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Spring 2024
BREAKING THE MOLD TWO EXCEPTIONAL DESIGNERS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO BREAK DOWN STIGMAS AND CREATE A PATH TO SUCCESS
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“This isn’t your typical coastal beach house,” shares Interior Designer Alex Thies, Owner and Lead Designer of Adelyn Charles Interiors. And this isn’t your typical Home & Design feature! It’s a celebration of a collaboration between two exceptional businesswomen and designers. Alex Thies joins forces with Interior Designer Kelli Esposito, Owner of Harper Haus Interiors, in an inspiring alliance. Home & Design Magazine sat down with these dynamic designers to explore this new collaborative approach to interior design. u
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Home & Design: What initial spark brought the two of you together for this partnership? Thies: I was searching for a new designer to expand my business when a builder, known to both of me and Kelli, suggested introducing us. As it turned out, I was already familiar with Kelli and her business since I follow her on Instagram! We share such a similar aesthetic and backstory that I thought it was worth a phone call, and I was pleased to hear that Kelli agreed. We talked and talked, and the idea of collaborating unfolded so organically that we knew we had to do it when the right project came along! Esposito: The builder had great things to say about Alex. I remember the phone call vividly! We picked up like old friends, and I remember saying, “If there is a way we could work together in the future, I’m open to it! Let’s make it happen!”
Home & Design: How do you feel this collaboration is pushing boundaries and setting new trends in interior design? Thies: Interior designers have historically been seen as competitors, but Kelli and I never viewed it this way. Kelli and I opened up our businesses and processes with each other, pushing the boundaries of local designers and designers in general. Esposito: We are breaking the mold by sharing resources. What goes around comes around, and we have created this incredible local circle of designers.
Home & Design: How does your collaboration influence the next generation of Interior Designers? Thies: It’s all about leading by example. This collaborative effort proved to be a success, and I hope that other interior designers take note and are inspired to do the same. We make great sounding boards and are invaluable resources for each other. Instead of everyone having to figure things out on their own, having someone knowledgeable to ask is a great help. Esposito: We have ample business experience yet remain receptive to new ideas. With potential clients, I’m upfront about finding the right fit. If it’s not me, I probably have a connection within my network of designers who share my values and could be perfect for them, and that is the key takeaway.
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Kitchen: Esposito was unsure of her out-of-the-box idea to do a luxury wallcovering from Élitis instead of a standard tile backsplash, but this fashion-forward idea is a success. Without upper cabinets, Thies designs these open shelves and a white oak-clad hood. A matte black stone counter atop the creamy beige base cabinetry shows gold hardware. Sleek matte-white pendants complement the kitchen without overshadowing it, while the oversized fluted front on the island and coastal-style Vanguard counter stools endow warmth and texture. Dining: Thies and Esposito have both long admired this Palecek dining table, which now takes pride of place in their design. To define spaces in this generous kitchen and dining room, Thies uses the ceiling treatment to differentiate the dining space, but also with the tall wine refrigerator and tall cabinet, creating a buffet server between them. The light fixture is a statement, and the hand-applied gold leaf chandelier from Arteriors is a new metallic dimension to the mixed metals theme. Pantry: This duo pushes the envelope further by going blue-green on the cabinetry. The two designers laugh over the remark that it is the color of a facial mud mask, yet another show of this genuine camaraderie. In reality, the color is Escape Gray by Sherwin-Williams. The same black countertop connects this corner of the pantry with the kitchen, yet this decorative Marrakesh floor tile is the pattern-play of this space. “Earthy and organic accessories can warm up any corner,” delights Esposito. Living Room (Previous Spread): “We’ve echoed the floor’s wood tones with a white oak ceiling treatment, achieving a warm, organic ambiance and minimalist elegance that enhances rather than detracts from the view,” shares Thies. The area rug from Loloi is the pattern statement in this living room, and in blues and grays, it stands out against the neutral furnishings. Across the television wall are two dynamic console tables from Gabby that the team cleverly gangs together for a grander presence.
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Traditional wainscoting taken three stories floor-to-ceiling is a touch of the unexpected in a modern home, and Thies pairs it with straight, black balusters and sleek white oak newel posts, all to evoke the client’s eclectic style. Esposito brings in these 42-inch diameter edgy pendants from Arteriors. They fill this massive space and lend texture to the white tone-on-tone design created on the wall in Aesthetic White by Sherwin-Williams and a slightly brighter white on the trim. 92
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We are delighted these two designers came together to bring this project to fruition! Like the client, Esposito also has a background in fashion, and Thies knew this was the perfect opportunity to collaborate. The client desired to push the limits, and this dynamic duo was the best choice for the job. The foyer stair tower provides an incredible introduction to organic and modern design. The team has incorporated pattern-play in each space in unconventional ways — such as using wallcovering as the kitchen backsplash — to bring style and interest. Their collaboration shines in the flex room, where the design is an ode to fashion. Esposito expresses, “This room has a little essence of New York style —” to which Thies enthusiastically interjects, “— but with a much better view!” At this, the two burst into laughter, and their resounding joy illustrates the authenticity and strength of collaboration. u Flex Room: This flex room is runway-ready with the inky black hue Thies adorns on the ceiling. Here, two white oak beams command attention, drawing the view to the Gulf. Esposito mirrors this ceiling with a charcoal area rug from Jaipur. “Let’s paint them black!” Esposito and Thies say together regarding the client’s previously gold sunburst mirrors — now in black — they are the perfect accessory to this room, as is the bold drapery in a dynamic black-on-white pattern from Lindsay Cowels.
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Primary Bedroom: “The furniture in this space is a mix of styles! We have coastal on the bed, glam with the lounge, and Art Deco on the nightstand and dresser,” delights Thies. Four Hands’ dresser, nightstands, and chaise are paired with Essentials for Living’s coastal bed and pinstripe duvet in an eclectic display of expertly chosen furnishings.The ceiling trim accentuates the architecture, and the stunning wallcovering from Jennifer Latimer elevates the design even further.
Primary Bathroom: Black and gold accents are subtle yet impactful enhancements for the primary bathroom, where the designers grant their clients the feeling of a tranquil getaway. Serene blue North Star by Sherwin-Williams adorns the slat front cabinets. The client wants a minimalist look, so the design weds edgy minimalism and traditional minimalism between the floor and wall tile from DeMarco Tile. The traditional-style rug further enhances this eclectic design.
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The design of this home is an excellent example of how sharing resources can be beneficial. Esposito and Thies, both known for their organic style, were given the freedom to challenge norms by their client. The result is an eclectic design incorporating high fashion and creating bold, earthy, and avant-garde spaces. This was a game-changing experience for Thies and Esposito, who are both passionate about interior design and this new way. “The sky is the limit,” shares Esposito. “Alex and I have big dreams and big aspirations. Together, we can achieve great things. Stay tuned!” n
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Guest Suite & En Suite: The private deck railing inspires a nautical design, coming inside with a white nickel gap treatment for the ceiling. A dark stain on the canopy bed from Brownstone Furniture pairs nicely with all the blue hues around this guest room. In this airy bathroom, the white oak vanity with reeded drawers and brass hardware adds warmth amid the cool hues. The design team interprets these windows as port holes, embracing them as part of the nautical influence.
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VIP Guest Suite & En Suite: “The client provided this distinctive, tie-dye-esque duvet. We were immediately struck by its boldness and wholeheartedly embraced it,” explains Esposito, who dresses the bed from Bernhardt with this fun duvet. Thies and Esposito find the perfect spot for the client’s beach-side artwork in the ‘fun room,’ a charming name they fondly give to this suite. It harmonizes beautifully with the duvet’s vibrant design, showcasing the client’s art and bedding in this charming guest suite.
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Outdoor Living & Pool: “This speaks to the genius of both Residential Designer Richard Guzman and Landscape Architect Christian Andrea in the way that this pool converges with the architecture of the home,” shares Thies, who has come by way of experience to know that using Tahoe Blue from PebbleTek for the pool floor emulates the look of the Gulf of Mexico. The warmth of wood shelters this cozy outdoor living with a comfy sofa from Universal Furniture and chairs from Sunpan that face this contemporary fireplace with a striking dark tile.
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Front Elevation: The client had previously viewed another home designed by Residential Designer Richard Guzman of R.G. Designs, who also designed this coastal Old Florida-style home. Andrea of Architectural Land Design designed the tropical landscape to complement the house’s symmetrical and geometrical exterior elements, including the multi-tonal driveway. From the get-go, the client wished for a white house. Thies expertly draws attention to the grand entrance by contrasting it with the dark tone of the entry door, creating an inviting warmth.
Written by Rachel Seekamp Photography by Blaine Johnathan Photography Interior Designers:
Residential Designer:
Resources:
Adelyn Charles Interiors 3920 Via Del Rey, Suite 3 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.734.0449 www.adelyncharles.com
R.G. Designs 28071 Vanderbilt Drive Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.949.2929 www.rgdesignsinc.com
DeMarco Tile 3527 Domestic Avenue Naples, FL 34104 239.643.4077 www.demarcotile.com
Harper Haus Interiors 15900 Old US Highway 41, Suite 110 Naples, FL 34110 239.410.5246 www.harperhausinteriors.com
Landscape Architect: Architectural Land Design 2780 South Horseshoe Drive, Suite 5 Naples, FL 34104 239.430.1661 www.aldinc.net
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