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Spring 2024
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COLOR THEORY
JEWEL TONES PUNCTUATE THIS COSMOPOLITAN RENOVATION OF A ONCE TUSCAN-STYLE WATERSIDE FAMILY HOME
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It’s hard to imagine an early-2000s Tuscan-style home being light and bright and dotted with sapphire, emerald, amethyst, citrine, and more. That is indeed the new look of a Stoney Point canal home thanks to the mother and daughter-in-law team behind Gage-Martin Interiors. Dee Marksberry, who launched her design firm in 2002, and Jen Marksberry, who joined her 20 years ago, reimagined the first floor, the primary suite, and outdoor spaces for a young family transplanted from Michigan. “They are a dynamic young couple with three young girls, and they wanted a family-friendly home with classic things but with a contemporary edge,” says Dee Marksberry. Starting in the kitchen, the designers replaced the outdated dark and ornate cabinetry with slim-edged, crisp, and clean white cabinets from Miralis Cabinets. The husband and wife love to cook, so having plenty of storage space and room to move around was a priority. There are two islands, making for lots of food prep space, but function doesn’t overwhelm fashion here. An oversized, sleek industrial range hood, silver-leafed backsplash tile set in a chevron pattern, and Eichholtz acrylic pendant lights that glisten like crystal add the perfect amount of glam to the room. u
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The designers made the adjoining breakfast area more suitable for kids by adding a built-in banquette. The cushion and seats of the armchairs are upholstered in a wipeable vinyl, making them easy to clean. Despite this practical choice, the chairs still have a sophisticated look with textured fabric on the outside and nailhead detailing. To add some color and comfort, amethyst- and sapphire-colored pillows in fabrics from Kevin O’Brien Studio were also incorporated. One remnant of the original home design is the travertine flooring that runs throughout the main floor. Removing and replacing it was a bigger project than the homeowners desired, so Dee and Jen got creative. “A lot of houses built in Tampa in that timeframe used that travertine and it could date the house if we emphasized it,” Dee says. “We treated it as a neutral.” Jen goes on to say, “We use a lot of Benjamin Moore White Dove because it’s a white that will allow you to mix it with cream.” What was once a cherrywood-looking fireplace feature wall is now a showstopper. The traditional detailing, including the crown moulding, fluted columns, and raised-panel doors, remain but have a modern twist from fresh black lacquer. The design team also replaced a heavy, ornate cast-stone mantel with a sleek marble version, adding to the refined look. The oversized sectional is meant for many children to gather for movie nights, and as such, it’s upholstered in performance fabric. u
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More jewel-toned pillows add rich color in addition to a pair of citrine yellow ottomans beneath an architectural sofa table with a Greek key design. Beautiful ombre sheer window coverings skim the floor, filtering light but not hiding three sets of French doors that open to the pool area and dock. Because indoor-outdoor living reigns supreme here, the homeowners wanted more gathering space outdoors. Dee and Jen’s suggestion was to add an extension to the deck with glass panel walls so it feels like you’re floating out over the water. They added a firepit and seating for a crowd, and it’s a lovely spot for winding down in the evening with family and friends. In addition, they added chaises with woven cane backs and ottomons from Summer Classics near the outdoor kitchen that overlooks the pool area. The dining room oozes sophistication. A custom oak and ash hand-scraped dining table adds an organic element, while the side chairs are upholstered in a burlap-look fabric but with a wax finish that gives them an upscale look. The John-Richard armchairs are upholstered in rose gold polished leather, and the intricate metalwork on the chair backs gleam like jewelry. A gold and crystal chandelier plus the elegant silver and white striated wallcovering round out the mix of metal tones in the room. The sapphire and white rug from Loloi Rugs anchors the space. u
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The wife requested green and pink for the primary bedroom, and while the designers thought the combination would be difficult to work with at first, the result is striking. The green tourmaline-colored bed contrasts the shades of rose quartz in the pillows, lamps, and artwork. The zebra rug and mirrored side tables are over-the-top glamorous. The room also includes a seating area with a chaise, a sculptural Lucite table, a scored wood sideboard from Global Views with a starburst effect, and palette-perfect artwork. While the entire redesigned areas of the home are bewitching, the black and white primary bathroom is captivating. “I think the client’s a big fan of Kelly Wearstler, so that was the inspiration for her tile design on the floor, and the dramatic panda marble was an obsession,” Dee says. The designers removed a built-in bathtub and increased the size of the shower, adding dazzling doors and windows. “We love steel-framed overscale doors,” Dee adds. “This makes the glass wall more interesting than just having a large slab of glass, and it lines up with the top of the medicine towers on the vanity. So, you have the same architectural plane, and it just takes the tension out of the space. It feels balanced.” And chic, indeed. The book tower cabinetry with mirrored doors creates the illusion of more space and beautifully reflects the Aerin gold and crystal chandelier. Like the bathroom mirrors, the home now reflects the family that lives there. “We just think of how happy the client is at the end of the project, how much they love to be in their home,” Jen says. “And that’s the feedback we’ve gotten.” Dee adds, “They feel like their home expresses their lifestyle and taste. It’s young and exuberant and stylish, but it’s definitely family-friendly.” n
Written by Heather Shoning Photography by Bos Images Interior Designer: Gage-Martin Interiors 15417 North Florida Avenue Tampa, FL 33613 813.961.9551 www.gagemartin.com
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