FLORIDA DESIGN
Cherished Spaces
Special Nooks Within the Home
AUTUMN ON THE GULF
Textured Style in Bradenton
Coastal Sustainability on Siesta Key
Cozy-Cool Elegance in Oyster Bay Landings
The Most Wildly Successful New Waterfront
Community
NOW OPEN: MIDWAY SPORTS PARK
Tennis • Pickleball • Basketball Dog Parks • Children’s Playground
Our stunning 30,000-square-foot clubhouse is now under construction and set to open in Fall 2026.
Experience waterfront living at its finest at Lakewood Ranch’s most coveted address. Wild Blue at Waterside offers stunning designer homes by premier builders, with new premium lakeside homesites now available. Currently under construction and opening Fall 2026, the 30,000-square-foot clubhouse will feature indoor and outdoor dining, resort-style pools, fitness, and a premier putting course. As the social hub of the community, the clubhouse will offer everything from billiards and an indoor golf simulator to a private theater and outdoor yoga lawn. Don’t miss this chance to join Sarasota’s most exclusive waterfront community.
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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.
Bonita Springs House of Cabinetry 239-948-3040
Bradenton Epoch Solutions 941-761-8855
Cape Coral Top Level Cabinetry 239-310-5535
Ft. Lauderdale Lifestyle Cabinetry 954-563-1801
Living Color Cabinetry 954-970-9511
Fort Myers Dwayne Bergmann Interiors 239-344-7455
Islamorada JDR Designs 610-639-3905
Jacksonville Kitchen Art of North Florida 904 262-5580
Melbourne Pro Cabinets of Central Florida 269 290 9632
Miami Luv My Kitchens 786-276-9990
Trimline Design 305-666-7609
Naples Tradewind Designs 239-354-4708
Interior by Design West 239-514-1234
Palm Beach Gardens Rachel Eve Designs 561-694-0146
Sarasota Cooks Custom Cabinetry 941-366-6112
Renaissance Design Studio 941-921-9393
Stuart Superior Kitchens 772-286-6803
Tampa Artisan Design 813-922-7909
Vero Beach Dawn Wallace Designs 772-999-2691
By the water, in the water, on the water. Whenever you wish. Wherever you want. All this, steps to Sarasota, yet tucked privately away. This is the incomparable life Amara, unquestionably, Sarasota’s most exciting and remarkable residences, ever. Now accepting reservations.
FLORIDA DESIGN
ON THE COVER
64 OLD WORLD, NEW SHORES
INTERIOR DESIGN BY JETT THOMPSON
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN GAMMA
76 COMING HOME
INTERIOR DESIGN BY TRACEE MURPHY
ARCHITECTURE BY BSB DESIGN
A young couple returns to Sarasota to reconnect with loved ones in a cozy-cool family home in scenic Oyster Bay Landings.
86 THE RIGHT BALANCE
INTERIOR DESIGN BY TIFFANY WEBER
A Minnesota designer marries the contrasting design tastes of a Midwestern couple to deliver a Siesta Key home that’s both sophisticated and welcoming.
ARCHITECTURE BY KURT ZOBRIST
Abaco Islands-inspired sophistication and charm lead the way in a Siesta Key retreat where classic craftsmanship meets modern coastal living.
Copyright 2025, Florida Design’s Sarasota Edition, Volume 3#2 Fall 2025/Winter 2026. 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 Sarasota Edition is published by Palm Beach Media Group North. 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.
94 HIGH SPIRITS
INTERIOR DESIGN BY AMANDA KRUEGER TOMLINSON
A new build on Siesta Key offers five levels of coastal elegance and family comforts.
104 COLLECTED AND CURATED
INTERIOR DESIGN BY ANGELA RODRIGUEZ
ARCHITECTURE BY HAUSDESIGN STUDIO
Vacation memories from near and far inform the textured design of a Bradenton home by the Manatee River.
Barbara Gardner
CONTENTS
WALNUT WONDER
Rustic artisan craftsmanship makes Orior’s Beatha cabinet a storage standout.
Design news and notes from Sarasota and beyond
Renowned artist Rebecca Louise Law brings her immersive installations to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 48
Gulf Coast artist Sara Kissing’s multimedia paintings of music and movie idols find a home at Clive Daniel.
50 HANDMADE HISTORY
For Sarasota potter Osa Atoe, ceramics are everyday art ingrained with personal stories.
52 ARCHITECTURAL RECORD
This fall’s Mod Weekend shines a spotlight on the landmarks and everyday spaces that define Sarasota’s unique design identity.
REAL ESTATE
56 CENTER OF ATTENTION
Developers are betting big on Sarasota’s downtown bayfront area with design-forward condo towers boasting five-star appeal.
HOTELS
58 WHAT A SHOW!
The curtain goes up on the new Cirque St. Armands Beachside hotel.
COVET
112 ORGANIC OEUVRE
Designer Laura Freeman finds inspiration in Element Clay Studio’s ceramic wonders.
FUNNEL VISION
FLORIDA DESIGN
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Daphne Nikolopoulos
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Luis R. Rigual
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Laurie Spector
ACQUISITIONS EDITOR
Annette Sessa-Galbo
MARKET EDITOR
Kristen Desmond Lefevre
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
Melinda Lanigan
WEB EDITOR
Abigail Duffy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephanie Davis Smith | Christopher Day
Jeanne De Lathouder | Saxon Henry
Florian Jouin | Kathryn O’Shea-Evans
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tara Correa | Ryan Gamma
Jessica Glynn
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Selene M. Ceballo
DIGITAL PREPRESS SPECIALIST
George Davis
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lourdes Linares
PRODUCTION COORDINATORS
Ileana Caban
Anaely J. Perez Vargas
SENIOR DESIGNER
Jeffrey Rey
ADVERTISING DESIGN COORDINATOR
Alvys Hernandez
GROUP PUBLISHER
Terry Duffy
PUBLISHER, SARASOTA
Elizabeth Goodman
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Kim Aloia | Denise Autorino
Harvey M. Dana | Jennifer Dardano
Susan Gibson Howard
MARKETING MANAGER
Rebecca Desir
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Tyler Sansone
ADVERTISING SERVICES COORDINATOR
Elizabeth Hackney
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Todd Schmidt
IT MANAGER
Omar Greene
CIRCULATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS
Marjorie Leiva
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Judy Heflin
CIRCULATION PROMOTIONS MANAGER
David Supple
CIRCULATION ASSISTANTS
Britney Stinson | Cathy Hart
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Omar Morales
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST
Ana Coronel | Avery Morales
ROOMS TO LOVE
When it comes to the rooms in our homes, it’s perfectly fine to have favorites. Spaces have no feelings, but they can certainly stir them in us. Who hasn’t resolved to master the stove with Thomas Keller finesse after stepping into a brand-new kitchen? Or promised to indulge in daily bubble baths upon the reveal of the perfect bathroom? If you’ve undergone a serious home renovation involving these two areas, you know those feelings all too well.
This issue’s features are packed with cherished spaces. At an Oyster Bay Landings home with design by Tracee Murphy of Trade Mark Interiors, it’s the rooftop lounge that overlooks Sarasota Bay. In a Siesta Key residence with interiors by Tiffany Weber of Studio Vesta, it’s an oak-centric living room that balances a palette of rich creams, ocean blues, and rosy accents. In a vacation home (also in Siesta Key) by Amanda Krueger Tomlinson, it’s a breakfast nook just off the kitchen with a vista of the pool and the Gulf of Mexico. In a Bradenton home on the shores of the Manatee River with interiors by Angela Rodriguez, it’s the primary bedroom partially wrapped in dark walnut and offering postcard views of a long pier. And then there’s the house (our third in Siesta Key) that got the cover treatment in this volume due to its textured, coastal interiors by Jett Thompson. Here, favorite status is a toss-up between a guest living area with pops of white and soft green and the cozy (and somewhat secret) artist’s studio with window seats and tons of books. As you can see, this latter retreat was the one to win us over.
Speaking of spaces to love, I’m certain I’m not the only one to have fallen for the ones at the new Cirque St. Armands Beachside hotel on Lido Beach. Featuring interiors by ID & Design International, the property pays tribute to Sarasota’s Ringling heritage with design that alludes to circus culture with Art Deco style. My favorite nook is the entrance to the hotel’s Ringside restaurant, which welcomes diners by literally lifting the stage curtain that conceals the dining room. That’s interior design at its sensory best.
The rest of the issue is also riding on this “cherished spaces” bandwagon. Our Details product pages cover nuanced foyers and textured backyards. In Artisan, we highlight potter Osa Atoe and how her ceramics bring personal narratives into people’s homes. And in Architecture, we focus on the Moderns That Matter list, a survey of the revered 100 places and spaces that give Sarasota its sense of place and character, which is the backbone of this autumn’s Mod Weekend. Here’s hoping you find your own cherished space soon.
Enjoy the issue.
LUIS R. RIGUAL Editor-in-Chief lrigual@floridadesign.com
SHAPED BY DESIGN
Sarasota tells much of its history through architecture.
From the unabashed elegance of Ca’ d’Zan as a reminder of our city’s Ringling legacy to the pioneering spirit of Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell, and the way the Sarasota School of Architecture redefined modern design for subtropical climates, our built environment shapes not only how we live but also how we see ourselves as a community.
This issue is a celebration of that legacy and the visionaries that continue to push Sarasota’s design conversation forward. No better story amplifies that message better than “Architectural Record,” a look at the way this year’s Mod Weekend programming was dictated by the Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100 list. This survey, undertaken by the nonprofit Architecture Sarasota (the organization that organizes Mod Weekend), is a ranking of the “100 places and spaces that give Sarasota its character.” As a longtime admirer of Sarasota design, I love this list. And I particularly love the way it was compiled. The venues included are based on a mix of expert and public opinions, and said places include the landmarks we all know and cherish (such as the aforementioned Ca’ d’Zan), as well as sites you may have never heard about before but were deemed special by the people who appreciate them. The list is an eye-opener, and even those who consider themselves Sarasota pundits should take a look. As our community continues to grow, honoring Sarasota’s architectural past while embracing its future is more important than ever.
Beyond that article, in our features section, you will find homes that open effortlessly to the Gulf breezes, public spaces reimagined for modern life, and creative voices who remind us that good design is not just about beauty but about living well.
A s we debut another inspiring issue, I want to thank the readers, advertisers, and editorial partners who make this publication possible. Your continued support allows us to celebrate the vibrant design and architecture community that helps shape Sarasota’s distinctive charm. Here’s to the creative spirit that makes our town not just a beautiful place to live but a place where design truly thrives.
LIZ GOODMAN Publisher lgoodman@floridadesign.com
JETT THOMPSON
Jett Thompson Home & Interiors
“Old World, New Shores,” page 64
“One of the highlights of working on this project was the homeowners’ particular appreciation for using special materials inside and out,” says designer Jett Thompson about the Siesta Key home that graces this edition’s cover. “Pecky cypress, copper gutters, cedar shake roof tiles, coral stone, and reclaimed brick were all fair game.” Another plus was discovering the home’s “surprise rooms,” like the wife’s painting studio, which is accessed through a somewhat hidden door.
“It’s a cozy space that’s her own private retreat,” says Thompson. “That’s something I wish all houses would have.” jettthompson.com
TIFFANY WEBER
Studio Vesta Interior Design
“The Right Balance,” page 86
When an Illinois couple called on Tiffany Weber to oversee the interiors of their new home in Siesta Key, the Saint Paul, Minnesota designer said yes happily and immediately. “I’d worked with them on a vacation lake home in Wisconsin, so I was delighted when they invited me to collaborate on a design project again.” The job required Weber to balance the two differing tastes of the husband and wife and deliver a residence marked by tailored and eclectic coastal elegance. “We accomplished everything we set out to do,” says Weber. “The project was a complete success.” studiovestainteriors.com
TRACEE MURPHY
Trade Mark Interiors
“Coming Home,” page 76
“It’s a home crafted for year-round enjoyment,” says designer Tracee Murphy about the Oyster Bay Landings house featured in this edition. “We created a refined oasis for effortless entertaining and family connection with an overall aesthetic that’s sleek yet natural, with layers of rich texture that highlight the residence’s multi-level outdoor living areas.” The best part of the project? The clients. “These homeowners understood how complicated construction can be,” says Murphy, “so they rolled with the punches while remaining enthusiastic about all the unique design elements we introduced.” trademarkinteriordesign.com
AMANDA KRUEGER TOMLINSON
Amanda Krueger & Company
“High Spirits,” page 94
“With visionary homeowners, a talented architectural team, and a builder committed to excellence, this was the kind of project you dream about as a designer,” says Amanda Krueger Tomlinson regarding the commission of a new build in Bradenton. Tomlinson helmed the interior design experience, ensuring the home’s finishes, furnishings, and flow felt intentional. “What made this project so memorable was the spirit of true collaboration,” says Tomlinson. “Watching our clients walk into the space we once only imagined together was as rewarding as we’d hoped it would be.” akco.design
ANGELA RODRIGUEZ
Angela Rodriguez Interiors
“Collected and Curated,” page 104
“The owners wanted it to be stylish and aesthetically beautiful,” says designer Angela Rodriguez about a Bradenton home on the shores of the Manatee River that she recently completed. “But they also wanted to make sure that it reflected the character and the energy of their family.” Rodriguez ensured the clients’ wishes were fulfilled with a delicate balance of wow factor and warmth, as well as rooms inspired by the homeowners’ world travels. “Everything in the house was designed [after taking into account] how the family was going to use it every day,” says Rodriguez. “We gave them a home for living.” angelarodriguezinteriors.com
FABRIC FINERY
Inspired by one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the Holland Park upholstered seating collection from ZINC TEXTILE blends bold patterns with luxurious textures. Dramatic jacquards, embroideries, and chenilles play host to a bold flame stitch, a lavish veined marble, a classic houndstooth, an impossibly soft velvet, and others in a series of nine designs, each more glamourous than the last. zinctextile.com
So Landing
EASE VISITORS IN WITH A SEDATE FOYER DEFINED BY QUIET LUXURY’S NEUTRAL TONES
Crafted from sandblasted aluminum and wirebrushed oak, the Tempo console by BERNHARDT is unobtrusive and chic. bernhardt.com
BELOW: Made from a wrought iron frame covered in braided abaca rope, the Olisa Natura bench from CURREY & COMPANY offers the earthy feel of rattan and wicker in a more subtle way than we’re used to. curreyandcompany.com
ABOVE: Hundreds of tiny coco beads are handwoven over a flower-shaped metal frame to create the Astin chandelier by MADE GOODS madegoods.com
BELOW: The coastal chic cues from the Scallop mirror by UNIVERSAL FURNITURE are impossible to miss. universalfurniture.com
The intriguing texture of the Wrinkle vase by Sarah Sherman Samuel for LULU AND GEORGIA sculptural edge to any space. luluandgeorgia.com adds a
Modular Level
The new special edition of the Camaleonda sofa system from B&B ITALIA is covered in fabric featuring Stella McCartney’s signature S-wave monogram. bebitalia.com
featuring poster imagery from director Pedro Almodóvar’s various films. roche-bobois.com
RIGHT: The Insula modular sofa by KETTAL is designer Patricia Urquiola’s updated take on the traditional seating found in Arab majlis, rooms where community members gather to socialize. kettal.com
Created by Gabriel Tan, the Luva Modular HERMAN MILLER into almost any configuration one can dream up. store.hermanmiller.com chair from can fold up, down, or
Hans Hopfer’s iconic Lounge sofa for ROCHE BOBOIS gets the cinematic treatment with new fabric
Everything BY DESIGN
Explore world-class luxury showrooms, elevated workspaces, and awe-inspiring event venues— now open to the public. ALL UNDER ONE ICONIC ROOF
BELOW: The Esperance fixture from HUDSON VALLEY LIGHTING is crafted from two linen shades bisected by discs strung with natural bleached abaca. hvlgroup.com
ABOVE: The gilded tiers of the Veneto chandelier by SCHONBEK draw their inspiration from inverted vintage parasols. schonbek.com
RIGHT: Designed by Barclay Butera for FINE ART HANDCRAFTED LIGHTING the Embark pendant features layers of hand-blown glass forms that are reminiscent of ocean waves. finearthl.com
Funnel Vision
CONE-SHAPED LIGHTING LEADS THE CHARGE
LEFT: The jewel-like chains of the Lucien wall sconce from CURREY & COMPANY are draped in an elegant crisscross pattern. curreyandcompany.com
RIGHT: With a textured base topped by a smooth conical shade, the Miramar accent lamp by Kelly Wearstler for VISUAL COMFORT is a study in contrasting finishes.
visualcomfort.com
Laura Henry Photography
ABOVE: Intricate veining and delicate yellow accents exude beauty and sophistication in the Calacatta Picasso marble from JUST TILE & MARBLE justtilenmarble.com
Surface Appeal
WHEN IT COMES TO NATURAL STONE, GO FOR THE BOLD
LEFT: With its dazzling turquoise hue and bathed in a texture of brownish tones, the Amazonite stone by PORCELANOSA offers unmatched brilliance. porcelanosa.com
LEFT: Capturing the beauty of natural alabaster, the Alabastri tiles by CASALGRANDE PADANA feature subtle veining patterns in a variety of colors. casalgrandepadana.com
ABOVE: The Scalea from COSENTINO is a mix of granite and quartzite that’s treated to be stain-resistant. cosentino.com
LEFT: Iridescent navy clusters define the alluring Arctic Blue granite from MARBLE OF THE WORLD marbleoftheworld.com
Alfresco Textures
RIGHT: A true statement piece, the Breakers rattan chandelier from SERENA & LILY evokes lush flora and tropical heat. serenaandlily.com
OUTDOOR SPACES DEMAND FURNISHINGS WITH TACTILE APPEAL
arteriorshome.com
LEFT: Inspired by the sculptures of Andy Goldsworthy, the Felicia accent table by ARTERIORS seems to defy gravity.
Adorned with hand-tufted blossoms fit for couture, the elegant Bolero parasol by TUUCI is an example of fashion-inspired artistry and superior craftsmanship. tuuci.com
RIGHT: The rope detailing that weaves its way through the butterfly-inspired frame of the Opus armchair by Studio Angeletti Ruzza for YAAZ makes it a majestic standout in any space. yaaz.com
AMY LOU INTERIORS
Amy Lou Interiors is a luxury interior design firm known for creating timeless, sophisticated spaces that blend modern elegance with organic warmth. Founded by designer Amy Lou Smith, the firm specializes in curating bespoke interiors that reflect both lifestyle and location, with a focus on contemporary coastal, Mediterranean, and modern-organic aesthetics. From high-end residences to boutique commercial projects, Amy Lou and her team deliver personalized designs that balance beauty, function, and comfort. With a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for crafting unforgettable environments, the firm has built a reputation for transforming visions into livable works of art—making luxury part of everyday living.
AMY LOU INTERIORS
5317 Lena Road, Suite 107
Bradenton, FL 34211
941-400-0803
amylou.com
BCB HOMES
For nearly 35 years, BCB Homes has worked diligently earning a reputation for excellence in building luxury residences. Founded by a group of secondgeneration builders who dreamed to raise the building standards in Southwest Florida, today BCB Homes builds quality and livability into every home it builds. Combining new technology with proven old-world traditions, BCB Homes, quite simply, builds a better home. The firm’s great successes, however, have come without sacrificing its founding principles and traditions. Unique in its ability to balance the best of the past with the most innovative ideas of the present, BCB Homes is recognized as the leader in building the most prestigious custom homes in Southwest Florida.
BCB HOMES
2724 Fruitville Road, Suite 104 Sarasota, FL 34237
941-330-0800
bcbhomes.com
WALNUT WONDER
RUSTIC ARTISAN CRAFTSMANSHIP MAKES ORIOR’S BEATHA CABINET A STORAGE STANDOUT
TEXT CHRISTOPHER DAY
THE INSPIRATION
“With the Beatha, we sought to capture the warmth and grounded presence of a traditional cottage,” says Jean Morana, Orior’s head of design.
“That’s why the design is marked by its chunky framework, rounded legs, and curved silhouette.”
THE CONSTRUCTION
“Each Beatha cabinet takes more than five months to create,” says Morana. “And each piece requires the expertise of three master artisans—one in timber, another in leather, and a third in bronze. Each one contributes his or her skills to achieve the level of precision and detail we require.”
THE MATERIALS
“The cabinet is constructed entirely of solid walnut with doors upholstered in Italian hair-on-hide and handles and hinges that are hand-formed in solid cast bronze,” says Morana. “Inside, the shelving is cut from bespoke Caffe Amaro stone with trays in blackened steel. These materials were chosen for their durability and ability to blend rustic warmth with refined detailing. The tactile elements were designed to entice the viewer to touch and open the cabinet.”
THE FINAL WORD
“The Beatha is designed to elevate the experience of entertaining,” says Morana. “Both functional and sculptural, it brings a surprising warmth to spaces.” oriorfurniture.com
TRUST. KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE.
“Best showroom in town with an amazingly knowledgeable staff.”
- DAVID B.
FLUID DESIGN
SARASOTA GETS A NEW ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK WITH THIS FALL’S DEBUT OF THE MOTE SCIENCE EDUCATION AQUARIUM
With its $130 million price tag and state-of-the-art exhibits, the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota is the biggest thing to happen to Florida’s marine biology sector in years. Just as impressive is the 146,000-square-foot building’s architecture. Conceived by TVS Design in Atlanta, Mote SEA’s dynamic structure was inspired by the venue’s conservation efforts and stewardship of marine life.
TVS literature puts it in more poetic terms: “The building can be gesturally understood as a boat, charting the waters in search for new ideas. With windswept layers of metal panel, the form of the building moves at full speed, breaking down its form at the stern but solid and steady as it raises towards the sky at the bow.” By all accounts, Sarasota’s newest design marvel is officially here. mote.org; tvsdesign.com
ABOVE: Located in Nathan Benderson Park, the Mote Science Education Aquarium’s design was inspired by faceted fish scales and is meant to resemble a ship at sea.
ABOVE AND RIGHT: Designed by Roto, Mote SEA’s interior exhibits revolve around marine life and ocean preservation efforts.
DYLAN BLAKE KAPNECK
GRAPHIC CONTENT
THE SARASOTA ART MUSEUM CLOSES THE YEAR WITH A NOD TO ART DECO
There’s still time to celebrate Art Deco’s centennial. The Sarasota Art Museum’s Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration (through March 29, 2026) commemorates the design style’s 100th anniversary by focusing on 100 dynamic posters created by some of the master graphic designers of 1920s and ’30s. Featuring subjects ranging from automobiles, airlines, and ocean liners to drinks and tobacco, the lithographs (from the Crouse Collection) in the exhibition salute the arrival of printed graphics and chronicles how creatives bid farewell to the soft forms of Art Nouveau and embraced a new, livelier, and optimistic genre of art. Alongside the posters, the show will also highlight sculptures and cocktail shakers, as well as Art Deco furniture pieces on loan from The Wolfsonian-FIU in Miami Beach. sarasotaartmuseum.org
PALETTE PARTNERSHIP
Mylands, the renowned 140-year-old British paint and wood polishes manufacturer, recently tapped in-demand London designer Beata Heuman for The Dependables, a collection of 24 “vivid and reliable paint colors.” Like its name indicates, the shades in the line include versatile light neutrals to cover most walls, midtones for shadowy depth, darker tints to add contrast, calming greens and blues, buttery yellows, and vibrant reds for when the occasion calls for drama. “It has always been my dream to do my own paint collection,” says Heuman. “I am very specific about color, and I think about it a lot, so it has been thoroughly enjoyable expressing that and now being able to share it with a bigger audience.” mylands.com; beataheuman.com
ABOVE: Australia: Sunshine and Surf (1936) by Gert Sellheim
ABOVE: Designer Beata Heuman surrounded by various colors from The Dependables paint collection
LEFT: A front door in the Forest shade from The Dependables paint collection
INSET
ABOVE: Brushstrokes in Boiled Dill (top) and Forest from The Dependables paint collection
ABOVE: Tungsram Radio-Röhren (1933) by Anonymous
RIGHT: Sables d’Or Les Pins (1926) by unknown artist
ABOVE: The Serge rug from the Nate Berkus x Rugs USA collection is made of soft wool and features a mid-century modern bordered design.
TEXTURE TACTICS
DESIGNER NATE BERKUS DEBUTS A NEW COLLECTION WITH RUGS USA THAT’S ALL ABOUT FUSS-FREE STYLE
ABOVE: As Nate Berkus sees it, rugs are essential to grounding a room and making it feel calm, cohesive, and intentional.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Popular among interior designers for its large-format slabs, Porcelanosa’s Xlight stone collection is ideal to decorate walls and floors with graphic continuity. Made of Spanish porcelain, the line recently introduced three new designs in four different finishes. Santorini reflects the beauty of raw cement with cool tones and subtle detailing. Taranto draws inspiration from travertine and captures the organic warmth and texture of the stone. Nuit channels the elegance of dark marble with veining in porcelanosa.com
: Xlight’s new Nuit design resembles dark marble for environments that call for depth, mood, and modern refinement.
LEFT: Meant to resemble travertine, Xlight’s Taranto porcelain is lightweight and subtle for a minimalist sensibility.
With a husband, two young children, a Chicago practice, TV appearances, and multiple ongoing projects, it’s a wonder tastemaker Nate Berkus found time for a new endeavor. But Berkus is nothing if not prolific. His new collection for Rugs USA features 16 styles (both plush statement pieces as well as machine-washable designs) that lean into classic style yet can seamlessly integrate into a range of interiors. The line’s palette is marked by warm neutrals with subtle patterns and natural wool as the hero material because of the fiber’s durability, softness underfoot, and refined, matte texture. “This collection started with me doing a ton of research and looking through almost every motif for fabric design, antique rugs, Chinese Art Deco rugs, and European rugs from the 1930s and 1940s,” says Berkus. “We specifically created rugs that will make interiors feel layered and assembled over time—rugs that are simple and easy to design around.” rugsusa.com
RIGHT: A living room setting anchored by the Yves rug from the Nate Berkus x Rugs USA collection
BRAND AWARENESS
FRATO MAKES A CASE FOR PORTUGUESE DESIGN AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
It seems American designers are discovering Frato all at once. The 15-year-old Portuguese brand started off as a high-end jewelry house, a trait that’s still evident in its contemporary, elegant designs. Recently new to the United States, the brand has struck a chord for its pairing of traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking designs. Just released, the 2025 collection focuses on materials like rattan, leather, marble and solid woods via sofas, chairs, credenzas, rectangular and round tables, lighting, and various accessories. frato.com
IN THE HOT ZONE
The name Kohler is synonymous with upscale bathroom and kitchen design, but now the brand is setting its sights on the home wellness category with the debut of saunas this fall. The new division features an inventory of indoor and outdoor saunas built with premium materials and can accommodate a wide range of styles and spaces of various sizes. Common to all designs are refined wood finishes, extra-thick walls and glass, and advanced mineral wool insulation engineered for optimal heat retention. A touchscreen allows easy control of time, temperature, and ambiance, including mood lighting. “They are seamless systems, whether indoors or out,” says Katie Stevens, GM of Kohler Wellness. “We set out to create beautiful and therapeutic environments that invigorate the senses and promote deep relaxation.” kohler.com
Frato’s Montreux armchair’s low profile and slender legs touch on classic design.
above: Kohler’s new outdoor saunas are built to withstand the elements with a triple insulated waterproof ceiling and dual-pane glass.
left: Frato’s Manarola TV unit is crafted from wood and features supple leather highlights and brushed brass finishes.
A setting showcasing Frato’s living room line from the 2025 Collection
ANNOUNCING THE 2026
SEAGLASS AWARDS
Recognizing design excellence in Florida
Florida Design invites interior designers, architects, and other design professionals from across the state to submit their best Florida-based projects for this competition.
These projects will be judged by distinguished national design professionals and accomplished journalists over the coming months. Winners across dozens of residential design categories will be recognized during an awards ceremony and dinner in May, 2026.
The winners and their projects will be featured in Florida Design’s Summer issue 2026.
Flower Power
RENOWNED ARTIST REBECCA LOUISE LAW
BRINGS HER IMMERSIVE INSTALLATIONS TO MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS
Beyond inviting viewers to wander through them and discover their diverse forms, colors, and textures, Rebecca Louise Law’s immersive flower installations evoke themes of consumerism, sustainability, and the passage of time.
“I use flowers as my paint,” says Law. “They hold a fragility, a story, a life. They are designed to attract, and they are constantly evolving.”
Made up of hundreds of preserved flowers that stretch from corner to corner across a room’s ceiling or hang down from above like curtains, Law’s creations have been showcased at landmarks all over the world. This fall, her newest works are part of the Orchid Show (through December 7) at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown campus as part of the exhibition Survival . The presentation’s theme directly correlates to the Selby, its collections, and its sustainability efforts.
“The Selby has taken my breath away,” says Law. “When I saw the dedication of its botanists, the fact that certain plants in its living collection are the only specimens left in the world, how both of the campuses have been hit by hurricanes and come back—past, present, and future, it all felt like survival.”
Law’s exhibition is site-specific to the Selby’s Display Conservatory and includes plants and flowers from the onsite gardens such as orchids, bromeliads, palms, and moss. The rest (one million plus) will come from Law’s archives, which include more than two million specimens (some as old as 20 years) that are stored in temperature-controlled environments in the U.S., Wales in the United Kingdom, and various other cities throughout Europe.
After her Sarasota debut, Law’s team will pack up the blooms and get them ready for a Germany exhibition in April 2026, the artist’s largest installation yet. Which begs the question: After 20 years of petals and string, does she ever lack inspiration?
“Never, because there are endless species of flowers to explore,” she says. “I will never know enough.” selby.org; rebeccalouiselaw.com
says artist Rebecca Louise Law. “It’s a perfect form of nature that holds onto its
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LEFT: Created by Rebecca Louise Law for Parma Capital of Culture 2020, Florilegium is a permanent installation at the Chiesa di San Tiburzio in Parma, Italy.
Part of the 2019 Arte Botanica exhibition at Château de la Roche-Jagu in Brittany, France, Banquet made reference to medieval feasts from the 15th century.
“The beauty of a dried flower is being able to revisit it and observe it as a preserved object of the Earth,”
fragility.”
STAR QUALITY
GULF COAST ARTIST SARA KISSING’S MULTIMEDIA PAINTINGS OF MUSIC AND MOVIE IDOLS FIND A HOME AT CLIVE DANIEL
below: Prince, acrylic paint, markers, modeling paste, gold pigment, 24-karat gold leaf, charcoal, photos, and epoxy. “Every brushstroke in this piece carries my admiration for Prince’s fearless creativity,” says Sara Kissing. “This painting is a tribute not only to his artistry but also to the way he shaped my own creative journey.”
above: David Bowie, acrylic paint, markers, modeling paste, gold pigment, 24-karat gold leaf, charcoal, photos, and epoxy. “The collaged elements in this piece are rooted in real fragments of Bowie’s story, honoring both the man and the myth,” says Kissing. “This canvas is my personal tribute to his brilliance and to the indelible mark he left on my generation.”
A meeting with Naples artist Sara Kissing and her high-impact, lushly layered canvases was all it took to convince the top brass at Clive Daniel to make her artwork part of the furniture retailer’s floor inventory.
“My art is best experienced in person,” says Kissing. “Each piece has details that range from collage to 24-karat gold leaf and epoxy, and that richness only reveals itself face to face. Once the team saw them, we decided to move forward with a full collaboration.”
The result of said collaboration is the series Pop Art Icons & Idols , a group of portraits featuring performers from Hollywood’s Golden Age and music stars from more recent times. “We worked closely with showroom managers in Sarasota and Naples to imagine which cultural icons would resonate most with their clientele,” says Kissing. “I then painted 15 new works, and each store selected the icons that best matched its atmosphere and customers.” Sarasota picked rock stars like Prince and David Bowie, while Naples opted for figures such as Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Audrey Hepburn.
Appreciation for Kissing’s artworks comes from the fact that they are as detailed as they are labor intensive. “Each piece is entirely hand-painted; there is
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RIGHT: Marilyn Monroe, mixed media collage with 24-karat gold leaf application. “Marilyn has always fascinated me as both an icon of female empowerment and a tragic figure,” says Kissing.
“With her bold red lips, she radiates sensuality, confidence, and vulnerability all at once.”
INSET BELOW: Artist Sara Kissing’s advertising background informs the bold visual language that defines her portraits.
no screen printing,” says the artist, a German native who moved to Southwest Florida from San Francisco a few years back. “I begin by sketching and then work in stages, building up texture with paste, layering acrylics, markers and pencil, adding photo collage elements, gilding with genuine 24-karat gold leaf and metallic pigments, and finally sealing with a glossy epoxy finish. It takes about two weeks or so to complete one large painting.”
While Kissing’s association with Clive Daniel is a first, the experience is not entirely new. In early 2025, Natuzzi Italia hired her to create a number of paintings based on Italian legends. Prior to that, she worked with interior designers throughout Florida by providing largescale artworks for commercial and residential projects on a regular basis. These series-by-commission gigs might just prove to be her new niche, however.
“I really love painting this way,” says Kissing, who’s represented in Naples by Gallery One. “It gives me the freedom to explore different facets of an idea while keeping a unifying thread.” @kisssing.art; clivedaniel.com
LEFT: James Dean mixed media collage with 24-karat gold leaf application.
“Creating this James Dean piece was both thrilling and bittersweet,” says Kissing. “I felt passion in capturing his spirit but sadness for a life cut far too short.”
Handmade History
FOR SARASOTA POTTER OSA ATOE, CERAMICS ARE EVERYDAY ART INGRAINED WITH PERSONAL STORIES
TEXT FLORIAN JOUIN
“I tried ceramics when a co-worker suggested
“I’ve made pitcher and basin sets before, but this is my first one with a wild clay surface,” says Atoe. “I picture this one resting together but put to use separately.”
“Each object I make tells a story, speaks to the tradition of handmade artifacts, and shares my personal experiences,” says potter Osa Atoe. “Clay has become not just a means for me to create but a portal to so many beautiful things.”
The Sarasota artisan is not speaking about the cerebral sculpture her statement may conjure up but of the earthy and rustic pitchers, bowls, plates, and cups that are the hallmarks of her 15-year-old business.
“My focus is on everyday pieces that are meant to be used by people in their homes,” says Atoe. “The longer I do it, the more special it feels to create a mug that someone will cup between their hands and touch to their lips time and time again. That intimacy with art objects is rare to experience. When we visit a museum or gallery, pottery is often behind a glass or on a pedestal and we’re not allowed to touch it, so the way my handmade pots enter people’s lives is a very special thing.”
Equally special are the backstories that inform Atoe’s pottery. Her pieces reference her past as a punk rock musician, her Nigerian background, and that country’s little-known but significant ceramic traditions. “I see a connection between the rhythmic and repetitive geometric patterning I use to decorate my pieces and the rhythm and repetition in music, and I reference the Abuja Pottery Training Centre in Nigeria, a pioneering
ABOVE:
a new studio in the neighborhood,” says potter Osa Atoe. “One class was all it took.”
destination for studio pottery, to ground my work in my heritage and history,” explains Atoe. “That’s the kind of cultural fusion I’m interested in building.”
While serious about her craft, Atoe doesn’t want her ceramics to be viewed with too much reverence. They’re meant to be used and enjoyed. It’s “functional pottery” after all, made from clay, which, as Atoe points out, is “dirt and it’s everywhere.”
“While I make, I think of the needs my pieces may fulfill, whether that’s morning coffee or tea, or a jug on your nightstand that you can reach for at 3 a.m. when you wake up thirsty,” she says. “The strength and meaning of my work only become evident through its incorporation into the lives of other people.” potterybyosa.com
RIGHT: “This plate is a nice example of my tableware, which is dishwasher and microwave safe, with a thicker rim that resists chipping,” says Atoe. “The rhythmic, geometric pattern is a go-to decorative motif for me.”
ABOVE: “I made this vase without the use of a wheel and painted it with clays from Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida,” says Atoe. “It has a form that people often describe as feminine, which matches our conceptions of Mother Nature and women’s traditional roles as potters and waterkeepers.”
Atoe’s pottery is sometimes made with clay she collects from the shores of Sarasota Bay and the clay pit in Ocala National Forest.
Architectural Record
THIS FALL’S MOD WEEKEND SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON THE LANDMARKS AND EVERYDAY SPACES THAT DEFINE SARASOTA’S UNIQUE DESIGN IDENTITY
text SAXON HENRY
Given the rapid growth that continues to take place all over town, Architecture Sarasota’s 2024 unveiling of Moderns That Matter , a list of the 100 places and spaces that give the city its sense of place and character, came at just the right time. This fall, the tally makes a welcome encore as the basis of the programming for Mod Weekend, Architecture Sarasota’s annual salute to homegrown design.
“You can’t preserve or adapt and advocate for things you don’t know exist, so compiling the survey was a critical first step,” says Morris Hylton III, Architecture Sarasota’s president. “Now, by focusing Mod Weekend’s programming around the list’s entries, we are reiterating its significance.”
Considering how thorough the process to finalize the list was, Mod Weekend participants can anticipate an in-depth experience. The team working on the project surveyed 800 properties that hold thousands of buildings, which they examined via a geo-spatial database. They also invited the public to choose properties they wanted to see on the list, setting up nomination stations they could visit, asking them to comment on social media and printing cards that could be mailed.
“We wanted the effort to celebrate architects, and not just the historically relevant ones, but the current day practitioners as well,” says Hylton. “The voting process for the public was made as easy as possible.” Voters’ chosen
Completed in 1928 and opened to the public in 1930, architect John H. Phillip’s Ringling Museum resembles a Renaissance-era Venice palazzo, with a U-shaped building and long loggias enclosing a courtyard. The two wings of the museum are connected by a marble bridge, upon which stands a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David
left: Designed by architect Dwight James Baum as the winter home of John and Mable Ringling, Ca’ d’Zan was completed in 1926.
right: One of the leading examples of Sarasota School architecture, Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House (1953) showcases Lido Shores’ blend of international-style modernism and tropical design.
above: Opened in 1973, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown campus is currently undergoing a massive renovation that revealed the Jean Goldstein Welcome Center in 2024.
left: Architect Victor Lundy designed St. Paul Lutheran Church (1958-1969) with a distinct, soaring roof supported by steel cables suspended from a truss that extends the entire, north-south length of the building.
above: The Art Ovation Hotel (2018), designed by Sarasota’s Solstice Planning and Architecture, features structural columns that project slightly beyond the building plane and taper gently at the top.
In Good Company
structures didn’t need to meet any criteria; they just had to be meaningful to them.
The suggestions, which swelled to 600 in a three-month period, were then curated to form what Hylton calls a snapshot of a historical document with 10 decades of Sarasota’s architectural environment on it. As expected, the final list (which was divided into 10 categories) features architectural landmarks synonymous with Sarasota (such as Ca’ d’Zan and the Ringling Museum), as well as examples of the Sarasota School of Architecture (Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House is just one), but it also includes less obvious structures such as the Greater Hurst Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on North Links Avenue and the Wilfrid T. Robarts Sports Arena on Ringling Boulevard. And from November 14 to 16, the stories of all those structures will form the backbone of the tours, symposiums, and talks of Mod Weekend 2025.
“When we curated the list, we chose the everyday places that give Sarasota the feel that its contemporary residents appreciate,” says Hylton. “These are the types of projects the public wants to see continue to happen, so we need to advocate to make that possible.” architecturesarasota.org
CIVIC
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center (1998)
Longboat Key Fire Station #92 (2021)
Nokomis and Venice Jetties (1937)
Payne Park Auditorium (1962)
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (2011)
Sarasota City Hall (1966)
Sarasota County Fire Station #13 (2021)
Sarasota County Fire Station #8 (2020)
Selby Library (1998)
The John Ringling Causeway Bridge (2003)
United States Post Office (1964)
Venice Fire Station #1 (2021)
Wilfrid T. Robarts Sports Arena (1966-67)
Women’s Resource Center (1990)
COMMERCIAL
Clark Road Mercedes Showroom (2011)
Golden Host Resort and Bahi Hut (1959)
Hob Nob Restaurant (1957)
Mel-O-Dee Restaurant (1964)
Office Building (1968)
One Sarasota Tower 1988)
Palm Avenue Stores (1954)
RX Weight Loss Sarasota (1962)
Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Venice (2021)
Sarasota Physicians Surgical Center (1959)
South State Bank (1974)
Sterling Park Business Center (2008)
Truist Bank Building (1990)
CULTURAL & ARTS
Ca’ d’Zan (1926)
Former Galloway’s Furniture Store (1959)
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (1930)
McCulloch Pavilion 2015 (1960)
Sarasota Art Museum—2019 (1926,1960)
Sarasota Opera House (1926)
The Caples-Ringling Estates Historic District
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Theater and Education and Outreach Building—2020 (1926,1970)
EDUCATIONAL
Alfred R. Goldstein Library (2017)
Elling Eide Center (2015)
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens—2024 (1973)
Out-of-Door Academy (1924)
Pei Dorms of New College of Florida (1965)
Pine View School for the Gifted (1992)
Sarasota High School (1960)
Sarasota Sailing Squadron (1969)
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
Artist’s Residence and Studio (2001)
Bay Plaza Condominium (1983)
Bayport Beach and Tennis Club (1980)
Beachplace Condominiums (1980)
ONE 88 Condominium (2015)
Our House at the Beach (1981)
Park Lane Garden Apartments (1956)
Plymouth Harbor (1966)
Sands Point Condominium (1966)
Sandy Cove Condominiums (1969)
Sarabande Condominium (1998)
NEIGHBORHOODS & DISTRICTS
Burns Court (1925)
Pineapple Apartments (1926)
Spanish Oaks Apartments (1925)
Women’s Exchange/Sarasota Herald Building (1925)
RECREATIONAL
Benderson Family Finish Tower at Nathan Benderson Park (2017)
Bobby Jones Golf Course (1926)
Clubhouse at the Summer Cove Condominium (1976)
Sanderling Beach Cabanas (1952)
Sarasota Jungle Gardens (1940)
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
Burkhardt/Cohen Residence (1957)
Cohen House (1955)
Deering Residence (1956)
Hook Guest House (1951)
Martin Harkavy House (1957)
Taylor House (1955)
Umbrella House (1953)
SPIRITUAL
Greater Hurst Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church (1949)
Siesta Key Chapel/God’s Treehouse—2008 (1975)
St. Boniface Episcopal Church Courtyard, Columbarium, Chapel, and Bell Tower (2004)
St. Paul Lutheran Church (1958-1969)
St. Thomas More Catholic Church Complex (1984)
Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota (1962)
Vida de Reino Iglesia Reformada, former Church of the Cross, (1970)
PUBLIC SPACE
Art Ovation Hotel (2018)
John Nolen Plan of Venice Historic District—1926 (1929)
Palm Avenue Parking Garage (2010)
Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park (2017)
*Editor’s Note: Some entries include
Architect Damien Blumetti’s Siesta Key Bay House (2021) recalls earlier work by luminaries such as Paul Rudolph and Guy Peterson.
RIGHT: The Sarasota Art Museum has undergone renovations by various architects over the years, including the 2019 addition of a modern new entrance and skylight by Lawson Group Architects and Keenan Riley Architects.
Sarasota’s downtown bayfront area has become ground zero for upscale real estate developments in recent years, with more properties on the way.
Center of Attention
DEVELOPERS ARE BETTING BIG ON SARASOTA’S DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT AREA WITH DESIGN-FORWARD CONDO TOWERS BOASTING FIVE-STAR APPEAL
City living is the new reality of Sarasota real estate. As more discerning urbanites from the U.S. and abroad discover our once-lazy Gulf Coast capital, developers are ready with high-rise residences marked by superior architecture and luxurious design. Here are five such forthcoming projects with major buzz.
THE PALM 625 SARASOTA
THE BASICS: From developer V.J. Chukkapalli and his LV7 Investment Group, this five-story structure features just 12 residences starting at $2.5 million.
THE DESIGN: Hoyt Architects has conceived an angular, visually arresting structure with open-layout residences marked by marble countertops and modern finishings. 625sarasota.com
ADAGIO SARASOTA
THE BASICS: A partnership between developers The Lutgert Companies, Barron Collier, and R&P Holdings, Adagio will eventually be made up of two towers, the first of which will rise 18 stories and house 103 condominiums.
THE DESIGN: Miami architect Kobi Karp says his goal with Adagio is to “create a building that both honors its surroundings and offers a blissful retreat in its own right.” In terms of the residences themselves, Kathryn Dunagan, senior VP of Marc-Michaels Interior Design, says to expect a look that’s “serene and elevated” with open spaces and kitchens with European cabinetry, quartz countertops, and integrated Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances—all backdropped by a soft, coastal palette befitting the building’s location. adagiosarasota.com
text CHRISTOPHER DAY
THE EDGE SARASOTA
THE BASICS: From developers Jebco Ventures, ORE, and Michael Saunders & Company, The Edge is a 10-story boutique condominium with 27 residences starting at approximately $3 million.
THE DESIGN : The property’s architecture by Parker Walker Group focuses on units with 12-foot (and taller) ceilings that let in copious natural light. Because every residence is a corner unit, views are topnotch from each one. theedgesarasota.com
SOTA RESIDENCES & HOTEL
THE BASICS: An intimate collection of 35 condo residences (priced from $1.7 million to $5 million) makes up the residential component of this buzzy downtown property from Trepp Developments and Nassau Investments. THE DESIGN : Hoyt Architects’ design of SOTA is honest to its philosophy of “designing beyond the building” and engaging the public realm with “quality streets, sidewalks, and parks.” The interiors by Andre Kikoski will reference quiet tropical elegance and timeless style via materials such as warm woods and rich travertines. Residences range in size from 1,572 square feet to 2,647 square feet and feature open floor plans, high ceilings, and upscale finishes throughout. thesota.com
THE HIGH LINE
THE BASICS: Set to rise at Main Street and Osprey Avenue from developer ORE, The High Line’s 11 stories will house 142 residences ranging from the high $700,000s to $2 million.
THE DESIGN : Not much has been revealed about The High Line’s design components, other than its team, which includes Hoyt Architects and PS Design Workshop, two design firms that are known to deliver. oredevco.com
What A Show!
THE CURTAIN GOES UP ON THE NEW CIRQUE ST. ARMANDS BEACHSIDE HOTEL
text FLORIAN JOUIN
Red velvet theater curtains reveal the bold and eclectic design of Ringside, the signature restaurant at the Cirque St. Armands Beachside hotel.
There’s no doubt circus impresario John Ringling could put on a show. It is rumored that when the original Ringling Bridge, which connects Sarasota to Lido Key, was opened, Ringling had his elephants walk over it to reassure residents it was strong enough. The man would have certainly appreciated the new Cirque St. Armands Beachside, a 135-room hotel on Lido Beach that pays homage to Sarasota’s circus heritage through its design.
“Every detail here celebrates the ‘Greatest Show on Earth,’” says General Manager Melissa Kaplan. “This reimagined boutique property brings the magic of the Big Top to life with sophisticated flair.”
Under the direction of ID & Design International in Pompano Beach, the Cirque’s nods to circus culture are presented through elegant settings that nod to Art Deco style and Roaring Twenties spirit. Many elements intentionally draw from the nearby Ca’ d’Zan mansion (once Ringling’s winter’s residence), including geometric tiling, ornate columns, drapery-framed entryways, fluted pathways, and plenty of statement pieces. Those influences work their way through the entire building. The lobby welcomes guests with a burnt-orange velvet roundabout settee before guiding the eye to the ceiling to a grand feather chandelier reminiscent of Vegas showgirl costumes. Ringside, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is entered through dramatic red theater curtains that lead into a dining room that manages a mix of blue-andred chairs with leopard motifs, hot pink banquettes, and black-and-white tile flooring. The pool is shaped like three interconnected rings as a nod to historical circus formats. And all throughout are billboard-size photographic murals depicting vintage circus acts.
“The look is very much a mix of sophistication with sprinkles of playfulness,” says Kaplan. “It’s a unique design that’s rich with local history. There’s nothing like it in the area or the state of Florida for that matter.” opalcollection. com/cirque-st-armands
above: The lobby sets the tone for the hotel’s glamorous design with Art Deco columns, a velvet roundabout settee, and a feather-accented chandelier.
below: Art Deco orb lights illuminate the Ringside restaurant’s colorful dining room.
DISTINCTIVE INTERIORS
With more than three decades of experience, Stephanie Nolan, founder of Distinctive Interiors, has established herself as a trusted name in Sarasota’s interior design scene and brings a unique blend of insight, creativity, and clientfocused service to every project.
Known for cultivating enduring relationships and providing strong design direction that helps clients avoid common pitfalls, she ensures each space is a true reflection of the people who live there.
Nolan’s strong interior architectural background gives her an edge, being able to design projects in different areas of the country. The firm is noted and highly prized for their full white-glove services. “We love our installations where our clients arrive for the grand reveal, and everything is picture perfect for them,” Nolan says. “I always tell prospective clients if you want the HGTV experience without the stress or headaches, Distinctive Interiors is the design firm for you.”
DISTINCTIVE INTERIORS
232 Cosmopolitan Ct. Sarasota, FL 34236
941-224-8889
distinctiveinteriorsdesign.com
TRINITY CUSTOM HOMES
Trinity Custom Homes is a Sarasota-based builder specializing in bespoke, high-end residences. Known for their craftsmanship, discretion, and design sensibility, Trinity collaborates with discerning clients to create homes that are both architecturally refined and deeply personal.
Their process is highly involved, working closely with leading architects and interior designers to ensure every detail aligns with the client’s vision and lifestyle. From first conversations to final finishes, Trinity brings clarity, care, and precision to each stage of the build. With a limited number of projects taken on each year, the focus remains on quality over volume. This tailored approach ensures not only a beautiful result, but an experience rooted in trust, transparency, and excellence.
Trinity believes the process of building should reflect the same intention and care as the home itself, delivering residences of lasting value, built for the way their clients truly want to live.
TRINITY CUSTOM HOMES
2017 Fiesta Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-209-5801
trinitysrq.com
Old World, New Shores
ABACO ISLANDS-INSPIRED SOPHISTICATION AND CHARM LEAD THE WAY IN A SIESTA KEY RETREAT WHERE CLASSIC CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS MODERN COASTAL LIVING
INTERIOR DESIGN JETT THOMPSON, JETT THOMPSON HOME & INTERIORS, NAPLES, FL
“Beneath the house’s classic exterior lies a cutting-edge commitment to sustainability,” says builder Ryan Perrone of Nautilus Homes. “A geothermal HVAC system eliminates external air-conditioning units, reducing storm risk and energy consumption while recycling heat to warm the pool.” Certified green framing lumber, high-performance windows and doors, spray foam insulation, and a renewable cedar shake roof further enhance sustainability. “Every decision, from the framing to the finishes, was about performance and longevity,” adds Perrone. “This house will endure.”
above: The living room’s ceiling wood beams are reclaimed from old Ohio barns. The soaring, 72-inch-wide fireplace is paired with a hand-carved coral mantle. Furniture here includes lounge chairs by Palecek, draperies by Quadrille, and an area rug by Stark. The coffee tables are from the homeowners’ previous residence.
ON SARASOTA’S SHIMMERING BAY, a home christened Island Breeze rises like a love letter to island architecture, timeless craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship. At 6,100 square feet, this residence on Siesta Key is as elegant as it is enduring.
The project was the vision of Kurt Zobrist of Cincinatti’s Zobrist Design Group, architect and brother of one of the homeowners, who guided the architecture selections. Nautilus Homes, led by Sarasota native and secondgeneration luxury builder Ryan Perrone, brought the ambitious design to life. Furnishings and decor were entrusted to Jett Thompson Home and Interiors, whose talented namesake and crew captured the home’s warmth and vibrancy.
above: “The exterior’s radius roof lines, adorned with sustainably sourced cedar shake, hand-bent copper roofs, and Carolina brick, resonate with timeless craftsmanship,” says Perrone.
The house’s design finds its roots in the Abaco Islands, where breezy island charm blends with the sophistication of English Loyalist heritage. The curved dormers and sweeping cedar shake rooflines are defining elements that are both elegant and technically challenging. “The client was adamant about cedar shake,” recalls Perrone. “In Florida’s climate, the material is rare, but instead of saying no, we worked directly with the Cedar Shake Bureau to develop specifications to do it right.” Treated and installed to exact specifications, the cedar roof now crowns the home like a sculptural work of art.
below: A wicker chandelier by Currey & Company crowns the kitchen pantry, where all the cabinetry was fabricated by Sarasota Architectural Woodworking.
right: “The kitchen is a beacon of sophistication,” says Perrone. Designed for a classically trained chef, the space functions with professional precision. In front of the Calacatta Gold marble island are a bench and stools by Hickory Chair. Two light pendants from Visual Comfort & Co. add the ideal rustic touch.
Inside, designer Jett Thompson ensured the furnishings reflected the home’s architecture and lifestyle. “To flow with the architecture, the interior needed to feel collected and layered,” she says. “That goal set our design directive into motion.”
The homeowners had long admired Thompson’s aesthetic, frequenting her Naples retail store before engaging her for this project. “These were dream clients,” says the designer. “The design goals were simple: Make a home pretty without feeling too precious. Use materials that are easy to care for and comfortable. Layer in some antique pieces
“We used a lot of neutrals with blues and greens and pops of bright coral and pink to bring the outside in,” says Thompson. The homeowners demanded that the furnishings be comfortable yet sophisticated. In this guest living area, the sofa is by Highland House Furniture, the wicker and Lucite chairs are by Verde Home, and the wicker chandelier is by Currey & Company.
“The best compliment we’ve received is when people ask, ‘How long has this house been here?’” says builder Ryan Perrone. “That sense of belonging to the land is what we aimed for.”
to give the place a feeling of time passed. Avoid trends and stick to classic design that will withstand the test of time.”
Perrone’s Nautilus Homes is known for old-world craftsmanship, and this waterfront estate bears those markings in every detail. The great room’s soaring fireplace, 72 inches wide with a hand-carved coral mantle, anchors the heart of the home. Overhead, massive, reclaimed beams sourced from historic Ohio barns evoke permanence. The pub room nods to Sarasota’s storied The Field Club, where the homeowners are members. Clad in pecky cypress from wall to wall, the cozy space recalls the original 1920s vibes of the club. Throughout, Carolina brick, antique mirrors, and brass lattice weave in layers of history and refinement. Calacatta gold marble elevates the kitchen, while bifold doors open the interiors to expansive terraces and bayfront breezes.
R espect for the site drove many design decisions. Three heritage oak trees were carefully preserved, with the home’s footprint bending gracefully to accommodate their massive canopies. “Building around them was a challenge, but essential,” notes Perrone.
above: With its brick floors, pecky cypress paneling, leather sofas, and collection of antique Florida maps, the pub room is a good example of what happens when different design styles come together flawlessly.
“The best compliment we’ve received is when people ask, ‘How long has this house been here?’ That sense of belonging to the land is what we aimed for.”
Thompson admired Perrone’s commitment to sustainability. “One of my favorite things about this project is the lot,” she says. “Extra care was taken to preserve the natural vegetation instead of clear-cutting. As a result, the house really feels as if it has been where it is for several decades. As a sixth-generation Floridian, I especially appreciated the extra effort that took.”
A lthough they originally intended to use the house as a second home, the Cincinnati-based owners soon decided to relocate full time. They’re avid boaters and anglers and brought their personal boat all the way down to the Gulf from the Ohio River and docked it at the property. Entertaining is equally central to their lifestyle, and the home’s layout also reflects that spirit. Ninety percent of
left: “Rattan and seagrass remind me of Old Florida and the islands,” says Thompson. “As a child in the Abacos, I recall there were grass rugs, rattan furniture, crisp white linens, and bougainvillea and palm leaves for color, so I incorporated those memories into this bedroom.”
An upstairs loft with bunk beds is always ready for family and friends to spend the night. Warm woods and pink details make the accommodations cozy and inviting.
“Above the primary suite is a hidden ‘sneaky’ door that opens to this cozy room, which the wife uses as her painting studio,” says Thompson. “Window seats, builtin bookshelves, and collected treasures make it a private retreat to slip away to.”
left:
below: “I love the sleeping porch with the two hanging daybeds from Low Country Originals,” says Thompson. “Retractable screens can close in the space so there’s no worrying about bugs.”
the residence unfolds on a single level, with a separate guest wing accessible via a breezeway for added privacy. Outdoor terraces, swings, and waterfront views invite gatherings that spill effortlessly from inside to outside.
For Perrone, what sets Island Breeze apart is more than its material beauty. “Out of all the homes we’ve built, this one feels the most full of heart,” he reflects. “The owners are wonderful people, and when the client’s passion matches yours, it’s easy to create something extraordinary.”
SOURCES
LIVING ROOM
Lounge chairs – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Palecek, palecek.com Drapery fabric – Quadrille, quadrillefabrics.com
Area rug – Stark, Naples, FL
KITCHEN
Bench and stools – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Hickory Chair Furniture, hickorychair.com
Palm tree lamp – Wildwood Home, wildwoodhome.com
GUEST LIVING AREA NEAR STAIRS
Sofa – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Highland House Furniture, highlandhousefurniture.com
Chairs – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Verde Home, verdehomeinc.com
Cocktail table – Made Goods, madegoods.com
Wicker chandelier – Currey & Company, curreyandcompany.com
Leaf sconce – Hudson Valley Lighting Group, hvlgroup.com
FAMILY ROOM
Blue armchair – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Chaddock, chaddock.com
Leather cocktail table – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL and fabricated by Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com
GUEST BEDROOM
Poster bed – Universal Furniture, universalfurniture.com
Chest – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors,
Naples, FL, and fabricated by Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com
Chair – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Phillips Scott, phillipsscott.com
Lamp – Villa & House, vandh.com
LOGGIA
Dining table – Janus et Cie, janusetcie.com
Chairs – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Made Goods, madegoods.com
Seating – Designed by Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Summer Classics, summerclassics.com
Hanging swing – Low Country Originals, lowcountryoriginals.com
Poufs – Made Goods, madegoods.com
A Janus et Cie table and Made Goods chairs set up for alfresco dining on the loggia, which overlooks the pool and the bay beyond.
Coming Home
A YOUNG COUPLE RETURNS TO SARASOTA TO RECONNECT WITH LOVED ONES IN A COZY-COOL FAMILY HOME IN SCENIC OYSTER BAY LANDINGS
interior design TRACEE MURPHY, TRADE MARK INTERIORS, SARASOTA, FL
architecture BSB DESIGN, TAMPA, FL
construction HOLLIDAY GROUP, SARASOTA, FL
text JEANNE DE LATHOUDER
photography RYAN GAMMA, SARASOTA, FL
above: Architecturally designed by Tampa-based BSB Design and built by Sarasota’s Holliday Group, this 4,500-square-foot home features an additional 3,500 square feet of outdoor living spaces, offering a series of thoughtfully defined gathering areas for both adults and children. The exterior façade’s mix of refined woods and materials exudes an aesthetic that is both refined and functional.
left: A rooftop lounge captures the dreamy vibe of Oyster Bay Landings, the private peninsula where the home is located. The architecture of the four-story property capitalizes on the rooftop’s expansive views of Sarasota Bay. Designed for entertaining, a spacious bar centers around adjacent seating areas, including a cozy firepit surrounded by padded lounge chairs from Ebel.
EMBRACING THE SALT LIFE is a natural for most Floridians, especially in Sarasota, where world-class beaches intersect with the landscape’s unspoiled natural beauty. For an active couple who had previously lived here, it seemed a no-brainer to return and build a dreamy seaside home as both their primary residence and a getaway for their extended family. Their chosen spot? Oyster Bay Landings, a private enclave known for its summer-in-Nantucket feel.
Built by the local Holliday Group, with architectural planning by BSB Design based in Tampa, the steep four-story home boasts 4,500 square feet of interior space, plus an additional 3,500 square feet of alfresco living. Impeccably designed to take advantage of full rooftop views of Sarasota Bay, the architecture also affords a host of outdoor living venues, including multiple pools, outdoor decks, and a breezy rooftop lounge.
“ This exquisite home represents a seamless collaboration between builder, architect, designer, and homeowner—each bringing vision and detail to create a residence that is both functional and beautiful,” says Tracee Murphy, CEO and principal designer of Sarasota’s award-winning Trade Mark Interiors. “The clients requested spaces that were neutral, cozy, and cool, designed to balance the needs of a young family who enjoys frequent entertaining. The result is a series of thoughtfully defined gathering areas—some tailored for adults, others for children, and many for the family to enjoy together.”
Bespoke design details set the home apart, from a prominent “showcase elevator” wrapped by a sculptural staircase and adjacent sitting areas, to the
below: A framed photograph by Slim Aarons brings colorful edginess to the office’s otherwise neutral demeanor. Built-ins, including a desk and a wall of roomy storage drawers, wrap one side of the room, providing a generous work-from-home space complemented by a leather desk chair and a textural shearling armchair with ottoman, all by Four Hands.
Earthy neutral tones connect to the plush green landscape via the family room’s sizable picture window and bank of sliding glass doors. A patterned Vanguard sectional from International Design Source is tempered with a pair of leather Century swivel chairs and a sleek Uttermost drink table.
above: A showcase elevator wrapped by a sculptural staircase is among the home’s many custom features. The glass elevator windows and white oak flooring complement a contemporary cable and metal railing system specified by the team at Trade Mark Interiors.
left: The kitchen’s clean aesthetic sets the stage for contrasting elements, including walnut finishes under the island and on the cabinets over the range. A waterfall island clad in Ethereal Glow Silestone quartz complements a contemporary Visual Comfort lighting fixture and Century counter stools with seats upholstered in leather and fabric.
Vanguard chairs, upholstered in solid and patterned fabrics from Kravet, complement a custom dining table from Old Biscayne Designs. Blown-glass pendants housing air plants introduce a biophilic element that merges with the landscape. Trade Mark
living room’s expansive yet unobtrusive entertainment and shelving system. Fully equipped outdoor rooms, such as a covered terrace with a kitchen and dining area, enhance the dwelling’s interior living spaces, offering limitless opportunities for open-air entertaining. At the heart of the home, an overscale dining area seats 14, creating the quintessential centerpiece for family celebrations both large and small.
“ The clients are an energetic young couple with school-aged kids, and they love to entertain,” notes Murphy. “They have quite a big family, so we envisioned this house as a gathering place for their large extended group. This project was extra-special for us because the homeowners placed all their trust in us to show our creative expertise—all while embracing the process, which can sometimes be messy.”
From said mess emerged a finished design that reflects both elegance and ease, where refined style meets livable comfort for a family-centered, entertainment-ready retreat. Custom elements, such as the
Interiors’ custom linear built-in delineates the living area along with the owners’ sectional and a custom Crescent rug.
richly patinaed wood-slat wall treatments, integrate seamlessly into the outdoor kitchen design, the son’s bedroom, and the outdoor shower by the pool, creating cohesive visual interest that counterbalances the home’s smooth, glossy surfaces and textural elements. The kitchen, clad predominantly in a cool white Silestone quartz, effortlessly balances stained walnut accents in small yet impactful doses. In the primary bedroom, a custom upholstered headboard panel system achieves the same effect, providing a wall of plushness to softly temper wooden furnishings, lighting fixtures, and other decorative metal pieces. Throughout the home, knotted and beachy white oak floors generate an elevated coastal aesthetic—a subtle statement befitting of the stunning seascape.
“A lovely neutral palette that incorporates texture, pattern, and cool lighting with personality created this extraordinary coastal vibe,” says Murphy. “These clients were such a delight to work with because they utterly understood how complicated construction can be, and they rolled with the punches while remaining enthusiastic about all the unique design elements we introduced. Climbing to the rooftop deck during construction with the builder and homeowners to plan the ultimate layout will always conjure up a special memory for me.”
A custom bed and headboard panel system from Teknique Upholstery creates a plush backdrop in the primary bedroom. Bedside tables and a sleek console from Old Biscayne Designs generate a mix of wood tones that harmonize with Visual Comfort’s glamorous pendant lighting and a mirror display from Uttermost.
above: A custom wall treatment by Trade Mark Interiors brings a masculine appeal to the son’s bedroom. A pair of leather ottomans from Surya complements the dark neutral palette, along with a herringbonepatterned area rug from Dash & Albert.
below: A gold-finished soaking tub from Oceania highlights the primary bathroom against an accent wall paved in Jeffrey Court tiles from Florida Design Works. Hydrologic LED vanity mirrors and Visual Comfort sconces create luminous elegance against the rich walnut cabinetry by PDR Kitchen & Bath.
SOURCES
ROOFTOP LOUNGE
Bar table – DWR, dwr.com
Stools – Made Goods, International Design Source, Sarasota, FL
Chairs and firepit – Ebel Incorporated, International Design Source, Sarasota, FL
OFFICE
Cabinetry – PDR Kitchen & Bath, Sarasota, FL
Desk chair, chair, and ottoman – Four Hands, fourhands.com
LIVING AREA
left: Backdropped by a walnut slat feature wall, an outdoor shower by Holliday Group serves the main pool area.
Pattern sofa and fabric – Vanguard Furniture, International Design Source, Sarasota, FL
Swivel chairs – Century, International Design Source, Sarasota, FL
Black ottoman table – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Stone table – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Drink table – Uttermost, uttermost.com
Area rug – Surya, surya.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry and hood – PDR Kitchen & Bath, Sarasota, FL
Low stools – Century, International Design Source, Sarasota, FL
Lighting – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
DINING AREA
Table and buffet – Old Biscayne Designs, oldbiscaynedesigns.com
Chairs – Vanguard Furniture, International Design Source, Sarasota, FL
Lighting pendants – Soft Square, softsquare.com
FAMILY ROOM
Side table – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Totem sculpture – Arteriors, arteriorshome.com
Area rug – ProSource, Sarasota, FL
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed and headboard – Teknique Upholstery, Sarasota, FL
Bedside tables and console – Old Biscayne Designs, oldbiscaynedesigns.com
Pendant lighting – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
Area rug – Designer’s Resource of Florida, Sarasota, FL
SON’S BEDROOM
Ottomans – Surya, surya.com
Millwork – Designed by Trade Mark Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by Holliday Group, Sarasota, FL
Area rug – Dash & Albert, dash-albert.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – PDR Kitchen & Bath, Sarasota, FL
Sconces – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
Tub – Oceania, oceania-attitude.com
Wall tile – Jeffrey Court, Florida Design Works, Sarasota, FL
POOL DECK
Dining table – Janus et Cie, janusetcie.com
Chairs – Palecek, palecek.com
Sofa and wicker side table – Four Hands, fourhands.com
Lounge chairs – Tupelo Goods, tupelogoods.com
Area rug – Dash & Albert, dash-albert.com
An elaborate pool deck by Holliday Group features a covered terrace for alfresco cooking and entertaining. A Janus et Cie dining table combines with Palecek chairs for casual outdoor meals. Poolside lounge seating includes a Four Hands sofa and Loop chairs from Tupelo Goods.
The BalanceRight
A MINNESOTA DESIGNER MARRIES THE CONTRASTING TASTES OF A MIDWESTERN COUPLE TO DELIVER A SIESTA KEY HOME THAT’S BOTH SOPHISTICATED AND WELCOMING
interior design TIFFANY WEBER, STUDIO VESTA INTERIOR DESIGN, SAINT PAUL, MN
construction LONDON BAY HOMES, NAPLES, FL
landscape architecture ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN STUDIO, NAPLES, FL
text FLORIAN JOUIN
photography RYAN GAMMA, SARASOTA, FL
above: “My goal for the foyer was to create a space that felt inviting, breezy, and effortlessly elegant,” says interior designer Tiffany Weber. “A cherished family painting takes a place of pride on the rattan console by Arteriors, while two woven leather ottomans by Highland House offer practical and stylish seating for comings and goings.”
KUKK NAPLES
“We wanted the living room to feel inviting and softly casual,” says Weber. “Rift white oak proved to be the perfect choice as it harmonizes with the palette of rich
and
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At the
creams, ocean blues,
rosy accents.”
forefront, the white oak console by Michael Trent Coates was designed to back the O. Henry sectional
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kitchen
the living room. The entertainment unit was custom designed by Studio Vesta and constructed by Hoffman Cabinets. An alabaster chandelier by Visual Comfort crowns the room.
SOMETIMES, AN OUT-OF-TOWN PERSPECTIVE is exactly what a project needs.
When an Illinois couple began to look for a design firm to oversee the interiors of their newly built, 4,912-square-foot residence in Siesta Key, they figured a local studio with experience and connections in the area would work out best. But when the company they hired fell short of their expectations, they quickly called on a designer who had come through for them before.
Tiffany Weber, the head and founder of Studio Vesta in Saint Paul, Minnesota had some experience working in Florida and said yes to the assignment immediately. “I had already worked with them on a vacation lake home in Wisconsin,” she says, “so I was delighted when they invited me to collaborate again.” As she saw it, good design and local presence were far from mutually exclusive. Far more important is good client-designer communication.
A s this was to become their permanent home after many years in the Midwest, the homeowners charged Weber with creating a sophisticated retreat that also felt breezily coastal and relaxed. “The wife gravitated toward a light, traditional, and detailed aesthetic marked by patterns, delicate trims, and layered accessories, while the husband preferred modern design with minimal ornamentation,” says Weber. “My challenge was to strike a balance that would please them both.”
Weber’s solution was to go for tailored, eclectic coastal elegance, and her first step to achieving that was the overall palette of the residence.
“ The home has a gorgeous interplay of natural light, and I wanted to maximize that quality,” she says. “Rich creams and soft tans established a warm foundation, accented with deep navy, gentle ocean hues, and whispers of muted rose. That mix helped to infuse beauty and tranquility throughout the space.”
In terms of materials, the design goal was for a pleasantly tactile and visually impressive experience. That quality was achieved with a blend of plush velvets, handwoven wallcoverings, and silk trimmings
above: “Although London Bay conceived the kitchen layout and cabinetry before I was brought on the project, I did select the decorative pendants by Hudson Valley Lighting, the elongated Hex glass tile on the backsplash, and the deep blue oak on the island and dining console,” says Weber. Rattan stools by Made Goods provide a relaxed, yet gentle spot to perch, gently softening the kitchen’s formality.
“I envisioned the dining room with true wow factor, yet still relaxed enough for casual family dining,” says Weber. “The extraordinary table here was made by a Minnesota artist, and it features a burl live-edge slab top that rests on legs finished with a protective glass surface. The table commands the room and is perfectly complemented by a curvilinear brushed brass chandelier by Chaddock and Artistic Frame chairs upholstered in Maxwell Contralto velvet.”
“A graceful cove ceiling enhances the primary bedroom’s airy volume while adding a subtle layer of texture,” says interior designer Tiffany Weber. “Crown molding lines both the interior of the cove and the perimeter soffit, lending an understated elegance to the space.”
along sculptural built-ins and furnishings. Artisanal rugs—handmade from wool with silk, banana fiber, or jute accents—bring gorgeous texture and color underfoot.
The approach to furniture leans to the transitional with pieces that are both functional and stylish. “Absolute comfort, subtle elegance, unexpected details, performance, and longevity,” says Weber about the qualities that drove her selections. “Many of the furnishings in the home were custom designed by Studio Vesta and executed by talented artisans so we could bring our clients a one-of-a-kind home.” Accents of brushed gold and soft brass on lighting, hardware, and collectibles weaves a common thread through the selections.
The rest of the home’s design approach is subdued but assured. The atmospheric and accent lighting are enhanced with decorative fixtures that Weber likens to sparkling jewelry. For ornamentation, family treasures and travel mementos solidify the coastal feel of the residence while adding an inviting coziness to each space. So do the various artworks commissioned from Florida artists that are displayed throughout the home. As far as layering goes, light and dark tones, complementary colors,
The primary bathroom features a mix of ceramic and marble tiles, a freestanding tub by Signature Hardware, Brizo fixtures in brushed nickel, wall shelving by Hoffman Cabinets, and a wallcovering by Schumacher.
left: The bed and nightstands in the primary bedroom suite were custom fabricated by Michael Trent Coates in Woods Cross, Utah. The Wesley Hall swivel chair and ottoman are upholstered in Cowtan & Tout’s Harper Aqua fabric.
right: A custom credenza marks the entrance to the primary bedroom, elegantly anchoring the end of a long hallway.
right:
“The lanai is captivating and serene, with privacy provided by a lush border of palms and tropical plantings,” says Weber. “The palette of natural tones, paired with curved furnishings and distinctive details, harmonizes beautifully with the limestone firepit and views into the home.”
SOURCES
FOYER
Console – Arteriors, arteriorshome.com
Ottomans – Highland House, highlandhousefurniture.com
Lamp – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
LIVING ROOM
Sofa – O. Henry House, ohenryhouseltd.com
Swivel chairs – Jessica Charles, jessicacharles.com
Chair and ottoman – David Francis, davidfrancisfurniture.com
Sofa back table – MTC Studio, michaeltrentcoates.com
Side table – Regina Andrew, reginaandrew.com
Gold drum table – Taracea, taracea.com
Cabinetry – Designed by Studio Vesta Interior Design, Saint Paul, MN, and fabricated by Hoffman Cabinets, hoffmancustomcabinets.com
Chandelier – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
Drapery – Designed by Studio Vesta Interior Design, Saint Paul, MN, and fabricated by L3 Workroom, Sarasota, FL
Area rug – Tapis Décor, tapis-decor.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry, island, and hood – London Bay Homes, Naples, FL
Backsplash – Sonoma Tilemakers, sonomatilemakers.com
Stools – Made Goods, madegoods.com
Pendant lighting – Hudson Valley Lighting Group, hvlgroup.com
DINING AREA
Table – Designed by Studio Vesta Interior Design, Saint Paul, MN, and fabricated by Bjorling & Grant, bjorlinggrant.com
Table glasstop – Fox Mirror & Glass, Sarasota, FL
Chairs – Artistic Frame, artisticframe.com
Console – London Bay Homes, Naples, FL
Art above console – Evelyn M. Peters Studio, Sarasota, FL
Chandelier – Chaddock, chaddock.com
Area rug – Tapis Décor, tapis-decor.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed, headboard, dresser, and chest – MTC Studio, michaeltrentcoates.com
Lamp – Wildwood, wildwoodhome.com
and rich textures create visual excitement, while softer hues invite relaxation.
“ The clients were thrilled with the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere we were able to deliver,” says Weber. “And they were delighted to see their family heirlooms and mementos become part of the design. The project was a complete success.”
below: The homeowners love alfresco meals, so the design team crafted this dining area with a table and chairs from RH and a handwoven pendant by Palecek. The kitchen elements are all by London Bay.
Floor lamp – Regina Andrew, reginaandrew.com
Chair and ottoman – Wesley Hall, wesleyhall.com
Side table and mirror – Made Goods, madegoods.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM ENTRY
Chest – MTC Studio, michaeltrentcoates.com
Lamp – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Tub – Signature Hardware, signaturehardware.com
Shower walls – Tile X Design, tilexdesign.com
Floor and shower tile and mosaic – Daltile, daltile.com
Wallcovering – Innovations, innovationsusa.com
LOGGIA AND OUTDOOR DINING AREA
Sofa and chairs, dining table and chairs, and firepit – RH, rh.com
Chandelier – Palecek, palecek.com
THROUGHOUT
Remodel contractor – Scott Hoglan, Sarasota, FL
Wallcovering installation – Karls Paperhanging Service, Venice, FL
Framer – Blue Door Picture Framing, Sarasota, FL
HIGH SPIRITS
A NEW BUILD ON SIESTA KEY OFFERS FIVE LEVELS OF COASTAL ELEGANCE AND FAMILY COMFORTS
INTERIOR DESIGN AMANDA KRUEGER TOMLINSON, AMANDA KRUEGER TOMLINSON & COMPANY, BRADENTON, FL
TEXT JEANNE DE LATHOUDER PHOTOGRAPHY TARA CORREA, SARASOTA, FL
The five-story home’s rooftop lounge delivers panoramic views and an effortless indoor/outdoor experience. Bernhardt’s low-profile cushioned seating with weather-resistant fabric keeps the space understated yet elegant. Sunset West’s bench and fire bowl create an intimate ambiance for sunset cocktails.
left: Designed to feel both sculptural and softened, the exterior design’s modern coastal architecture settles into its surroundings rather than competing with them. A crisp white stucco base, painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa shade, pairs with warm wood soffits and slatted ipe detailing that adds texture to the façade.
right: Preluding the foyer entrance, a custom trellis extends to the rooftop deck dotted with The CopperSmith gas lanterns. Native vines create a living architectural moment that will evolve into a green façade along the property’s scenic street. A custom aluminum and glass door creates a light-filled entrance.
WHEN A NORTHEAST COUPLE,
who had grown up in Sarasota, began to dream about a Florida retreat, Siesta Key’s sugar-white beaches were never far from their minds. Just as appealing was the town’s sense of community and its proximity to restaurants, galleries, and cultural events. So, when the opportunity to build their dream vacation home on a site known for its euphoric sunsets came along, they didn’t hesitate.
“With visionary homeowners, a talented architectural team, and a builder committed to excellence from the ground up, this was the kind of project you dream about as a designer,” says Amanda Krueger Tomlinson, who was tapped to oversee the interiors. “As the couple’s second residence, this dreamy seaside getaway offers an emotional home base to gather with children and family. It’s a place where life slows down on purpose.”
Brought into the project early on in the process, Tomlinson helped shape the interior experience, ensuring the home’s finishes, furnishings, and flow felt as intentional and effortless as the surrounding beaches. “The inspiration was drawn directly from the environment—endless horizon lines, filtered sunlight, and natural materials that speak softly but confidently,” says the designer.
A rchitecturally designed by both Visbeen Architects and JTL Design Studios in Sarasota, the soaring residence comprises nearly 9,000 square feet of living space, including exterior decks and lanais. Throughout the process, the homeowners provided thoughtful input on finishes and personal touches, engaging actively. “It was a creative dialogue every step of the way,” says builder Will Bouziane of Bouziane Construction Company. “They described the property as their ‘slice of paradise,’ and we
below: Natural and quietly striking, the sculptural white oak stairwell creates an architectural anchor and a visual moment of pause that sets the tone for the entire home.
Everything about the third-floor lounge focuses on the view, including the tonal and textural palette that keeps the eyes fixated on the Gulf. Curved Century sofas, a round cocktail table from Worlds Away, and a Freeform bench by Phillips Collection emit a beachy, organic vibe.
“The home spans five levels, so spatial flow was essential,” says interior designer Amanda Krueger Tomlinson. “We were thoughtful in how the interiors unfolded floor to floor, always keeping sightlines to the Gulf top of mind.”
all shared that same vision—to create a home that felt both timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings.”
The outcome, inspired by the island itself, is crisp, clean, and open to the sea and sky. “Where an old, condemned house once stood, we aspired to create a coastal modern home that incorporated a swimming pool and patio on the upper living level,” says the homeowner. “We wanted to make sure our entire family could be together cooking and swimming on the same floor.” The applied design visually links the water to the Gulf beyond, and a custom ipe deck extends the elevated experience, creating an outdoor oasis that feels at once intimate and expansive.
A second-floor built-in banquette by JL Conrad hugs the corner just beyond the kitchen, offering views to both the pool deck and the Gulf. Hanging above a Bernhardt dining table and chairs, photographer Karyn Millet’s Calming Sea enhances the aesthetic.
Rich in detail, the second-floor kitchen features Progressive Cabinetry’s rift-cut white oak cabinets, complemented by creamy marble countertops that reflect natural light. An integrated plaster range hood adds a soft touch, and Brizo brass fixtures emit a subdued gleam. The adjacent dining area follows suit with a white lacquer dining table from Worlds Away.
Inside, artistry and craftsmanship define the home, with standout features including a sculptural white oak stairwell, slat wall designs with matching doors, and handcrafted barrel ceilings that add architectural drama to the space. From a furnishings perspective, Tomlinson’s team layered natural oak, textural fabrics, and a muted coastal palette to keep the interiors feeling grounded and livable. Elusive touches of blue and black appear throughout each level of the home, paying homage to the surrounding water while introducing subtle contrast. “Performance was nonnegotiable,” notes the designer. “We wanted a home that could host a sunset cocktail party one night and withstand sandy feet the next morning.”
left: The third-floor primary bedroom emanates a retreat-like feel, where the views become the artwork. A Universal Furniture bed and upholstered headboard blends with a white linen nightstand from Villa & House, a textured Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, and an elegant pendant from Visual Comfort.
below: The first-floor bunk room makes a favorite hideaway space for visiting nieces and nephews. Cozy built-in bunks with integrated storage and white oak safety rails line both walls, while a custom white oak nightstand by Aronson Woodworks sits at a window that frames the beach scenery.
From the moment you step inside, the rhythm of the house reveals itself. Natural light shifts throughout the day, curated sightlines lead the eye to the horizon, and the floor plan moves with ease and purpose. “The result is a home that swings effortlessly between moods,” Bouziane notes, “ideal for hosting upscale events backdropped by spectacular views from the third-floor living room’s aquarium-glass windows and dual custom bars, yet equally suited to a cozy afternoon curled up with a book. Its versatility reflects the family who calls it home—warm, welcoming, and always ready to celebrate life by the water.”
Tomlinson couldn’t agree more: “This home feels like Siesta Key distilled—natural, elegant, and grounded in intention. It was an honor to bring it to life.”
SOURCES
ROOFTOP LOUNGE
Seating – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Cocktail table and fire bowl – Sunset West, sunsetwestusa.com
FOYER
Table – Alder and Tweed, alderandtweedfurniture.com
THIRD FLOOR LOUNGE
Sofas and club chairs – Century, centuryfurniture.com
Cocktail table – Worlds Away, worlds-away.com
Bench – Phillips Collection, phillipscollection.com
Chandelier – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
BREAKFAST AREA
Banquette – Designed by Amanda Krueger & Company,
akco.design, and fabricated by JL Conrad
Commercial Furnishings, jlconradcommercialfurnishings.com
Table and chairs – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Artwork – Karyn Millet, Leftbank Art, leftbankart.com
DINING AREA
Round table – Worlds Away, worlds-away.com
Chairs – Bernhardt, bernhardt.com
Chandelier – Vault Light, vault-light.com
KITCHEN
Cabinetry – Progressive Cabinetry, Bradenton, FL
Stools – Villa & House, vandh.com
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed and headboard – Universal Furniture, universalfurniture.com
Chest – Villa & House, vandh.com
Pendant lighting – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
BUNK ROOM
Bunk beds – Designed by Amanda Krueger & Company, akco.design, and fabricated by Bouziane Construction Company, Bradenton, FL
Chest – Aronson Woodworks, aronsonwoodworks.com
Sconces – Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com
POOL AREA
Lounge – Sunset West, sunsetwestusa.com
The pool is intentionally situated on the second floor to connect visually with the Gulf, creating the illusion of water flowing into the sea. Atop the ipe wood decking are Sunset West loungers and The CopperSmith Lighting gas lanterns.
Lanterns – The CopperSmith Lighting, thecoppersmith.net
Pool – Designed by Bouziane Construction Company, Bradenton, FL, and fabricated by Gettle Pools, Sarasota, FL
THROUGHOUT
Architecture – JTL Design Studios, Sarasota, FL, and Visbeen Architects, Sarasota, FL
Construction – Bouziane Construction Company, Bradenton, FL
Tile material – Tradewinds Tile and Stone, Bradenton, FL
Cabinetry – Progressive Cabinetry, Bradenton, FL
Windows and doors – All Glass & Windows, Sarasota, FL
Collected and Curated
VACATION MEMORIES FROM NEAR AND FAR INFORM THE TEXTURED DESIGN OF A BRADENTON HOME BY THE MANATEE RIVER
architecture HAUSDESIGN STUDIO, BRADENTON, FL
construction BRUCE WILLIAMS HOMES, BRADENTON, FL
text KATHRYN O’SHEA-EVANS | photography RYAN GAMMA, SARASOTA, FL
left: The living room’s soaring height demanded an overscale light fixture with a woven finish that adds to the resort-like ambience. Immediately noticeable are the white oak beams on the ceiling, which bring a sense of warmth to the room. Neutral furnishings below keep the room’s textures balanced.
right: “When we receive a floor plan that has the dining table parallel to the kitchen island, we find a custom banquette is a great way to break the chairs up and to delineate space as well,” says designer Angela Rodriguez. “[That way] you don’t wind up with three lines of chairs.” A light fixture drops down the from the coffered ceiling, while an abstract artwork introduces various shades of blue.
interior design ANGELA RODRIGUEZ, ANGELA RODRIGUEZ INTERIORS, SARASOTA, FL
IT’S ENTIRELY POSSIBLE FOR A HOME TO BE BOTH a showpiece and a scrapbook. For proof, look no further than a Bradenton family house fronting the Manatee River designed by Angela Rodriguez and the team at her interior design studio, which has offices in Sarasota and Naples.
“ The owners wanted it to be stylish and aesthetically beautiful,” says the designer. “But they also wanted to make sure that it reflected the character and the energy of their family.”
Translation: elevated interiors that can live a little bit. It helped that these particular clients are globetrotters, with beloved far-flung locales that informed their new home’s palette and textures.
“The linear quality of the chandelier over the dining table delineates that space as separate from the kitchen,” says Rodriguez. “The glass keeps it visually lightweight and doesn’t distract from the beautiful sight lines.” Finishes in the kitchen include stained white oak and white painted cabinetry and a marble mosaic backsplash. In lieu of a traditional hood, the design team opted for a custom version made of cast concrete.
“Some of their favorite travels have been trips to South Africa and Hawaii,” says Rodriguez. “Those sojourns inspired rooms that read like they’re part of a resort.”
Take the primary bath, where the adjacent outdoor shower has a rough-cut stone veneer “to give it a tropical vacation feel” and the cabinetry’s walnut finish mirrors like the ones found in island resorts.
That delicate balance of wow-factor and warmth is common throughout the home. Over the seating area in the living room, an oversized sculptural woven pendant brings a sense of intimacy under soaring ceilings. In the kitchen, the custom cast concrete hood becomes an aesthetic punctuation
In this view of the family room, the serene color palette of soft sandy
cloud
and grays puts the focus on the glimmering waters of the Manatee River beyond the windows. Overhead beams help bring the high ceilings to a human scale. The ivory sectional by Lee Industries is as elegant as it is comfortable.
above:
browns,
whites,
left: In the pool bathroom, a rattan mirror and textural backsplash tiles immediately tell you that you’re on island time.
above: A nook behind the kitchen, with a game table and comfortable wovenback chairs by Palecek, is a popular gathering spot for the family.
mark, adding an aura of the rugged amid stained white oak and painted cabinetry. Just beyond, folding windows completely open to the outside, a design move that can transform entertaining into a free-range experience to epitomize indoor/outdoor living.
The homeowners’ travel influences also appear subtly in woven grasscloths and collected objects, and thanks to these curated finds, nothing feels like a design showroom. “More than half of the items we used in the styling of shelves and tabletops are things that they already owned and that meant something to them,” notes Rodriguez. “It wasn’t just filler that we went out and purchased to make the home look pretty.”
Upstairs, the primary bedroom is pure tactile reverie. “This was definitely inspired by some of those vacation and travel memories, and we were able to bring a bit of that home to wake up and start each day,” says Rodriguez. A headboard wall wrapped in handcrafted water hyacinth sets the stage, while grasscloth cloaks the other walls in quiet texture. Even the tray ceiling, clad in wood meant to harmonize with the bath, adds to the atmosphere of island escapism.
Ultimately, the home is a vessel for memories—ones already made as well as others to come. “Everything in this house was designed after taking into account how the family was going to use it every day,” says Rodriguez. “This is a home for living.”
SOURCES
LIVING ROOM
Sofa – Lee Industries, leeindustries.com
Chair – Palecek, palecek.com
Fireplace – Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL
Cabinetry – RORE Custom Cabinetry, Sarasota, FL
DINING ROOM
Banquette and area rug – Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL
Brick wall – Designed by Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by Bruce Williams Homes, Bradenton, FL
KITCHEN
Cabinetry – Designed by Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by RORE Custom Cabinetry, Sarasota, FL
Stools – Hickory Chair, hickorychair.com
FAMILY ROOM
Sofa – Lee Industries, leeindustries.com
Chairs – Palecek, palecek.com
Area rug – Designed by Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by Designer’s Resource of Florida, Sarasota, FL
POOL BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Designed by Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by RORE Custom Cabinetry, Sarasota, FL
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Cabinetry – Designed by Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by RORE Custom Cabinetry, Sarasota, FL
Tub – Ferguson, Sarasota, FL
Shower and tile wall – Designed by Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by Bruce Williams Homes, Bradenton, FL
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Wallcovering behind bed – Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries.com
Ceiling millwork – Bruce Williams Homes, Bradenton, FL
THROUGHOUT
Custom cabinetry – Designed by Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Sarasota, FL, and fabricated by RORE Custom Cabinetry, Sarasota, FL
left and above left: Textures are plentiful in the primary bathroom. Walnut cabinetry pulls warmth and depth into the room. Veined gray tile on the walls (including the shower) and floor provides the ideal neutral tone. By the soaking tub, a statement wall of mosaics introduces a tempered shade of blue.
In the primary bedroom, the design team installed a tray ceiling sheathed in dark walnut for both texture and visual interest. The different wood tones in the room and black frames on the windows and glass doors help guide the eye outside, to a view of the residence’s pier.
Organic Oeuvre
DESIGNER LAURA FREEMAN FINDS INSPIRATION IN ELEMENT CLAY STUDIO’S CERAMIC WONDERS
text CHRISTOPHER DAY
THE TASTEMAKER: Head of Merits Design Group in Sarasota, Laura Freeman is known for eco-conscious homes inspired by nature, cultural experiences, and her enriching travels around the world.
THE OBJECT: Evoking nature’s raw beauty with modern sophistication, Element Clay Studio’s sculptural porcelain and stoneware pieces are the work of Heather Knight, an artist known for her masterful fusion of organic textures and refined craftsmanship.
IN HER WORDS: “Like nature itself—whether echoing the rhythmic patterns beneath the sea or the layered beauty of a cutting garden—Heather Knight’s work celebrates organic wonder and discovery,” says Freeman. “Wherever they’re placed, these sculptures embody biophilic design, drawing us closer to patterns found in nature and forging a tactile, soulful connection indoors.” meritsdesigngroup.com; elementclaystudio.com
