DESIGN +DECOR
THE FLORIDA EDITION
THE AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS ISSUE
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DESIGN +DECOR
THE FLORIDA EDITION
SUMMER 2022
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CHIC MODERN COASTAL
A diamond in the rough is transformed into a contemporary gem. Story by Meryl Siegman Photography by Blaine Johnathan
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2022 AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS Story by Kathleen Syron
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LEAVING IT ALL BEHIND
A South Florida retreat is designed for fun, family and friends.
Story by Heather Shoning Photography by Blaine Johnathan
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Publisher’s Letter In The Field Profile
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Melange Ask The Experts
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WHITE GLOVE SERVICE | IMPECCABLE SELECTION Naples’ Largest Selection of Tibetan and Nepalese Rugs, specializing in Custom Creations Thousands of Hand-Knotted Oriental Rugs Exclusive Stark Studio Collections Sisals | Traditional, Transitional & Contemporary Wall-To-Wall Carpeting from Rosecore, Antrim, Fabrica & More Exclusive Outdoor Carpet by STANTON
732 U.S. 41 North, Naples
(1 Block South of Bentley Dealership)
Read our Reviews at www.DesignersRugCenter.com
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DESIGN +DECOR SUMMER 2022
Editor-in-Chief Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 Contributing Writers Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Pam Gersh, Sean Jarvis, Ross Robinson, Meryl Siegman, Anna von Stelzer-Worth, Kait Shea, Anastasia Storer Contributing Photographers Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, Janice Parker, Durston Saylor, Debra Somerville, Eric Striffler, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography Copy Editor Elena Serocki Graphic & Web Design East Coast Home Publishing
Publisher Shelley E. McCormick sm@dd-mag.com 203-545-7091 Account Managers Jane O’Reilly Mara Skowronek Kelly Ames Smith Design + Decor 349 Forest Hills Blvd Naples, Florida 34113
Design + Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Subscriptions: one year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues can be purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 349 Forest Hills Blvd Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.
EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING 349 Forest Hills Blvd Naples, Florida 34113 DD-MAG.COM
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER PUBLISHER’S LETTER
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hat does summer mean in Florida? Heat, rain, major storms and—yes, hurricane season.
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pring has the sprung heretime in Florida. This is probably only of the For yearsome, that you conjures up feelings inspirationor the can look the at season the sky and see a stormof coming, as theand natural world revives re- you aftermathand of hope a storm, be amazed at theand colors invigorates Spring to see—colors that do itself. not register on Floridians any color usuwheel.
ally means the end of “Season”—when the snowbirds go home and life gets a little quieter for us.
That is the beauty of living in Florida. These color spectrums can changed transform world. affect how But things have overyour the last few They years. While you live and breathe, and they inspire your lifestyle. there is still a seasonal aspect of three-month renters, we have seen more and more people making Florida their new also homestead. any new homestead comes isSummer brings With our Amazing Transformations new and the that need have for intesue. construction, Each year werenovations present projects been exrior design. Andtransformed during this time, is no rest for and traordinarily withthere updated design the weary. To members of the home design industry, architecture. In our various departments, you’llI learn say congratulations for all the hard work you’re doing about the brands that make up the Florida market, and while continuing to stay upbeat and positive with all hearobstacles from experts who has share design ideas and tips to the the industry faced! Cheers to you!
help you navigate your next endeavor. This issue is your guide to choosing your next team of industry professionals.I’m excited to present you with our Spring issue, which is chock-full of exciting features. First up, a big celebration article about Stofft Cooney Architect’s 40/20 Live, see the beauty and be Anniversary. inspired. Learn about the partners and the astonishing legacy they have created. For our Annual Kitchen feature, “Honing Your Masterpiece,”
we reached out and asked Enjoy the issue—until nextnumerous time! Seelocal youkitchen in Fall designers, 2022. “What did your clients
need or must have in their design to make it the kitchen of their dreams?” Their replies will surprise and delight you. And, in our “Ask the Experts” department, learn Cheers, from PBS Contractors all about pre-construction—all the things necessary to take a project from planning to production. It’s a fascinating class in How to Build 101.
Shelley McCormick Enjoy the issue!
Shelley McCormick
Cheers,
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- Publisher
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MELANGE
INTERNATIONAL DESIGN SOURCE International Design Source (IDS) is a showroom exclusively for interior design professionals, housing an extremely large collection of ready-to-go items, including fine furniture, fabrics, accessories and rugs from the most respected names in the industry. The 80,000-square-foot showroom also features design libraries with catalogs and upholstery samples of every line represented, and is staffed by a personable and knowledgeable staff. Locations in Naples and Sarasota, FL. For more information on IDS, go to www.ids1.com
Luke Fun and sophisticated, Luke combines fashion with comfort, creating the perfect balance for those looking to relax in style. With a gorgeous chrome swivel base, Luke is guaranteed to bring any room to life.
Modern Taylor Bench Playful in balance, texture and tone, the Taylor Bench serves as an intriguing punctuation to bedrooms with a ridged, onyx-finished seat; a metal body; and a plush, removable seat cushion.
Swallows in Flight A beautiful flock of Swallows in Flight mounted on a black granite base creates a stunning sculpture.
Adelle Sectional Sofa The Adelle sectional is the perfect combination of style, grace and comfort. Its scale doesn’t overpower a room, yet it offers amazing comfort. The wide back cushions marry perfectly with the bench seats which are framed by slim arms and an exquisite wood plinth base. The open-ended corner sofa continues to add fresh perspective to this beautiful design.
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Lori Dubois’ Sea Glass Mirror The cohesive symmetry of shapes and lines provides surprising results to create this distinctive abstract masterpiece by artist Lori Dubois. The artwork is encased in a high-gloss vitreous finish to give the appearance of glass, and is surrounded by a silver molding. The mirror is designed for portrait or landscape orientation.
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IN THE FIELD
The Man Behind the Black Ads The mysterious and celebrated interior designer shares his insight, wisdom and plans for the future of his firm. Story by Elena Serocki
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D
+D: Who is Jeff Schreier, and what makes you tick?
Jeff: Family guy first, design guy, entrepreneur. Obsessed with exceptionally designed homes and how they enhance every aspect of life. I’m the design guy who sees beyond the spaces I’m working on. I don’t design rooms—I design lifestyles based on what the client needs/wants. My interiors are an extension of the client’s passions. Whether the clients think they have a passion or not, I will pull it out of them in a sophisticated, appropriate, artful, tasteful way. Just when you think you don’t know what your home should be about—or represent— our firm will help you master it in an expression you can’t imagine. As a connoisseur of well-designed luxury items, Schreier is actually a minimalist, encouraging clients to surround themselves only with items that are useful and/or bring them joy. My design philosophy is that a “well-designed space” requires very little; the extras are the items that bring the clients joy. I find that, very often, high-end design can become museum-like. For my firm, luxury design needs to incorporate the individuals and the family, stay usable and pay homage to the people who reside in the space. Family photos are underrated in well-designed homes. Schreier designs coast to coast for successful, exacting and demanding clients who want to invest and make a statement with their home’s interior design, and are all about enjoying the finer things in life. What’s makes me tick? Getting to know my clients, creating personalized interi-
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ors that represent their life and passions, ignoring trends, and delivering timeless, classic, custom interiors that are livable, usable works of art. I create fun, sophisticated, exceptional and high-quality design. D+D: What can a client expect from you? Jeff: Foremost, a home that represents the client, not the trends. Interior design that sets them apart and is classic, subtle, timeless, noteworthy, artistic and simplistically breath-taking. Schreier custom designs furniture, lighting, rugs, wallcoverings and artwork that are specific to the home and the client. We do not just rely on off-the-rack furnishings and interior products. Our clients depend on us to provide our expertise in every design element. They value our direct approach and talent, and are willing to invest in it. They appreciate not only our personalized interior design, but our professional business approach to their investment and complete project management. We represent the client’s interest during and after the process. My clients want to know they are in good hands, so they can get on with their busy lives or simply play golf, tennis, or travel—and leave every splendid detail to us. The Schreier team provides a concierge-level experience. Expect perfection. D+D: What surprises clients most about you and your team? Jeff: Our clients are always impressed with how under the radar we are. 24
Schreier has been designing amazing interiors coast to coast for over 26 years. Yet our company, historically, has not advertised; our long list of repeat clients are all word of mouth. Our firm has been fortunate to have worked with amazing clients who enjoy the design process and have trusted me to run with and implement my vision. My team and I literally have no ego. The Schreier process is for the best possible client and interior result. Our clients boast about our work ethic and our humble, friendly approach to customers. I struggle with publishing photos of our finished homes. My team and I get so personally involved with the clients during the process that it almost feels like publishing is a violation of what has been created. If a potential client wants to see my work, we typically do private portfolio viewings. We’re in the process of launching a new website that will represent me and my team and the Schreier brand clearly, while maintaining the mystery of the man and the design firm behind the black advertisements. D+D: Jeff, you’ve been in the game some time now, and have seen different styles trending in the design of a home. What style would you say stands the test of time? And why? Jeff: In my opinion, the only interiors that stand the test of time are interiors that represent the client’s lifestyle and interests, and interiors that are meticulously designed and implemented appropriately to the architecture of the home. Our firm believes that impeccable interiors require a design process that specifies only necessary details. Edit, edit, edit. Less is typically
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more. Impeccable, client-specific design is timeless.
no choice.
Schreier last year was commissioned to redo homes for three lifetime clients: multiple homes that we have redone for them. Across the board, our clients comment that if it wasn’t for fading and “wear and tear,” they wouldn’t be making changes. Investing in quality interiors stands the test of time. Our clients often comment on their finished interiors that, “This must truly be your masterpiece.” I am humbled and yet so honored that we can achieve this level of satisfaction for our clients.
Tell us a secret about yourself that no one knows yet.
D+D: What does the future hold for Schreier Interior? We’re excited about current design clients who are allowing us to truly create personalized custom interiors, working with top builders in Naples, Sarasota, Coronado and my home state of Minnesota. Also, we’re opening a retail location at the current Schreier Interior design office in the Naples design district. Here we’ll offer our custom designs of upholstery, wallcoverings and other curated items, along with one of our absolute favorite brands, McGuire Furniture. We expect to launch our retail location and new brand-specific website for the upcoming 2022–2023 season. D+D: Now a little bit about you, Jeff: Why did you become an interior designer?
I literally live in black T-shirts and (what I think are) cool shoes. Your biggest pet peeve in the industry? “Cookie-cutter,” off-the-rack designs. Choose your designer carefully; you don’t want your home to look like your neighbor’s. Let’s end this interview with something heartwarming. Describe your family in five words. Wife, three kids, beyond grateful. Resource Schreier Interior Jeff Schreier 26 10th Street South Naples, FL 34012 651.442.6879 schreierinterior.com
Design and architecture are in my blood. Interior design chose me; I had 26
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Sweet Dreams How to choose the right mattress and make it last a lifetime. Stories by Elena Serocki
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+D: What factors go into choosing the right bed?
Vispring: As leading sleep experts, we have always recommended trying a bed physically to help make an informed decision. Trying a lot of different combinations is also advised—for example, spring tension, filling and size—to work out what’s best for you. Test each bed for at least 10 minutes, try to get into your normal sleeping position, and turn over a couple of times to see if it feels right. When selecting a mattress, measure your bedroom and get the biggest bed that can fit in the room—the bigger your bed, the fewer sleep disturbances you will experience. Once you have selected your mattress, we offer a design to suit every taste with a range of divans, headboards and accessories. D+D: How do you decide on tension in a mattress? Do the old rules apply? Vispring: Comfort is paramount to Vispring, and choosing the right spring tension can safeguard against aches and pains from sleeping on an incorrect mattress. Contrary to some commonly accepted myths, consumers should not go for the firmest bed possible, but rather be guided by their weight. All Vispring beds come in four different spring tensions—soft, medium, firm and extra firm—and can combine two adjacent tensions to allow for varying weights, allowing for individual comfort. Here’s a quick guide to finding the right spring tension for your weight: up to 154 pounds: soft; 154–225 pounds: medium; 225–280 pounds: firm; above 280 pounds: extra firm. D+D: Each Vispring bed is handmade and can last a lifetime with care. What steps can owners take to preserve their Vispring bed?
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The PBS Construction Team
cal. This includes not just the architect and contractor, Vispring: The perfect mattress is an essential investment,but andthe client as well. care All three of us haveyou responsibilities, and with regular and cleaning, can preserve obligations your bed for deadlines. By building a schedule of key events and assigning responyears to come. We recommend four steps: sibilities, we can have regular progress meetings to assess how things are going. We share To a written setyour up like a check1. Protect Your Mattress. preventnarrative, damage to mattress, list, each role and what each part of the team it’s which best todescribes protect it. Vispring recommends covering your newcan expect from onea mattress another. protector; this will make cleaning much mattress with easier in the future. D+D: Once the team is in place, who takes the lead in creating a2.strategic planMattress. for the For project? Anduse, what strategicand plan Turn Your optimal we does advisea turning look like?your mattress twice a month for the first three months rotating BZ: project manager from PBS in chargethereafter. of the strategic afterThe purchasing your mattress, and is seasonally This plan. The project manager understands ’s place in the movement will ensure that the larger parteverybody of the sleeping surface schedule because the body project the schedule. The strais adjusting to your andmanager sleepingbuilt positions. tegic plan looks like a schedule accompanied and complemented by a3.narrative checklist. Our project useand, an enterprise soluClean Your Mattress. As deadmanagers skin cells on occasion, tion project called CMiC. In recommended addition, theythat build dusttomites can management gather in your mattress, it is pre-construction and construction with MS Project. you vacuum it every two months. schedules For tougher stains, VispringWe track progress calendarMS Office solusuggests spot with cleaning whenand the narrative-based stain is new. There are many tions as Excel.spot clean your mattress and, for best results, ways such to effectively you should follow the specific manufacturer care guide for your D+D: How does PBS bring the detergent right guidance and cloth leadership mattress. However, a very mild and soft brushto each project? can often work well. BZ: There is no replacement for experience in this working relationship. processasis itnot an be, everyday experi4. ProtectThe thepre-construction Springs. As tempting may try not to ence for mostbounce projecton managers. is nodamage trade school to teach let children the bed,There as it will the springs. it. To get our on board quickly possible and edge to mainVispring also people recommends thatasyou avoidassitting on the of tain along we use a mentoring system to lead by yourthem bed, as this the putsway, pressure on the edge springs, and excessive example. A management team checksthe theborder milestone progress dates or frequent pressure could damage stitching. and the quality of the work all along the way, and offers its input and expertise as needed to keep things heading for the final goal, Resource: which is the start of construction. Vispring Resource: vispring.com PBS Contractors Available through: Bart Zino, Senior Vice President 4395 Corporate The Luxury BedSquare Collection Naples, FL Street 34104South 111 10th 239.643.6527 Suite 110, Naples, FL 34102 pbscontractors.com 239.296.5497 theluxurybedcollection.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Material World The intricacies of choosing just the right elements when designing a space Story by Elena Serocki
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hat makes a home comfortable as well as beautiful? Alex Thies of Adelyn Charles Interiors explains the careful thought process that goes into the selection of materials and how she uses diverse elements to create a sense of balance and peace. D+D: What is the breakdown of material choices in interior design? Adelyn: When designing a new construction home, we have to be cognizant of multiple layers of materials— from the backgrounds of the home (flooring, cabinetry, counters, walls and ceilings) to the furnishings, art and accessories. Working with a designer gives you an edge in that we are always thinking of the entire scope of the project from start to finish, so each of these layers is considered with precision to ensure flow and harmony between all materials. D+D: What are some specifications that interior designers consider when choosing materials and products? Adelyn: There are so many factors that go into the selection of
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materials. It’s not just about the look, but also about the quality, longevity and tactile experience of the materials we use. In Southwest Florida, we also have to be conscious of our environment. Although it may not seem like it, our salty air and high humidity make for a really harsh environment, and not all materials will perform equally. When I select products for my clients, I’m always considering not only how they will look, but how they will function from both a comfort and a long-term maintenance perspective. D+D: Are there rules that apply to mixing different materials in a space? If so, please explain. Adelyn: It’s definitely a delicate balance. Some may use precise calculations but, for me, it’s all about balance and scale and suiting the client’s particular style. I’m all for mixing materials—I think it gives a richness that elevates the home to another level— but I’ve also seen it completely overdone to where your eye has nowhere to land and is distracted by too many things happening at once. This creates a feeling of chaos, and a home should al-
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ways, no matter what the style, bring a sense of peace and calm. D+D: Sustainability has been a movement for some time now, but it does not seem to be on the forefront. Do you think there are enough sustainable materials out there to give your clients good choices? Adelyn: I would love to see more mainstream sustainable options. I think that other regions, like the West Coast of the country, have done an incredible job of embracing sustainability, but we haven’t quite gotten there in Florida, which surprises me in a place that is so closely connected to nature. We love presenting sustainable options to our clients—and I think they do feel good about making these kinds of choices—but it is definitely more of a bonus than a main criterion for our clientele. D+D: Over the last few years, production slowdowns have created long wait times and delays. How have you navigated this situation? How has this affected client communication and expectations? Adelyn: It’s been a major learning curve for our entire industry over the last couple of years. We’ve learned that so much is out of our control, but that we can reorganize and re-prioritize to organize the process as much as possible. We’ve restructured timelines to stay ahead of the game as much as we can, and have created a new system for keeping our clients in the loop on current lead times and delays. My approach is always one of transparency and setting re-
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alistic expectations. The delays are frustrating for everyone involved, so we are doing as much as we can to stay ahead of them and communicate clearly to our clients so they have clear expectations from the start and throughout the entire process. Resource Adelyn Charles Interiors Alex Thies 3920 Via Del Rey, Suite 3 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.734.0449 adelyncharles.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Laying Around Tips on Choosing the Ideal Rug or Carpet Story by Elena Serocki
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Rendering by Dwayne Bergmann | Dwayne Bergmann Interiors
development process.
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D+D: How long a process is pre-construction, what is the result, and what are the costs involved? ith a 30-year history of offering the finest qualBZ: For a typical remodeling project in the half-million-dollar range, ity rugs and carpets in South Florida, Designers’ our goal is to take the client from the first design and scope meeting owner Chris design, Smith has his cato a point where weRug haveCenter a clear, complete all spent selections and reer travelling the world to personally select the finishes chosen and confirmed, a complete set of permit-ready drawhighest hisand Naples showroom. store works ings, andquality a firm,offerings current for price contract in fourThe months. A home with most of the area’s successful interior designers and homeowncan take longer depending on the intensity of the design—perhaps ers who value to thea quality eight months year. found in a distinctive premium carpet or custom rug. Pre-construction costs are included in our budgets initially as proPhoto: Clive Daniels We asked Chris for his insights rugto anddevelop carpet industry. jected costs. Time spent with into the the client his plans and specs is then tracked and reported monthly to the client. We’ve had D+D: What are you seeing style and materials pre-construction stages takeinasthe fewdesign, as eight weeks, when theused client s we’ve been forced to slow down and more for rugs and carpets in Southwest Florida? and design team are focused and linear. We’ve also seen spend this process time in our homes, it’s become imperative to create take six months and more. The client “happiness” level when a proja space that’s not only stylish and Chris: Wethat offer both handmade rugs andcomfortable, wall-to-wall carpet. Many ect takes long depends on the client’s recognitionbut of the size and current. With this in mind, we asked the area’s top clients now are having rugs made out of wall-to-wall carpeting in scope of the project and his own personal decision-making process. design professionals to predict the biggest in home design neutral tones and colors, which lends itself totrends enhancing any envifor 2022. If work you’re planning toweaver renovate home or redecorate ronment. We with a custom whoyour finishes all the edges by D+D: How has PBS Contractors mastered CMGC? your living space, these ideas might offer a breath of fresh air. hand. Some wall-to-wall carpeting comes in a 15-foot width, which BZ: PBS became proficient in the CMGC method through expe-
A
allows to create rugs withoutand anymany seams.years. For handmade rugs,we rience us gained overlarge many projects For example, D+D: What style and materials will gain popularity in kitchens? we specialize in rugs from Nepal, which are made from Himalayan started out with an in-house designer. When that long-time, trusted wool andretired, silk, and offer unlimited when comeshire to adeadvisor it became apparentpossibilities that we needed toiteither new Alina Guzowska, Marketing Communications Manager sign. We are also a direct importer of one-of-a-kind rugs from India as designer or work with outside design teams. One of our priorities New Stylecontractor Cabinets iscountries. and other rug-weaving a general to match each client with the best matching New Style Cabinets, basedand in taste Chicago, a showroom Nadesign team. Personality comeopened into play. We don’tin want ples in the fall of 2021. The firm has been in the industry for more D+D: What tips can you offer homeowners on choosing a rug to to match up a traditionalist with a minimalist. In deciding whether atodecade, androom? its cabinetry millworkwearedecided craftedthat in-house. fit akeep specific design in-house or and outsourced, a singleWith deasigner key eye for craftsmanship and use of the highest quality materials, generally has a single point of “design view.” We wanted to New Cabinets one-of-a-kind products that Chris: Generally speaking, large, expansive living should havethe offer Style our clients the designs greatest range within the spaces industry bystand making of time. atest larger rug where so thethe all flexibility the furniture on the rug, a 12by the best matches, of afits larger pool of like design profes15-foot rug, which will define the space. In smaller spaces, some sionals has proven to better serve our wide range of clients. That Alina: going to that see aextends combination of furniture, different materials designers prefer a rug upcourse, to the or looking with thebewas theWe’re single biggest evolution. Of we’re always to ing used together, and clients playing with a variety of finishes front furniture legs being on the carpet. In a master bedroom with and a improve processes and have continued to refine how we approach textures tobed, create custom appeal. king-sized a 9-a by 12-foot is smallest rug you should consider, pre-construction. Cabinetry becomingdepending more artistic, andthethey finor perhaps pieces a 10- are by 14-foot, the on size’reofbeing nightished with natural woods like walnut and oak, and accessorized with stands. For a queen bed, an 8by 10-foot should suffice. In your D+D: The pre-construction phase requires a massive team of conglass and wire mesh. Clients might feel hesitant to the go with oak dining room, the rug shouldeffectively. be as still largeHow as possible so chairs tributors to work together does PBS prepare for on their cabinets because it reminds them of the ‘90s, but what remain on the rug when people pull them out to sit down. Generally, this critical phase, and how is it accomplished? seentable being done with super exciting. awe’ve six-seat requires an 8-iteveryone by 10-foot rug.team In hallways, runners BZ: Creating a schedule that on the buys into is criti-
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should not end in the middle of a connecting doorway. They should completely extend past an adjacent doorway or stop before it. D+D: For homeowners with lots of activity in their home, what material do you suggest for high-traffic areas? Chris: In areas that receive a lot of traffic, a high-quality wool rug or carpet with a low-cut pile or loop works well, or a premium nylon is also good. In very high-traffic areas like the kitchen and other spaces where people congregate, some clients are using outdoor rugs because of their durability and ease of cleaning. Resource Designers’ Rug Center Chris Smith 732 Ninth Street North Naples, FL 34102 239.434.9584 designersrugcenter.com 38 experts.indd 38
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DESIGN +DECOR
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CHIC MODERN COASTAL A diamond in the rough is transformed into a contemporary gem. Story by Meryl Siegman | Photography by Brantley Photography
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he renowned interior designer Jackie Armour has lived in the village of Tequesta, FL, for more than 30 years. An incorporated village in Palm Beach County, Tequesta was founded as a planned community in 1957 by a real estate developer who purchased 86 acres of land. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, the Loxahatchee River and the Intracoastal Waterway, a 3,000-mile inland waterway stretching from Massachusetts, around the southern tip of Florida, to Brownsville, Texas.
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On her frequent walks through the neighborhood, Jackie, the owner of JMA Interior Design in Jupiter, had always admired one house in particular. Once owned by a landscape architect, it sat back from the road surrounded by impeccably designed grounds that became Design + Decor
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more overgrown over the years. Each time she passed it, she thought the house could be spectacular if it had an owner with the right eye, talent and experience. In 2018, the house landed in the right hands: hers. The “Before” Built around 1990, the 3,800-squarefoot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom splitlevel home is sited on a very private threequarter-acre lot. When Jackie and her husband purchased it, the house was in its original condition, having never been renovated except for a kitchen remodel and new flooring at some point in time. “It was built in an early 1990s style and existed in a time warp,” says Jackie. “It had browntoned finishes on the cabinetry, reddish brown flooring and beige walls, with dated soffits throughout. But thanks to my being an interior designer and my experience in construction, I immediately knew this house, with its soaring ceilings and good bones, was a diamond in the rough with tremendous potential.” 44
A Fibreworks Bakari rug works beautifully in the room. The side table, coffee table and blue rug are vintage.
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Before moving in with her husband, Jackie guided the house through a seven-monthlong renovation project, which included removing soffits where possible, adding nickel joints to the ceilings, installing new flooring, gutting the bathrooms, replacing the lighting with decorative fixtures, and updating all the hardware and finishes. “We were able to take out some walls that were nonstructural in order to open up the space,” says Jackie. “And we used lots of white paint.” The couple’s previous home of 30+ years, just around the corner, was much more traditional, with a compartmentalized layout offering plenty of wall space. One of the challenges was figuring out what to bring with them to their new home, with its abundance of open spaces and fewer walls. Deciding to go with a modern coastal design with a sophisticated beach house look and feel, Jackie left some furniture pieces behind and reupholstered others in a calming, beach-colored palette of cerulean blues, coral pinks, soft greens and crisp whites. As Jackie explains, “We didn’t have much in the way of modern furniture, but I chose pieces that would work in the context of the new house. I used the shape and silhouette of the furniture to help soften the angular lines of the structure’s architecture.” The “After” The Exterior Over time, the ugly duckling was transformed into a beautiful swan. Starting with the exterior, Jackie changed the house’s color from yellow, which she described as a “thing” Design + Decor Jackie Armour.indd 45
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The blue paint on the cabinetry matches the color of the front door. The designer mixed and matched hardware and handles for a more interesting look. The Adelaide brass pendants are from Ballard Design, by Cammi Werling Designs.
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10 or 12 years ago, to white. Inspired by a colorful Key West look, she added blue shutters. She retained the original tin roof. The entire backyard received a makeover. The original pool area was, of course, brown. Jackie whitewashed it and eliminated a retaining wall to create one large, open space. She removed all the original plants except the palm trees. White Oak Floors and Paint The designer installed wideplank European white oak flooring throughout the home, updated the ceilings with nickel joints, and whitewashed most of the walls with Benjamin Moore’s Super White. Because the home has an open floor plan, Jackie employed a color blocking technique by the using the same blue color in multiple areas throughout the house, to create a sense of flow and bring the spaces together. Blue can be found on the inside of the front door and on the kitchen cabinetry. In a similar manner, the same wallpaper appears in multiple areas of the house to contribute to a cohesive feel. The beautiful softgray marble around the fireplace was left over from the kitchen counters and backsplash but, due to its location, appears to be a different hue.
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beautiful soft-gray marble around the fireplace was left over from the kitchen counters and backsplash but, due to its location, appears to be a different hue. Shiplap paneling was chosen for strategically-located walls, and a citron botanical-print fabric evoking the tropics, which contributed to the modern coastal design, makes a number of appearances. Slab door cabinetry and white marble on vanity tops are used throughout the house. Jackie transformed the entryway—whose unusual shape made it difficult to place furniture—by removing the existing octagonal soffit and a wall, to create a stylish and welcoming sitting area complete with sofa and two arm chairs. The Kitchen The original kitchen, which opens into the dining room, living room and sitting area, was completed gutted. Jackie was thrilled to donate the unwanted old doors, hardware, hinges, cabinetry and appliances to
Habitat for Humanity, so they could be repurposed in another home. “The kitchen was strangely shaped, with old-school granite counters and a tiny little island,” Jackie explains. “We were able to reconfigure the entire kitchen by removing the island and part of the octagonal wall, and creating an L-shaped design. We added a 10-foot-long island and replaced all the cabinets and hardware.” Jackie chose blue Christopher Farr Africana wallcovering, which she also used in the stairwell, and gray marble on the countertops and backsplash. Thanks to the high ceilings, the kitchen has lots of natural light. The Living and Dining Areas The living and dining areas also received a complete facelift. In the living room, Jackie removed the “clutter,” including the original brown bookcases and a small window that prevented the wall from being used to display artwork. She tore down nonstructural walls, added new cabinetry, installed TruStile interior doors with two simple panels, and replaced the interior trim with one that was a lot cleaner for a simple modern coastal look. Design + Decor
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The draperies were custom-made from Petticoat fabric by Kravet. The Masland rug is from Flor Source.
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Shiplap paneling was chosen for strategically-located walls, and a citron botanical-print fabric evoking the tropics, which contributed to the modern coastal design, makes a number of appearances. Slab door cabinetry and white marble on vanity tops are used throughout the house. Jackie transformed the entryway—whose unusual shape made it difficult to place furniture—by removing the existing octagonal soffit and a wall, to create a stylish and welcoming sitting area complete with sofa and two arm chairs. The Kitchen The original kitchen, which opens into the dining room, living room and sitting area, was completed gutted. Jackie was thrilled to donate the unwanted old doors, hardware, hinges, cabinetry and appliances to Habitat for Humanity, so they could be repurposed in another home. “The kitchen was strangely shaped, with old-school granite counters and a tiny little island,” Jackie explains. “We were able to reconfigure the entire kitchen by removing the island and part of the octagonal wall, and creating an L-shaped design. We added a 10-foot-long island and replaced all the cabinets and hardware.” Jackie chose blue Christopher Farr Africana wallcovering, which she also used in the stairwell, and gray marble on the countertops and backsplash. Thanks to the Design + Decor Jackie Armour.indd 53
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high ceilings, the kitchen has lots of natural light. The Living and Dining Areas The living and dining areas also received a complete facelift. In the living room, Jackie removed the “clutter,” including the original brown bookcases and a small window that prevented the wall from being used to display artwork. She tore down nonstructural walls, added new cabinetry, installed TruStile interior doors with two simple panels, and replaced the interior trim with one that was a lot cleaner for a simple modern coastal look. Jackie removed another soffit in the dining room and opened up the space to make it much more open and airy. The wallpaper echoes the one in the kitchen to visually connect the two spaces. The Master Bedroom The lackluster original master bedroom matched the rest of the house with its columns, soffits and brown floors and cabinetry, so that was the next room to be gutted. Jackie opted to keep the original wood floors, but they were bleached and restained to match the French white oak used throughout the rest of the house. Additional work included adding tongue-and-groove nickel joint to the ceiling, and moving the bathroom doors to make the bathroom more private. The pink, green and white floral wallpaper is complemented by coral pink draperies.
offer views of the beautiful oak trees outside. The result provides a more modern and airy feel, with new soft taupe colors, instead of dark wood, prevailing. Dual Roles of Designer and Client As for being both the interior designer and the client on the same project, Jackie discovered how hard it was. “We designers are our own worst client,” she says. “I had to make decisions very quickly, keep things on track and stay on budget. I do this day in and day out for my clients, helping them make difficult decisions. My experience of being the client gave me a lot more empathy when it comes to understanding and identifying with my them. I gained a new respect for them as I went through the process myself.” She concludes, “I told myself, ‘If they can do this, then I should be able to do it.’” Like her clients, Jackie is enjoying the fruits of her labor, relishing every moment in the house she transformed into a dream come true. Resource: Interior Design JMA Interior Design Jackie Armour 1907 Commerce Lane, Suite 103 Jupiter, FL 33458 561.743.9668 jmainteriordesign.com
In the bathroom, the contractors removed the old tub, shower, floors and cabinets, placing the new fixtures in the same position. The shower stall was opened up, and the freestanding bathtub was raised off the floor to Design + Decor Jackie Armour.indd 55
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JOYCE OWENS ARCHITECTURE JOYCE OWENS “The Light at the End of the Tunnel ”
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nyone who has been through a home remodel knows it is not for the faint of heart. It’s messy, complicated and upsetting to your normal routine. And the larger and more complicated the remodel, the greater the headaches. Joyce Owens, principal architect at Architecture Joyce Owens (AJO), is upfront with their clients when addressing their concerns and fears. “At AJO, when we talk about complete home renovations, remodels or—more to the point—reimaginings, we aren’t talking about the quick fix or the shortcut,” Joyce explains. “The remodeling and renovation projects we take on are always more than new cabinets and tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. We focus on lovingly restoring and reinvigorating the whole home. And we know that a successful complete house remodel takes commitment, time and budget.” And she also knows that costs and time can quickly add up. “In my years of experience as an architect,” she says, “I know many of those unexpected surprises are avoidable.” Joyce begins the process by educating the homeowners about their residence and potential designs. She recognizes what can and can’t be accomplished within the limitations of the site, the existing home and local building codes while still meeting the design objectives of the client. Once Joyce and the homeowners agree about the scope of the project, it is Joyce’s responsibility to deliver. Her process continues by enlisting a team of professionals—including an Design + Decor
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interior designer, a builder and a landscape architect—to plan out the entire build with one vision. This not only helps reveal issues and problems so they can be resolved collectively, it also provides for a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to a successful project. AJO is also an interior design firm and acts as such on most of its projects, however, it is always open to collaborating with other designers at the request of the client. One of AJO’s most recent whole-house waterfront remodel projects is a great example of what can be accomplished when the process is adhered to and all parties work together with a unified vision. A couple based in Washington, D.C., had recently bought a house on the beach on Captiva Island, FL, as a family retreat and rental property. At a time when so many older homes are simply torn down, the current owners bought this property committed to renovate, update and save the home. They also wanted to keep the original structure, as the house had been grandfathered into many of the modern building codes. This allowed the home to remain as low to the ground as possible, providing easier beach access. If they were to build a new structure, the home would be further back from the beach and lifted on 16-foot pilings. It was important to the homeowners to have that indoor/outdoor living 58 B+A's.indd 58
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experience. Getting light into the overly dark house was the main concern for the homeowners. They wanted to bring as much natural light to the interior as possible. “Light” then became the theme for all contributors. Joyce made several changes to the original home to bring in the light. To brighten the house on the first floor, she removed many of the interior walls and widened the doorways. “We removed awkward room partitions in favor of open space,” she recalls. “Our renovation plan gave priority to gathering spaces and the master suite, opening up the view outward over the dunes toward the Gulf of Mexico.” The original floor plan was typical for the age of the home. The first floor was a series of small, dark public spaces and private bedrooms divided by a center staircase. The height of the first floor was above average, but the dropped ceiling added to the darkness. All the walls and ceilings were covered in a board-and-batten molding, and the flooring was mismatched and uneven. To set the tone of the house, Joyce pulled up the dark wood flooring and laid down porcelain tile made to look like polished concrete, removed all the wall molding, took down the drop ceiling and gave everything several layers of bright white paint. The new vision of the house was beginning to take shape. Joyce worked closely with Robert Walsh to design the exterior landscape. The property hadn’t been tended to in a number of years, so Robert needed to break the design into two phases. In the first phase, before work on the house could begin, Robert cleaned up all the overgrown vegetation and created a path to the house for the construction crews. Much later in the build, he returned to the site to design the finishing look. He divided the yard into sections: deck, pool, beach, front and wetland. The homeowner requested a layered landscape with local and tropical plantings. Design + Decor B+A's.indd 59
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To bring more light onto the property and into the house, Robert took out all the overpowering shade trees and eliminated the invasive exotics. He kept a lot of spaces open to the sun, and in other areas planted smaller palms that offered filtered light. Robert covered/protected the dunes with local plants that can stand up to the salty water and air. Their plantings are crucial to the preservation of the dunes. There was a natural depression in the front yard that Robert enlarged to create a wet area to hold water. This not only adds to the quality of the yard, but provides a natural wetland that will hold much-needed water and attract native wildlife. The floor plan remained the same on the upper level, but the rooms received a total transformation with the neutral palette of the first floor. Joyce chose new black windows to contrast with the bright white walls to give the spaces a more modern look. Resources Architect Architecture Joyce Owens Joyce Owens 2281 Main Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 239.362.1688 ArchitectureJoyceOwens.com
Landscape Architect RS Walsh Robert Walsh 13723 Jetport Commerce Parkway Suite 14 Fort Myers, FL 33913 239.768.5655 rswalsh.com
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KRISTIN LYONS KDL INTERIOR DESIGN “A FRESH START”
Photography by Massa Designs
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athroom remodels can be so satisfying. Erasing the years of built-up grime and moisture for a clean slate can feel as if your whole life is getting a fresh start. Kristin Lyons, owner of KDL Interior Design, did more than remodel her client’s bathroom: she reimagined its entire purpose and aesthetic, and created a piece of art.
Kristin’s clients have been slowly remodeling every room in their condo at the Seagate Development in Fort Myers, FL. When it came to the master bath, the couple were envisioning a big change. They wanted the room completely gutted and replaced with a sleek, modern look. They love the color white and chose to showcase the hue on its own. “Designing an all-white space can be challenging,” explains Kristin. “My secret is incorporating light, texture and different sheens to maximize the warmth and interest throughout the space.” To open up the space, Kristin started by painting the ceiling a bright white and adding recessed lighting, which was sorely lacking in the former bathroom. She then grounded the room with largeformat (32- by 32-inch) matte tiles in a warm white, and painted the room a stone color. The walls are the darkest tone in the room, 62 B+A's.indd 62
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which holds the space and allows the rest of the elements to be a bright white. The previous bathroom featured a bulky, built-in, out-of-date spa tub. In the new design, the bathtub is now the central figure. The shiny white tub is centered on the far wall under a large round-top window, beckoning you from the moment you enter the room. By eliminating all the unnecessary framing, the space instantly feels bigger and the bath more inviting. Kristin also replaced the internal walls with glass panels. The commode area was enclosed in frosted glass, and the shower pony walls were eliminated and traded for full glass partitions. The room appears completely empty, although it has maintained every feature of the former design, but now includes more storage. As an experienced interior designer, Kristin knows how to maximize space as well as create the illusion of space. She does this here through the combination of the new floating white-lacquered vanities lit from underneath, the Pompeii countertops in Thazos, the large-format floor tiles with only a few subtle grout lines, the depression of the shower area instead of a step/lip, and the glass wall partitions. Together, these allow the eye to see the entire floor unobstructed, which makes the room feel empty. Kristin continued her creativity in the shower, mixing styles and textures. One shower wall is now covered with the polished version of the large-format honed 64 B+A's.indd 64
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tiles on the bathroom floor. And the feature wall sports a porcelain tile, Glaciar Mojave from Happy Tiles, fashioned to look like rivulets of flowing water. The shower floor was given a beautiful white Thassos chevron tile for more texture. KDL also unified the space by replacing all the hardware with matching shiny chrome. And, as a final piece of texture, Kristin chose Kohler’s Satorial Herringbone sink in white. Resource Interior Designer KDL Interior Design Kristin Lyons 7370 College Parkway Suite 204 Fort Myers, FL 33907 239.317.3103 kdlinteriordesign.com Developer Seagate Development 9921 Interstate Commerce Drive Fort Myers, FL 33913 239.738.7900 seagatedevelopmentgroup.com Design + Decor B+A's.indd 65
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DENISE FOGERTY DENISE FOGERTY INTERIORS “North Moves South ”
Photography by Colleen Duffley
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ver the last few years, Naples, FL, has seen more and more northern “snowbirds” forgoing their other residence to make Naples a permanent home. This was the case for these homeowners, who previously divided their time between Naples and St. Louis. While they were excited to immerse themselves in the Naples lifestyle, they were hesitant to leave their memories and prized treasures behind. They had raised their family and had a full life in their northern residence, and wondered how their memories and possessions would translate into a Florida aesthetic.
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They found the perfect Gulf Shore Boulevard beachfront condo, with endless waterfront views and an ideal location for shopping, dining and long sunset walks on the beach. While the view was a perfect setting for their new life in Naples, the condo remained in its original 1970s decor. It was dark, dreary and dull, and its dated windows and equally dark lanai made the oceanfront property seem miles away from the sea. It would take a massive renovation for the condo to reach its full potential.
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Denise Fogarty Interiors has a solid reputation in Naples for transforming dated spaces through full-service interior design and project management— with a knack for infusing charm and the homeowner’s personality into a crisp and coastal design. “My design style is completely unique due to my love of color and patterns blended with an appreciation for many Naples homeowners’ desire for coastal and neutral shades,” says Denise Fogarty, owner and prinDesign + Decor
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cipal designer. “The result is a home that is updated and following suit of today’s trends, while still remaining interesting and timeless enough for years and years to come.” Once her clients knew Denise Fogarty Interiors was the perfect firm to create their dream home, the “gut job” began. Denise was tasked with brightening up the condo with a South Florida charm while incorporating their furniture from up north. She found that using their existing pieces was a great way for her clients to feel settled and at ease immediately upon moving in. A foundation of neutrals completely reimagined the space, with fresh French oak wood-styled flooring and Benjamin Moore’s First Snowfall adorning the walls. She then wanted to pepper her neutral design with the colors from the owners’ perspective. The kitchen was a closed-off cube with a 1970s version of coved lighting made of curved yellow Plexiglas. There was a permanent yellow glow about the kitchen, which starkly contrasted with the oceanfront views and plentiful natural light in the rest of the house. To open the space, Denise eliminated two walls in the kitchen, allowing the Gulf of Mexico to become the backdrop for cooking and dining in this space. White Shaker cabinets, paneled and stainless-steel appliances and a bright subway tile in a herringbone pattern for the backsplash transformed the once tired space into a vision of light and life. Denise often selects very bright white, almost blue, bulbs and puts them on a dimmer. This way entertaining is
a cinch when homeowners want to adjust the light for ambience or really show off their space. The all-white kitchen maintained a sense of warmth through the tones in her flooring selection, veining in the countertop and accented walls. Off the kitchen, Denise faced a dining space that doubled as a breakfast nook and entertaining area. This frumpy side room with no redeeming features outside of a swinging pendant and a dated wet bar kept the condo firmly rooted in the ’70s. Denise was able to elevate the room into a proper dining space by eliminating the wet bar and adding a subtle tray ceiling and crown molding. With a fresh coat of paint and a coastal Palacek chandelier, the space now properly represents the level of elegance and luxury of Naples. Decor in shades of blue and pops of white pull the entire space together. The large, open living area was flanked by massive impact glass sliders that fully pocket to reveal a lanai that is truly the pièce de résistance of the home. By continuing the French oak flooring outdoors, homeowners are now able to fully embody the famous Naples “indoor/outdoor living” lifestyle. The clients were intent on using their existing furniture, which Denise reupholstered to adapt to the space; she then added separate pieces to bring the look together. The couple’s rattan chairs were given bright white cushions and paired with a matching white slipcover sofa to ground the room. Schumacher and Thibaut pillows in multiple colors Design + Decor
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and patterns provided a much-needed pop and immediately brought the space to life. Denise worked with her clients to custom-design a pair of rattan stools with blue-and-white Schumacher fabric as a final nod to their Florida vibe. The master bedroom presented itself as a relatively large empty room with a glorious view of the ocean outside the floor-to-ceiling window in the center of the exterior wall. Similar to her process in the other rooms, Denise started by replacing the old window and carrying in the oak flooring. Inspired by designer Suzanne Kesslar’s pink rooms, Denise used mauve drapery and complementary decor to balance the white linens and textures. She adorned the ceiling with a grasscloth treatment to add warmth and intimacy. The result is a beautiful and light blend of soothing coastal textures with elements of French influence. The master bathroom was a warren of dark, dated spaces. The existing L-shaped floor plan and the lack of natural light was extremely restricting. Denise kept the floor plan but her design style completely transformed the space. She selected a bright, fun Schumacher wallpaper complemented by a bold shade of blue on the remaining walls that brightened the space, despite the lack of natural light. White accents in the vanity, flooring and custom cabinetry finished off the space beautifully. The guest bathroom was a vision of outdated materials—from the pink laminate vanity and an undersized sink in the center to the beveled angled mirrors and bright makeup lights overhead. Denise completely gutted this space to allow for a blank canvas and fresh beginning. She upgraded the available space by removing a wall and incorporating a large walk-in show-
er. The neutral palette included a white Shaker vanity and large-format white tiles in the shower. Denise then accented the shower floor in small hex tiles mixing elements of marble and wood. Once again showing her love of color and pattern, she selected a graphic wallpaper that made the entire room pop. The countertop is a white marble with beautiful blue veining, which is repeated in the art and decor items throughout the space. Resource Interior Designer Denise Fogarty Interiors Denise Fogarty 239.682.6063 denisefogartyinteriors.com Landscape Architect Naples Landscape & Garden 2560 40th Avenue SE Naples, FL 34117 239.778.5975 napleslandscapegarden.com Flooring Ruben Sorhegui Tile 3876 Merchantile Avenue Naples, FL 34104 239.643.2882 sorheguitile.com Design + Decor
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ANIKO BRITTINGHAM ANIKO DESIGN “ELEGANT BEACH SOPHISTICATION”
Photography by Sam Arnold
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he tall, sleek condominium buildings that line Pelican Bay Boulevard in Naples, FL, belie what can often be found inside. As the long-term residents of these buildings realize it is time to update their homes, many seek out Aniko Brittingham, the principal and lead designer of Aniko Design. These are secondary vacation homes for most of Aniko’s clients, who had not seen the need to modernize and redesign as a priority. In this case, a couple of snowbirds who’ve been coming to their waterfront condo for the past 10 years now have four grown children and 10 grandchildren. Their vacation home had become impractical for their growing family and changing needs. The couple had even considered moving to get a more modern abode suitable for their family. But once they saw several Anikodesigned condos in their building, they decided to stay put and let Aniko Design—and Cherton Construction and Design—work their magic to renew their aging unit. The condo was designed in a classic traditional style, but the couple wanted the redesign to embrace a more tropical feeling—though not the vibrancy of the South Florida aesthetic. Aniko needed to find a way to lighten up the condo and bring in a beach decor without the obvious clichéd elements. Aniko played down the vibrant tropical colors in favor of muted tones of blue, sand and white, while putting the wow factor in the architectural details and lighting. This condo has water views on three sides, with one side looking directly out onto the Gulf of Mexico. Even though the condo boasted a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, in the public spaces it was still dark, as the area was broken up into several smaller rooms with poor lighting and dated furniture. To combat the darkness. Aniko opened up the space by eliminating all walls and unnecessary columns in that area, exposing an open-living concept. She also got rid of the unwanted wet bar in the living area and deftly unified the space by laying solid hardwood European oak planks across the whole condo. Aniko gave the living room a coffered ceiling, equipped with small recessed lights. She then added beach-inspired elements: She furnished the room with two matching sand-colored upholstered sofas with similarly hued leather ottomans. She brought the deep blue color of the sea into the rug, and the ever-changing shades of the sky in the striped chair fabric. The side lamps of cascading crystals, reminiscent of a waterfall, complement the mother-ofpearl tile that surrounds the fireplace directly opposite. The connecting dining room’s tray ceiling was enhanced with cove lighting and a large crystal chandelier. The weeping crystal leaves of the chandelier Design + Decor B+A's.indd 73
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evoke the feeling of tropical foliage wilting. Aniko opened up the once closed-off kitchen by eliminating two walls. Unfortunately, this left one support column in the middle of the room, so Aniko added a matching column and put a built-in island between them. This more open look gave the impression that square footage was added to the condo. The kitchen was given a completely new look with the addition of the island, a built-in pantry wall and a new wet bar in the breakfast nook. Aniko continued her seaside look with shades of green glass on the backsplash and fabulous light installations in the columns, pendants over the island and under the cabinetry. These changes took the public area from a remodel to a reimagination. Resource Aniko Design Aniko Brittingham 15961 McGregor Boulevard Unit 4 Fort Myers, FL 33908 239.994.8208 anikodesign.com Before
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LEAVING IT ALL BEHIND A South Florida retreat is designed for fun, family and friends. Story by Heather Shoning | Photography by Blaine Johnathan
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The family room, designed for entertaining, features matching sofa tables with stools tucked under them for additional seating when the homeowners have a full house.
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hat does a hard-working, business-owning couple want to do when they escape Michigan to spend long weekends in their South Florida home? Relax and have fun—so they designed their home specifically for that purpose with the help of Lyndsey Davis Nicklas, principal designer, and Julie Howlett, senior designer, at L Design Studio in Naples. The homeowners had reached out to Lyndsey, a Michigan native, when they learned they had a common friend. Though the couple leads a fast-paced, busy lifestyle at their permanent home, their Florida house is always a bustling place, too—but it’s a different type of buzz. It’s a flurry of friends and family visiting, catching up, enjoying quality time together. The original design of the residence, however, was not conducive to this type of living. While the location is perfect for the couple’s lifestyle, the home’s early-2000s, neo-Mediterranean style was not reflective of these homeowners’ personal aesthetic. Because of community regulations, the design team couldn’t dramatically change the exterior of the home, but they were able to modernize some aspects. They replaced a barrel-style tile roof with a more modern slate tile in charcoal. They gave the body of the home a fresh coat of alabaster paint. They replaced the driveway pavers with a contemporary design, completing the exterior transformation with urbane garage doors and a new front door. And, while they achieved a modern design to the extent they could within Design + Decor
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In the kitchen area, there’s plenty of space for the appliances, including the Miele built-in coffee maker, the SubZero refrigerator and freezer columns and the oven and microwave.
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homeowner association parameters, stepping through the refined front door brings an unexpected cosmopolitan interior that wows visitors. Starting Fresh The homeowners knew they wanted to give the house a complete makeover, but they got a bit more than they imagined. “They definitely knew they wanted to gut it,” says Lyndsey. “I think they couldn’t foresee that we were going take it to the level we did. Every single interior wall was gone; not a single wall remained except for the shell of the house.” The home was built in a tract-home style—a production home, not a
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custom home. That means it was designed for building efficiency and not the way a specific family would want to live in it. “The homeowner wanted to open it up and have better flow,” says Rod Ashmore, owner and principal at Ashmore Design, the firm responsible for the architectural design. “We squared off window tops and removed mullions for better views, reconfigured bathrooms, designed better closets. In doing this, we created better views and an amazing outdoor living experience, and made the house more cohesive.” Outdated arches—gone. Disjointed, choppy floor plan—gone. Fauxpainted walls and columns—you guessed it, long gone. The blank Design + Decor
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canvas left a space for Lyndsey and Julie to create a bold design with unexpected elements in every room, reflecting the homeowners’ cheeky enthusiasm and adventurous spirit. Today, when you walk in the front door, you’re greeted by a trio of light fixtures in the foyer that scream, “Something special is in store for you here!” And they’re not exaggerating. To honor the Florida location, there’s crisp, white shiplap on the foyer walls and ceiling, which is repeated in ceiling details in other areas of the home.
In the kitchen, more striking light fixtures command the space. The Arteriors Lighting chandeliers over the island are made from beads, leather and brushed bronze that are simultaneously avant-garde and boho. The free-flowing style hangs in contrast to the crisp edges and quietness of the cabinetry that Lyndsey custom-designed. “We’ve been seeing more kitchen designs moving away from a lot of upper cabinetry,” she says, “so we’re incorporating the storage into more long runs of built-in pantry cabinets.” A striking Vent-A-Hood cooktop hood floats on large mirroring slabs of rich, warm quartzite. The warmth of the striations in Design + Decor
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The blush and brass elements bring a sense of continuity to the bedroom and other private spaces in the home. They also add warmth to the neutral palette.
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the stone brings out the brushed bronze of the hardware, fixtures and even the warm detailing in the otherwise sleek acrylic barstools. The pantry cabinets Lyndsey referred to run the length of the wall in the adjoining dining area—except they hide a secret doorway to a guest bedroom. To the far right of the dining room, there would have been a door to the adjoining room, but the client didn’t want to interrupt the flow of the sleek cabinetry design. “She wanted the look of built-ins wall to wall,” says Lyndsey, “so we encased the doorway and created a hidden entry point to that bedroom to extend the look of the built-in wall. A lot of engineering went into that hidden door.” The family room is yet another showcase of comfortable family time meets sophisticated design style. The casual yet chic mirroring sectionals offer ample seating facing a striking TV wall covered in a 3D Brazilian slate in a wave pattern. “Each thin piece of slate has about a quarter-inch space between it,” says Lyndsey. “It creates not only a 3D feel, but also a sense of movement that is truly unique.” Although the design and installation team faced challenges to achieve the look, the result is awe-inspiring. A collection of bright and abstract art finishes the feature wall. The use of black throughout the home started with the homeowners wanting black window frames. “Then we took it to the next level because black is very trendy right now, and she wanted something bold,” Julie says. “She would say, ‘I want a wow factor—trendy and modern.’ She encouraged mixed metals, so we kept finding these black pieces.” It developed into a main element of the palette and creates a crisp, upscale feel. Off the family room, and true to Design + Decor L Design Studio.indd 87
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Lyndsey and Julie specified a flyover soffit above the vanity. This brings the cluster pendant lights down to the correct height without excessive cables. It also provides visual and architectural interest to the space.
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Florida’s indoor-outdoor living style, is a completely reimagined pool and entertaining area. The original design was, of course, dated. And the layout was not ideal because it included the outdoor kitchen right outside the primary bedroom. Lyndsey and Julie suggested moving the outdoor kitchen to the opposite end of the pool area for more practical use. In addition, they specified a pergola over the space to give it a separate “room” feel; it has a louvered top to control the sun when the family is cooking and dining alfresco. Private Time While this home is meant for entertaining, it also has its fair share of private spaces. One semi-private space is the “she cave” that the wife wanted specifically for entertaining small groups of girlfriends—a space where they could escape for wine while the husbands watch a game. The room faces the pool area, and she wanted to maximize that view while still having privacy. So the designers created a plan for urban-looking glass and black-metal-framed sliding barn doors. Behind the doors is a lush space with dark charcoal walls and cabinetry, brass accents and blush-colored furnishings and window coverings. “She wanted it to be contrasting from all the other areas because the whole house is very open concept—white, modern,” says Julie. “She wanted this space to be dramatic.” Adding to the drama is the edgy Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and white chandelier. The primary suite is a true getaway with appointments as fine as any high-end hotel. The custom headboard wall started out as a traditional
headboard, but as Julie kept sketching, it turned into something greater. The segments are designed to not only fit the width of the bed, but to also fit the width of the windows and conceal the window coverings when they are open. The tray ceiling incorporates shiplap, as does a closet door. In the bathroom, the designers opted for a wet room concept. “We’ve been seeing this wet room design concept especially in areas where you’re a little tighter for space,” says Lyndsey. “The revolving door gives a wall-to-wall glass feeling and a wide-open feel when you walk in. The entire shower is on the forefront of bathroom design and what’s trending.” Lyndsey and Julie worked closely with the homeowner to design the revolving door like none they’ve ever done before. “We have to give credit to My Shower Door and Bay Builders for overseeing the details, making sure it went in seamlessly,” says Lyndsey. Meticulously installed dark porcelain tiles with gold-and-white veining give the appearance of large, solid slabs both on the wall and the floating shelf. From the dramatic black to the custom wall treatments to the outstanding light fixtures, every space in this home exudes bold, creative design. “There is a strong collaborative effect with L Design Studio and Bay Builders,” says Rod Ashmore. “They are such professionals; it makes everyone’s impact on the project even better.” Lyndsey notes that the clients made a big impact on the finished project as well. “When you’re gifted with clients who give you a little bit of leeway to have some fun and think outside the box, it pushes you to put your best work out,” Design + Decor
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The designers installed updated tile in the pool and upgraded the pool deck materials. They also added custom cushions to the pool spillover area to create more seating for casual outdoor entertaining.
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she says. “That was why we were able to have fun and create what we did.” Resource: Interior Design L Design Studio Lyndsey Davis Nicklas Julie Howlett 6561 Taylor Road Suite 1 Naples, FL 34109 239.260.5165 l-designstudios.com.com Architect Ashmore Design 27499 Riverview Center Boulevard Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.444.5780 ashmorellc.com Builder Bay Builders 1401-B Rail Head Bloulevard Naples, FL 34110 239.947.2555 baybuilders.us
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PROFILE
PBS Contractors THE CONCIERGE BUILDER Story by: Kathleen Syron
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any design/build companies may claim to offer concierge services, but PBS Contractors in Naples, FL, is the only company in the city that is a registered Concierge Builder®. PBS has been building and remodeling luxury homes and commercial developments since 1986, and is renowned for its exceptional client service. The firm’s commitment to surpass the expectations of its clients is its guiding light and the bedrock of its business. PBS’s definition of a concierge service can be expressed in two words: proactive anticipation. “No one likes surprises, especially when it comes to construction projects or budgets,” says Tim Dupre, president and CEO of PBS Contractors. “Our experts diligently work on cost control and work scheduling to ensure that your project will be completed as expected.” This ability to anticipate the needs of its clients, which PBS has honed over the past 35 years, comes from truly understanding the client and having strong partnerships with architects, interior designers, vendors and trade partners. PBS devotes much time to the preconstruction phase, making sure everything is in place and ready to go before the firm starts building. And, should a problem arise, due to supply chain disruptions or labor shortages, for example, PBS resolves the issue quickly by offering the homeowner alternative solutions. The pandemic and world conflicts continue to create ripples in the supply chain. PBS has deftly handled supply chain issues over the past two years, and has adjusted to the temporary new normal. High-end homes often rely heavily on international products not available in the U.S. It now takes exponentially longer to receive these components, such as smart appliances that rely on microchips from China and building materials imported globally. However, Tim believes his clientele has adjusted to the change in timing and budgets, mainly due to his team’s proactive planning and managing of expectations. His strong relationships and communications with vendors allow him to forecast projects more precisely. PBS Contractors also uses local/domestic manufactur-
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ers whenever possible, and Tim is always looking for solutions here at home. He also believes this is a temporary situation, and that there will be a new normal that is somewhere between the current chaos and the relatively free movement of products in the past. Tim is a recent addition to the PBS team. After a successful 24-year career in the HVAC industry, Tim was ready for a new challenge. “I wanted to take on something of my own,” he explains, “and build it up over the next 20 years.” It was serendipity when Tim met Russell Budd, owner of PBS Contractors, who was planning his own succession strategy. Russell needed someone to take over the business while he reduced his role, eventually easing into retirement. He was impressed with Tim, who had the enthusiasm of an entrepreneur combined with the intellect of a seasoned businessman. Russell knew Tim would be the perfect person to build on the rock-solid foundation of PBS.
the top 16 great places to work in Collier County, FL, and received a Guild Quality Award for 100% customer satisfaction. The company is also well known for its community support of the veterans’ groups Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs and Wounded Warriors. PBS, in partnership with Wounded Warriors, was able to remodel the “Charlie House,” a homeless shelter for veterans, and raise $15,000 for Wounded Warriors of Collier County. Resource: PBS Contractors Tim Dupre 4395 Corporate Square Naples, FL 34104 239.643.6527 pbscontractors.com
Since coming on board, Tim has underscored the importance of the company’s mission statement: We Build Better Lives for our Team, for our Clients and for our Community. It is a motto that PBS truly lives by in all aspects of its business. PBS Contractors recently won an award for being one of Design + Decor Profile.indd 93
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COMPAC Quality Surfaces Premium craftsmanship arrives in Florida Story by: Hunter Powell
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new go-to source for quality surfaces recently opened its doors in the heart of South Florida. The innovative Miami showroom—called Salon, the Matter Mastering Immersion— displays an array of premium materials and countertops handcrafted by international market leader COMPAC, known globally for its top-quality surfaces and sustainable practices.
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COMPAC has been crafting unique, premium surface materials since 1975. Its roots trace back to Valencia, Spain, where the firm opened its first factory as a humble family-run business. Under its current CEO, Paco Sanchis, the company has maintained its family values of hard work and eco-friendly practices, despite being a global leader in the industry.
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What sets COMPAC apart in the business of crafting surface materials? According to Paco, it’s the high demand placed on every division of its teams to create new ways to craft their products. “Our entire technical team develops new processes and challenges the status quo to provide optimal solutions for each project—thus, creating a totally different product in composition, design, tonality, transparency, depth, etc.,” he explains. “Each product is unique because these characteristics change according to the needs of the project, thus achieving excellent results and, therefore, offering the best solutions on the market.” One element that COMPAC is particularly known for is its technological quartz. A type of man-made quartz that has all the beauty of natural quartz with much more resistance for architectural use, technological quartz has been a particular achievement for the teams at COMPAC. “The research, development and innovation team is one of the fundamental mainstays of the company,” notes Paco, “which is why we have created a manufacturing system that makes Quartz COMPAC an ideal surface for interior applications in the architecture and decoration industry.” While its unique quartz might be the company’s trademark, it’s just one of COMPAC’s exceptional surface materials. The company also invented a brand-new style of surface in its Obsidiana line, a material that highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability. “We’re aware that the road to sustainability is the only possible path, and it is crucial that all social agents make their contribution,” says Paco. “In the case of COMPAC, our maximum contribution is materialized with Obsidiana—a surface whose formula has 100% recycled glass as its raw material, which makes it our most sustainable surface.”
materials such as natural stone, which has resulted in a new generation of surfaces that are more versatile and efficient,” says Paco. “The Terrazzo COMPAC has three collections: Classic, evoking the most traditional terrazzo; Micro, the most versatile range due to the simplicity of its designs; and Petra, for the most daring, with more daring designs.” COMPAC wants only the best designs for its world-class materials. That’s why the company has committed to working with renowned artists on its collections. These include Elisa Ossino, Arik Levy, Ruben Fuentes Fuertes, and Siedentopf, among others. Levy, in particular, helped create the quartz collection called Genesis, which utilizes COMPAC’s quartz material to recreate the effects of a frozen lake. Ossino debuted COMPAC’s first collaboration of 2022, in which the Italian designer crafted an exclusive outdoor countertop made from a single block of its new COMPAC Terrazzo. COMPAC’s track record truly speaks for itself. Its high benchmark for quality manufacturing cannot be topped, and its commitment to eco-friendly practices on a global scale makes it a company truly worth supporting. Its Miami showroom is open and available to anyone who wants to see the company’s globally praised craftsmanship for themselves. Resource COMPAC, The Surfaces Company Paco Sanchis 1777 NW 72 Avenue, Unit 2 Miami, FL 33126 305.406.3600 us.compac.es
The company’s latest line of surfaces debuted in 2022. “The newly released Terrazzo COMPAC is a new mineral composition made from beautiful Design + Decor Profile.indd 95
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Carlisle Wide Plank Floors Launches Essentials Collection
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arlisle Wide Plank Floors, the leader in artisan-crafted wide plank hardwood flooring for residential and commercial spaces, has introduced the Essentials Collection, a line of eight popular colors on White Oak that currently ship in eight weeks. With names such as Cashmere, Leather, Merino, Pearl, Pewter, Suede, Tweed and Velvet, the wide plank floors in the Essentials Collection are inspired by timehonored fabrics and materials that pair with everything. Color tones in the collection range from subtle whites and gray washes to deeply pigmented browns and blacks, offering a foundation for a range of architectural and interior design styles. The American-made line combines the handcrafted quality of Carlisle floors with a set menu of selections that enable the company to hold inventory to expedite shipping and reduce costs. Floors in the Essentials Collection are priced below the company’s comparable custom floors and the minimum order is just 400 square feet – half the minimum of other Carlisle collections. 96
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“We wanted to buck the trend toward much longer lead times and higher costs caused by the global disruption in the supply chain. With the Essentials Collection, we provide an option that offers the Carlisle quality with shorter lead times and an enticing price point,” explains Chris Sy, company President. The Essentials Collection uses American-sourced White Oak. The heirloom-grade engineered planks in the collection are offered in twoto ten-foot lengths. Each plank is six inches wide and 5/8 inch thick, with a smooth texture and an extra matte sheen. While customization is available, eight-week turnaround and lower pricing is only available for orders using standard specifications. The collection can be ordered through Carlisle showrooms or by contacting Carlisle directly. Carlisle Wide Plank Floors wideplankflooring.com
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