IDEAL DESIGN SOPHISTICATED TRANSITIONAL IN SOUTH FLORIDA
BY CHAN NING SPANO | PHOTOGR APHY BY 360 VIEW PHOTOGR APHY FOR MOST PEOPLE, Florida is the premier destination for second homes as snowbirds flock to warmer weather in the winter. For one New York couple, this lakeside home in Boca Raton was located in an ideal area and offered them the opportunity to remodel and design the retreat they had always dreamed of. “The goal when they brought me into the project was to create a home they and their family could enjoy seasonally,” says Karen Press, President and Lead Designer of Panache Designs. “They wanted a comfortable space that was also design forward and reflected their personalities. This was a fun project because we all clicked so well and they felt comfortable giving me reins, as I picked everything from the outside color and landscaping to the furniture to the towels in the bathrooms.” As an owner of a luxury boutique firm, Press is able to focus her time and energy on all aspects of the design for each client she takes on. “This gives me the ability to bring in elements that are more personalized and feel authentic to the home’s owners. I really have the availability to get to know the people I am working with, and that only helps create a better finished product.” Press’ personalization went beyond picking out towels and sofas. “I printed out a photo of the couple and had it framed. When they walked into the home for the first time they saw themselves in their new home and it just helped bridge that gap from a project to a home they could love.”
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BEFORE
BIG CHA NGES
The home’s transformation started outside. The exterior was dated and the owners knew curb appeal was an important aspect of creating their dream home. Press designed a modern exterior through landscaping, removing old and overgrown vegetation and replanting with a fresh and modern eye. Part of creating a better exterior was also changing the driveway pavers to match the new color of the home and removing an in ground planter and tree in the middle of the driveway. She also added stone to the columns and garage face, updated lighting, and painted the roof to finish the new exterior.