West Indies Revitalized by Home & Design Magazine

Spring 2022

“Our clients ask for homes that are as maintenance free as possible,” John Cooney, principal at Stofft Cooney Architects states. “Concrete roof tile, natural lime or shellstone, stucco, and a synthetic wood product by Versatex can be maintained simply by pressure washing.” The Andersen Windows — sourced by Florida Wood Window & Door — are trimmed in charcoal-colored powder metal and easily stand up to daily assaults from the salty air, sand, and wind. Allied Paver Systems provided the tile pavers in the walkway and driveway.

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WEST INDIES REVITALIZED CONTEMPORARY WEST INDIES-INSPIRED ESTATE BEDAZZLES HISTORIC OLD NAPLES NEIGHBORHOOD homeanddesign.net

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When Mike Assaad, president of Waterside Builders, acquired this dramatically sited lot just two homes away from the breathtaking shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico in Old Naples, he was determined to build a home befitting the magnificent setting. “It was a great property given the southern exposure and the alley in the back. We had an idea of what we wanted and made a concerted effort not to do something we’d done before,” Assaad explains. “We wanted to accentuate the outdoor living area and considered a lot of options. In the end, we went with a West Indies theme because we could carry that concept inside as well.” Before the jaw-dropping estate was completed, a Midwestern couple relocating to Naples bought it. Like the homeowners, Assaad says his favorite space is the club room. He continues, “It is not something we’ve historically done, and it was fabulous to see it unfold because the renderings just don’t do it justice.” u

Club Room Seating Area (Left & Above Right): The club room is a winsome space that boasts a blue-velvet banquette from Hickory Chair with a round mirror above that adds intrigue to this upscale facade. Overhead, a golden artichoke-esque chandelier reigns supreme from the mitered wood tray ceiling, while four green swivel chairs from Hickory White rest harmoniously atop the leopard print rug. Deep blue-green teal cabinetry alongside the wine tower elegantly houses a wet sink and stemware. Another eye-catching design is the tropical mural wallpaper behind the custom floating built-in teal shelves. Fisher discovered the mural from a company in Paris. “I knew if I got this room right, everything else would flow, and this space is what really resonated with the buyer,” says Fisher. Club Room Home Office (Above Left): The club room also functions as a home office. Behind the desk from Arteriors and the chair from Lee Industries is another eye-catching design — the tropical mural wallpaper that Fisher discovered from a company in Paris. Its brilliant presence behind the custom floating built-in teal shelves is kismet. “I knew if I got this room right, everything else would flow, and this space is what really resonated with the buyer,” says Jeffrey Fisher, interior designer at Jeffrey Fisher Home.

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A culinary experience for chefs and diners, the kitchen blends dual cabinetry of dark charcoal and bleached oak highlighted by brass-toned hardware. The showstopping custom hood is cloaked in White Beauty marble. An 11-foot-long feature island with stone countertops from Coastal Stone houses two Silgranit sinks. Cabinetry was designed by celebrated designer Marcus Jelley of EDGE. For a lasting look, the designer mixes metals, as seen in the black faucets and gold hardware. homeanddesign.net

About six months later, John Cooney, principal at Stofft Cooney Architects, presented the renderings for the 6,190-square-foot dwelling. At its core, the winning home is West Indies style, but Cooney stretched his creative muscles and enriched the fivebedroom, five-bath residence with warm, contemporary flair. “About 15 years ago, people stopped doing monumental homes and made a huge shift to homes that are less showy and more for family living,” Cooney states. “Today’s homeowner wants a home where not only the family is comfortable, but everyone is comfortable. It is very satisfying to design a home that is elegant and livable.” Continuing, the architect shares, “Buyers want open, light, bright entertainment style homes, and that type of architecture goes hand in hand with Florida living.” Having previously worked together several times, Assaad and Cooney were excited to collaborate once again. “Creating such a unique residence in Naples with a more contemporary feel and function is a process, and we are proud to have been a part of the project. Working with Cooney on this incredible home was a pleasure for us,” Assaad delights. With a desire for the interior design to be as innovative and grand as the exterior architecture, Assaad commissioned Jeffrey Fisher, interior designer at Jeffrey Fisher Homes. Equally pleased with the abode’s interior, Assad describes the kitchen as spectacular and the ceilings as fabulous. u

Great Room: Palacek rattan chandeliers and neutral furnishings beckon family and friends to immerse themselves in the great room’s understated tropical ambiance. Black louvered metal doors slide open to reveal a large-screen television. Commanding stained-oak boxed beams running through the tray ceiling details were inspired by a resort Fisher visited in Antigua. “Pocketed sliding doors open the fabulous space completely to the outdoor living area, making them one,” remarks Fisher.

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Stairs: From the beginning, Fisher planned to apply a darker stain on the grand staircase as a border. To further enliven the expansive two-story stairwell, the designer selected artist Mary Ann Liscio’s three-dimensional art sculpture, “Joy.” It took a full day to install the colorful 17’ x 12’ art piece. The console table is made from one solid piece of wood and was carved and stained in Indonesia. Ellsworth Kelly created the lively black and white serigraph above the console. Dining Room: Everyone loves an armchair and everyone gets one when gathered around the oval table in this stylish dining space. Three gold chandeliers from Currey & Company, varying in height, are suspended from a custom metal disc and add formality. “We live so differently today. There are very few formal dining rooms in homes, and today when entertaining, people often eat outside in their comfortable outdoor living areas,” notes Fisher.

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Master Bathroom: The stone wall behind the extraordinary Kallista soaking tub is the showstopper in this master bath, creating a zen-like bathing experience atop the dramatic Dolomite Marble flooring. Not to be outdone, the equally lavish walk-in rain shower features entrances from both sides, and a fogless mirror provides a warm, relaxing shave while showering. “The master bath is a zen oasis of calm,” says Assaad. Smart toilets, television mirrors in the vanities, and layered lighting by Visual Comfort Lighting in this timeless master bath are only a few of the many luxe amenities in this opulent space. Transom windows perform double duty by providing natural light and privacy. The custom cabinetry was designed by Marcus Jelley from EDGE. Master Bedroom: Regal, restful, and imbued with scenes of nature’s calming influence, the master bedroom boasts multiple wow moments beginning with the gallery entrance. Overhead, the oak wood tray ceiling is crowned with a hand-blown bubble chandelier. A wool rug from Bunny Williams Interior Design adds an air of casualness to the space and reminds everyone how close the home is to the beach. German/ American fine art photographer Hilda Champion is responsible for the wall art over the bed.

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Upstairs Lounge: All guest bedrooms spill into the generously sized upstairs lounge. Immediately off of the generous space is the morning kitchen, where guests can enjoy that first cup of coffee while taking in the sights from the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open fully to the large guest balcony windows. Tray ceilings outlined in wood add additional warmth to the pleasant space. Two comfy sofas and swivel chairs — clad in neutral performance fabrics — invite guests to take it easy. A custom mango console table artfully conceals video components and games.

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Guest Bedroom: Decidedly feminine, the lovely blush guest bedroom calls attention to the balcony overlooking the princely outdoor living area. Vertical cable railing panels with powder-coated metal wire balustrades ensure the view is not obstructed. Velvet pillows in a deep shade of reddish orange contrast the comforter from Eastern Accents. “This room was a little departure for me. I wanted something different from the blues and greens in the rest of the rooms,” says Fisher.

Fisher reveals that the genesis for the interior design began in the stunning club room. “The club media room is a showstopper. When the homeowners are home alone, it kind of lives like a small, boutique hotel bar in London. When the children and grandkids are home, it is a great place to escape for a while,” Fisher says. n

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Written by Mary Yuhas Photography by Venjhamin Reyes Photography Interior Designer:

Architect:

Jeffrey Fisher Home 852 1st Avenue South, Suite 200 Naples, FL 34102 239.234.5564 www.jeffreyfisherhome.com

Stofft Cooney Architects 111 10th Street South, Suite 308 Naples, FL 34102 239.262.7677 www.stofft.com

Luxury Home Builder: Waterside Builders 1400 Gulfshore Boulevard North, Suite 106 Naples, FL 34102 239.430.3883 www.watersidebuildersinc.com

Resources: Allied Paver Systems 217 North Collier Boulevard, Suite 102 Marco Island, FL 34146 239.394.6152 www.alliedpavers.com

Coastal Stone 371 Commercial Boulevard, Suite B Naples, FL 34104 239.596.7700 www.coastalstoneinc.com

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 38 Goodlette-Frank Road South Naples, FL 34102 239.963.0087 www.build.com/ferguson

EDGE 9130 Galleria Court, Suite 203 Naples, FL 34109 239.631.6771 www.edgeinteriorsfl.com

Florida Wood Window & Door Andersen Windows & Doors 5691 Halifax Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33912 239.437.6166 www.fwwdinc.com

Rear Elevation: Rockers, director’s chairs, and chaise lounges create different moments in the sprawling outdoor living area and accommodate everyone from large groups to those seeking a little downtime. “Outdoor living and entertaining are true hallmarks of this home with the customdesigned swimming pool, showcasing a sun shelf, spa, and water features,” says Assaad. “A vaulted outdoor living area provides shade from the tropical sun and a comfortable spot to enjoy the pool activities.”

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