ideal design

SOPHISTICATED TRANSITIONAL IN SOUTH FLORIDA

BY CHANNING SPANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY 360 VIEW PHOTOGRAPHY

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.”

BEFORE

BIG CHANGES

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.

BEFORE

COLORFUL DIFFERENCE

The formal living room greets guests with a punch of blue set against the serene background of creams, silver, and grey. “You can see through to the pool and lake when you first walk into the home and the owners wanted to emphasize that view,” says Press. “I chose furniture and accessories that are elegant and contemporary, but don’t take away from the natural beauty outside.” Low sofas with soft curves keep sight lines open and their minimal profiles prevent them from feeling too heavy in the space. A custom area rug provides a base for the room and brings in more of the main accent color. On the wall, a large triptych, each panel measuring 30 inches by 84 inches, brings gold into the room and the abstract cloud pattern takes its cue from the sky views outside the large windows. “I love finding the right art and accessories for each room and I spend a lot of time sourcing unique pieces for my projects,” says Press. “For example, I was able to find a sculpture that looked like the clouds in the art above. It feels like it’s come out of the piece and creates such a beautiful, finished look.”

COMFY COZY

The family room is comfortable with plenty of seating for movie nights or entertaining guests. “I wanted to bring in a sectional that was interesting and modern,” says Press. “This sofa is plush without looking old, and I added texture through Cheetah print pillows and faux fur throw blankets.” A custom coffee table with shagreen finish and acrylic frame perfectly complements the area rug and drapes. In the kitchen, simple updates were made to freshen the space and to make it a great space for the modern cook. New lights were installed and cabinets were repainted for an impactful change.

BEFORE

BREAKFAST STOP

A round table with a glass top was added to the nook. Press used the same fabric on the bar stools at the island and the chairs around the dining table to create a cohesive look. The curvature of the chairs matches the curvature of the table as well. Press says, “I love this table base, it reminds me of a pot on a pottery wheel, as you can see each ring like you would if you were hand throwing a piece.”

STAYCATION SUITE

In the master bedroom, Press wanted to create a resortlike feel through texture and soft colors. “The master suite should be calming with a couple romantic touches, I want my clients to feel like they are walking into a luxury hotel room every time they enter their bedroom,” explains Press. Textured wallpaper by Thibaut brings in the colors found in the artwork and creates a beautiful focal point for the headboard wall. The bed frame is a mix of wood covered in velvet and the headboard features metal insets for a chic, retro effect that matches the look of the nightstands. The carpet creates a cozier room and pulls together the colors of the linens and the accent chairs.

BALANCED UPDATES

The master bath is a mix of original and new. The homeowners chose to keep the cabinets, so Press updated the important elements around them. New knobs were added, lighting was updated, and mirrors with interesting, yet subtle acrylic frames brought it to complement the new wallpaper. A beautiful chandelier with shell-inspired accents finishes the space.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

The tone on tone powder bath shimmers in the light and has come a long way from the dated room it used to be. Press offers, “While I can’t say I absolutely have a favorite room in this home, the powder bath has so many special elements that I am so proud of.” Providing a pop of visual interest, people are drawn to the modern, floral print Scalamandre wallpaper. Made from vinyl, the texture is almost three-dimensional, adding to the beauty of the finish. The walls on either side of the room have also been given a wallpaper treatment which features a shimmering chevron pattern. “The room was totally gutted and everything from the floor to the hardware to the mirror has been custom made for this space,” says Press. A floating vanity with grey laminate doors looks like a heavy concrete structure. On top, a glass sink bowl with small checkered patterns matches the vanity and counter. Cylindrical acrylic sconces flank the tall mirror while above, a chandelier with crystals in the bottom diffuses the light though the room.

BEFORE

OUTDOOR OASIS

The home’s lanai and pool area really sold the home to the seasonal visitors looking for warmer winters. “Between the lake and the pool, they knew this was the kind of water view they wanted to have in their own backyard,” Press says. Silver and grey Brown Jordan furniture provides seating while a slight hint of orange elevates the design. Dark tongue and groove boards have been run the length of the sitting and dining area to help designate the wide open space. In the pool, blue tiles were used to compliment the home’s new coat of paint.

For more information about this home or more like it in your area, contact the Realtor who sent you this magazine.