the right nouns and adjectives. Reading their eloquent statements about angles, forms, shadows, and light reassured me we had chosen the right professionals. Despite its slow-down, take-it-easy reputation, the Gulf Coast doesn’t lack talent when it comes to the design arena. I guess someone has to build those magnificent slow-down, take-it-easy homes.
Speaking of words, the interior designers whose projects are featured in this edition are masters of vocabulary. One can say they even have their own language. Here are folks who can take a bunch of disparate statements from their clients and translate them into the stunning interiors you see in this magazine on a regular basis. Take Alex Thies and Morgan Swanson of Adelyn Charles Interiors for instance. When they met with a couple who asked them to design their Bonita Beach home, the wife spoke of “casual luxury” and “beach touches,” and the design team turned around and delivered the indoor/outdoor retreat on our cover. Yes, it was more involved than that, but you get my point. Good designers don’t just have to read between the lines; they have to fill in the blanks as well.
On the subject of reading between the lines, I must mention our story on artist Becky Suss, who has a new exhibition running through January 5 at The Baker Museum. The artworks in this grouping represent Suss’ visual interpretation of the rooms in The Dutch House, a novel by Ann Patchett that served as the inspiration for the show. In our story, Suss reveals how she turned Patchett’s award-winning story into canvases about family and connection.
A nother subject in this volume who knows her way with words is Erica Klopf, a landscape designer who’s not only well-versed in how to create edible and medicinal gardens for this region of the state, but also understands how important they are for our local environment. As issues of sustainability continue to influence landscape architecture, we should all expect to hear more about Klopf’s contributions in the future.
For even more outspoken characters, turn to Agenda and read our Q&A with celebrity chef Alex Hitz (the guest speaker at the upcoming Naples Tables), or flip to Artisan for a chat on ceramics with Estero potter Jordan Blankenship. And don’t worry, there’s still plenty of captivating photography on these pages for those of you who prefer your storytelling to be less literal.
Enjoy the issue.
LUIS R. RIGUAL Editor-in-Chief lrigual@floridadesign.com
PHOTO BY MANOLO DORESTE
JUDI TH LIEG EOIS
A NEW SEASON
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons in Southwest Florida. You can literally feel the humidity lifting and the air getting lighter as cooler temperatures lure us back outdoors. Epitomizing all these qualities is the cover that fronts this fall 2024/winter 2025 issue. Taken from inside a Bonita Beach residence built by Potter Homes and designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, the image perfectly encapsulates what life on the Gulf Coast during this time of year is all about: pictureperfect indoor/outdoor living by the water as the sun begins to set in the horizon. You can almost feel the breeze, don’t you think?
Beyond the gorgeous, this edition explores a topic close to my heart: architecture. Yes, we have our stunning gulf views, but we also must recognize the region’s architectural splendor. Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves Mediterranean or an admirer of the newer, modern structures that continue to rise in popularity, architecture is a major part of our design story. That’s why I was thrilled to read about the seven intelligent and talented architects that the editorial team selected to profile in this volume. I urge you to do the same.
While you’re bound to get lost in our editorial pages (in a good way), I must bring your attention to a particular department, Agenda, which highlights the upcoming Naples Tables, one of the city’s most popular and important fundraisers. We are proud to once again partner with The League Club as the event’s media sponsor to help raise funds for the more than 30 nonprofits that the League supports. I’m personally excited to see what our Gulf Coast designers and creatives come up with in terms of tablescapes and to meet chef and TV personality Alex Hitz, who will serve as the guest speaker. Mark your calendars for February 26 and 27, 2025.
And I certainly don’t have to encourage you to dive into our home features, which this time around highlight the design talents of Freestyle Interiors, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Catharine Willmer Interiors, Renée Gaddis Interiors, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Judith Liegeois Designs, Soucie Horner, and the aforementioned Adelyn Charles Interiors. May these articles inspire your own design dreams. Thank you for your continued support. Here’s to a new season filled with the joy of creating spaces that truly feel like home.
LIZ GOODMAN Publisher lgoodman@floridadesign.com
ALEX THIES & MORGAN SWANSON
Adelyn Charles Interiors
“Rethinking Coastal,” page 180
“Coastal elegance with warmth” is how designers Alex Thies and Morgan Swanson describe the Bonita Beach home featured on this edition’s cover. “While we did not create the architecture for this house, we always take a very architectural approach in our work,” says Thies. “Applying modern forms infused with natural elements allowed us to craft a modern aesthetic with inviting sensibilities. Every feature was custom-tailored to this approach—from the neutral backgrounds to the pops of color.” adelyncharles.com
DWAYNE BERGMANN
Dwayne Bergmann Interiors
“Total Makeover,” page 216
Recast. So was the mindset of interior Dwayne Bergmann when he was tasked with renovating a Fort Myers winter home and eliminating the structure’s Mediterranean look. After multiple discussions with the owners, Bergmann and his team had a solid starting point. “The idea we came up with was urban farmhouse meets Southwest Florida coastal, and they were on board,” says the designer. “Everything else fell into place after that and we delivered a contemporary residence that’s ideal for Gulf Coast living.” dwaynebergmann.com
STEPHANIE FRALEIGH
Freestyle Interiors
“Top-Floor Panache,” page 190
Stephanie Fraleigh was just one member of the stellar team chosen by homeowner Kevin O’Brien to bring residential life to his 3,449-square-foot penthouse atop Naples’ exclusive Le Ciel high-rise. This group delivered an elegant and au courant sky residence that epitomizes modern living. “What I enjoyed most about this project was the creative freedom, and the energy and motivation of collaborating with a talented team,” says Fraleigh. “It was a special group.” freestyleinteriors.com
SHEA SOUCIE & MARTIN HORNER
Soucie Horner
“Foreign Affairs,” page 222
Just because a house is in Naples doesn’t mean its owners have to embrace coastal design. Instead, designers Shea Soucie and Martin Horner gave them a home inspired by the owners’ travels around the world featuring many of the family’s Chicago furnishings—albeit reimagined. “It was an interesting challenge,” says Horner. “We got creative with dark furniture pieces and did a lot of reupholstering to transition them from the gray-skied, cozy-heavy Midwest to lighter, brighter Florida.” souciehorner.com
BETHANY O’NEIL
Bethany O’Neil Interior Design “Style Intervention,” page 198
When a young couple called on designer Bethany O’Neil to tweak the look of their residence (decorated previously by a different design team), O’Neil didn’t look at the task as less than. As a seasoned professional, she knows that sometimes the best interior design is the kind that fixes what’s not quite right. “We were tasked with styling the main living areas, so I opted for the look of a modern cottage,” says O’Neil. “We are honored to have provided these clients with the missing elements that made their home whole.” bethanyoneil.com
CATHARINE WILLMER
Catharine Willmer Interiors
“ Cottage Character,” page 232
When a 1960s ranch-style house in Naples’ Aqualane Shores neighborhood had to turn from vacation home into full-time residence, its owners called on Catherine Willmer for the design metamorphosis. “The potential for something special was always there,” says the designer. “This home is a quintessential example of the houses in this area, so we embraced its roots and adopted elements from historical Florida cottage styles. The result is fresh, familiar, and warm.” catharinewillmer.com
RENÉE GADDIS
Renée Gaddis Interiors “Gulf Retreat,” page 206
To achieve the elegant coastal look the owner of a new Royal Harbor home desired, his architect connected him with interior designer Renée Gaddis, who immediately understood what he was looking for. “Our goal was to provide him with a retreat where he and his family could escape the Pennsylvania winter months,” says Gaddis. “The end result is a residence attuned to its community and the complete opposite of the family’s Tudor home up north—just as they wished. This is a place that lets them know they’re in Florida.” reneegadis.com
JUDITH LIEGEOIS
Judith Liegeois Designs “Thank You, Next,” page 242
Here’s to interior design helping people to start fresh. That’s exactly what designer Judith Liegeois did for a client entering a new phase of her life after a divorce. After said client purchased a condo in North Naples, she tasked Liegeois with designing it as well as repurposing a selection of beloved furnishings from her marital home. “Our design goal was to give her a sense of coziness and warmth,” says Liegeois. “I’m glad she asked us to incorporate things that brought her happy memories. We’ve provided a place to help her heal.” judithliegeoisdesigns.com
Perfectly Paired.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples #1 Luxury Lifestyle. # 1 Place To Live.
As an icon rises along the Vanderbilt Beach skyline, it represents a rare expression of perfection—the only Ritz-Carlton-branded residences in Naples, recently named the best place to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report . It’s a marriage that brings together masterfully crafted residences, 50,000 square feet of sublime amenities, the endless charms of Naples, and the thoughtful service of The Ritz-Carlton.
TRANSFORM YOUR DREAM HOME INTO REALITY WITH NAPLES CUSTOM HOMES
Naples Kitchen & Bath celebrates our 25th anniversary and has been the name you trust for design build renovations, exceptional products, quality & craftsmanship. Now, we’re bringing that same dedication and expertise as we expand our services by introducing Naples Custom Homes as a new home builder.
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ALFRESCO SPIRIT
From hand-illustrated patterns to her always-fresh blend of vintage and modern touches, Sarah Sherman Samuel’s first outdoor collection for LULU AND GEORGIA is tailored with artful details. With boxy cushions and cylindrical arms on a shaped iron base, the Peggy sofa features all the trademarks of Samuel’s warm, edited style, while the Peggy coffee table offers a durable anchor piece with a travertine-like surface. Bringing it all together is the Market parasol, a come-rain-or-come-shine umbrella that instantly denotes garden charm. luluandgeorgia.com
Feather Figure
DESIGN TAKES A FLIGHT OF FANCY WITH CHARMING AVIAN MOTIFS
ABOVE: The wing-like graphic of the limited-edition Pheasant rug by Dale Chihuly for THERUG COMPANY is inspired by the famed glass artist’s Macchia series. therugcompany.com
RIGHT: Crafted from slip-molded Portuguese ceramic, these Sated Bird sculptures from GLOBAL VIEWS delight in three different finishes. globalviews.com
ABOVE: A flock of feathered friends sits along the length of the Perch Light Branch fixture designed by Umut Yamac for MOOOI. Each bird acts as a lampshade for a light source beneath, creating a whimsical and playful atmosphere. moooi.com
LEFT: The elegant birds that adorn the Japanese Cranes wallpaper by MILTON & KING are a symbol of love and fidelity, owing to the species’ habit of mating for life. miltonandking.com
BELOW: The classic wing chair gets an update by CENTURY with this Santa Rosa version upholstered in a Stroheim fabric featuring a pheasant-and-floral featuring a pheasant-and-floral motif. centuryfurniture.com
ABOVE: The playful U-shaped modules that make up the Cirkus chandelier from VAKKER can be moved and rotated to create a custom lighting look. vakkerlight.com
RIGHT: Underneath a stunning white oak burl veneer top, the Fusaichi console table by DAS WOLFE hides a pair of drawers that emerge from both sides—supported by a gorgeous graduated arched base. daswolfedesign.com
CURVES AHEAD
FURNISHINGS TAKE A TURN WITH ARCHED FORMS THAT BEND ALL THE RULES
BELOW: The Marcia Sky wallpaper by GRAHAM & BROWN features strong lines paired with curved forms. grahambrown.com
LEFT: Drawing inspiration from her acclaimed Dreamcloud exhibit at the last Art Basel Miami Beach, Nina Magon created the double-arched Dreamer floor lamp for STUDIO M by incorporating iridiscent glass orbs with LEDs onto curved heritage brass. studiolighting.com
The Art Deco silhouette of the Ama armchair by Paolo Castelli for ARTEMEST incorporates asymmetrical arches for a profile that’s both cozy and chic. artemest.com
RIGHT:
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS
strings
ABOVE: Designed by Fisher Weisman for VISUAL COMFORT, the Sutton four-light sconce offers a metallic take on fringe tassels. visualcomfort.com
BELOW: Named for the inspirational figure of ancient poets, the Musa armchair by LAAB MILANO features upholstery accented with orange and blue fringe in raw wool. The chair sits atop a swivel base to emphasize its sense laabmilano.com of movement and fluidity.
attached
FASHION-FORWARD FRINGE AND TASSELS LEAP FROM THE RUNWAY TO EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE
ABOVE: The glam Cabaret chandelier from REGINA ANDREW is wrapped in three layers of fun fringe that nod to 1920s flapper style. reginaandrew.com
Crafted from hundreds of knots, this macrame Flow wall hanging by TAMAR SAMPLONIUS combines fluid lines and layered sections to achieve a boho balance of form and texture. tamarsamplonius.com
BELOW: Bradshaw Orrell designed the Tassel side table for CHELSEA HOUSE with a faux marble top and a gold tassel-shaped base. chelseahouseinc.com
BELOW: Topped by a thick crystal slab, the hand-cast base of the Warp cocktail table by JOHN POMP recalls crushed aluminum cans. johnpomp.com
GRAY AREA
CHROME, SILVER, AND STAINLESS STEEL SPEAK TO DESIGN’S NEUTRAL MOOD
ABOVE: A pair or intersecting arches form the Castellina table lamp from JOHN-RICHARD, which is entirely finished in polished stainless steel. johnrichard.com
ABOVE: The stainless steel frame of the Axiom bench by BERNHARDT stuns in a brushed silver finish—its upholstered box cushion offers the perfect spot to perch. bernhardt.com
RIGHT: With three chrome-finished shelves, the wheeled Draper bar cart from UNIVERSAL FURNITURE offers an elegant excuse for a daily cocktail break. universalfurniture.com
Shore Style
FOR A DOSE OF BEACHSIDE CHIC, BRING ON THE SEA SHELLS
LEFT: Featuring a hand-applied mix of shells artfully affixed to its frame, the Cecilia mirror from CURREY & COMPANY takes the seaside theme to glam heights. curreyandcompany.com
RIGHT: The Oysters wallcovering from MERENDA WALLPAPER is the result of various line drawings done with pen on paper. merendawallpaper.com
ABOVE: The mosaic-like finish of the Amaya stool from MADE GOODS is crafted from a combination of shells including brown lip, kabibe, and wavy shell. madegoods.com
ABOVE: The design of the brass Rae drawer handle from PULLCAST is inspired by the geometric exterior of the Florida crown conch. pullcast.eu
Natural sea shells are arranged in a ball-shaped floral motif to create the Brittney shell lamp by REGINA ANDREW reginaandrew.com
BELOW: Covered in three-dimensional rectangles of pearlescent shells in a basketweave pattern, the BombShell sideboard from CARACOLE features adjustable footings for the ultimate in form flexibility. caracole.com
Fit to Be Tied
BOWS,
KNOTS, AND
LOOPS MAKE THE ULTIMATE WINSOME STATEMENT
1 Designed at the behest of Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, the Mickey chair by INDIA MAHDAVI is named for its ribbon-like “ears” crafted from bent wood. india-mahdavi.com 2 Designed by Nika Zupanc for QEE BOO, the Ribbon Chair sparkles with golden feminine vibes. qeeboo.
com 3 Boasting a fashion-forward pattern of striped bows and whimsical tassels, the BowWow-Wow wallpaper by Marian McEvoy for SCHUMACHER was originally devised for a shoe silhouette. schumacher.com 4 The Bow-Knot loveseat from COCO CHAIRS adds a touch of Art Deco romance thanks to its deep green velvet upholstery. cocochairs.com 5 The handpainted Pretty as a Bow mirror from MACKENZIE CHILDS reflects good taste in a palette of black, white, and gold. mackenzie-childs.com 6
Crafted from white mother-of-pearl and polished nickel, the Avalon Bay Ribbon drawer pull from SCHAUB AND COMPANY adorns any piece of furniture or cabinetry with sartorial style. schaubandcompany.com 3 2 5 6 1
The Light Fatastic
EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED WITH THESE UNIQUELY FETCHING FIXTURES
This Palisade pendant from SCHONBEK features optic crystals interlaid with the brand’s trademarked radiance crystal dust for next-gen illumination. schonbek.com
LEFT: Spiraling strips of polished nickel intertwine to form the Ribbons two-light pendant by JOHN-RICHARD johnrichard.com
ABOVE: Combining light and nature, the hand-blown glass Viceversa pendant lamps by KDLIN can multitask by hosting a growing garden while also shedding light. Brilliant! kdlin.it
LEFT: Inspired by nature, the Helenium Orb chandelier from CURREY & COMPANY is crafted by a connecting series of wrought iron flower shapes that have been finished in gold. curreyandcompany.com
RIGHT: Crafted from recycled crystal glass and artisan-cast rods, the size of each pendant on the Axis Swag chandelier by HAMMERTON can be customized to fit any space height.
hammerton.com
STOWAWAY STORAGE
INNOVATIONS KEEP KITCHENS CLEAR OF CLUTTER
below: Designed for corner cabinets, SecretSpace by SIEMATIC offers modules that swivel 180 degrees to reveal elegant shelves. siematic.com
The Moving Table island enhancement from HÄCKER KITCHENS can be effortlessly shifted to uncover cooktops and to extend counter space. hackerkitchens.us
With the in-drawer Gourmet line tool holder from FEBAL CASA, chef-grade cooking tools are artfully organized and always at hand. febalcasa.com
above:
BELOW: Made of ceramic, the Baboon by LAUFEN does double duty as an eye-catching sculpture and a stylish surface for towels and other bath accessories. laufen.com
LEFT: Made from oak, walnut, or laminate, the Tombolo 8 tub rail by VICTORIA + ALBERT offers the ideal surface for a glass of wine, upgrading a bubble bath from simple to spectacular. vandabaths.com
Bathtime Beauties
STYLISHLY UPGRADED BATHROOM ESSENTIALS TAKE DAILY GROOMING RITUALS UP A NOTCH
ABOVE: CERAMIC MATRIX has the bathroom covered with its new Tele di Marmo onyx, a stone that ranges from deep pink to light blue (as shown here) and offers anti-slip qualities. ceramicmatrix.com
BELOW: The Ramada XL Luxury faucet by MAESTROBATH features a polished gold finish and faceted crystal accents that catch the light. maestrobath.com
The body of the Aurora Bijoux tub by DEVON & DEVON is shaped by elegant moldings and rests on four aluminum spheres. devon-devon.com
RIGHT: With elements that are both tactile and ethereal, the Bora lounger from GLOSTER offers an ample braided back supported by a teak frame. gloster.com
LOUNGE ACT
POOLSIDE LEISURE OPTIONS WITH HORIZONTAL FLAIR
LEFT: The Jack lounge chair by ETHNICRAFT features upholstery woven in Belgium, and clean, classic lines. ethnicraft.com
BELOW: Made of a premium polyethylene resin, the Line lounge chair from TUPELO GOODS is as durable as it is beautiful. tupelogoods.com
BELOW: The Infinity Lettino lounge chair from NELLA
exudes modern Italian luxury with a teak frame and white textilene seating surface. nellavetrina.com
a roto-molded, one-piece shape that allows for partial submersion in the water. tonikworld.com
RIGHT: The Bikini lounger from TONIK features
VETRINA
Re ective Quality
THE NATIVO MIRROR BY ABEL CÁRCAMO FOR STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN REFLECTS ITS CREATOR’S APPRECIATION FOR ARTISANAL TRADITIONS
TEXT CHRISTOPHER DAY
THE BACKSTORY
Originally commissioned by StudioTwentySeven principals
Nacho Polo and Robert Onuska to give life to one of the walls in their New York City gallery, the Nativo Mirror by Abel Cárcamo was eventually expanded to a limited edition of 25 pieces.
THE INSPIRATION
“The Nativo is a window into the past and present,” says Cárcamo.
“It was inspired by the rudimentary forms of primitive utensils, and it embodies the tradition of artisanal craftsmanship. It’s meant to evoke a deep connection to our ancestors.”
THE PROCESS
“The construction of this mirror is a fusion between the handmade and the digital,” says Cárcamo. “We start with a plaster model based on a drawing and then go through a process of digitization. After that, 3D fabrication gives us the final form in wood. I chose ash wood and bronze-colored glass mirror for their warmth and because the wood highlights the organic and primitive forms in a very natural and honest way.”
THE FINAL WORD
“The Nativo is a piece with a lot of character due to its shape and can be adapted to both classic and contemporary settings,” says Cárcamo. “I see it as an accent on a large empty wall in a sizeable living room.” studiotwentyseven.com; abelcarcamo.com
Anniversary Additions
RICHLIN INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN NAPLES WITH A SHOWROOM EXPANSION AND AN INVENTORY UPGRADE
Any design business that hits the quarter-century mark deserves credit and respect, but Richlin International at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt is not celebrating its 25th anniversary by resting on its laurels. The multi-brand distributor of European and American kitchen, bath, closet, and furniture products is undergoing a showroom renovation that will add 3,000 square feet of space to its footprint (set for reveal at year’s end). Also new to the venue is an expanded offering of Poliform’s outdoor collection, which includes lines by Jean-Marie Massaud, Emmanuel Gallina, Marcel Wanders, and Soo Chan that focus on minimalist structures and sophisticated materials. “Having endured economic ups and downs, natural disasters, and a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, this anniversary represents stability, endurance, and a commitment to quality and innovation,” says Richard Corbett, Richlin International’s founding partner. “We celebrate this momentous occasion by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our business partners, employees, and customers, and look forward to the future.” richlininternational.com
LEFT AND BELOW: Patrick Norguet’s Elanta sideboard features curved doors in oak veneer plywood.
RIGHT AND BELOW: Jiang Qiong Er’s Bamboo Mood sofa is made of bamboo fabric and comes available in multiple density foams.
NEW TALENT
Here’s a first—literally. The fall 2024 collection from Roche Bobois features two new collaborations with designers the brand has never worked with before. Designed by Franco-Chinese artist Jiang Qiong Er, the Bamboo Mood line is a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese lounge in shades of celadon and coral, two iconic colors in Asian decorative arts. Also new to the Roche Bobois catalogue is renowned French designer Patrick Norguet and his Elanta line, a grouping of tables, chairs, and sideboards marked by intricate woodwork. Expect more from these creators in future seasons. roche-bobois.com
ABOVE: Magnolia sunbeds by Emmanuel Gallina for Poliform’s outdoor collection
ABOVE: Le Club armchairs by Jean-Marie Massoud for Poliform’s outdoor collection
HEALTHY SPACES
TWO NAPLES DESIGN AND WELLNESS ENTHUSIASTS JOIN FORCES IN THE NAME OF MINDFUL LIVING
Founded by April Raque, Wellness Design Group is a firm dedicated to all aspects of healthy living, including designing spaces that “promote a harmonious balance between aesthetics and well-being.” Owned and operated by Fadia Bechara, At Faro is a showroom that advocates biophilic design and connection to nature through an inventory that favors sustainable, handcrafted pieces rather than mass-produced disposable items. To say the two Naples-based companies share common ground is an understatement, so we’re not surprised to hear about their new partnership, Wellness by Design. As part of this service, Raque will consult directly with At Faro customers and building industry professionals working with At Faro on custom projects to then integrate biophilic design and wellness principles to enhance those interior design commissions. Bechara’s role is to design, produce, and provide the custom biophilic furniture and furnishings to be used within each project. “We believe that your environment plays a crucial role in mental health and wellness,” says Bechara. “Our mission is to transform spaces into serene sanctuaries that foster well-being.” After all, a healthy home is a happy home. atfaro.com; wellnessdesigngroup.com
GLASS ACTS
Murano is to glass what caviar is to food. The mere mention of the name instantly denotes legacy, pedigree, and superior artistry. Ruvati’s new Murano Collection of hand-blown glass sinks certainly lives up to that description. The new line offers two styles: a sleek circular basin and a seashell design in vivid colors of blue, green, brown, or black with a glossy finish that make them ideal choices for a standout powder room. ruvati.com
above inset right: At Faro’s owner Fabia Bechara and Wellness Design Group principal April Raque are the two founders of Wellness by Design.
right: Ruvati’s Murano glass circle vessel in Cosmic Black
above and far left: At Faro’s inventory advocates the sustainable and handmade, as well as biophilic connection.
above: Ruvati’s Murano glass seashell vessel in Spira Luxe Pearl White
left: Ruvati’s Murano glass circle vessel in Celestial Blue
IRL EXPERIENCE
ONLINE FAVORITE BIRCH LANE GIVES
BRICK-AND-MORTAR
RETAIL A TRY
Birch Lane’s new showroom at the Mercato complex in Naples makes it the brand’s fourth location in Florida, and the store’s 10,000 square feet of space offer plenty to discover. The inventory here nods to timeless anchor pieces and classical furnishings and accessories. “Our physical retail locations bring the brand to life for our customers, allowing them to experience it in a way they haven’t been able to before,” says Birch Lane GM Taylor Fitzpatrick. “Online shopping offers its conveniences, but a [brick-and-mortar store] provides a place for customers to gather, make connections and receive guidance from our experienced staff.” A bonus? As Birch Lane is part of the Wayfair family, two-day delivery on a majority of items is available. birchlane.com
PATTERN DISCOVERY
Talk about going the distance. Farrow & Ball’s new wallpaper collection, The Purnon Papers, was inspired by a series of original patterns found at Château de Purnon, a castle in France’s Loire Valley that the brand is helping to restore. Once the home of a marquis, the 1788 property had fallen into disrepair in recent decades. After its renovation began, the new owners discovered patterns ranging from dainty florals to ornate damasks on its walls, and the creative minds at F&B decided to reinvent them as handcrafted wallpaper in five different colorways. “It was like discovering a treasure trove,” says F&B Creative Director Charlotte Cosby. “We revised elements on the patterns, like color and scale, to make them feel as relevant to contemporary spaces today as they were to the château a hundred years ago.” farrow-ball.com
left: Birch Lane’s outdoor furniture collections are well represented in the new Naples store.
right: Birch Lane’s new location at 9100 Strada Place
above: A shopper peruses the vast selection of area rugs.
left: Château de Purnon owner Tim Holding and Farrow & Ball Creative Director Charlotte Cosby discussing the collection’s patterns
right: The Purnon pattern in a gray colorway
below left: Purnon pattern in green
below right: Adelaide pattern in green and blue
below: The showroom’s 10,000 square feet of space cover every room in the home.
Underfoot Style
STARK TURNS TO MISSONI FOR SOME PATTERN PIZZAZZ
Rugs and carpets are home musts for good reason. They can delineate locations, anchor a room, and infuse life the way no other furnishing can. Stark, the luxury go-to source for these yarn space saviors, understands this better than anybody and thus the reason for its latest collaboration with Missoni, the Italian label known for its distinctive patterns and vibrant colors. The new collection by the two brands introduces 10 carpet styles, each as distinct and covetable as a Missoni knit. stark.com
VENETIAN VARIETY
It’s safe to assume designer Jacquelyn Bizzotto was dreaming of Venice when she came up with the San Marco Collection for New Ravenna. The new line of mosaics features 10 patterns that are synonymous with the Italian city and its gilded accents, Byzantine motifs, ancient geometric designs, marble terrazzo, and decorative stucco. “These mosaics not only showcase the aesthetic mastery of the artisans, but also serve as visual narratives of their culture, history, and values,” says Bizzotto. “Each pattern in the collection weaves a tale of Venetian splendor and captures the city’s centuries-old craftsmanship and artistry.” newravenna.com
LEFT: Missoni’s famous patterns are now part of a new rug collection by Stark.
BELOW: Three color variations of the Missoni Nastri rug by Stark
LEFT: The Lorenzo pattern highlights radial bobbin stitches that were popularized in Venice in the sixteenth century.
RIGHT: The Antonio pattern nods to the various elements of Venice’s architecture and features a white marble cosmos mosaic encircled by petrified wood.
INSET RIGHT: The Carlo’s geometric pattern was inspired by the design created for the main hall of Venice’s Biblioteca Marciana in 1815.
THE SEQUEL
AFTER A SUCCESSFUL FIRST COLLABORATION WITH ITS NAMESAKE, HOLLY HUNT GOES FOR DESIGN GOLD AGAIN
ABOVE AND BELOW: Gaggenau’s new refrigerator-freezer comes available in two- and three-door styles.
Cool Factor
Attention all kitchen and gadget enthusiasts: Gaggenau’s latest refrigerator-freezer offers a most stylish way of cooling. The appliance features adaptive lighting, smart storage compartments with controlled humidity, and a freshness system with five climate zones designed to keep foods fresher longer—all against a brushed stainless-steel backdrop. Outside, shell options offer a variety of finishes. “It definitely stands out,” says Mikkel Brandt Bugge, Gaggenau’s industrial designer. “This is a new design that doesn’t look like any fridge you’ve ever seen before, but more like an exclusive piece of furniture or even an art object.” gaggenau.com/us
Last year, the powers that be at Holly Hunt (the company) tapped its namesake and original owner (who sold her business to Knoll in 2014) to collaborate with Executive Creative Director Jo Annah
Kornak on HH40, a collection to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Holly Hunt brand. That partnership was so successful, the two women decided to do it again for fall 2024 with Series II, a line of seven handcrafted designs for dining, living, and bedroom spaces that make the most of raw materials such as American black walnut and bronze. “This collection tells a story of materiality, craftsmanship, and quality, three fundamental values that have defined Holly Hunt’s legacy for the past 40 years and continue to guide our design ethos today,” says Kornak. “Series II is expressive and forwardthinking while still remaining elegant and understated.” hollyhunt.com
LEFT: Assembled by hand, the Ursa offers a modern take on the classic club chair.
The Banyan dining table is a robust statement piece inspired by its namesake tree’s sculptural trunks, which split when new branches emerge.
ABOVE: Jo Annah Kornak
RIGHT: Holly Hunt
Time & Place
LOUIS
VUITTON’S LATEST CREATION SHOWS THE BRAND’S COMMITMENT TO CUSTOM DESIGN AND HANDS-ON ARTISTRY
Louis Vuitton’s newest jewel piece is one for the books. The brand’s one-of-a-kind Escale à Asnières pocket watch pays tribute to the label’s trunkmaking beginnings while showcasing its watchmaking excellence and dedication to art and crafts. The story begins with the family home in the village of Asnières, where Vuitton founded his workshop in 1858 and after which the watch is named. This property (now a museum) has been recreated on the dial of the 50-millimeter watch, while in the foreground stands a 19th century horse-drawn delivery carriage packed with LV trunks, all painstakingly brought to life by various artisans. Behind the colorful enamel and shiny diamonds are 480 components working together in a superlative system of timekeeping created by LV’s Fabrique du Temps. In company literature, LV called the watch an example of the “maison’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and imagination.” us.louisvuitton.com
WIRELESS WONDERS
Wires are so passé. Just ask prolific tastemaker Kelly Wearstler. The designer recently released a rechargeable lamp collection that eliminates the constraints of cords. The styles in the line reinvent previously released designs in petite and portable profiles of either eight or 12 inches. Just charge and glow. kellywearstler.com
The Covet lamp is defined by an alabaster box design that resembles an illuminated sculpture.
BELOW: The gold engraving on the watch’s caseback is achieved through a bas-relief technique performed by master engraver Dick Steenman.
ABOVE RIGHT AND LEFT: The horse-drawn carriage on the watch’s dial begins as a drawing and features a variety of gold components, including the wheels.
ABOVE: The Una lamp features a pillar of natural alabaster that rises in stacked sections to form a uniform base and shade.
LEFT:
ABOVE: The Mélange lamp features a hand-carved alabaster shade embraced by metal prongs that seamlessly blend into the base.
RIGHT: The Rousseau lamp comes in three options: bronze, burnished brass or nickel.
LEFT INSET: The finished (two-years-in-the-making) Escale à Asnières pocket watch features 60 baguettecut diamonds and 20 round diamonds.
The exterior of Louis Vuitton’s family home in Asnières, where he first established his trunkmaking business
Everyone loves new, stylish and sophisticated. Such are the spacious residences that define Infinity at the Colony Club. This is the apex of the classic coastal lifestyle — all that we wish for in both a community and in a collection of residences and amenities. Make your selection, time is of the essence.
NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Fashion Meets Design
MCGEE & CO. AND LOEFFLER RANDALL COME TOGETHER FOR A STYLISH TABLETOP COLLECTION
ABOVE: Loeffler Randall Creative Director Jesse Randall and McGee & Co. founder Shea McGee with their tabletop collection
LEFT: Ceramic Tabitha plates and an Elise seagrass placemat from the McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall home collection
McGee & Co. founder and interior designer Shea McGee first began considering a collaboration with fashion label Loeffler Randall while working on the final details of her kitchen renovation. “I was in my happy place thinking about the way I like to entertain and set my table,” she says, “which is with a ruffled tablecloth, lots of beautiful candles, and special plates with lovely details.” At some point during those musings, Loeffler Randall’s feminine dresses came to McGee’s mind and the idea for a new home collection inspired by the romantic styles of both brands was born. McGee reached out to LR Creative Director Jessie Randall, and the rest is history. Available as of this fall, the McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall collection includes gingham tablecloths with floral motifs, scalloped ceramic plates, eyelet napkins, crystal candlesticks, and other wares, all of which brim with the boho-chic, pastoral elegance that fans of both brands will instantly recognize. mcgeeandco.com
LEFT: The collection’s cotton and linen pillows feature both solid colors and graphic patterns.
ABOVE: The Veneto chandelier features alabaster and rose glass globes and a brass or nickel finish.
LEFT: Antique brass or nickel accents anchor the illuminated alabaster column of the Serpette sconce.
The Nouveau table lamp is made up of an alabaster base and a tapered handpainted faux bois top.
OH, BRIGHT!
“As an artist, I view lighting as functional art pieces that make a statement and elevate an interior,” says designer Ann Yancy, founder of Ro Sham Beaux. “They are the earrings of the home, offering intriguing illumination and materiality.” That description certainly applies to the Transformations collection, a collaboration with Mabley Handler Interior Design that has yielded 25 Art Deco-inspired lamps, sconces, and chandeliers. “The fixtures in this collection have a cosmopolitan sophistication balanced with a natural refinement,” says Austin Handler, Mabley Handler’s principal and co-founder. “They speak to our shared aesthetic vision of how great lighting brings nuance and creative sparks to our interiors.” ro-sham-beaux.com; mableyhandler.com
RIGHT:
RIGHT: The Tabitha vase is made from ceramic with a green finish and a scalloped opening.
The Art of
volume is 320 pages long with 250 full-color photographs.
RIGHT: An artisan applies the finishing details to a Gracie wallpaper pattern the same way it’s been done for 126 years.
Shelf Life
A
NEW VOLUME FROM RIZZOLI LOOKS BACK AT A CENTURY-PLUS OF GRACIE’S WALL MASTERPIECES
There’s no denying Gracie’s amazing design tradition. For 126 years the renowned brand has been delighting aesthetes with meticulously handpainted wallpapers that have found their way into some of the most exclusive homes in the world (including the White House in D.C. and more than a few estates in Palm Beach). The new Rizzoli title The Art of Gracie takes readers on a tour of many of these rooms to reveal the company’s artistic wallcoverings, which feature everything from panoramic landscapes to floral fantasias that shimmer with metallic details. graciestudio.com; rizzoliusa.com
ABOVE: A living room comes to life with a Gracie wallpaper depicting peacocks and flowering trees.
COLLECTION ARRIVAL
Casa Branca is welcoming autumn 2024 with Collection V: Fondamenta, a line the brand describes as “textiles, furniture, and wallcoverings born out of reverence.” Most prevalent in the collection are its various fabrics, woven and not, and made from cotton or linen for use as upholstery or wallcoverings. Fondamenta also features three furniture lines: Brighton was inspired by the coastal village from which it gets its name; Lancaster features sofas and chairs with 1930s style; and Devon touches on modern silhouettes. Lastly, there are two wallpaper options in the collection: Pietra, which nods to the patterns of ancient Roman architecture, and Audrey, which features a floral motif in soft pastels against a light yellow background. casabranca.com
FAR LEFT: The Audrey wallpaper recalls the colors of the queen’s bedroom at the Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Germany.
LEFT: Chairs and pillows from the Brighton line upholstered with white and coral Fiandre linen backdropped by the Pietra wallpaper
ABOVE:
Gracie
R & CO. DESIGNS
With over 15 years of experience, Randi Scott, owner and principal designer of R & Co. Designs, started a business to help create dream homes. The team enjoys the personal aspect of this business— getting to know clients, their lifestyles, and how they want their homes to look and function. They encourage clients to try new things to create curated spaces that reflects the client’s personality and lifestyles.
R & Co. Design’s mission is to make the process of designing a new home less overwhelming and more enjoyable, while creating a beautiful functional final product. Strong communication and organization are key factors to the success of both new construction and renovation projects. The firm specializes in all aspects of interior design as well as space planning, drawings, renderings, construction finish selections, custom millwork design, and project management.
R & CO. DESIGNS 1048 Goodlette Frank Rd. N., Suite 101 Naples, FL 34102 239-331-3748 randcodesigns.com
Custom Floors Design has an extensive inventory of exquisite in-stock area rugs for clients seeking exceptional rugs and carpeting. Their custom rug program is meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With its dedicated team of skilled artisans working exclusively for Custom Floors Design, the company maintains complete control over every step of the process, guaranteeing unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Visit our showrooms located in Bonita Springs, Florida and Stoneham, Massachusetts, to experience our unique offerings firsthand.
CUSTOM FLOORS DESIGN
24830 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 3100
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239-221-7278
customfloorsdesign.com
KDL INTERIOR DESIGN
Established in 2014, KDL Interior Design has etched its mark as a distinguished design firm based in Fort Myers, Florida. Renowned for its devotion to detail, KDL curates luxury interiors with an integrative and personalized approach. Catering to both residential and commercial domains across Southwest Florida, KDL’s portfolio embraces a spectrum ranging from exquisite permanent residences to unique commercial developments.
At its helm is Kristin Lyons, the owner and lead designer with experience and expertise spanning over two decades. Kristin and her team boast a wealth of knowledge cultivated through years in the industry. Her comprehensive understanding of intricate details, meticulous selections, and unique project specifications sets her apart.
KDL Interior Design’s journey embodies the fusion of experience, finesse, and a commitment to crafting tailored spaces that transcend mere aesthetics, turning them into harmonious narratives of comfort, elegance, and functionality.
KDL INTERIOR DESIGN
7370 College Pkwy., Suite 204
Fort Myers, FL 33907
239-317-3103
kdlinteriordesign.com
Photos: Blaine Jonathan
photography: blaine johnathan
Setting the Tone
TASTEMAKER ALEX HITZ BRINGS HIS HOSTING FINESSE TO NAPLES TABLES 2025
One of winter’s hottest tickets, Naples Tables is a yearly showcase of dining room style at which Gulf Coast interior designers and other creatives present their most glamorous tablescapes. Now in its seventh year, the event is organized by The League Club and raises funds for more than 30 nonprofits. The upcoming edition of the gathering at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón features an evening celebration (Feb. 26, 2025, 5 to 7PM) with a new silent auction and the signature luncheon (Feb. 27, 10AM to 2PM) at which the
aforementioned presentations will be on display. Serving as a host of sorts this time around is Alex Hitz, the award-winning chef and event designer, who has been tapped as the 2025 guest speaker. We spoke to the consummate tastemaker about his role and his approach to memorable table settings.
How does it feel to be the guest speaker at Naples Tables 2025? I am thrilled. In the realm of speaking engagements, this Naples gig is known as a “plum get,” very prestigious. I am grateful and delighted they asked me. The theme at the gathering is Artfully Arranged. Have you ever created a tablescape inspired by art? I haven’t yet, but that’s a great theme. Let’s just hope no one chooses Picasso’s Guernica
What artwork would you choose as inspiration if you were a participant? Why not a picnic with lovely, lush garden elements inspired by one of Monet’s paintings? His artworks are tailor-made for this. Some of the participants at Naples Tables really go the extra mile with their presentations. What are you expecting? I don’t know, but I can’t wait to see what they come up with. Bring it on!
What’s the key to a successful tablescape? That’s a loaded question. If the table is meant to be used, start with making certain guests can see each other, so none of those too-high floral arrangements. It’s also important that the table be set for the menu that will be served. You’d be surprised how many people get that wrong.
What are the musts of a properly set table? Cloth napkins, candles, and the proper flatware, but please, please, no teaspoons if you have no plans to serve tea.
What’s your one pet peeve about table settings? When they look great but aren’t practical. Remember: These tables are designed to be used and enjoyed, not to be cumbersome or awkward.
Changing topics a bit, what can you tell us about your Rizzoli book coming out in 2026? It’s titled Easy Elegance: Stylish Seasonal Menus for Every Occasion . I’m developing everything for it now. It’s about the art of hosting, and my secret formulas for perfect entertaining. leagueclub.org
LEFT: Known as “the Ralph Lauren of food and wine,” chef, author, and TV personality
Alex Hitz is the guest speaker at Naples Tables 2025.
ABOVE: Julia Hall Designs’ dollhouse-themed presentation was one of the most popular tablescapes at the 2024 Naples Tables gathering.
RIGHT: A rose and rosé tablescape by Alex Hitz
above: Turk & Turk’s Delft collection of tabletop and decor began with hand-painted sketches. “We start with a pencil drawing, then add watercolor and gouache paint,” says T&T co-founder Ilkay Turk of the design process. “We then scan our original artwork and start composing the collection.”
Brand Evolution
WITH A NEW COLLABORATION WITH NAPLES’
ESCALANTE HOTEL SET
FOR RELEASE THIS FALL, TURK & TURK IN FORT MYERS
CONTINUES
TO UP THE ANTE ON ITS FASHION-FORWARD
HOME COLLECTIONS
and coasters.
text MALLORY JACOBSON
After crossing paths as fine art students in their native Istanbul, Rasit and Ilkay Turk married and eventually settled in Southwest Florida. Then came their next adventure: establishing their own brand.
“Creating our own fashion and decor company was always a dream of ours, so we immediately drew inspiration from the tropical land and sea themes of our new setting, and combined them with the revered traditions of Turkish design to imagine and bring to life Turk & Turk in the summer of 2018,” says Ilkay, who describes the company’s designs as “effortless tropical chic, with the refined sophistication characteristic of European fashion.”
While that initial launch focused on the brand’s luxury line of silk scarves, with pieces that blur the line between art and fashion, over the last six years, the collection has expanded to include handbags, kimonos, beaded denim jackets, and other garments. Based in Fort Myers, Turk & Turk functions similarly to European haute couture houses: “Our studio is where we create our artworks and designs, which are hand-painted by Rasit and myself,” explains Ilkay. “It includes a sewing room where we craft bespoke pieces and offer
right: The full Delft collection includes tablecloths, dishes, placemats, napkins, cushions,
above: Turk & Turk founders Rasit and Ilkay Turk wearing limitededition garments (a shirt on him and kimono on her) inspired by T&T’s Delft collection
exclusive experiences to our clients, and we also have a showroom where clients can view all our wearable art pieces by appointment only.”
In 2022, Turk & Turk’s product line evolved further to include limited-edition home collections. The inaugural Delft Collection, which includes items such as sateen tablecloths, bone china dishes, glassware, and beaded placemats, features iconic blue and white motifs that were inspired by the enduring Dutch craftsmanship that has long been admired in Europe. Since the couple’s first foray into tabletop and decor, they have released two other editions of exclusive designs for the home, which are only available through private client visits.
This autumn marks another first for the brand.
Through a partnership with Naples’ The Escalante hotel, Turk & Turk’s original designs will be on display in eight of the property’s rooms, and custom vignettes will be featured in the hotel lobby and outdoor lounge area as well. Labeled the Escalante Bungalow 35 Collection, Ilkay says that the presentations will reveal a place “where nature’s wild beauty meets tropical elegance.” The collaboration involved creating pieces such as pillows, blankets, and drapery, all uniquely crafted for each individual setting. Turk & Turk also designed custom beach totes and robes to ensure that every detail aligns with the overall theme.
When asked why she and her husband endeavored to move into the realm of tabletop design and home decor, Ilkay takes a pause before speaking. “We believe that our lives are intimately woven into our homes,” she says, “and our surroundings should be a canvas that reflects that distinctive essence.” turkandturk.com
left: The Flamingo Tropical Party collection was inspired by Southwest Florida’s native flora and fauna.
Inspired by animal prints, a sense of tropical chic, and the grace of lilies, Turk & Turk’s Escalante Bungalow 35 Collection brings the untamed wilderness into the Naples boutique hotel with total elegance.
right and inset above: The Garden of the Nile Collection features Turk & Turk’s second set of introductions for the home.
Feel-Good Retail
HAPPY HOMEWARES AWAIT VISITORS AT THE WALLFLOWER SHOPPE IN CAPE CORAL
Personality is a given at The Wallflower Shoppe, a new store in Cape Coral where the focus is on inventory that promotes joy.
“We believe in the power of curating your life with intention and purpose,” says co-owner Arielle Valle, who moved to the area in 2004 and operates the shop with her mother, Beth. “We want to help create a better environment for people and our Earth while offering an aesthetic based on one-of-a-kind pieces.”
The Valles’ temple to feel-good shopping (at 1615 SE 47th Terrace A) delights with smalltown charm and ingenuity. The shop’s vignettes and displays (curated with obvious social media savvy) invite lingering and perusal—none of these items are things we really need per se and therein lies the pleasure of coming here. As for the goods to choose from? “Some of our standout homewares include vases, bowls, and plates that are sustainable, food- and drink-safe, and handcrafted right here in the shop,” says Arielle. “We never make the same design twice.” Coming soon is a line of kitchen merchandise and, eventually, some handmade furniture pieces by local artisans. Also worthy of note are the shop’s candles, hand-poured with coconut soy wax and mixed with pure essential oils by Beth herself, a former paramedic who’s been perfecting the practice since before Arielle was born.
“This is not just another storefront,” says Arielle. “It’s a place to gather, learn, study, and enjoy time. We’re not just a shop, but a sacred space for community.” wallflowershoppe.com
above: The shop’s dragonfly coasters are made of concrete and then coated with foodgrade epoxy resin for durability.
right: The Wallflower Shoppe’s charmingly curated displays summon discovery.
Made of finely crafted concrete, this chalice bowl is an ideal container for sage bundles, crystals, or just about anything else.
right: Mother and daughter Beth and Arielle Valle, co-owners of The Wallflower Shoppe
How does one create vibrant, emotion-filled imagery of a place that never existed? For Philadelphia painter Becky Suss, it begins with introspection that leads to research and lands on creative expression.
This approach lends the backstory to The Dutch House , a solo exhibition (running through January 5, 2025) inspired by author Ann Patchett’s 2019 novel of the same name at The Baker Museum in Naples. The show was created at the invitation of Rachel Waldrop, director and curator of the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Tennessee, where the presentation had its debut before coming to Naples. Waldrop had met the artist 15 years ago and was well familiar with Suss’ oil canvases of large-scale interiors often inspired by literature. “She’s just one of those artists you keep thinking about and whose career I’d seen evolve,” says Waldrop. “So I jumped at the opportunity to work together.” For the ICA exhibition, Waldrop suggested Suss consider a topic with ties to Tennessee.
“My work is usually pretty autobiographical,” says Suss, “and my favorite American writers are Southern writers like Flannery O’Connor, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, all the greats. I thought about them as I pondered a connection to Tennessee, and then I
TheHomeWay
AN EXHIBITION BY BECKY SUSS AT NAPLES’ BAKER MUSEUM EXPLORES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CREATIVE VISION AND MEMORY
above: Artist Becky Suss’ The Dutch House exhibition is based on a book by Tennessee author Ann Patchett about a fictional home in the Philadelphia area where Suss grew up.
above left: The Dutch House (Drawing Room), oil on canvas, 2023, 84 by 60 inches. This piece presented a challenge for the artist as she rarely paints people. Because the portraits played an important role in the novel, she researched real persons who might have lived in a residence such as the one depicted in the book and recreated existing portraits as part of her paintings. “The idea that these portraits might be recognizable is an example of how the lines between imagination and memory blur,” says Suss.
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“I was being asked to create a new body of work that related to Tennessee and here’s this novel written by somebody native to that land imagining a house that is very much native to the town I grew up in,” says artist Becky Suss. “It was a perfect exchange.”
The Dutch House (Mirror in Danny’s Room), oil on canvas, 2023, 20 by 16 inches. “The use of a mirror is a tool that serves as a reminder that these paintings are not snapshots,” says Suss. “They are constructed images that have something a little bit off about them. They’re recognizable, but also flat.”
below: The Dutch House (Kitchen), oil on canvas, 2023, 84 by 60 inches. The kitchen in the novel is the room where the main characters in the story feel most comfortable with their caretakers. Suss drew inspiration for this piece from the kitchen in the home of a childhood friend.
remembered Ann Patchett and her vivid imagery in The Dutch House came to mind.” The Nashville-based author’s 2019 novel (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize) tells the story of a family living in a Gilded Age mansion in the Elkins Park community of Philadelphia, which is adjacent to the neighborhood where Suss grew up and currently lives in. Just like that, the artist had her connection.
“I was being asked to create a new body of work that related to Tennessee and here’s this novel written by somebody native to that land imagining a house that is very much native to the town I grew up in,” says Suss. “It was a perfect exchange.”
With her subject well-defined, Suss delved into researching the architectural details of the era, recalling the childhood homes of her friends—the moldings, wallcoverings, and the differences between the public and private spaces of those residences. She also wrote to Patchett to request her approval of the project. She got it with one condition: that the author be given the opportunity to purchase a painting, which she did. Once she started painting, Suss didn’t stop until she had 10 works that are notable for their size (some are as large as 15 feet in length), their use of unbalanced scale, details from the literary work, and the autobiographical contributions of the artist.
“Patchett says there’s no actual Dutch house, but we all have a Dutch house,” says Suss. “That’s how fiction works— the reader brings the context of their own life, their own history, and their own knowledge to form the imagery of what we’re reading about. That has always been true for me and my paintings as well.” artisnaples.org
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DESIGN DEVOTION
MIKE AND KELLY MAHIGEL SHARE THEIR GENUINE AND PERSONAL APPRECIATION FOR POSTMODERN TREASURES AT PDA GALLERY
The line between work and home is happily blurred for Mike and Kelly Mahigel, the two collectible design connoisseurs behind the new PDA Gallery in Downtown Naples.
“In our view, the galleries with true staying power treat their spaces as an extension of their home and their clients as guests,” says Mike. “We take things a step further and treat our home as an extension of PDA, where we can live with and ‘test-drive’ our pieces.”
“Test-drive” is not exactly the term that comes to mind when you consider the Mahigels’ inventory of postmodern furniture and accessories from the 1970s to the 2000s, a grouping that includes highly coveted and collectible selections from the likes of Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, Issey Miyake, Shiro Kuramata, Ettore Sottsass, and Forma Rosa Studio. (“We like to refer to these works as jewelry for the home,” says Kelly.)
Former winter residents who moved to Naples full-time in July 2023, Mike and Kelly have been interested in postmodern design for as long as they can remember. “We’re both fascinated with the Space Age aesthetic and the look of films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange ,” says Mike. “As teenagers, we hunted down these items at estate sales and thrift shops, and later, as we became more sophisticated collectors, we began acquiring important pieces during our travels and began to develop our edit.”
Once happily settled in Naples with their two boys, they decided a gallery like theirs was just what the town needed. “PDA was a reaction to the copy-and-paste design sense that dominates so much of Southwest Florida,” says Kelly. “The more time we spent in Naples, the more we were amazed by how much capital and time people here spend on cars, clothing, timepieces, wine… yet the pieces in their homes seemed like impersonal afterthoughts. We opened PDA to show people what is possible.”
So far, so good. PDA’s inventory has proven popular with both design professionals and enthusiasts, and it’s clear its owners wants to immerse themselves in the community and prioritize education about postmodern design as much as sales.
“We like to call ourselves design evangelists,” says Mike. “PDA is a space where a 20-year-old can pop in to look at a design book they saw on TikTok and where a seasoned designer can stop by to source a six-figure Nakashima table. We
take enormous pride in that ethos.” pdagallery.com
above: These 2022 Botryoidal Planters by Forma Rosa Studio were digitally designed to imitate the fractal growth of botryoidal crystals in nature.
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above: PDA Gallery owners Mike and Kelly Mahigel at their home in Naples seated on a 1970 Bocca Sofa by Studio 65. In front of them is a 2013 Roots Coffee Table made of organic cork by Jader Almeida.
right: The Infinity Bench by Issey Miyake, originally made for the designer’s New York City boutique in 2009, features parametric design meant to evoke the pleats in Miyake’s garments. This particular example is a one-off, three seat version, commissioned for a prominent family.
PHOTO POETRY
DAVID K. BEAVIS’ ROMANTIC PORTRAITS OF NATURE FIND AN IDEAL BACKDROP IN DOWNTOWN NAPLES
Wild white horses galloping at full speed along a deserted beach… pelicans settling in for the night as the Naples sun sets behind them… a Japanese maple tree with branches outstretched into an autumn scene. Photographer David K. Beavis’ images of natural beauty inevitably arouse curiosity among viewers, a characteristic that speaks to the intriguing nature of his work—all of which is framed and ready for discovery at the lensman’s new eponymous gallery (his second in the U.S. after Park City, Utah) in Downtown Naples.
“It’s always been my vision to have more than one gallery to share my work and Naples checked all the boxes,” says Beavis, an Australia native who moved to the Gulf Coast with his wife and children in 2021. “Our location on the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Fifth Street is more than I could have dreamed of having.”
Said space features 3,100 square feet solely dedicated to Beavis’ work, nature-centric imagery that nods to realism yet blurs the line between photography and painting.
“People tend to be much calmer and happier when surrounded by images of natural beauty because they have a way of keeping you balanced and in harmony with what’s important in life,” says Beavis. “I believe every indoor space needs to have a touch of the outdoors within it.” davidkbeavis.com
BELOW: “Running Free is displayed in the gallery at 90 inches wide by 60 inches deep,” says Beavis. “It features the Camargue breed of horses that are indigenous to the Camargue region of France. I consider it one of the most powerful images I’ve ever captured.”
ABOVE: “This amazingly detailed image is titled Tree of Life, and we have it displayed in our gallery at 120 inches wide by 90 inches deep in a quadriptych,” says Beavis. “It features a Japanese maple tree with branches stretching in all directions. I see it as an example of where our lives can take us.”
ABOVE: “I photographed Settling In here in Naples and I think of it as an iconic Gulf Coast image,” says Beavis. “It captures the area’s beautiful pelicans taking their resting place for the evening as the sun sets.”
LEFT: Photographer David K. Beavis with the tools of his trade on assignment at the Grand Canyon
BALANCING ACT
ESTERO POTTER JORDAN BLANKENSHIP CREATES CERAMICS THAT ARE BOTH PRECIOUS AND PRACTICAL
Jordan Blankenship never imagined that she would have a career creating objects that are both aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian. In fact, while the Florida native grew up dabbling in creative pursuits, she never envisioned a professional career in the arts.
“I didn’t find ceramics until my freshman year in college,” she says of the pottery class at Florida Gulf Coast University that would change her life trajectory. “There was something about the tactile feel of the clay. I fell in love with it right away.”
That’s not to say ceramics fell in love with her back. “Everything I created at the beginning was horrible,” says Blankenship. “But I kept going into the studio, spending weekends there, trying to get better, and eventually I did.”
Good enough, in fact, to pursue a master’s degree on the subject and eventually open her own studio in Estero. Growing her practice was challenging at first, even after setting up an Etsy page in 2018 and participating in as many local art shows and pop-up markets as her schedule would allow. Then came the Covid pandemic.
above: A close-up of Blankenship shaping a cork block on the lathe, a machine that rotates a workpiece for cutting and sanding
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below: Blankenship finds herself at the pottery wheel most days to satisfy demand for her wares.
Ceramic artist Jordan Blankenship limits the colors she works with so that her pieces can be collected by buyers over time to create larger sets.
“All of a sudden, when so much around us seemed so bad, things really started picking up for me,” says Blankenship, who credits her surge in popularity to the human touch that ceramics require and which we were all encouraged to avoid during those months. “I launched my website, and retailers began inquiring about purchases. In 2020, I had 15 wholesale clients; today I have more than 70.”
It’s not hard to see the appeal of Blankenship’s creations. The artisan is an attuned potter who is mindful about a bowl’s weight not being too light nor too heavy, how a mug’s rim needs to feel comfortable on the lips, and the way the glazing of a piece feels on one’s hand can make it a favorite or forgotten in the back of the cupboard. “Craft objects that are functional are special because they make you slow down and think about your day as you’re brewing coffee or making tea,” she says. “There’s a special everyday connection.”
These days represent somewhat of a full-circle moment for Blankenship, who hopes to open a retail studio soon. She’s back at Florida Gulf Coast University teaching the very course that made her fall in love with the possibilities of water and clay. “I’m helping emerging artists learn that ceramics is a bridge between fine art and domesticity,” she says. “I want them to understand the beauty of simplicity when objects are made thoughtfully and honestly.” jordanbceramics.com
right and below: Blankenship’s most recent creations pair black-glazed ceramic with cork, which reduces the chance of accidental chips or breaks.
The Speckle collection of ceramic objects was one of Blankenship’s earliest offerings during the Covid pandemic.
The entrance to this property in Boca Grande reveals the type of landscape design DWY specializes in, with native plantings and organic materials from the region at the forefront.
“This is a view of the
NATIVE TOUCH
THE GROUNDS OF A GULFSIDE HOME IN BOCA GRANDE SHOWCASE THE BEAUTY AND RESILIENCE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S LOCAL VEGETATION AND MATERIALS
As principal and founder of DWY Landscape Architects in Naples and Sarasota, David Young is adept at creating alfresco spaces that speak to the Gulf Coast’s penchant for indoor/outdoor living. Young and his seasoned crew recently unleashed all that expertise on the grounds of a waterside Boca Grande residence and delivered a showcase of green moments brimming with Floridian style.
On your website, you call yourself and your team “stewards of the land.” What does that mean? That’s just a term we learn in school that applies to the profession overall. We work for the good of the land, not against it.
How did you apply that ethos to this project? One way was that we let the architecture of the home inspire and influence our approach. We tried very hard to deliver a design that was in the same spirit as the architecture.
left: A clear glass feature on the ceiling of the home’s ground level is actually the bottom of the pool above it.
above: With offices in both Naples and Sarasota, David Young has made DWY Landscape Architects the go-to firm for expert landscaping on the Gulf Coast.
CHRISTOPHER DAY
WILSON
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common entry drive that extends across the front of the property,” says Young. “Our goal here was for the owners to feel enveloped by the palms upon arrival.”
In what way? We stayed honest to the land with our planting selections, which were chosen to generate a tropical resort feel while the palette itself was selected for contrast as well as coastal resiliency. Generally speaking, we appreciate Florida’s wonderful and unique natural systems, and we do all that we can to not only do no harm but to mitigate or repair the damage done by construction.
There are so many species of palms throughout the grounds. What was behind that decision? Palms are ideal for coastal environments because they can tolerate wind a whole lot better than canopied species. Plus, they look very regal.
This home is right by the gulf. Did that present any challenges in terms of the vegetation chosen? Some, like high winds, salt spray, and poor soil, but those are things we accounted for. I would say the bigger challenge was that we were charged with creating privacy from the adjacent two- and three-story homes, which are just 15 feet away. Providing that privacy required large material with layers of smaller materials below it to create seclusion from the ground up to the terrace level at 20 feet.
The property is so vast. Do you have a favorite area? I’m proudest of what we did on the driveway. It’s both a driveway and a front yard, and there is a 6,000-gallon cistern below it that collects water and recirculates it for irrigation.
You’ve had your company for more than 24 years and put out projects like this one on a regular basis. What keeps you inspired day after day? Our clients and the artistic qualities of the work keep things fresh and interesting. I also enjoy working with other creatives like architects, interior designers, artists, and craftspeople to achieve a common vision for a project. That’s all very rewarding. dwyla.com
above: Because of the residence’s proximity to the gulf, the vegetation selected had to be tolerant to high winds and salt spray, thus the abundance of tropical palms.
below: “This perspective shows the east side of the terrace looking west across the pool,” says Young. “Our design here reflects a Florida vernacular using native stone and wind-tolerant species that provide visual interest.”
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EarthlyDelights
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER ERICA KLOPF GOES BEYOND THE AESTHETIC TO HARVEST EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL GARDENS THAT ARE GOOD FOR PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
above: “People don’t typically interact with their surroundings, but they should,” says Fort Myers landscape designer Erica Klopf, who specializes in edible and medicinal gardens. “The reality is that we are part of the ecosystem. We are nature.”
If a garden provides respite from the sun, privacy from neighbors, and countless floral delights, one might think that landscaping goals have been achieved. Landscape designer Erica Klopf contends that there’s a lot more opportunity in our outdoor surroundings than just creating beauty.
The founder of Florida Edible Landscaping in Fort Myers, who studied art and environmental studies with an emphasis on ecology at Florida Gulf Coast University, has her eyes on sustainability and improved lifestyles. She advocates using the green spaces in our homes to promote function as well as form: “When people start to wrap their heads around the idea of it, it makes total sense,” she says of incorporating food-producing plants like bananas, mangoes, avocadoes, turmeric, and specimens with edible leaves. “Returning to regional food systems is empowering and interacting with the landscape provides benefits beyond nutrition. You form a connection, and that’s the deep healing our society needs.”
Easier said than done, indeed, but that’s where Klopf comes in. Before committing to any planting, the Naples native begins every project by considering the specific needs of each plant (light, water, heat tolerance), the unique microclimate that varies from property to property, and the client’s lifestyle. “Consider mangoes,” she says of the fruit that’s among the most requested. “For people who live here seasonally, mangoes won’t work unless you send someone to harvest them for you in the summer. That’s when you recommend an alternative, like avocadoes, which ripen later in the year.”
Beyond the edible, Klopf also specializes in gardens populated by plants with healing qualities. “Medicinal vegetation has been a big ask lately,” she says. “An example of that is chasteberry, which has abundant purple flowers, year-round edible fruit, and can help support
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right: Southwest Florida’s climate can support edible plants that can be incorporated in nearly any landscape.
Examples include ofenga, grapefruit, green banana, jack bean, Okinawa sweet potato, lemongrass, and garlic flower.
“As
a sustainable landscape designer, I create living environments for my clients,” says Erica Klopf. “I’m providing something that can empower them by giving them a source of healing. Garden therapy is very real.”
reproductive health in women. It’s pretty, easy to grow, and the pollinators love it.” And there’s never any lack of requests for the aromatic and fragrant. “That’s where a species like ylang-ylang, which is one of the main ingredients in Chanel No. 5, comes in,” she adds. “There are all sorts of benefits to aromatherapy that we keep discovering.”
Klopf likens her role to that of an architect or interior designer. “They create custom builds and craft interiors that are incredibly personal to their clients,” she says. “As a sustainable landscape designer, I create living environments for my clients. I’m providing something that can empower them by giving them a source of healing. Garden therapy is very real.”
floridaediblelandscaping.com
far left: Klopf’s gardens are known to incorporate plants such as garlic vine, English roses, Okinawa sweet potato, lemongrass, turmeric, Datil pepper, and ginger.
inset left: The malagueta pepper is a perennial that thrives in humid climates for three to five years.
above: A mix between a mandarin and a kumquat, calamondin offers a fresh citrus aroma and taste that’s ideal for cocktails and baked goods.
above: Klopf and her boyfriend, Gregory Wilkerson, a registered nursed and certified herbalist, work together in the medicinal aspect of her landscape garden design.
left: Tinctures and teas made by Wilkerson from plants grown by Klopf
DEFINING MOMENTS
FORT MYERS ARCHITECT JOYCE OWENS TAKES CLIENTS ON MEANINGFUL JOURNEYS WITH EVERY PROJECT SHE TAKES ON
“Illumination plays a crucial role in determining a design,” says Owens. “We anticipate the effect of natural and artificial light on the building, how it will be experienced from the inside and how it will be perceived from the outside, both during the day and at night.”
left: “In rigid contrast to the lush tropical surroundings are the elevations of an interlocking series of volumes and massive exposed concrete entry wall,” says Owens of this 5,000-square-foot residence in Sanibel Island. “This home embodies a pledge to harmonize nature with designed resiliency while creating a refuge within a serene and dynamic coastal environment.”
below: “If our clients want certain expressions of the traditional, we include them but we will always pull from a modern experience— not necessarily in the furniture but in how the windows are placed, for example,” says Owens, a premise that is clearly evident in this Sanibel Island foyer.
Beautifully realized buildings are filled with opportunities to wow, and no one knows this better than Joyce Owens, the founder and principal of AJO in Fort Myers. “Every space we design unfolds in a series of moments that we choreograph,” she explains. “The urge to pause may be inspired by the illumination wafting in from a skylight or a series of windows configured in a surprising way.”
The fact that AJO offers architectural and interior design services means Owens and her team have the ability to make encounters with their spaces seamlessly expressive, and these are even more impactful when there are water views. “Waterfront sites in particular are incredible opportunities,” she says. “But they also bring challenges. I have spent so much of my career thinking about climate and the concepts developed by architects like Paul Rudolph—overhangs to shade interiors and making sure there is cross-ventilation, for instance.” She cites Bauhaus architecture and the work of Carlo Scarpa as compelling. “These have been influences for me, but only to a point,” she notes. “We have to take our cues from Southwest Florida because buildings breathe differently here.”
Highlighting a paradox during her career, she has dealt with issues around moisture in two disparate environments—the intensity of Florida’s tropical climes and the cool dampness of London. “When I made the decision to go to Great Britain, I took with me an understanding of wetness I had already learned here in Florida,” she explains. “Though England is vastly different weather-wise, the inside/outside
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right: Architect Joyce Owens, a recipient of the 2022 Gold Medal of Honor awarded by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida chapter, opened her Fort Myers studio in 2007.
“FEMA limits use of the ground floor to a minimal entry space,” says Owens. “Here, a concealed stairway with a wall of glass behind provides maximum drama as the bottom treads spill out and into the space. Outside the glass wall, a lush garden reveals itself.”
relationship inherent in each project there is similar.” That parallel ends, of course, with hurricanes. “I came back from London just as Hurricane Charley came through in 2004,” says Owens. “I was sent to Captiva to compile a report about how architecture had fared there, and Charlie exposed how not to build. This experience gave me an immediate advantage in understanding resiliency, which has only grown in importance since then.”
Along with paying attention to all aspects of a building’s strength, Owens is invested in providing the homeowners who hire her with the enjoyment she feels they deserve: “We listen very hard to our clients when we are getting to know them. The mention of grandchildren, for instance, will drive certain aspects of a project.”
This level of discernment has served Owens well, as some very noteworthy London clients, which include politician Boris Johnson and the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, recognized her perceptiveness. “When we worked with McQueen, he told us what he cared about and let us do our thing,” she says. “I enjoyed being an architect in England because there is so much respect for the profession there.”
It’s clear Owens has a sincere passion for her craft. “When I came back to Florida from London in 2004, I was mortified at the buildings that had replaced the 1920s and mid-century modern architecture; it was beige, beige, and more beige,” she says. “I asked myself ‘What happened here?’ and then I set out to change things.” architecturejoyceowens.com
left: “Light, spatial flow, and original materials were of utmost importance in maintaining the essence of this iconic Charles Moore house during renovation,” says Owens. “The material palette was kept simple: concrete-look tile floors, white painted walls and ceilings, and integrated custom cabinetry.”
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“This coastal home seamlessly combines modern elegance with resilience, offering unique shaded spaces on the ground level within FEMA-designated flood zones,” says Owens. “From the elevated first-floor living areas, both the owner and guests can take in stunning views of pristine white sandy beaches and the vast Gulf of Mexico.”
Where and When
ARCHITECTS RANDALL STOFFT AND JOHN COONEY CAST A WIDE NET WHEN LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION, WHICH FANS OUT GLOBALLY AND REACHES BACK IN TIME
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Randall Stofft and John Cooney, founders and principals of Stofft Cooney Architects, have outlooks that epitomize a well-rounded sense of the past, present, and future. “Our architecture and study of architecture comes from education, travel, and the history of our discipline,” says Cooney. “From these, we glean the sophisticated details and proper proportions that bring our buildings a welcoming aura.”
How spaces feel to the human form is also top-of-mind for Stofft. “I naturally and purposefully design buildings to engage people and to evolve as they experience greater positivity,” he notes. “I am very particular about the proportions, and I believe my early introduction to architecture in Chicago helped to shape my classic approach to design.”
Illustrating how well-balanced architectural thinkers draw from an array of eras, Cooney’s interests are broad. “Classicism in architecture, which was established by the Greeks and Romans as they set the standards centuries ago, is still revered today, but I also draw inspiration from the coastal modernism I experienced when I was growing up in New York. During the 1970s and 1980s, I was exposed to a plethora of examples of this style in the Hamptons—from Richard Meier, Gwathmey Siegel, and Michael Graves. The fact they were building on the beach was very inspiring to me.”
above: John Cooney and Randall Stofft, founders and principals of Stofft Cooney Architects, stand near one of their modernist creations. “We bring a tropical approach to the numerous genres of architecture that our clients request,” says Cooney.
above: “This Port Royal residence features a more traditional style of architecture,” says Stofft. “It’s a Dutch/West Indies vernacular with tropical details. Smaller projects like this one are just as exciting as the massive ones.”
“We have found that sustainable architecture is achievable without compromising architecture integrity” says Cooney, as this modern home with its massive volumes and transparent schematics proves.
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Significant influences for Stofft include his time at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and an array of lauded professionals with a range of styles. “I am a big fan of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe, and I admire and follow the work of Ralph Rapson, Robert A.M. Stern, and Antoine Predock,” he notes. As both Cooney and Stofft set their collective compass to creating resilient architecture in the South Florida and Gulf Coast regions, the environment is always top of mind. “Climate plays a strong role in our designs,” says Cooney. “The harsh elements, which include brutal sunlight, are addressed by large overhangs that cover verandas and terraces.”
Known for producing projects on a grand scale, they have designed resorts, commercial projects, and impressive residential properties globally. A net-zero beachfront home for a sophisticated, well-traveled client they recently completed inspired Cooney to say it was an educational undertaking that required them to bring their A-game.
Getting up to speed where energy technology is concerned is only one facet of their daily work lives, as both are dedicated to the artisanal aspects of their craft at the beginning of each project, namely hand-sketching their ideas. “Nothing beats a pen and trace early on in a project,” says Cooney. “The beautiful details that are the most inviting often emerge then.” stofft.com
left: Cooney credits the firm’s range of designs to exposure to greatness. “I love to travel to Europe and see the incredible architecture there,” he says. “The magnitude of scale and precise details that were realized in a time prior to modern equipment is astonishing to me.” Thanks to the steady flow of technological advancements since, easily realizing grandly scaled homes, like this one in Port Royal, is par for the course.
below: “Smaller-scale projects are always fun for us,” says Cooney, “because we are able to infuse them with the coastal details and features that make a home cozy and inviting.” This residence in Port Royal on Champney Bay was designed to emulate an Old Florida vernacular with its inherent timeless details.
right: “Designing for the climate in Florida has helped us evolve into undertaking projects in many other states and countries with much different climates and requirements,” says Stofft. The architects bring architectural influences from other areas back to South Florida, as is evident in this post-modern Shingle Style waterside house in Naples, which is reminiscent of beach houses in the Hamptons.
The Broader Vision
A WORLDLY OUTLOOK AND BOUTIQUE APPROACH
INFORM THE DYNAMIC WORK OF ARCHITECTS BRANDT HENNING AND MICHAELA REITERER HENNING
Brandt Henning and Michaela Reiterer Henning of H Level
Architecture see each project they undertake as a puzzle. And when these components are expertly matched, they result in environments in which their clients will spend some of the most fulfilling hours of their lives. “This is an honor,” says Brandt. “The amazing people who hire us give us the pieces and we have the great fortune of putting them together to create beautiful and functional buildings.”
An Indiana native, Brandt was drawn to Naples by the warm climate, the Gulf waters, and access to a degree of affluence he knew would allow him to create the quality of architecture he values. Michaela came from farther afield, having grown up in the northern Italian Alps. She followed her parents to Florida’s sunny shores, intending to stay for a short time as an intern at an architectural firm. That changed when she met Brandt, and they decided to become partners in life and architecture.
“From the beginning, we were determined to bring something unique to the table for our clients,” says Michaela. “We focus on what they really want to build, something we can easily do because we have kept our company small.” This is also why she and Brandt get personally invested in the outcome of each project they take—from the initial drawings to the realized structures. “We really care about our clients, and we know the money they
left: Husband and wife Brandt Henning and Michaela Reiterer Henning bring complementary skills to their work as architects and designers. “I tend to be a bit more pragmatic and linear, and Michaela is freer and inspires me to think outside the box,” says Brandt. “I am the ‘big idea’ person but less organized,” adds Michaela. “Brandt is better at translating ideas into real action.”
below: Located in the heart of Downtown Naples and steps from the beach, this 4,000-square-foot residence was all about integrating the compact design with the natural surroundings and maximizing the indoor/outdoor living. “We used locally sourced materials like limestone, Coralina shell tiles and low maintenance recycled composite wood to clad the exterior,” says Michaela. “We also prioritized natural lighting, and the landscaping was planned to create a small Zen-like oasis.”
below: “Creating elegant inside spaces is a priority for us,” notes Michaela. “Given that we spend most of our time indoors, having a healthy environment that connects to nature is always a priority for us and for the work we do for our clients.”
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Brandt credits
above: This roughly 9,000-square-foot home, located in Fort Myers along the Caloosahatchee River, was designed for a couple of cardiologists who originally came from Cuba and established their life on the Gulf Coast with big dreams. “We were able to help them realize just that,” says Brandt. “Every room in this house takes advantage of the stunning views of the river, which offers incredible sunsets, the kind you can only witness in Southwest Florida.”
will spend on a home we design is often the biggest investment they will ever make,” says Brandt. The process is so rewarding for him, he says the emotional reaction he feels when he knows he has hit upon a remarkable design element that will please a client is akin to hearing the best part of a favorite song: “When it happens, there is a warm and fulfilling feeling of joy that comes over me.”
Professional heroes for Brandt include Lake Flato Architects and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson because they take being stewards of the environment very seriously. For Michaela, Carlo Scarpa is at the top of her list, her exposure to his designs in Venice putting him there. “I was deeply influenced by Scarpa’s work,” she says. “He executes a minimalist aesthetic, and works with light, water, and nature to allow the existing context to be enhanced by the new work rather than disturbed by it.”
The list of those whose buildings they admire and their experiences before they moved to Naples illustrate their sophisticated point of view. “We love to travel, and we enjoy working with clients from Europe and South America,” notes Michaela. “It helps us to have a broader vision and continue to maintain expanded horizons.” hlevel.info
left: This unique estate home in Naples’ Livingston Woods was built for a luxury car dealer and collector. The main house features 9,600-square-feet and was designed around a courtyard with a pool overlooking a car display room. “We made this for a lover of entertaining with an indoor-outdoor living space and kitchen, a movie theater and a gym,” says Michaela. “A unique feature in this home is a separate 5,000-square-foot garage that’s more like an automobile museum, with a car turntable and event space surrounded by a custom go-cart track. It’s a fun house!”
below:
his architect grandfather, woodworking father, and inventor uncle for his love of the built world, an appreciation seen on the angularity of the different elements at work in this primary bedroom.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
When asked what makes the partnership between architects Rob Herscoe and Michael Hajjar work, the two men exchange sly glances. After a moment of silence, Hajjar speaks up. “We are kind of the odd couple of architecture,” he says. To which Herscoe quickly adds: “Even what we eat for lunch is different.”
Unalike as they are, the two have worked together for more than 40 years, first in Connecticut where they met at another company, and now here in Naples, where they founded their own practice in 2003. Since then, they’ve found strength in their contrasting viewpoints by imagining—or reimagining—what design and architecture in Southwest Florida and points beyond look like.
ARCHITECTS
MICHAEL HAJJAR AND ROB HERSCOE OFFER DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW TO COLLABORATIONS THAT MEET THEIR CLIENTS’ ULTIMATE NEEDS
text KELLEY MARCELLUS
ers’ diverse contemporary artwork collection.
“Being on a small lot, we were able to use the property to allow views of the home from one side to another while using glass throughout, thus enlarging the expansion and transition from inside to outside,” says Rob Herscoe. “The pool is integrated into the house design so it can be seen from many rooms and various angles.”
Architects Michael Hajjar and Rob
established their Naples practice in 2003, but they’ve been working together since meeting in Connecticut more than 40 years ago.
left: The rear of this home in central Naples was designed to showcase the homeown-
above:
Herscoe
above: The design of this residence in North Naples was based on a French country style vernacular requested by the homeowners. “The intent was to see the house as a series of renovations and natural growth over the years,” says Herscoe. “The details were intended to be authentic to the time period, minimalistic and in keeping with the materials that would be used.”
above: “The circulation through this canal-side home is centrally located and defined by a three-story concrete wall that divides the structure,” says Michael Hajjar. “While the front of the home has minimal window penetrations, the rear, which faces the water, features full-height glass windows and doors.”
Photo: Erik Kellar Builder: The Lykos Group, Inc.
above: “This home’s street presence is both minimalist and dramatic, which achieves a contemporary aesthetic,” says Hajjar. “The juxtaposition of the second-floor office massing creates a covered front porch. This compositional feature underscores the homeowners’ appreciation of architecture as an art form.”
below: Located in Aqualane Shores, this classic plantation-style home is a quintessential example of Southern architecture. “As this was a renovation, it was important for the design to retain the mature landscaping,” says Herscoe. “This style of architecture often has elegant interiors with sweeping staircases and grand foyers, which was exactly what this homeowner was looking for.”
below: The pool and water features in this residence’s backyard were oriented to take full advantage of its bay views.
Herscoe and Hajjar don’t specialize in or commit to a specific genre of architecture. Instead, they adhere to two simple principles. First: Address clients’ true wants and needs. Second: Put out authentic work regardless of style. “We are open to all sorts of ideas and vernacular,” says Hajjar. “When a client comes to us with visions of a particular look, we try to be as genuine to that style as possible.”
These days, most of the partners’ work takes place in Southwest Florida, which they say has embraced a modern aesthetic over the last few years in a way that’s exciting. While the majority of the firm’s projects are updates and additions to existing residences, these undertakings are anything but afterthoughts. “The transformations can be significant,” says Herscoe. “We do take spaces and rearrange them, but there’s more to it than that. We change the way people move in their homes.”
The two also serve as modernizers, coming to the rescue with systems, technology, and construction techniques that were not available when the original structure was built. “We spend a lot of time in the drawing phase to make sure things are going to be done properly,” says Hajjar. “Our goal is to give homes more longevity.”
Together, the duo thrives on collaboration, citing that often a project must take in the wants and needs of more than just one person, and they agree that their differing perspectives result in more than the sum of two halves. Herscoe says he brings “wishful thinking and out-of-the-box creativity” to their work and credits Hajjar with “a creative but pragmatic side” that he lacks. Sometimes, Hajjar says, they act as therapists to clients who have differing visions for a project and engage in an exchange of ideas that ultimately results in a better product.
“Architecture, in terms of our education, is all about the ability to critique something,” says Herscoe. “The intellectual rigor of being able to see a problem and come up with potential solutions gives you exponentially more power. Challenges always makes the project better.” hharch.com
Five -Star Quality
THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES IS BACK AFTER AN AMBITIOUS DESIGN OVERHAUL
For fans of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, the hotel’s two-year closing for an extensive lobby-to-pool-deck renovation was 24 months, 104 weeks, and 730 days too long of a wait. But none of the property’s long-time fans and regular visitors are complaining now that Vanderbilt Beach Road’s grand dame has revealed the results of its large-scale reinvention. By all accounts, the Gulf Coast landmark’s new look and additions were worth the interlude.
Spearheaded by Atlanta’s Cooper Carry Global Architecture and Design and Boston’s Parker-Torres Design, the resort’s new elegant, contemporary look is obvious upon entry at the lobby, a double-height space activated by a champagne bar crowned with a massive custom chandelier by Studio AT that celebrates the grandeur of the room.
“The design aesthetic chosen touches on three key insights: the historical, the physical, and the social,” says Kristen Emory, senior designer at Parker-Torres. “The
above: A seating alcove in the revamped lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples features the large arched windows that are common to all Ritz properties in Florida, and a custom chandlier that draws the eye up to the ceiling.
text CHRISTOPHER DAY
right: The hotel’s new champagne bar is the focus of the arrival experience at the property. “The intent for the design of the lobby was to activate the space,” says Kristen Emory, senior designer at Parker-Torres Design. “The infusion of luxurious materials into the architecture strikes a delicate balance, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously casual and refined.”
idea was for guests to feel a sense of place upon entering the hotel through a deliberate effort to integrate local flora and fauna [motifs] while paying homage to the history of the location and its adjacency to the Gulf Coast.”
Addition-wise, the most extensive part of the hotel’s restoration was the construction of the Vanderbilt Tower, a wing with a lounge for member-level guests and 70 new guestrooms. These newer accommodations, as well as the existing others, all reflect what Emory calls “effortlessly layered luxury with materials such as the woven rattan on the headboards, which offer a soft and textural backdrop while accents of sky and coral infuse vibrancy.”
Also extensively revamped is the property’s poolside experience, which now includes a resort pool for families, an adults-only pool, a lap pool, a hot tub, and 10 new enclosed bungalows with vibrant pops of blue and green shades, and natural textures that beg to be touched.
Completing the resort are three new dining establishments: Sofra, with a menu and decor inspired by the Mediterranean; Nolita, an Italian dining concept with a vibe that recalls the Manhattan area after which it’s named; and Moka, a breezy café for all-day dining. “The design at each of the new eateries celebrates location and the food being served,” says Emory.
“The look of each still connects to our three original insights.”
Judging by the looks of 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, it seems that old adage is true: Good things do come to those who wait.
ritzcarlton.com/naples
left: All the hotel’s rooms and suites were revamped by Parker-Torres Design with contemporary furniture and accessories, natural textures, and pops of color that nod to the Gulf Coast.
below: “For the suite baths, we wanted to create spaces that blend sophistication with relaxation,” says Emory.
“The warm wood tones on the walls provide a quiet backdrop, while the natural stone behind the tub offers a true luxury experience.”
below and far inset left: “The new bungalows offer an exclusive experience,” says Emory. “Through fabrics, finishes, and vibrant pops of color, we established a playfulness that feels cohesive with the beautiful landscape surrounding the property.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES
Luxury Redefined
INSPIRED BY HOSPITALITY
Bonura Custom Homes, a distinguished division of BHG Development, brings five decades of experience to the forefront of custom homebuilding. Our esteemed legacy in both development and hospitality has profoundly shaped our approach to creating exceptional homes.
We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail, crafting homes that exemplify superior craftsmanship while reflecting each customer’s unique vision and preferences.
Bonura Custom Homes is dedicated to redefining luxury living by seamlessly blending the art of hospitality with cutting-edge modern design. As visionary leaders in custom homebuilding, we strive to set new standards in luxury and innovation.
DESIGN CHECK-IN
FOUR NEW FLORIDA HOTELS, FOUR VERY DIFFERENT STYLES
text CHRISTOPHER DAY
The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach
THE VIBE: Old money. THE DESIGN: Paris-based interior designer Tino Zervudachi was tapped to oversee a top-to-bottom renovation of the nearly 100-year-old Mediterranean Revival property (most recently known as The Chesterfield) that reduced the room count from 53 to 41 to provide larger accommodations. The hotel’s new incarnation is honest to the Palm Beach aesthetic with clean lines and subtle colors. Zervudachi calls it “a cosmopolitan look that blends European design cues with the destination’s unmistakable aesthetic.” THE MUST-SEE: With its dusty rose lounges, vintage-style parasols, and green mosaics around and inside the pool, the hotel’s pool deck is the place to be. oetkercollection.com
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Sarasota
THE VIBE: Beachside elegance. THE DESIGN: With interiors by Hirsch Bedner Associates, the 168-room St. Regis’ look was inspired by the Gulf Coast’s natural elements and the historical legacy of Sarasota’s preeminent founding father, circus magnate John Ringling. Subtle design elements that nod to the Big Top heritage include elegant rope chandeliers and the oval-shaped layout of the Astor Ballroom, which is reminiscent of a circus tent. At the St. Regis Bar, a latticed circus cage surrounds a hand-painted mural by William Savarese. These subdued motifs never veer into cliché territory, but rather liven the contemporary decor. THE MUST-SEE: With its illuminated crystal ceiling installation, the spa reception is worth a visit whether one has a treatment scheduled or not. marriott.com
left: A subtle palette dominates the reception of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort’s spa, where a light crystal installation sets a tone of opulence.
above: Conceived by Paris designer Tino Zervudachi, The Vineta Hotel’s pool area was inspired by holiday resorts in the French Riviera.
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Amrit Ocean Resort, Singer Island
THE VIBE: Wellness chic. THE DESIGN: At the 155-room Amrit (which means elixir of life in Sanskrit), all aspects of the resort are rooted in the five pillars of wellness: mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation, and sleep. Design firm Bilkey Llinas obviously took this into account when crafting the interiors, all of which exude five-star tranquility. THE MUSTSEE: As guests ascend the marble staircase from the lobby to the bar lounge, a cascading chandelier of crystal tubes drops from the ceiling and serves as an elegant welcome to the property. amritocean.com
The Riding Academy Hotel, Ocala
THE VIBE: Equestrian heritage. THE DESIGN: Part of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, the 390-room Riding Academy Hotel opened in April 2024 to meet the visitor demand at the 400-acre resort. As expected, the interiors by Roberts Design (also based in Ocala) feature equestrian and fox hunting motifs. There’s an antique hand-carved wooden horse in the reception area, as well as tartan fabrics, family crest imagery, leather seating, Ralph Lauren stirrup sconces, and custom trophy lamps. THE MUST-SEE: With its dog-as-jockey portraits and green leather club sofas, the very English library is tailor-made for an afternoon Scotch. ridingacademyhotel.com
above: A custom chandelier welcomes guests to the Amrit Ocean Resort’s bar and lounge.
left: The hotel’s cubist-inspired bar delights the eyes with a lively palette.
left: The library at the Riding Academy Hotel in Ocala leans into British equestrian themes.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOTELS
This Is Sparta!
INSPIRED BY ITS ANCIENT NAMESAKE’S MIGHTY SOLDIERS, HEESEN YACHTS’ LATEST SUPER-VESSEL IS READY FOR MODERN-DAY ODYSSEYS AROUND THE WORLD
Sparta’s bold exterior is defined by her wave-cleaving, ax-shaped bow, slender beam, and Venetian-red hull stripes. Designed by British studio Winch Design, the 220-foot vessel is the largest Holland’s Heesen Yachts has ever built.
text HOWARD WALKER
Popcorn movie buffs will instantly recognize the word “Sparta” from one of the many big moments in director Zack Snyder’s 300 , a film about the ancient Greek city’s ferocious warriors. Like said movie, there’s nothing restrained or subtle about the 220-foot superyacht by Heesen that bears the name.
Introduced last year and designed inside and out by the UK’s Winch Design studio, the sleek vessel is marked by a dramatic ax-shaped bow, a low-profile aluminum superstructure, and huge swaths of thermobonded tinted glass—the beautifully proportioned, stiletto-thin Sparta looks as sporty as any Ferrari, especially with its twin slashes of metallic Venetian-red paint along both sides of the steel hull.
It is inside, however, where Sparta reveals her true design magic, with each of her three decks boasting a different element as theme: the lower deck is about water, the main salon is earth, and the upper deck represents air. These ideas are apparent in everything from the fabrics and carpets to the commissioned artwork and wallcoverings and they are also reflected in many of the furnishings that were custom-made for the yacht, like the centerpiece coffee table that dominates the salon. Designed to resemble the trunk of a giant redwood tree split in two, the eye-catching piece is topped by exquisite marble with green and copper veining. These bespoke design
above: A 21-foot infinity-edge plunge pool on the aft sundeck features a dramatic outline in mosaic of a Spartan soldier’s helmet. Stairs lead down to a fullbeam swim platform with deployable steps.
below: The centerpiece of Sparta’s comfortable salon is the split coffee table designed to resemble the trunk of a giant redwood tree.
surprises continue in the dining room with a sycamore table surrounded by 12 chairs embossed with real palm leaves and Tai Ping carpeting that echoes the pattern of the chairs.
The more personal quarters on the Sparta are just as meticulously designed. There are accommodations for 12 guests, with four guest cabins on the main level and an entire owner’s deck with two primary suites. The most dramatic of these is the one facing forward with 180-degree views and a prominent overhead skylight for bedtime stargazing. Speaking of stars, this suite’s focal point is a midnight-blue oak panel with engraved lines of gold and mother-of-pearl depicting the
Jade-green marble with delicate copper veining was used throughout the 700-square-foot spa. The wallcovering is designed to resemble white sand.
above:
above: The yacht’s slim profile cuts a dashing figure at sea.
left: The dining room includes a figured sycamore table with seating for 12. The hand-made chairs feature real Brazilian palm leaves embossed on the seat backs.
cosmos. The second suite offers a more serene vibe, with soothing gray and cream tones, and opens to a glass-ringed deck with loungers for alfresco leisure. From here, steps lead up to an expansive flybridge with a hot tub and an outdoor bar.
Out on the high seas, Sparta is powered by twin 12-cylinder diesel engines that give the yacht a top speed of over 16 knots, together with a transatlantic range of around 4,500 nautical miles, courtesy of its 37,000-gallon fuel capacity.
All this extravagance comes with a commensurate price tag. Monaco broker Arcon Yachts recently listed the Sparta for $109 million. heesenyachts.com; arconyachts.com
left: The lower-deck spa spans the entire width of the superyacht and features a Japanese-style soaking tub, a sauna, a mosaiclined Turkish steam room, and well-equipped gym.
above: One of the yacht’s two owner suites features 80-degree forward views and access to a private terrace. Mounted on the wall behind the bed is a huge celestial map with inlaid mother-of-pearl stars.
TYE INTERIOR DESIGN
Imagine stepping into your home and instantly feeling that perfect balance of luxury and livability—thanks to esteemed designer Tye Davis and her team at Tye Interior Design. Known for her vibrant vision and personalized touch, Davis is a master at turning dreams into beautifully designed spaces that reflect your unique style, all while capturing the laid-back charm of the Gulf Coast.
Whether you’re enchanted by Naples’ sparkling beaches, tranquil waters, or the stunning royal palms, Davis and her talented team will bring those elements to life, creating a retreat that feels like an extension of you. From sourcing exquisite, custom furnishings to managing every little detail of large-scale renovations, your home will be in expert hands— leaving you free to simply enjoy the process.
At Tye Interior Design, communication is always open, timelines are respected, and fun is an essential ingredient. You can count on Davis’ team to make every step of the design journey smooth and exciting, ensuring you’re thrilled with the end result. With Tye Davis, you’ll know from the very beginning that your home is about to become your favorite escape.
TYE INTERIOR DESIGN
3301 Bonita Beach Road SW, #110 Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239-233-5650
tyedavis.com
POTTER HOMES
Potter Homes, established in 2001, carries a legacy of craftsmanship that extends over 30 years, rooted in the Potter family’s dedication to building coastal custom homes in Southwest Florida. Potter Homes operates on three core values: a foundation of faith, a commitment to family, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Their work reflects a deep belief that faith in God calls for diligent and integrity-driven craftsmanship. By limiting the number of projects they take on, Potter Homes ensures that meaningful relationships with clients are prioritized, treating the construction process with as much care as the final product. Whether building new homes or renovating existing ones, Potter Homes values referrals and consistently strives to exceed expectations in every project.
POTTER HOMES
3920 Via Del Rey, Suite 1
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239-254-9319
potter-homes.com
Courtesy of The Scout Guide Fort Myers
ANGELA FINE FURNISHINGS
Angela Fine Furnishings is an independent, womanowned furniture and accessory store in North Naples.
With more than 20 years’ experience, Angela brings upscale and unique home furnishings to you, always at a value price. The store specializes in a variety of merchandise, and everything can be purchased off the floor. Full of calming, coastal colors, these items can add the finishing touch to your home. Shop where the designers shop.
ANGELA FINE FURNISHINGS
14700 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 3
Naples FL 34110
239-390-2300
angelafinefurnishings.com
interior design ALEX THIES & MORGAN SWANSON, ADELYN CHARLES INTERIORS, BONITA SPRINGS, FL
residential designer R.G. DESIGNS, BONITA SPRINGS, FL
builder POTTER HOMES, BONITA SPRINGS, FL
landscape architecture OPI, NAPLES, FL
text JENEE DESTIN
photography BLAINE JOHNATHAN, NAPLES, FL
ONCE A QUAINT FISHING VILLAGE,
Bonita Beach has blossomed into a desired destination for homebuyers from all over the country in search of a slice of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It was in this area that a couple from Iowa found a spec property in the early stages of construction and decided it would make the ideal waterfront retreat.
“My husband and I got lucky,” says the wife. “The lot was being developed by Potter Homes and designed by Alex Thies of Adelyn Charles Interiors, and we could tell both teams had done this before many times. Plus, the property was in the beginning stages of construction, which meant we could make key design decisions. It felt like we’d won the lottery.”
above: This three-level residence glows from within along the shores of
the lines between loggia and
an
Bonita Beach, poised to capture all the best views of this coastline. Built on a 50-foot lot with hurricane flood elevation specifications, the home’s ground floor primarily comprises a garage and storage space with a limited lower foyer.
Blurring
shoreline,
infinity pool and spa designed by Outside Productions includes a trickling waterspout echoing the tranquil sounds of the sea. Restoration Hardware loungers provide the ideal spots for taking in the sunset.
Rethinking Coastal
CONTEMPORARY STYLE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN A CUSTOM RESIDENCE ON THE SHORES OF BONITA BEACH
Poised on a 50-foot lot on beach-facing Hickory Boulevard, the home’s ground floor houses a garage and storage space with a limited lower foyer, adhering to hurricane flood elevation specifications. Overhangs above the garage and the top window in front create depth, and wood tile cladding in light and natural tones gives the dwelling a traditional look with a modern edge. “We chose this area for its fabulous ocean views and minimal public beach access,” adds the wife. “We love the gulf side of Florida with the warm waters and low waves. We see dolphins almost every time we sit outside, and walking the beach in the morning is extremely peaceful.”
left: Infused with organic warmth and modern forms, the great room takes shape around a modular Century sofa backed with circular side tables. Custom cabinetry designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors pairs with a waterfall bar lined with Vanguard barstools.
below: Cubist forms exemplify the powder room’s contemporary minimalist aesthetic, which incorporates patterned tile flooring from DeMarco Tile and a boxy pendant from Visual Comfort. The linear silhouette of an Uttermost mirror complements the clean-lined cabinetry and Ferguson Kitchen & Bath’s stone sink.
Comprising 5,200 square feet inside, the multi-level 9,500-square-foot property features main-level living spaces with a combined kitchen and great room opening onto a breathtaking lanai and infinity pool. A wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors invites a seamless indoor/outdoor lifestyle, with effortless access to snacks, drinks, and TV watching.
“When we first met with Alex and her team, we talked about what we liked and didn’t like in a typical beach house,” notes the wife. “We didn’t want bright colors, but we also didn’t want something ultra-modern. We wanted it to feel like home—comfortable and beautiful— with casual luxury and beach touches.”
To deliver the homeowners’ request, the design team stayed away from traditional coastal style and incorporated natural tones with subtle color accents, emanating a cozy contemporary vibe. “While we did not create the architecture for this house, we always take a very architectural approach in our work,” says Alex Thies, owner and lead designer at Adelyn Charles Interiors, who teamed up with colleague Morgan Swanson on the project. “Applying modern forms infused with natural elements allowed us to create a warm modern aesthetic with inviting sensibilities. Every feature was custom-tailored to this approach—from the mix of metals and wood tones to pops of color in otherwise neutral backgrounds. It creates an eclectic feel that also remains grounded and cohesive.”
R ich wood tones enhanced with soft hues lend a sense of comfort while tempering the sleek lines of the home. Ceiling details and lighting play a huge role, with many fixtures leaning toward a modern aesthetic while a mix of wood ceiling treatments softens these contemporary elements.
left: Covered by a custom beamed ceiling treatment equipped with a cooling fan, the loggia extends the living spaces outside to enjoy the sea breeze. A lavish alfresco kitchen area backdrops a Restoration Hardware dining table and chairs.
right: Built for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining, a wall of 10-foot sliding doors opens onto a spacious loggia and pool deck. Capturing scenic ocean vistas, the interior dining space features pendant lighting from Visual Comfort, illuminating a rectangular Vanguard table and Century chairs.
above: Designed with painted and stained cabinetry and an elevated quartzite top, the kitchen island composes a sculptural focal point, connecting visually to the range hood. Lighting First’s statement chandelier creates an elegant accent.
“ The house is full of custom cabinetry, but I think the coolest feature is the kitchen island,” says Swanson. “It utilizes a mixture of painted and stained cabinetry with an elevated quartzite countertop, and the stain is a deeper tone than the floors and ceilings, allowing it to really pop and be noticed.” Composed of five flawless quartzite slabs, the kitchen countertops, backsplash, and bar area surfaces reiterate the sandy beach hues outside.
Calming shades of blue—the wife’s favorite color—infuse watery tones into the living area and the primary bedroom, nodding to the dreamy ocean seascape. “The owners’ design aesthetic enabled us to be a little more edgy with our choices,” says Swanson. “Their trust allowed us the creative freedom to craft a bespoke home while forming great relationships with them and the Potter Homes team.”
“ This client was a dream to work with—organized, patient, and kind,” adds Thies. “We really got to push the boundaries geometrically to create a home they can enjoy for years to come.”
Thanks to its panoramic gulf views, the primary bedroom feels like a beachside oasis. Doors dressed in draperies from Window Wear Design lead out to a private balcony. Vanguard furnishings outfit the space in a serene neutral palette with a striped ottoman hinting at the soft blue water hues outside.
above: Designed for the homeowners’ daughter, the bright and airy guest room with yellow accents maintains the organic warmth of the home’s design with custom wood beams on the vaulted ceiling and a natural wood four-poster bed from Brownstone Furniture. A pair of Century club chairs lend a cozy beach feel.
above:
right: Clad in cool gray porcelain tile and contrasting dark-stained wood accents, the primary bath emulates a luxury resort spa with its elegant walk-in shower and white soaking tub from Ferguson Kitchen and Bath. A spiral chandelier from Lighting First nods to the clean, contemporary aesthetic.
SOURCES
GREAT ROOM
Sofa, sofa table, and ottoman – Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com
Club chairs and bar stools – Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com
Bar cabinetry designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studios, Naples, FL Area rug – Surya, surya.com
POWDER ROOM
Cabinetry – Distinctive Kitchen Studios, Naples, FL
Sink – Ferguson Kitchen and Bath, Naples, FL
Mirror – Uttermost, uttermost.com
Pendant – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Flooring – Demarco Tile & Stone, Naples, FL
KITCHEN
Cabinetry, island, and hood designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Distinctive Kitchen Studios, Naples, FL
Stools – Jessica Charles, jessicacharles.com
Chandelier – Lighting First, Bonita Springs, FL
DINING AREA
Table – Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com
Chairs – Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com
Pendant lighting – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Drapery – Window Wear Design, Naples, FL
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed, headboard, night and accent tables, sofa, club chairs –Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com
Pendant lighting – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Drapery – Window Wear Design, Naples, FL GUEST BEDROOM
Poster bed, night and drink tables – Brownstone Furniture, brownstonefurniture.com
Lamps – Regina Andrew, reginaandrew.com
Club chairs – Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com
Area rug – Jaunty, jauntyinc.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Tub – Ferguson Kitchen and Bath, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Lighting First, Bonita Springs, FL
Sconce – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Marble – Sunmac Stone, Fort Myers, FL LOGGIA
Sofa – Arhaus, Naples FL
Chairs, lounges, dining and drink tables – RH, rh.com
Cocktail tables – Summer Classics, summerclassics.com
Drink table – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Fireplace designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Potter Homes, Naples, FL
Pool designed by OPI, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Artesian Pools, Fort Myers, FL
THROUGHOUT
Ceiling millwork – Potter Homes, Bonita Springs, FL
right: A fireplace designed by Adelyn Charles Interiors and fabricated by Potter Homes forms the focal point for the loggia’s inviting conversation area. An Arhaus sofa and Restoration Hardware seating pieces combine with round tables from Summer Classics, composing the best spot in the house for cocktails, ocean gazing, and movie nights.
interior design STEPHANIE FRALEIGH, FREESTYLE INTERIORS, BONITA SPRINGS, FL
architecture KYLE VAYDA, BECK ARCHITECTURE, NAPLES, FL
builders PHIL WASHELL & JOHN GADDIS, PARKER HUDSON, NAPLES, FL
text JEANNE DELATHOUDER
photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL
TOP-FLOOR PANACHE
A PENTHOUSE HIGH ABOVE NAPLES’ GULF SHORE BOULEVARD TAKES DESIGN TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH CUSTOM DETAILING AND SPLENDID VIEWS
Near this Le Ciel penthouse’s kitchen, a high-gloss Venetian plaster spiral staircase by Royston Architectural Elements brings graceful form to the room’s modern linear aesthetic.
Polished gray-veined Dekton porcelain countertop surfaces contrast richly against custom-stained rift-cut oak cabinetry.
GULF SHORE BOULEVARD claims some of Naples’ most desirable residential high-rises, and Le Ciel is prime among them. Capturing vistas of the western coastal horizon and the vibrant urban setting, developer Kevin O’Brien’s 3,449-square-foot penthouse in the building epitomizes what so many glossy real estate brochures like to call “luxe seaside living in the heart of the city.”
Well-versed in matters of construction, architecture, and interior design, O’Brien knew he’d be more involved than the regular homeowner in the conceptualization of this residence—and for that, he wanted a star team at his side. In came the pros he calls “the best and most creative people in town: Stephanie
The great room emits a comfortable modern aesthetic with warm neutrals, plush textures, and luxurious natural finishes. A custom Bradley USA racetrack-shaped cocktail table generates an elegant curve to soften the rectangular layout. Handblown colored glass accent pieces gleam against the sunlight bouncing off the water beyond.
In the foyer, a former coat closet transforms into a reflective focal point using bronzed mirrors and elegant lighting. A pair of Hubbardton Forge pendants highlight a stained rift-cut oak touch-latch floating drawer and a poof underneath. A gilded alligator sculpture under the staircase brings a glint of artful moxie.
Fraleigh at Freestyle Interiors, Kyle Vayda at Beck Architectural Group, and Phil Washell and John Gaddis at Parker Hudson Homes.”
Fueled by the views, the penthouse’s interiors celebrate upscale sky living. Every detail was meticulously planned and curated with intent, from space planning and renovation improvements to key built-in architectural features. “It was imperative that we capture and enhance the luxurious lifestyle you could see and feel when stepping inside,” says Fraleigh. “It is not every day you can turn your head and see beach, bay, and city all from one spot, and that alone makes this penthouse stand out.” From the inception phase, O’Brien urged the team to design the residence as if there was no budget and assured them that every innovative idea would get an automatic yes. “Of course, there was a budget, albeit a very liberal one,” he says, laughing, “but that statement put everyone in a fearless mindset to bring their best creative ideas forward and then find a way to value-engineer quality with exceptional design.”
The home’s modern aesthetic embodies a warm, earthy vibe with livable luxury in mind. Neutral finishes and fabrics play with light, reflection, and contrast, and textural touches are expressed
through elements such as alabaster, rattan, stained wood finishes, natural stone, mohair, faux leather fabrics, landscape artwork, and wow-factor accessories.
The design team selected high-gloss Venetian plaster for the main living space’s ceilings, walls, and spiral staircase. Chosen for its texture, reflection, and timelessness, the hand-applied finish generates a luminescent glow, creating a sense of spaciousness and height. Carrying it to the walls and staircase amplified the glossy texture and bounced light from the sweeping wall of windows. Throughout the home, each strategically selected detail enhances another. Custom dark-stained oak wood flooring grounds the space in contrast to the ethereal floor-to-ceiling glass exposures—a thoughtful pairing of architectural enhancements to create richness and warmth.
“ The vertical grain and texture of rift-cut oak gives depth and dimension to the finish,” notes Fraleigh. “You can feel the craftsmanship around you without it being distracting; it’s a subtle yet impactful detail.”
Significant structural reconfigurations allowed the primary bathroom to gain form and function while emphasizing views and an ensuite guest room to house a study. Yet, the most impressive tweak was opening up a once-enclosed kitchen to the main living spaces and heightening the intrigue with a sinuous, glossy white spiral staircase. “Designed as a sculptural work of art, it produces a showstopping architectural statement,” says Fraleigh. “We also envisioned a waterfall kitchen island as an architectural showpiece, fabricated to look like one massive piece of stone with beveled sides and touchlatch Dekton-clad doors that speak to the importance of functional design.” Glass cabinetry wraps the corner of the kitchen, capitalizing on the sightlines straight
above left: Custom swivel chairs from Hallman Furniture embellished with embroidered fabric define the sitting area that bridges the gap between the kitchen and great room. A two-tone geometrical Baker cocktail table anchors the space and serves as a gathering place to enjoy the penthouse’s views.
left: A cozy coffee nook with a round mohair loveseat makes an idyllic spot for a morning read or a relaxing evening wind-down. The space offers seating for one or two people to enjoy a quiet moment and take in the view.
The dining area nestles into a curved wall of windows displaying panoramic vistas of the city and bay. An oval dining table from Old Biscayne Designs enhances the form and pairs with curvedbacked chairs from Hammer Fine Furniture. A shaded linear lighting fixture lends ambient light without disrupting the views.
Positioned above a freestanding soaking tub, a tranquil view of the gulf provides the artwork for the primary bathroom. Largeformat porcelain tile generates a modern spa-like aesthetic, and a hands bench from Global Views strikes a sculptural form.
through the front and out the back—again, a balancing act of form and function while preserving the views and light filtration. An adjacent sitting room with a built-in wet bar creates an interlude between the kitchen and the great room.
“Kevin encouraged over-the-top ideas and fueled the design by supporting our creativity,” notes Fraleigh. “What I enjoyed most about this project was the creative freedom, and the energy and motivation of collaborating with such a talented team.”
below: The primary bedroom exudes glamour with a custom headboard by Freestyle Interiors fabricated with stained walnut panels, padded faux leather panels, and inset bronzed mirrors. Kelly Wearstler alabaster pendants illuminate built-in floating nightstands from Luxe Neff Millwork.
SOURCES
KITCHEN
Cabinetry designed and fabricated by Luxe Neff Millwork, neffliving.com
Island and back splash designed by Freestyle Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Alpha Stone Designs, alphastonedesigns.com
Stools – Casa Disegno Italia, Hollywood, FL
Pendant lighting – The Urban Electric Company, urbanelectric.com
FAMILY ROOM
Sofa – Hallman Furniture, hallmanfurniture.com
Club chair – John-Richard, johnrichard.com
Cocktail table – Bradley USA, bradleyusa.com
Wall cabinetry – Luxe Neff Millwork, neffliving.com, and Royston Architectural Elements, roystonae.com
Lighting – Hubbardton Forge, hubbardtonforge.com
FOYER AND STAIRWAY
Stairway designed and fabricated by Royston Architectural Elements, roystonae.com
Floating shelf – Luxe Neff Millwork, neffliving.com
Ottoman – V Rugs & Home, vrugsandhome.com
Lighting – Hubbardton Forge, hubbardtonforge.com
LIVING AREA
Club chairs – Hallman Furniture, hallmanfurniture.com
Cocktail tables – Baker Furniture, bakerfurniture.com
DINING AREA
Table – Old Biscayne Designs, oldbiscaynedesigns.com
Chairs – Hammer Fine Furniture, hammerfinefurniture.com
Lighting – The Urban Electric Company, urbanelectric.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Tub – MTI Baths, mtibaths.com
Stool – Global Views, globalviews.com
Flooring – Daltile, daltile.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed and headboard designed by Freestyle Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL, and fabricated by Luxe Neff Millwork, neffliving.com, and JB Upholstery, Bonita Springs, FL
Floating shelf – Luxe Neff Millwork, neffliving.com
Pendant lighting – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
Chandelier – Hudson Valley, hvlgroup.com
Area rug – Carpet Source, carpetsource.com
STYLE INTERVENTION
A YOUNG COUPLE ENLISTS A SKILLED DESIGNER TO REWORK THE INTERIORS OF THEIR PINE RIDGE ESTATES RESIDENCE IN NORTH NAPLES
interior design BETHANY O’NEIL, BETHANY O’NEIL INTERIOR DESIGN, NAPLES, FL
builder BIG ISLAND BUILDERS, NAPLES, FL
landscape architecture AKD DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, NAPLES, FL
text RIKI ALTMAN-YEE
photography LORI HAMILTON, NAPLES, FL
INTERIOR DESIGN IS AS MUCH about
from scratch as it is about working with what you’ve got. When a couple of returning clients recently called on Bethany O’Neil to take a look at their North Naples residence, the designer quickly deduced that her role would be to recast, revamp, and refresh.
“The 7,500-square-foot house from Big Island Builders was purchased furnished so there were many predetermined finishes and inherited furnishings to work with,” says O’Neil. “I was tasked with styling the main living areas of the first floor, so I opted for the look of a modern cottage, which felt aligned with the architecture of the home.”
More specifically, the clients wanted O’Neil to incorporate their existing pieces and art collection and deliver a “happy home that reflected their personalities” with a mix of comfortable, cozy spaces and areas designed for entertaining both large and small groups of friends and family.
and chairs from
ample seating in the family room of this North Naples residence. A hexagon table and lamps from John-Richard and a side table from Jerry Pair provide additional interest. The dining room in the background was enhanced by a pair of Palmetto chandeliers from Wilson Lighting and a landscape wallcovering from Gracie.
right: A Holly Hunt sofa
Baker provide
A fter surveying the existing decor, O’Neil set about toning down the modern farmhouse feel of the property with a neutral beige palette. “The color we chose not only created a backdrop for their artworks, but it put the emphasis on the home’s view and the colors of the landscaping,” says the designer.
Next came “stepping up the glamour” by introducing new modern furnishings and accessories that would work well with the existing pieces. A few vintage touches were also incorporated, such as antiqued mirrors in the living room, which help to reflect natural light during the day and echo the glow of the fireplace at night. “I often introduce an occasional antique or weathered piece to give soul to my projects,” says O’Neil. “Not everything needs to be new, plus the mix of eras can make a room stand out.”
While many of O’Neil’s edits were rather straightforward, others required more work. When the homeowners revealed that the dining room didn’t work for them, the design team reworked its
left: Interior designer Bethany O’Neil wanted to ensure the dining room had “a lounge feel” so the family could linger long after meals, so she incorporated a comfortable banquette in lieu of additional chairs. The two Baker tables can be brought together for larger gatherings.
“The layers in which I create spaces are notable,” says O’Neil about her approach in the living room, where she paired new end tables from Hickory Chair and lamps from Baker with a blush sofa from the homeowners’ furniture collection. “My interpretation is always classic, meant to stand the test of time.”
above: The design team accomplished the homeowners’ request for a serene primary bedroom with a hand-hammered, gold-covered iron poster bed from the homeowners’ collection, night chests by Highland House, and a window-side lounger by Jerry Pair.
The lamps are by Visual Comfort and the chandelier is from Wilson Lighting.
layout and lighting composition with two multi-tiered glass chandeliers centered with the room’s large window.
The final bow on the project was the layering of various textures and elements to ensure visual interest and sophistication. “We were sure to incorporate stone, marble, alabaster, cut crystal, stained and painted woods, textural wallcoverings, and a balanced selection of fabrics,” says O’Neil. “Together, they help tell the home’s story.”
In the end, the design team was able to deliver the style of home the clients wanted without starting from scratch. “We are honored to have provided them with the missing elements that made the home whole,” says O’Neil. “Making the clients happy is always the most important goal to fulfill.”
above: In the primary bathroom, an elegant antique chair from A. Tyner Antiques in Atlanta next to a gold-trimmed Lucite cart from Worlds Away illustrates O’Neil’s embrace of contrasting design styles.
SOURCE FAMILY ROOM
Sofa – Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com
Chairs – Baker, bakerfurniture.com
Cocktail table – Homeowners’ collection
Hexagon table and lamps – John-Richard, johnrichard.com
Side tables – Jerry Pair, Hollywood, FL
DINING AREA
Table and chairs – Baker, bakerfurniture.com
Settee bench designed by Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Ferrell Mittman, ferrellmittman.com
Chandelier – Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL
below: The design team opted for a contemporary vibe in the covered lanai with a custom marble table, an ornate mirror from Jerry Pair, and seating from Lee Industries covered in Sunbrella fabric.
above: Amalfi armchairs from Janus et Cie and a buffet and mirror from Jerry Pair bring Mediterranean flair to the exterior dining area.
The bold black tones on the pool deck are provided by Amalfi Collection lounges and umbrellas from Janus et Cie and a wicker dome by Skyline. A curved fire pit wraps around Branch Twist, a stainless-steel sculpture that comes alive with fire. Naples’ AKD Design Landscape Architecture was responsible for the landscaping throughout the property.
Lamps – Visual comfort, visualcomfort.com
Wallcovering – Gracie, graciestudio.com
LIVING ROOM
Sofa – Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com
Club chair – Jerry Pair, Hollywood, FL
Swivel chair – Kravet, Naples, FL
Cocktail and drink tables, and lamps – Baker, bakerfurniture.com
Side tables – Hickory Chair, hickorychair.com
Chandelier – Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL
Drapery – Schumacher, Naples, FL
Area rug – Ali’s Rugs, Naples, FL
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Poster bed – Homeowners’ collection
Night chests – Highland House, highlandhouse.com
Table and floor lamps – Visual comfort, visualcomfort.com
Chandelier – Wilson Lighting, Naples, FL
Bench – Homeowners’ collection
Lounge – Jerry Pair, Hollywood, FL
Club chair – John Roselli, Dania Beach, FL
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cart – Worlds Away, worlds-away.com
Antique chair – A.Tyner, a.tyner.com
COVERED LANAI SEATING AREA
Lounges, day bed, and umbrellas – Janus et Cie, janusetcie.com
Mirror – Jerry Pair, Hollywood, FL
Sofa and swivel chairs – Lee Industries, leeIndustries.com
EXTERIOR DINING AREA
Table, chairs, and buffet – Janus et Cie, janusetcie.com
Mirror – Jerry Pair, Hollywood, FL
EXTERIOR FIRE PIT AND POOL AREA
Fire sculpture – Elena Colombo, firefeatures.com
Sun bed – Skyline Design, AKD Design and Landscape Architecture, Naples, FL
Curved built-in bench designed by AKD Design and Landscape Architecture, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Zion Build, Naples, FL
Bench cushions designed by Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL
THROUGHOUT
Site plan and guest house builder – Zion Build, Naples, FL
Art – Homeowners’ collection
INTERIOR DESIGN RENÉE GADDIS & NATALIE CARSON, RENÉE GADDIS INTERIORS, NAPLES, FL
ARCHITECTURE MATTHEW KRAGH, MKH ARCHITECTURE, NAPLES, FL
BUILDER WATERSIDE BUILDERS, NAPLES, FL
TEXT KELLEY MARCELLUS
PHOTOGRAPHY TROY CAMPBELL, MIAMI, FL
The stately façade of this Naples home in Royal Harbor was designed by MKH Architecture in a contemporary coastal style that carries to the interiors.
Gulf Retreat
A BAYSIDE HOME IN ROYAL HARBOR NODS TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S GOOD LIFE WITH ELEGANT COASTAL DESIGN
FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS , the Gulf Coast has offered respite to a Pittsburgh native and his loved ones during the winter. The boating enthusiast originally settled in Old Naples and quickly fell in love with the town and its vibe, but there was just one thing missing—easy access to his beloved boat. When the winds of change began to blow through the real estate market in Florida, the homeowner decided to change that.
“I had always wanted to build a house from scratch, and I knew I’d turn to Matthew Kragh of MHK Architecture to build it when the time came,” he says. “He has a signature look I love.”
He also knew he wanted that house to be in Royal Harbor, an upscale community of 400 homes where every lot has water access, so when an ideal parcel finally became available, he didn’t hesitate in purchasing it. “It’s sort of on a cove and it has so much water frontage,”
above: In the entry foyer, panels with undulating reflective surfaces echo the texture of the bay water just outside. A floating staircase with a glass railing leads to the home’s two guest suites, a bunk room, and a game room.
A large cream sectional in the living room anchors the space, which is livened up with shades of blue on the swivel chairs, area rug, and window treatments.
The contemporary lines of the white cabinetry highlight the patterned marble backsplash in the kitchen and draw attention to the metallic oven hood, which was finished in white and trimmed with polished nickel accents. The silver lighting pendants add some rustic glamour to the scene.
“Our goal was to provide a comfortable family retreat to escape the Pennsylvania winter months,” says interior designer Renée Gadis.
“We set out to turn the homeowner’s vision of a coastal oasis into reality.”
he says. “It was the next best thing to being on the bay or the actual gulf.”
Today, the dwelling that stands on that footprint is a 4,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home with an open floor-plan and light-filled interiors.
To achieve the elegant coastal look the homeowner desired, his architect connected him with interior designer Renée Gaddis, who immediately understood what he wanted. “Our goal was to provide a comfortable family retreat to escape the Pennsylvania winter months,” says Gaddis, who worked with design associate Natalie Carson on the project. “We set out to turn his vision of a coastal oasis into reality.”
Stepping through the grand front door, the entry foyer greets with soaring ceilings and views of the gulf straight through the house. A trio of undulating reflective glass panels emphasizes the ceiling height
above: Dimmable LED lights illuminate the onyx countertop in the power room, which also features an underlit vessel sink, a Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, and down-light sconces.
In the primary bedroom, a subtle palette of gray, ivory, and seafoam evokes a serene mood while the white-paneled vaulted ceilings lend a sense of spaciousness and elegance. The mother-of-pearl chandelier by Visual Comfort speaks to the coastal aesthetic of the house.
“I told the designers that we wanted a drop-dead gorgeous bathroom,” says the homeowner. “I kind of have to pinch myself every time I go in there.”
and echo the surface of the water, alluding to coastal sentiments effortlessly. The design team opted for a palette of creams and subtle blues that come alive in the natural light, best exemplified by the living room.
“It’s quite a contrast from our English Tudor house up north,” says the homeowner. “Coming to this Florida home is a breath of fresh air.”
In the kitchen, the aesthetic is unfussy and contemporary with a showstopping marble backsplash that immediately catches the eye. “It has an intricate pattern,” says Carson, “but it complements the space without overwhelming it.” Three handmade silver light pendants above the island add a hint of glamour.
Steps away, a powder room breaks the white palette with a Phillip Jeffries wallcovering that resembles exotic reptilian skin and an underlit onyx vanity.
Moving on to the home’s more private quarters, the primary bedroom is a cocoon of neutrals and natural textures. “We wanted to impart serenity here,” says Gaddis. “The seafoam green of the drapery nods to the waterside location while the slightly vaulted ceiling adds a sense of spaciousness and elegance.”
The adjacent primary bathroom turns up the volume with chevron-patterned marble tile flooring, white cabinetry that is cohesive with the other millwork
below: In the primary bathroom, marble flooring was laid in a chevron pattern with a solid marble border. White cabinetry and the use of mirror and glass lends a contemporary aesthetic while beaded Palecek chandelier adds glamour.
in the house, a glass-enclosed shower, and a tiered chandelier. “I told the designers that we wanted a drop-dead gorgeous bathroom,” says the homeowner. “I kind of have to pinch myself every time I go in there.”
Outside, the infinity-edge pool features a sun shelf that’s ideal for waddling toddlers, as well as an expanse for lap swimming. Gas fire cubes at the far end of the pool provide mood lighting after the sun sets. Just steps away, kayaks, a Jet Ski, and an oft-used docked boat remind us that this is a residence of water lovers.
“We love our winter life here in Southwest Florida and it’s because of this house,” says the homeowner. “This place is a dream come true and the ideal family retreat.”
SOURCES
ENTRY
Stairs – Waterside Builders, Naples, FL
Console – John-Richard, johnrichard.com
Wall sculptures – Global Views, globalviews.com
LIVING ROOM
Sofas – Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com
Club chairs and ottomans – Chaddock, chaddock.com
Cocktail and drink tables – Palecek, palecek.com
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and island – Goguens Kitchen Company, Bonita Springs, FL
Backsplash – Abbey Carpet & Floor, Naples, FL
Island stools and wicker lighting – Palecek, palecek.com
Pendant lighting – John-Richard, johnrichard.com
Breakfast table – RH, rh.com
POWDER ROOM
Sconces – Palecek, palecek.com
Mirror – Made Goods, madegoods.com
Wallcovering – Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed, headboard, bedside chests, and lounge – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Chandelier and lamps – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Mirror – John-Richard, johnrichard.com
Area rug – Stanton Carpet, stantoncarpet.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Goguens Kitchen Company, Bonita Springs, FL
Chandelier – Palecek, palecek.com
Tub – Victoria + Albert, vandabaths.com
left: The home’s backyard is a water lover’s paradise with a pool designed for both lounging and laps.
TOTAL MAKEOVER
A WINTER HOME IN FORT MYERS TRADES MEDITERRANEAN STYLE FOR CONTEMPORARY CACHET
interior design DWAYNE BERGMANN, LEA TALIERCIO & LYNNE PANNETON, DWAYNE BERGMANN INTERIORS, FORT MYERS, FL
builder MAB HOMES, FORT MYERS, FL text KELLEY MARCELLUS
photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL
SOUTHWEST
A wood-burning fireplace was converted to gas and reimagined with a surround of white oak wood stained in walnut, as well as recessed niches for art accented by contemporary black metal light fixtures.
FLORIDA WASN’T EXACTLY a new frontier for Sandra and David Rees when they decided to lay roots here. The Canadian natives had grown up visiting the area and have various friends with vacation homes throughout the region. So, once retired from their respective careers, the couple decided Fort Myers would be the ideal Gulf Coast location for a residence where they could escape Toronto’s harsh winters.
After narrowing down their choice to Palmetto Point, the Reeses purchased a 3,500-squarefoot, Mediterranean-style, three-bedroom house in the boat-friendly community and then enlisted interior designer Dwayne Bergmann and his design associates, Lea Taliercio and Lynne Panneton,
Iron doors and dramatic modern furniture set the mood—dark tones playing against light backdrops—that are at play throughout this Fort Myers home.
for a complete renovation.
“I usually like things to be simple and traditional,” says Sandra, “but once I was in Florida, I thought: ‘I’m going to push the limits.’”
Pushing the limits meant pushing out the structure’s Mediterranean style for something more au courant. “We gave the designers free rein,” adds Sandra. “I told them we wanted a contemporary look with shades of black and blue, they presented their ideas, and off we went.”
After multiple discussions with the couple about how they wanted their home to function, Bergmann and his team had a solid starting point. “The look we came up with was urban farm-
house meets Southwest Florida coastal, and they were on board,” says Bergmann. “Everything else fell into place after that.”
In terms of construction work, the house was completely reconfigured. Walls came down to optimize the site’s canal views and the kitchen was shifted from the center of the structure to one side to take advantage of expansive windows and make room for a substantial island.
To incorporate Sandra’s desired colors, the designers turned their eyes to men’s fashion collections for inspiration and took note of the way brands such as Tom Ford
navy and black to denote
mix
below: With a view of the pool and canal beyond, the dining room transforms into an indoor/ outdoor entertaining space when the sliding doors are open. An architectural lighting fixture by Sonneman contributes to the room’s modern feel.
right: The black kitchen cabinets, requested in that colorway by the homeowners, are among the home’s boldest furnishings. Silestone tile on the countertops and behind the cooktop resembles marble without the upkeep. Hidden barstools tuck under the island countertop near the bar, providing additional seating for guests.
timeless elegance. The palette pairing works effortlessly throughout the residence and the most prevalent example of this is in the kitchen, where the blue-and-black composition gets even bolder with the addition of walnut finishes.
After some weather and pandemic delays, Bergmann and his team completed the project in about two years, most of which the Reeses spent up in Canada in eager anticipation. “When we finally walked through the home’s front iron doors, the finished space took my breath away,” says Sandra. “It was everything we had discussed. It felt like coming home.”
“We gave the designers free rein,” says homeowner Sandra Rees.
“I told them we wanted a contemporary look with shades of black and blue, they presented their ideas, and off we went.”
above: The patterned tile used between the mirrors and in the shower was the jumping off point for the design of the primary bathroom, which features navy walls, black cabinetry, and woodtoned porcelain countertops. Brass fixtures warm up the space.
left: Dramatic and textural wooden doors open to a serene primary bedroom. The room’s blue tones in the pillows, rug, and swivel chairs nod to the home’s water views.
SOURCES
ENTRY
Console – Arteriors, arteriorshome.com
Mirror – Uttermost, uttermost.com
Lamp – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Pendant lighting – Regina Andrew, reginaandrew.com
SEATING AREA
Club and lounge chairs – Hammer Fine Furniture, hammerfinefurniture.com
Cocktail table – Vanguard, vanguardfurniture.com
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Linear wall lighting – Sonneman, sonnemanlight.com
Wall and cabinetry designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by MAB Homes, Fort Myers, FL, and Luxe Millwork, Fort Myers, FL
Area rug – Jaunty, jauntyinc.com
DINING AREA
Table – Ambella Home Collection, ambellahome.com
Chairs – Caracole, caracole.com
Lighting – Sonneman, sonnemanlight.com
Area rug – Castelluxe, castelluxe.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and island designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Luxe Millwork, Fort Myers, FL
Hood – Luxe Millwork, Fort Myers, FL
Chairs – Modern History, modernhistoryhome.com
Barstools – Hancock and Moore, hancockandmoore.com
Pendant lighting – Sonneman, sonnemanlight.com
PRIMARY BED
Bench – Taylor King, taylorking.com
Night tables and club chairs – Vanguard, vanguardfurniture.com
Lamps – Wilson Lighting, wilsonlighting.com
Side table – Uttermost, uttermost.com
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Drapery – Pollack, pollackassociates.com
Area rug – L&M Custom Carpets and Rugs, lmcustomcarpets.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry designed by Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Fort Myers, FL, and fabricated by Luxe Millwork, Fort Myers, FL
Mirrors – Uttermost, uttermost.com
Tile – MSI, msisurfaces.com
Shower wall – Stone Impressions, stoneimpressions.com
Accent tile – Tarmak USA, tarmakusa.com
Porcelain – Laminam, laminam.com
THROUGHOUT
Artwork – John-Richard, johnrichard.com, Uttermost, uttermost.com, Leftbank Art, leftbankart.com, and West Home Collection, westhomecollection.com
interior design MARTIN HORNER & SHEA SOUCIE, SOUCIE HORNER, CHICAGO, IL
architecture KUKK ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN, NAPLES, FL
builder BCB HOMES, NAPLES, FL
landscape architecture ARCHITECTURAL LAND DESIGN, NAPLES, FL
text JEANNE DELATHOUDER
photography DUSTIN HALLECK, BERWYN, IL
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
GLOBAL TRAVEL INFLUENCES INFORM THE REFINED AND SOPHISTICATED INTERIORS OF A NAPLES RESIDENCE
left: Newly built, this Naples home enchants upon arrival with its elegant Nantucket vibe. Tall and lush tropical landscaping cossets the property in privacy while allowing effortless access to the owner’s boat dock along the canal.
right: Vintage blue and white pottery adorns a round pedestal table in the entrance hall, nodding to the homeowners’ penchant for global collectibles and the color blue. Intricate custom millwork, hand-crafted floor tiles, and pendant lighting from Authentic Provence solidify the elegant interior design.
LOOKING
TO FULFILL THEIR EMPTY-NESTER DREAMS after raising five boys in Chicago’s northern suburbs, a Midwestern couple set their sights on a new build in Florida. Their chosen destination? An enchanting Naples enclave lined with extravagant waterfront estates along plush boulevards. Beloved for its sense of community, picturesque beaches, and proximity to the deep-water canals, the Gulf Coast locale offered a haven befitting their new chapter in life.
“We are power boaters and wanted to have a dock behind our home with easy access to our boats,” says the wife. “One of our greatest joys is cruising the channels and exploring the Southwest Florida waters.”
Located within an easy walk to the beach and just a short bike ride away from Naples’ central district, the property encompasses 9,225 square feet, comprising a spacious lanai with a pool and tiered pool deck. The west view faces a protected wildlife preserve, providing lush landscape screening between the adjacent homes and a sense of privacy the homeowners’ liken to being on a deserted Caribbean island.
A fter teaming up with their long-time interior designers, Martin Horner, who designed their multiple Chicago residences, two boats, and the family’s beloved Bay Harbor, Michigan getaway, the couple dove in without hesitation.
left: Infused with vibrant jewel tones, the dining area takes color cues from the homeowners’ abstract artwork. An eye-grabbing Jean-Marc Fray turquoise chandelier plays to the watery blues of Scalamandré’s upholstery fabric covering the DeAurora dining chairs. Textured milk glass pieces temper the rich palette while complementing an ornate AKBIK buffet.
right: The homeowners’ penchant for color and pattern shines in the living room with a bird-themed painting over a custom fireplace embellished with decorative tile by Mosaic House. The inlaid mother-of-pearl designs of a hexagon accent table harmonize with coffee table collectibles and a multi-hued Ferrell Mittman sofa.
“ They’re the kind of clients every designer dreams of working with,” says Horner. “There is so much trust between us, and we feed off each other’s ideas; there’s a lot of collaboration and freedom to bring in new concepts.”
The couple’s decidedly un-Floridian aesthetic emphasizes seamless indoor/outdoor living with an absence of pastels, nautical motifs, and other regional design notions. Instead, the interiors embrace a love for global travel, collecting, maximalist patterns, and all things blue. Impactful punches of fuchsia, plum, terra cotta, teal, and green temper the palette, nodding to an oceanside eclecticism inspired by the couple’s many trips and admiration of global handcrafts. Intricately detailed custom millwork creates focal-point display areas highlighting a mélange of collectibles—from a world-class trove of tramp art to an impressive cache of milk glass and vintage blue and white pottery. Layered
Rich blue accents define the kitchen with Urban Electric’s two-toned pendant lighting and patterned counter stools from Kravet. A herringbone-patterned backsplash from Artistic Tile complements the sleek white kitchen cabinetry, and a meticulously crafted dark-stained island from Ruffino Cabinetry.
above right: Natural sunlight and tropical landscape views infuse visual energy into the breakfast nook, along with a well-balanced layering of texture, pattern, and shape. Refreshing blues breathe life into the neutral palette with patterned chairs and crystal table accents crowned with a Bone Simple Design dome pendant light.
right: A custom ceiling design creates height and drama in the study, along with a bubble chandelier from Visual Comfort. The dark wood stain of a desk from The Raj Company contrasts with white millwork, light blue walls, and patterned club chairs accented with solid blue cushions and ottomans.
patterns and texture appear everywhere in a skillful balance of fabrics, custom rugs, inlaid mother-ofpearl furnishings, hand-crafted floor tiles, fireplace surrounds, heavily veined marbles, backsplashes, and a dynamic kitchen island.
“We love the color blue, hence the name of our home, Blue Haven,” notes the wife. “It is our connection to both water and sky and blends with the contemporary style of our home—a sophisticated Nantucket look combining the island’s unspoiled nature with the Florida lifestyle. We are also decorative maximalists who love an eclectic mix of fabrics, patterns, and colors.”
In response to the couple’s well-defined tastes, Horner reimagined many of their Chicago
left: A textured Shiir area rug anchors the primary bedroom in plush elegance. A patterned wallpaper backdrop highlights the rich wood patina of a bed from The Golden Triangle, a textured woven bench from Kathy Kuo Home, and Holly Hunt’s intricately crafted nightstands.
below: A stunning marble tub embellished with vibrant blue veining brings a dramatic touch to the primary bathroom. Luxurious flooring from Ruben Sorhegui Tile and a Fortuny chandelier infuse chic accents into this spa-like retreat.
furnishings to suit the new Florida abode. “It was an interesting challenge to take earthy colors, cozy textures, and dark wood tones and translate them to a different environment,” says the designer. “We had to get creative with dark furniture pieces and did a lot of reupholstering to transition them from the gray-skied, cozy-heavy Midwest to lighter, brighter Florida.”
That upbeat color vibe extends to the outdoors, where clearly defined dining, cooking, and relaxing zones translate through architectural elements and landscaping. The same emphasis on color and pattern applies, with alfresco areas bursting with vibrance starring the color blue, tying outdoor living experiences to the sea, sky, and adjacent interiors.
With a second floor designated primarily for visiting family and guests, the homeowners intentionally designed that part of the residence to draw their sons—some already building nests of their own—like magnets for frequent gettogethers and boating adventures.
“I love the way the house feels relaxed even though all the furnishings are so beautiful,” adds Horner. “It makes everything feel effortless, like you’re on vacation every day. Who wouldn’t love that?”
below: Equipped with a Lynx pizza oven and grill backdropped with a statement backsplash from Mid America Tile, the alfresco kitchen area makes seamless indoor/outdoor living a breeze. A Gloster dining table harmonizes with chairs from Williams-Sonoma and Serena and Lily.
SOURCES
ENTRY
Table – Etsy, etsy.com
Pendant lighting – Authentic Provence, West Palm Beach, FL
DINING ROOM
Table – Homeowners’ collection
Chairs – DeAurora, deaurora.com
Fabric – Osborne & Little, osborneandlittle.com, and Scalamandré, scalamandre.com
Buffet – AKBIK Furniture & Design, akbik.com
Chandelier – Jean-Marc Fray, jeanmarcfray.com
LIVING ROOM
Sofa – Ferrell Mittman, ferrellmittman.com
Chair and hexagon table – Homeowners’ collection
Fireplace designed by Soucie Horner, souciehorner.com
Fireplace tile by Mosaic House, mosaichse.com
Sconces – The Urban Electric Co., urbanelectric.com
Wall cabinetry – Ruffino Cabinetry, Naples, FL
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and island – Ruffino Cabinetry, Naples, FL
Backsplash – Artistic Tile, artistictile.com
Stools – Kravet Design, kravet.com
Pendant lighting – The Urban Electric Co., urbanelectric.com
BREAKFAST AREA
Table and chairs custom designed by Soucier Horner, souciehorner.com
Pendant – Bone Simple Design, bonesimple.com
OFFICE
Desk – The Raj Company, therajcompany.com
Club chairs – Homeowners’ collection
Bubble chandelier – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed – The Golden Triangle, goldentriangle.biz
Bench – Kathy Kuo Home, kathykuohome.com
Night tables – Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com
Chandelier – Arteriors, arteriorshome.com
Lounge, chair, tables, and lamps – Homeowners’ collection
Area rug – Shiir, shiirrugs.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Marble tub – UMI Stone, Naples, FL
Flooring – Ruben Sorhegui Tile, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Fortuny, fortuny.us
OUTSIDE KITCHEN
Pizza oven, hood, and oven – Lynx, lynxgrills.com
Backsplash – Mid America Tile, louisville-tile.com
Table – Gloster, gloster.com
Chairs – Williams-Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com, and Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com
EXTERIOR
Outside seating –Janus et Cie, janusetciecom, Tuuci, tuuci.com Vondom, vondom.com, Palecek, palecek.com, and RH, rh.com
THROUGHOUT
Millwork – Ruffino Cabinetry, Naples, FL
above: The dwelling’s multi-tiered pool patio allows endless opportunities for intimate and large gatherings. Composing the heart of the home, the courtyard-style space provides an open-air living room outfitted with furnishings from Janus et Cie, Palecek, RH, Vondom, and Tucci.
Cottage Character
THE RENOVATION OF A 1960S RANCH-STYLE HOUSE IN AQUALANE SHORES MAKES A WINNING CASE FOR TROPICAL STYLE WITH VINTAGE CHARM
Mid-century modern lines, an updated motor court, and a happy pink front door hint at the whimsy to be found inside this renovated 1960s ranch-style cottage in Naples’ Aqualane Shores neighborhood.
FOR A YOUNG FAMILY ACCUSTOMED to cosmopolitan living in big, busy cities, relocating to Naples was a chance to slow down, relax into the Gulf Coast breezes, and explore the small-town pleasures of Third Street South on a regular basis. Familiar with the area, the husband and wife had owned a house in the Aqualane Shores neighborhood that served as an ideal vacation cottage during winter and spring breaks, but an extended pandemic stay convinced them they could make it their primary home—albeit with some alterations.
interior design CATHARINE WILLMER, CATHARINE WILLMER INTERIORS, NAPLES, FL
text KELLEY MARCELLUS
photography VENJHAMIN REYES, MIAMI, FL
above: Wicker textures and colorful artwork in the entry foyer offer a preview of the chosen tropical design aesthetic in the rest of the home.
A blue and aqua canvas brings the outdoors into the texture-rich dining room. A striped rug, woven chairs, and varying scale patterned textiles create visual interest in this light-filled area of the home.
Built in the 1960s, the 2,400-square-foot dwelling (with four bedrooms and three baths) had proven to be large enough for family living, but the place had not undergone a significant revamp since the 1980s. Once the property was upgraded to year-round residence, its outdated finishes and chopped up spaces had to go, and the homeowners turned to Catharine Willmer for the job.
“ The potential for something special was always there,” says the designer. “This is a classic mid-century ranch property that’s a quintessential example of homes in this neighborhood, so we embraced its roots and adopted elements from historical Florida cottage styles. The result is an aesthetic that feels fresh, familiar, and warm.”
The renovation was extensive as it involved the reconfiguration of indoor spaces, reimagining the canal-fronting backyard, and deciding which architectural features to preserve. “The project involved every single room in the house and every one of the surfaces
above: In this photo-ready corner, a wicker cart anchors colorful art and tropical foliage.
you see,” says Willmer. “I wanted the clients to lean into their new tropical setting, yet still meet all their needs for a modern lifestyle.”
The design team let the elegant spirit of Slim Aarons’ Florida photographs serve as inspiration for the residential aesthetic. We encounter this right off the bat with the flamingo shade of pink on the home’s front entrance. “I wanted the vintage charm to be evident from the façade,” says Willmer. “That pink was inspired by hibiscus that grows nearby, so I went to Sherwin-Williams and had the paint color-matched to the flower. I think it adds an immediate element of fun and whimsy, and it sets the tone for the palette to come.”
The open kitchen features clean lines, a symmetrical layout, and a neutral palette, accented by the warm patina of the unlacquered brass fixtures and wicker barstools.
above: Books, sea treasures, porcelain ceramics, and vintage decor line the built-in shelves in the living room. The Paul Arsenault painting above the mantle provided some inspiration for the home’s color palette, including the Penny Morrison block print textiles found throughout the room.
right: Across from the kitchen, a seating area features a gallery wall comprised of family heirloom artworks and pieces purchased at local antique shops and vintage marketplaces.
above: An ever-growing collection of sun hats in the pool-facing primary bedroom solidifies the home’s tropical vibe
above: The pattern play of graphics and textiles adds a touch of whimsy to the serene blue and white primary bedroom.
below: The primary bath maximizes the use of natural stone against glass.
That joyous vibe continues inside with furniture in neutral tones accented by tones of blush and light blue, warm natural materials, and quintessential cottage charm (plump pillows, porcelain ceramics, a gallery wall, and the like). The structure’s original wood-burning fireplace was replaced with a gas version and surrounded by built-ins accented with painted paneling. Wicker furnishings, jute rugs, and numerous artworks (a mix of family heirlooms and locally commissioned pieces) lend a collected-over-time feel to the space. Additions such as wood-tone vinyl flooring and unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures further support the cottage idea, without the laborious maintenance that other finishes might have required. Outside in the backyard, new pink awnings were installed over the windows, while a lattice framework of shell-stone pavers surrounds the pool. The house is not just an exercise in charm, but a rare example of preservation in an area that often sees original dwellings like this one torn down to make way for structures that may be larger but lack color and personality.
“We are so glad this family decided to modernize rather than build new,” says Willmer. “This home proves you can have that vintage tropical island style in a way that’s timeless, laid-back, and elegant.”
“This is a classic mid-century ranch property that’s a quintessential example of homes in this neighborhood, so we embraced its roots and adopted elements from historical Florida cottage styles,” says interior designer Catharine Willmer. “The result is an aesthetic that feels fresh, familiar, and warm.”
above: The graphic lattice design of the shell-stone patio pavers helps define multiple relaxed outdoor sitting areas. A glass pool fence offered the perfect solution for water safety without compromising the view.
SOURCES
ENTRY
Wicker bench and cart – Serena and Lily, serenaandlily.com
Wicker shelves – Amanda Lindroth, Palm Beach, FL
Area rug – Annie Selke, annieselke.com
DINING AREA
Chairs – Serena and Lily, serenaandlily.com
Chandelier – Meg Braff Designs, West Palm Beach, FL
Area rug – Annie Selke, annieselke.com
LIVING ROOM
Cocktail ottoman – Lee Industries, leeindustries.com
Side table – Serena and Lily, serenaandlily.com
Fabric on pillows and ottoman – Penny Morrison, pennymorrison.com
Wicker floor lamp – Jett Thompson Home, Naples, FL
KITCHEN
Oven – Ilve, Fuse Specialty Appliance, Naples, FL
Stools – Serena and Lily, serenaandlily.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Headboard fabric – Quadrille Wallpapers & Fabrics, Dania Beach, FL
Night tables – Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
Sconces – Aerin, Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Area rug – Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Build, build.com
Tub – Vintage Tub & Bath, vintagetub.com
Plumbing fixtures – Waterworks, Naples, FL
Lighting – Ralph Lauren, Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
EXTERIOR BACK
Dining table, chairs, and seating – Brown Jordan, Elegant Outdoors, Naples, FL
Lounges – Frontgate, frontgate.com
Pillow fabric – Quadrille Wallpapers & Fabrics, Dania Beach, FL
Umbrellas – Wayfair, wayfair.com
Pool designed by Keyestone Interlocking Paving, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Stoneline Naples, Naples, FL
THROUGHOUT
Outdoor awnings – Awnings by Naples Awning, Naples, FL
Painting – Paul Arsenault, Naples, FL
An outdoor dining area near the pool features Brown Jordan Calcutta furnishings and lightly toned fabrics.
Thank You, Next
A DESIGNER HELPS A NAPLES CLIENT BEGIN A FRESH CHAPTER IN LIFE BY REPURPOSING CHERISHED FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES IN HER NEW RESIDENCE
interior design JUDITH LIEGEOIS, JUDITH LIEGEOIS DESIGNS, NAPLES, FL
builder SELECT DEVELOPMENT GROUP, NAPLES, FL
text RIKI ALTMAN-YEE
photography TROY CAMPBELL, MIAMI, FL
photo stylist MATTHEW KRITIS, NAPLES, FL
For this residence’s dining room, interior designer Judith Liegeois had a custom dining table she had designed for this client’s previous home cut down to a more manageable scale so it would fit the new space. The base of the table and the large white branch hanging on the wall are both by Florida sculptor Ed Koehler. The painting, 3Li Sustaining by local artist Renée Rey, came from Liegeois’ Naples showroom.
“Judy has an unbelievable eye for high-quality European pieces that she repurposes,” says homeowner Lori Murphy about the reupholstered club chairs in the living room. The sofa and ottoman were custom-made for the space, which is anchored by an area rug from Carpet Designs.
LORI MURPHY STILL RECALLS the first time she walked into interior designer Judith Liegeois’ Naples boutique some 15 years ago: “I saw so many beautiful things in there and we connected immediately,” she says. “I remember telling her: ‘Judy, one day you’re going to design a home for me.’”
A decade-plus later, when life found her starting anew after a divorce and the purchase of a 2,500-square-foot condo in North Naples’ Calabria neighborhood, Murphy called on Liegeois to make those words come true.
It’s not difficult to see why Murphy, and so many other Gulf Coast residents, find Liegeois’ interior
“I have an English by way of New Zealand approach to design that relies on a whimsical mixture of objects,” says interior designer Judith Liegeois. “There’s always a story behind every piece I choose, and my style is sort of bohemian, with wonderful rugs on the floor, cushy pillows, and comfort all around. I believe in creating a specific feeling for each client and in layering, which is key.”
below: Liegeois describes the bar as “organic, clean, and neutral” while referencing its walnut construction. A painting by artist
design so appealing, especially after hearing the designer herself describe her work.
“I have an English by way of New Zealand approach to design that relies on a whimsical mixture of objects,” says Liegeois. “There’s always a story behind every piece I choose, and my style is sort of bohemian, with wonderful rugs on the floor, cushy pillows, and comfort all around. I believe in creating a specific feeling for each client and in layering, which is key.”
When Murphy reached out with a desire to start fresh, Liegeois instinctively knew what approach to take. The homeowner told the designer she wanted to repurpose a selection of beloved furnishings (many of which she had purchased at Liegeois’ shop) from her marital home, but aside from that, she
Carmelo Blandino adds drama to the vignette.
was open to letting the design team have carte blanche. “She had no confines,” says Liegeois, “and that was very nice to work with.”
Before delving into new furniture and accessories, Liegeois suggested a few alterations to the layout of the apartment. “Some of these residences with huge, open floor plans and super-high ceilings can be cold and people can get lost in all that,” says Liegeois. “What we wanted for Lori was a sense of coziness.”
A nother way to achieve that desired warmth was to install wide plank oak flooring throughout and bring in a custom kitchen by Studio St. James with cabinets that stretch all the way to the ceiling to ensure the area would not feel confining. “That
left: A cranberry velvet stool from Knots Studio, a vintage mirror, and a hand-blown glass fixture by Luxe Lighting strike a note of modern elegance in the powder room.
Studio St. James designed the kitchen with a quartz countertop and backsplash. A round “hyper collage” on the wall depicting flowers by artist Ysabel LeMay adds a pop of color amid the white and gray backdrop. The stools are by Holly Hunt.
below: A glass cabinet in the kitchen holds the homeowner’s crystal and collectibles.
kitchen was a bit of challenge because we wanted to keep it separate yet connected to the rest of the living area,” says Liegeois. “We made it work with a fireplace that delineates it from the rest of the floor plan.”
A s far as furniture and appointments go, Liegeois was able to fulfill her promise of mixing the previously owned with the new. One such example is a vintage light fixture that once hung in one of Liegeois’ houses before she transferred it to her showroom and put it up for sale. Murphy purchased it for the foyer of her previous home, where it remained for years. Currently, it illuminates the hallway that leads to the powder room. “I love it even more now,” says Murphy. “And it looks like new.”
In the end, Liegeois was glad Murphy decided to hold on to the happy design memories from her past: “We’ve created a beautiful place for her to mend, heal, and come back to life.”
SOURCES
DINING ROOM
below: The homeowner says her favorite part of the home is how the primary bedroom flows into a walk-in closet and then into the primary bath.
Knot stool – Knots Studio, knots-studio.com
Drink table – Global Views, globalviews.com
Table designed by Judith Liegeois Designs, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Ed Koehler, Naples, FL
Chairs – Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com
Lighting – Apparatus, apparatusstudio.com
Artwork – Renné Rey, reneerey.com
Tree branch wall sculpture – Ed Koehler, Naples, FL
LIVING ROOM
Sofa – Divine Custom Upholstery, Naples, FL
Club chairs – Vintage, Homeowner’s collection
Cocktail ottoman – Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL
Area rug – Carpet Designs, Naples, FL
BAR
Cabinetry – Studio St. James, Naples, FL
Chair – Divine Custom Upholstery, Naples, FL
Artwork – Alexander McQueen, Carmelo Blandino, carmeloblandino.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and island – Studio St. James, Naples, FL
Stools – Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com
Branch lighting – Ed Koehler, Naples, FL
Sconces – Boyd Lighting, boydlighting.com
Artwork – Ysabel LeMay, ysabellemay.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed and headboard – Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL
Bedside tables – Made Goods, madegoods.com
Club chair and lamp – Vintage, Homeowner’s collection
Area rug – Carpet Designs, Naples, FL
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Studio St. James, Naples, FL
Display wall designed by Judith Liegeois Designs, Naples, FL, and fabricated by E.N.C. Designs, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Vintage, Homeowner’s collection
Artwork – Ysabel LeMay, ysabellemay.com
left: Vintage, custom, and new furniture pieces work together seamlessly in a bedroom.
DESIGN CHAMPIONS
A LOOK AT THE GULF COAST WINNERS OF FLORIDA DESIGN’S 2024 SEAGLASS AWARDS
compiled by CHRISTOPHER DAY & ANNETTE SESSA-GALBO
GLORIA BLACK DESIGN
• Interior Use of Stone or Tile
• Interior Flooring
• Condo Balcony or Terrace
• Traditional/Transitional Study or Office
• Use of Custom Furniture
• Driveway Design
Naples designer Gloria Black won the top honor in six of the Seaglass Awards categories. Here are her amended statements about each of the winning entries. On Interior Use of Stone or Tile: “Meticulous site measures were taken to make the entire room appear as if it was effortlessly draped in exotic marble.” On Interior Flooring: “Previously smothered in marble, this Stuart home now displays alluring oak floors in varying layouts to create special moments.” On Condo Balcony or Terrace: “Our careful use of color, texture, and plant life brought new life to this otherwise bare balcony in Bonita Springs.” On Traditional/Transitional Study or Office: “The design of this home library in Stuart features gorgeous original crown molding, creamy herringbone wood floors, and ambient lighting.” On Use of Custom Furniture: “We brought in modernized furnishings that would stand out against the residence’s classical architecture to craft a story of creativity.” On Driveway Design: “Before we became involved, the driveway of this Hutchinson Island home was tired. I wanted to infuse a modern French aesthetic, so we expanded the width and finished it with custom pavers in contrasting colors to add interesting shapes.” gloriablackdesign.com
COLLINS DUPONT DESIGN GROUP
• Traditional/Transitional Primary Bathroom
“In the primary bath of this Naples residence, outdated arched headers and a built-in tub deck were removed to open up the space and capitalize on the natural light,” says designer Lana Knapp. “A freestanding cast iron claw foot tub and tub filler in polished nickel now breathe new life into this formerly dark, cave-like area. The soft, warm, and slightly weathered finish of the custom cabinetry is the perfect compromise between masculine and feminine to satisfy both homeowners, while the reverse waterfall edge of the Calacatta Gold marble countertop adds a distinctive touch.” collins-dupont.com
THEORY DESIGN
• Use of Furniture and Accessories
“The contemporary dining and kitchen area of this Naples home demanded the right elements to make it feel fresh and elevated,” says designer Cele Cornejo. “The clean-lined dining table was selected in a dark wood fin ish to complement the counter stools’ finish, the kitchen island, the kitchen hood, and the wet bar cabinetry. To soften the overall look, round Bernhardt chairs upholstered in beige fabric were added. The light fi x tures, cabinetry hardware, and wet bar plumbing fi x tures were selected in brass to add warmth and sophistication to the space.” theorydesign.com
FREESTYLE INTERIORS
• Traditional/Transitional Architecture & Design (above 4,000 square feet)
“Location is key,” says designer Faith Fix. “Completed in 2023, this Naples home is perfectly designed for a large family. There are six spacious bedrooms and five full baths, plus a powder room and a pool bathroom on the main level. The modern kitchen and scullery with white oak cabinetry overlooks the formal dining area with a custom beverage center that’s perfect for dinner parties. A serene wall mural depicting the sweeping branches of a willow tree printed on Manila hemp creates the focal point that carries the color palette of the home to the greenery outdoors.” freestyleinteriors.com
COLLINS DUPONT DESIGN GROUP
• Interior Use of Stone or Tile
“For this Naples project, we placed our focus on making dramatic changes through unconventional use of unique tile throughout the house,” says designer Alina Dolan. “A great example of this is the ethereal vanity wall tile in the primary bath, which is composed of Euphoria Calacatta natural marble with brass insets in an abstract, crocodile pattern that was installed floor to ceiling. It makes the ultimate bold statement.” collins-dupont.com
LANTZ COLLECTIVE
• Traditional/Transitional Guest Suite
“This Old Naples cabana is a thoughtfully curated guest suite that embodies luxury, comfort, and the natural beauty of its surroundings,” says designer Amanda Lantz. “Guests are greeted by a harmonious blend of blues and greens, reminiscent of the tranquil ocean waves and lush greenery of the Gulf Coast. Light wood tones are strategically incorporated to bring warmth and a touch of coastal charm to the space. The focal point of the room is a custom-designed bed with bespoke bedding, offering both style and supreme comfort. A carefully chosen wallcovering adds texture and depth, creating an inviting atmosphere. Every detail was carefully curated to enhance the overall ambiance, and the result is a space that not only meets the practical needs of the guest, but also indulges the senses and fosters a sense of serenity and wellbeing.” lantzcollective.com
DENISE FOGARTY INTERIORS
• Traditional/Transitional Powder Room
“The powder room of this home in Naples alludes to the coastal tones of the rest of the house while remaining bright through lighter tile selections and chrome finishings,” says designer Denise Fogarty. “The fun retro photography and bold wallpaper instantly takes guests on a trip to Palm Beach.” denisefogartyinteriors.com
COLLINS DUPONT DESIGN GROUP
• Contemporary Guest Suite
“The largest of the guest rooms in this Bonita Springs residence is an expressive, artful space marked by color, texture, and luxury,” says designer Sherri DuPont. “A sophisticated blend of geometric lines mixed with bold multi-tonal patterns creates a wow experience for any guest staying here. We selected an almost black oak finish for the accents on the headboard mixed with a neutral bouclé fabric and a white lacquer finish for the built-in nightstands. The room showcases the homeowner’s love for abstract art with a triptych lining the headboard wall.” collins-dupont.com
STYLE & TASTE
Themed Live, Give, Celebrate!, Naples Tables once again exceeded expectations at its most recent turnout earlier this year. The League Club’s annual fundraiser (which provides grants to causes related to education, children, and families) brought together hundreds of guests at its luncheon. Attendees were able to peruse a variety of stunning tabletop presentations by interior designers and other creatives, and hear from Dara Caponigro, the chief creative officer and creative director of F. Schumacher & Co., who served as this year’s guest speaker.
JESSE BRAWLEY,
DARA CAPONIGRO, TERRY DUFFY, DEE WADE
DANIELLE REARDON, KATHY STRASEN
MORGAN FORD SCOTT, STEPHANIE JARVIS, TAYLOR SHANNON, CARRIE BRIGHAM, LUCY WARREN
KRISTEN VANDER HUST,
A TABLESCAPE BY LILLY PULITZER
KAITE WRIGHT, APRIL RAQUE, FADIA BECHARA
MEG STEPANIAN, DEE WADE, LIZ GOODMAN, KATHY BUETTEL, MEEGAN WYATT
A TABLESCAPE BY AT FARO
A TABLESCAPE BY JUDITH LIEGEOIS DESIGNS
EvEnts naplEs tablEs np9-1D
CHRIS INSLEE, DARA CAPONIGRO, ADRIA STARKEY, MERRILL FOX, MAEVE DEMATTIAS, SUSAN HICKEY, MARY ANN LILLIE
GARY SHANABARGER, STEPHEN LALAMA, LISA SMITH, LAUREN VYVERBERG, JULIA HALL LIEGEOIS
SUSAN HICKEY, MAEVE DEMATTIAS
BARBARA SCHWENK, MINKA MCDONALD, MICHELE HARRISON
A TABLESCAPE BY EDWARD GARY DESIGN
A TABLESCAPE BY ABODE-ABLE
ALEX ALONSO, PAUL HANSEN
CHRIS INSLEE, DARA CAPONIGRO, GAY DANIEL
A TABLESCAPE BY ALEXANDRA NARANJO DESIGNS
CUSTOM CRYSTAL
DESIGNER LISA KAHN FALLS FOR THE BESPOKE CHARM OF LOUISE GASKILL’S GRACE CHANDELIER
THE TASTEMAKER: One of Naples’ most esteemed interior designers, Lisa Kahn heads up Finding Sanctuary, a firm with projects all over the world that focuses on interiors that (as the company name suggests) nurture the mind and the spirit.
THE OBJECT: The Grace chandelier by Louise Gaskill is an example of the brand’s all-custom lighting inventory. Like all the designer’s other pieces, the Grace is handmade with Murano glass and different metals for a vintage look that alludes to Venetian style.
IN HER WORDS: “Beautiful statement chandeliers like these can be used to add a burst of color in an entryway, stairwell, bathroom or dining room,” says Kahn. “The lustrous finish of the blue and green Murano glass is perfect to pick up on the color of the sky and water visible through the large windows of many homes here in Naples.” lisakahndesigns.com; louisegaskill.com
text CHRISTOPHER DAY
KALEA BAY
From the breathtaking waterfront views to unparalleled amenities, life at Kalea Bay is like a neverending vacation. Witness the perfect blend of modern luxury and uncompromising comfort in Kalea Bay’s fifth and final high-rise, now under construction.
Kalea Bay’s Tower 500 features open floor plans designed with four-bedroom and four-bedroom plus den options, all with 10-foot ceilings and expansive lanais that flow naturally into living spaces. With over 100,000 square feet of exceptional resort-style amenities, Kalea Bay offers everything you’d expect from a 5-star resort, including three pools, two restaurants, two open-air bars, a wellness center, a salon, racquet sports facilities, and much more.
From the awe-inspiring rooftop terrace to the stunning pool and clubhouse, every day at Kalea Bay is truly a day in paradise. Don’t miss the final chance to reside in Naples’ No. 1 high-rise community with prices starting from $3.5 million.
KALEA BAY
13910 Old Coast Rd. Naples, FL 34110 239-793-0110 kaleabay.com
