HDS 2019 FEB_Michelle Miller

FLORIDA ®

FLORIDA’S FINEST Homes Furnishings Builders Architects Designers

DESIGN revival

A BEACHSIDE RENAISSANCE RETREAT

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The owners of this Italian-inspired beachfront villa seek refuge here from the cold winters of upstate New York. The couple sought out architect Dan Dawson after admiring his work, desiring to create a home which reflects the architecture they fell in love with on their Italian honeymoon.

“Like most clients, they showed me a number of photos of homes that they loved. My goal is to blend all those photos and ideas into a design that exceeds their dream,” explains Dawson.

“Many of the strongest features of the home were ideas that were started by the owners. They were a joy to work with. I would consider them to be more collaborators than clients.”

Dawson says the team solidified when joined by builder Carmine Pici of Tom Pici & Son Builders. The design hit close to home for Pici, whose grandfather was a builder in Italy. Dawson’s design was realized through the skilled artisans and experience Tom Pici & Son Builders brought to the project. u

Left: Intricate architectural details and trim work define the Italian Renaissance Revival architectural style of this Clearwater Beach home. Sweeping lighted stairs create a dramatic walkway to the front door. The turret houses a grand staircase which is not just a feature of the internal architecture but also intentionally viewed from outside.

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“A big part of what we do is having in place an experienced team of subcontractors, craftsman and suppliers to produce that final dream home for the clients,” says Pici. “Architect Dan Dawson is amazing and when the plans are excellent it makes it easier for us to accomplish a beautiful end result.”

The owners’ goal was to create a light-filled interior with modified oldworld touches befitting the homes’ phenomenal beachfront location on Clearwater Beach.

Principal designer Michelle Miller of Michelle Miller Design and interior designer Vanessa Stark’s use of clean, simple

contemporary

juxtaposed

against

furnishings

ornate

details

creates a balance in the home. u

Right: Even the family’s French bulldog is mesmerized by the glistening twostory chandelier illuminating the spiral staircase which achieves the grandeur and sophistication the clients desired.

White large format porcelain tile flooring used throughout the home provides the look of marble with beach-front durability. Custom wrought-iron railings on the stairs and second-story balcony hallway add old-world charm.

Left: The home’s two-story great room ceiling detail is a favorite of architect Dawson.

The

interior

designers

accentuated the room’s volume with fulllength watery-blue sheers from S. Harris.

A sparkling Corbett Lighting Chandelier maintains a feel of glamor and elegance.

A clean-lined custom Vanguard sofa adds contemporary contrast.

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“They wanted a Clearwater retreat with the essence of luxury with a touch of glamour but not over the top or overdone. We worked to integrate the architectural elements and create an environment that is lighter and fresher and younger and more contemporary to the space.”

Custom-made iron railings are softened by glistening mica-painted walls, and the shimmer of carefully selected light fixtures. The heart of the design both inside and out is the three-story spiral staircase, illuminated by a two-story cascading chandelier designed and custommade to the owners’ specifications. u

Above Left: The wet bar cabinetry provides climatized wine storage for both whites and reds. The mix of material continues here with a metal backsplash and cast iron doors leading to a small room that houses the kitchen ovens, microwave, and a large pantry out of sight of the main kitchen.

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Above: An 11-foot island illuminated by a quartet of Corbett Lighting pendants is at the heart of this kitchen, custom-designed

by AlliKristé Cabinetry. Kitchen designer Bob Ostrowski selected a mix of paint, wood stain and black for the custom cabinetry, “I like the idea of using a mix to give the space a feeling of warmth. The kitchen blends custom finishes and materials to create texture.” A wall cabinet placed over a window allows a flood of natural light and provides an ever-changing background view.

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Guests need little more than the view to enhance their stay in this waterfront retreat. The room is in keeping with the coastal glam of the home, but creates a more serene space with organic hues and natural textured Kravet drapery.

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The stair landing introduces a tailored feel to the upstairs. An onyx table softens the color palette and brings in a natural element. The desired touch of glamour is prevalent in the deep blue velvet sofa and chandelier illuminating the intimate space.

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A melding of tradition and progress, the home fulfills the owners’ desire for modern-day conveniences with a bit of glamour and nostalgic romance. n

Above: Playing off of the arch details in the architecture, the designers brought the same element into the tile, cabinetry, and mirror design of the master bath.

Dramatic black and white Sophie, waterjet stone mosaic tile from New Ravenna Tile creates a bold statement against the white vanity cabinetry. The Corbett Lighting chandelier is positioned at the entry to the dual-sided shower which runs the entire length of the bathroom. Brizio faucets from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery are used in the shower and at the vanity sinks. A glamorous walk-in closet by California Closets completes the master retreat.

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Above: The master bedroom brings a New York edge to the beachfront property, according to designer Miller. The essence of comfortable luxury in the bedding with Pyar & Co. pillows, Caracole furnishings, and Maxwell Fabrics drapery is accented by John Richard accessories for a touch of glamour. “These clients were fun to work with; they were not afraid of unique materials. It really was a collaborative effort with our team and the clients to create a special look,� notes Miller.

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Steps from the beach at the base of the three-story home, the pool provides a refreshing escape on hot Florida days. Its dancing fountains and comfortable lounge area are a fitting finish to this romantic beachside retreat.

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Above: A daybed swing and comfortable seating furnish this second-floor balcony—a frequent gathering spot for morning coffee and sunset viewing.

Written by Lisa Mishler Photography by Blaine Johnathan AlliKristĂŠ Custom Cabinetry & Kitchen Design 1188 N. Tamiami Trail, Unit 108, Sarasota, FL 34236 727.822.9213 www.allikriste.com California Closets 2906 W. Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33609 813.374.0282 www.californiaclosets.com

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 302 North Willow Avenue Tampa, FL 33606 813.253.1690 www.fergusonshowrooms.com Michelle Miller Design 14603 Gulf Boulevard Madeira, FL 33708 727.258.0600 www.michellemillerdesign.com Tom Pici & Son Builders 7211 1st Ave South St. Petersburg, FL 33707 727.363.8910 www.tompiciandson.com

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MISSION accomplished

AN AWARD-WINNING TAMPA HOME

All homes in the Tampa neighborhood of Avila must adhere to Spanish Mission architecture, which posed a fun challenge for builder Bobby Alvarez and architect Jeff Smith. The two-story Florencia features the clay barrel, low-sloping roofs, smooth plaster façade and arched colonnades that characterize this style while also accommodating the homeowners’ desire for special touches.

These include a freestanding casita and a courtyard with a pool.

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Take three design professionals and challenge them to create a compact, luxury, energy-efficient Spanish Mission home with a detached guest quarters and a courtyard pool. What is the result? A gorgeous awardwinning house in Tampa’s Avila Golf & Country Club. u

Above: The entryway invites guests to have a seat on the bench or to walk through the custom-designed wrought-iron gate as they approach the courtyard. The electric lanterns resemble vintage gas lamps. The stonework comes from Syria. Alvarez says they selected the Cuban tile details “to mix a Mission look with a modern feel.” Interior designer Michelle Miller consulted on the one-of-a-kind front door. “We wanted your first impression stepping into the home to be of high luxury,” she says. “The carving details, weight of the door and hardware let you know that you’re entering a very special home.”

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Spanish Mission has more specific characteristics than the more common Mediterranean-style architecture. “Spanish Mission homes have more authentic styling to them with corbels and brackets,” explains architect Jeff Smith. Other elements consist of clay barrel tile roofs, exposed rafter tails, heavy timber framing and a smooth plaster finish.

Smith and builder Bobby Alvarez collaborate often. Interior designer Michelle Miller of Michelle Miller Design rounds out the team who worked together on this project, named the Florencia.

The Florencia has won several awards, including an Aurora Award from the Southeast Builders Conference and the Best in Green Single-Family Custom Award from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“An efficient and healthy house is what we try to accomplish,” Alvarez says of his company, which focuses on building eco-friendly, smart homes.

Miller’s aim was to make the inside of the home comfortable. “We wanted the interior decor to evoke a feeling of warmth and coziness,” Miller says. To achieve this, she combined traditional Spanish Mission colors and furnishings with the Danish concept of Hygge, which she defines as “a feeling that encompasses fulfillment and well-being by enjoying and surrounding yourself with simple things.”

The furnishings and materials used within and outside the 3,550-square-foot, threebedroom home and its one-bedroom casita, reflect the dual missions of maintaining Spanish style and providing modern conveniences.

The Cuban tile mosaics, coffered ceilings, and carved wood furniture speak to the architecture, and the high-end kitchen appliances and wine cellar address the homeowners’ needs for entertaining. u

Right: The living room boasts 12-foot ceilings with oak beams and recessed LED light strips. Miller and her team carefully chose and often customized each piece of furniture for the desired effect. “We incorporated old with new to create a balance in the space, then added unexpected accents of colors with the pillows, rugs and artwork,” she says. Miller sourced the sofa from Vanguard Furniture, sketching the layout and selecting the fabric. Century Furniture tailor-made the chair and the coffee table, made of cerused oak. The Vanguard Furniture side table’s small scale and slight arch made it ideal for the room. The hand-made console table is by Mexican company Alfonso Marina.

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Above: An extension of the living room, the kitchen and dining area can seat 12 for meals or casual gatherings. The dining table’s unique frame detail is perfectly complemented by the simple parson-style chairs from Vanguard Furniture. Above the table hangs a Currey & Company Houndslow eightlight fixture in satin black. The bar stools in soft orange leather were customized by Century Furniture to complement the rug and serve as a contrast to the quartz countertops and white Wood-Mode cabinetry. Three Pluto Mini Pendants from Hubbardton Forge illuminate the bar. Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances are from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. The hand-knotted Loloi jute rug ties together the entire great room.

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Both Alvarez and Smith enjoyed solving the puzzle presented by the many requests for the space, including the requirement that the pool be in front of the house. “We had to pack a lot of stuff in there to get it to all work out,” Smith says. And Alvarez proclaims his favorite part of any project is turning a clients’ wish list into reality, from the initial paper plans to the finished product.

The team of three exceeded everyone’s expectations with the Florencia and delivered a home that looks and feels like a larger property. Their mission was definitely accomplished. n

Below: Originally a storage closet, the wine cellar was laid out by Miller with wine cellar designer Julie Lanning. Wood-Mode cabinets and a stainless-steel cable racking system can hold approximately 300 bottles of wine. The tile floor matches the artisan Cuban mosaic tile used in the entryway.

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Above: The upstairs landing leads to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a loft space.

The coffered ceiling is of maple, and the floor is oak. The Jan Barboglio wooden mirror is sculpted at top with a beautiful iron cross and flowers. “Its massive size is very impressive in the stairwell and we love how it reflects the image of the custom railings,� Miller says. The painting on the landing is from John Richard. A Hubbardton Forge Double Cirque chandelier from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery completes the space.

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Above: The serene bedroom has a soothing color scheme, thanks to the Bernhardt Furniture headboard upholstered in linen, as well as the custom bedding. “We used natural linen and cotton in neutral tones then added accents of purples and aubergine within the accent pillows and throw,� Miller explains. A wool and silk blend rug from Surya Rugs covers the floor. Matching nightstands from Stanley Furniture flank the bed. Framed pheasant feathers from Uttermost adorn the wall with a Currey & Company light fixture from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery casting shadows nearby. www.HomeAndDesign.net

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Left: “We liked how the soothing earth tones worked with the Spanish Revival feel of the home,” Miller says of the color scheme in this bedroom.

The linen-upholstered bed was custom ordered from Vanguard Furniture, and the bedding is specially made, as well.

The bronze stain finish of the Vanguard Furniture

nightstands

creates

the

illusion of metal. The Kravet draperies make a statement. “This fabric, Bejo Sheer, has a lot of texture and almost a metallic look to it,” Miller says. Two Made Goods velvet-covered stools at the foot of the bed add an element of surprise. The Currey & Company light fixtures are from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, and the painting is from Delano Art. Right: The Florencia was laid out to meet several needs, from the neighborhood’s restrictions on pool placement to the homeowners’

request

for

separate

guest quarters. The solution devised by Alvarez and Smith was to build off of a Mission-style courtyard plan featuring a standalone, one-bedroom casita. Syrian stone, electric lanterns, wood beams, and a wrought-iron gate give off a Spanish vibe.

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Above: The private courtyard houses the pool area toward the front of the home, due to setback regulations that prevented it from being in the backyard. Fountains and specialty lighting, along with the lozenge shape and colorful tiles, lend a level of uniqueness to the small pool. Seating from Ratana’s Madison collection provides comfortable lounging.

Left: The rear of the house overlooks a small pond and wooded area. A screened porch that runs almost the full length of the home doubles as a second dining room and an outdoor kitchen. On the patio, pairs of Adirondack chairs allow for cozy conversations or just relaxation. The lanterns from Janus et Cie provide a warm ambiance for nighttime gatherings.

Written by Kendra Gemma Photography by Jorge Alvarez Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 302 North Willow Ave Tampa, FL 33606 941.951.0110 www.fergusonshowrooms.com Michelle Miller Design 14603 Gulf Blvd Madeira, FL 33708 727.258.0600 www.michellemillerdesign.com

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BEHIND THE STORY

MICHELLE MILLER DESIGN

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ichelle, the co-founder and principal designer of Michelle Miller Design, is an educated, trained, accredited and licensed professional interior designer.

After starting her career in theatrical and television set design, Michelle transitioned to hospitality and commercial design fields. Her extensive knowledge and unique passion for design then drove her to open her own interior design firm in 2002 that would specialize in high-end residential design.

Michelle’s experience as an avid world traveler allows her to incorporate elements of European and Asian cultures into her work.

Michelle Miller Design has grown into a prominent design firm on a national and international scale.

Michelle’s work is featured in the homes, stores, and venues of Wolfgang Puck, House Beautiful, Coach, Marie Claire, and more.

MICHELLE MILLER

DESIGN 14603 Gulf Boulevard Madeira Beach, FL 33708 727.258.0600 www.MichelleMillerDesign.com www.HomeAndDesign.net

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