ABODE
Subtle nods to the sea, such as shells and coral, appear throughout the family room, where traditional pieces invite rest and relaxation.
wood. Etched glass pendants suspended from the coffered ceiling illuminate the quartzite island lined with a trio of cool yet cozy armless chairs. Keeping in this comfortable-luxe vein, the informal dining nook exudes a carefree vibe. A collection of seating options surrounds a circular table that facilitates communal conversations. Nearby, a low countertop that was previously part of the kitchen now operates as a bar and casual eating area. Designed for guests to linger, the formal dining space has a lounge feel. A soft and deep banquette takes the place of a booth at the reproduction table lined with a reeded apron. Chairs are upholstered in an aqua-blue woven fabric that acts as a lovely counterpoint to the chandelier’s delicate lines. A niche original to the home now houses a buffet table, a simple but clever repurposing of a quintessentially Tuscan architectural feature. Modern elements juxtaposed against traditional furniture and arched doorways work together to create an especially inviting family room. “We painted over the formerly crackled media center and changed out the speaker pieces with linen that was an exact match with the wall cover,” notes O’Neil. “We made everything fit without having to start over.” Bare white candles in glass hurricanes—some etched with Greek key detailing—lend warmth, while the ethereal interplay of light blues, rustic grays, and seashells speak to a Floridameets-France sensibility. One of the most magnificent items of furniture in the house is the grayish-taupe antique cabinet, built in France in the eighteenth century. By swapping out glass for wire, the piece takes on a rustic appeal reminiscent of the French countryside. 52
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