FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
A SOFT CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSION OF ART AND FRIENDSHIP
Breakfast Nook: “I love tulip tables — they were on my mood board for so long. I kept saying, ‘Either I’m going to get a tulip table, or one of my clients is!’ June loved it, too. They’re a classic design from the 1950s and will never go out of style,” Fogarty shares, detailing this nickel-based tulip table from Villa & House. The chairs around the table and the island have a cohesive fabric, while the chandelier above the table is whimsical and makes a statement.
Living Room: Fogarty does her design presentation at the Hickory Chair showroom. “I had everything laid out, and this was the rug underneath,” Fogarty shares. June admired the rug from International Design Source, so it became part of the design. Its raised pattern and champagne hue fit seamlessly, and Fogarty carries that hue to the console under the television and the wallcovering in the back of the built-ins. Dark wood accents appear on the Sherrill Furniture cocktail table and the quatrefoil-backed chair from Hickory Chair.
Decades earlier, Fogarty honed her craft working for June, whose design firm was among the most respected in St. Louis, alongside her husband Howard, a successful home builder. After reconnecting years later, their renewed relationship evolved into a close friendship, culminating in what Fogarty describes as a “full circle moment” when they asked her to design their new condominium at Moorings Park Grande Lake. The design process unfolded beautifully, a testament to meticulous planning and the utmost trust. For Fogarty, fostering trust and guiding clients toward a distinctive vision is central to her approach to every client.
Having personally seen June and Howard’s previous homes, Fogarty felt confident in understanding their style: Soft Contemporary — neutral foundations energized by bold color. “I learned so much from June when I worked with her,” shares Fogarty. “She always said, ‘You have to start with something, a rug, a piece of art, or a platter you adore,’ and just as June often did, we began this project with the art.”
“One of the first things June and I did together was head to Miami and choose all the art,” shares Fogarty, who had already walked the model condo, completed preliminary space planning, and selected the hard finishes. It was a joyful day exploring the 45,000-squarefoot art showroom, where both designers flagged potential selections. By the end of the day, they had narrowed it down to 30 pieces, including a striking large-scale work that now anchors the hallway leading to the guest bedrooms. u
Dining Room: Even though Fogarty and June first selected this piece of art for the foyer, the designers switched them during installation, placing this colorful and energetic piece in the dining room. A custom Old Biscayne Designs dining table adorned with a pearlized finish creates a striking contrast against the deeper hues of the chair legs and chest, adding visual depth and sophistication to the space. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance.
Hallway Artwork: “June loves her punch of color to come from the art, and for her, the pieces are meant to speak for themselves,” delights Fogarty. That is precisely what they do in this hallway that leads to the guest rooms. Two mixed media pieces from artist Oz El Hai capture attention with vivid colors and captivating themes, while the large-scale piece at the end of the hall acts as a bold focal point, its vibrant hues energizing the crisp white walls.
Office: Fogarty selects a sleek desk from Century Furniture — its clean lines complement the custom-built cabinetry along the wall. A custom ergonomic executive chair ensures style and comfort, while a sophisticated marble lamp from Clive Daniel Home blends classic with modern elements with its sleek, streamlined design. Every element reflects Howard’s style, emanating a strong and refined aesthetic.
With the art selections made, the next step was curating a backdrop to showcase the art while ensuring every other piece maintained its unique importance. In the foyer, the interplay of black and white previews one of the home’s defining design elements. “I always emphasize the importance of floating dark and light elements throughout a home,” Denise explains. “It’s all about creating a perfect balance and adding visual interest without letting one overpower the other.”
In the dining room, this balance continues, with bold artwork enlivening the space against a backdrop of carefully layered tones. Fogarty’s thoughtful use of silver, crystal, and a delicate champagne hue brings cohesion, adding subtle shimmer and refinement through wall coverings, light fixtures, and fabrics. u
While the office is purely Howard’s domain, his influence as a home builder is evident in the custom beam work on the ceiling and the built-in shelves in the living room. Throughout the design, art functions as both a bold focal point and a subtle accent, complemented by sculptural light fixtures, rich fabrics, and silk greenery, bringing warmth to the Soft Contemporary aesthetic. For Fogarty, helping June and Howard create their new home wasn’t just another project — it was both a professional and personal honor and the ultimate full-circle moment. n
Primary Bathroom: For June’s makeup vanity, Fogarty designs a custom chair from Vanguard Furniture, choosing a fabric with a hint of sparkle and texture in the warm champagne hue that flows throughout the condo. Flanking the antique silver mirror are two exquisite Lily Buds sconces, each crystal delicately hung by hand. The vanity’s soft white finish and countertop complement the neutral tile tones.
Primary Bedroom: Bold artwork above the nightstands from Old Biscayne Designs introduces just the right touch of color, enlivening the space without overpowering it. Lamps with sculptural bases reflect the artwork’s dynamic movement. The neutral tufted headboard and bedding pair beautifully with playful pillows, creating layers of texture and softness. Custom drapery with blackout capabilities completes the retreat, offering effortless control through remote access.
“I learned so much from June when I worked with her,” shares Interior Designer Denise Fogarty of Denise Fogarty Interiors. “She always said, ‘You have to start with something, a rug, a piece of art, or a platter you adore,’ and just as June often did, we began this project with the art.”
Written by Rachel Seekamp
Photography by SPM Photography
Interior Designer: Denise Fogarty Interiors
365 5th Avenue South, Suite 201 Naples, FL 34102
239.682.6063
www.denisefogartyinteriors.com
Resources:
Clive Daniel Home 2777 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34103
239.261.4663
www.clivedaniel.com
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 38 Goodlette-Frank Road South Naples, FL 34102
239.963.0087
www.build.com/ferguson
International Design Source 6001 Taylor Road Naples, FL 34109
239.591.1114 www.ids1.com
Guest Bedroom: Fogarty fine-tunes each guest suite to feel inviting and distinctive. In one suite, delicate linework drawings from Clive Daniel Home lend a feminine touch above the traditional Lexington Home Brands bed.
