DESIGN +DECOR
THE FLORIDA EDITION
The Top 25 Designer Issue
Obcession
Possesion
DISPLAY UNTIL 01/24/22
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THE OUTTAKES
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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DESIGN +DECOR
THE FLORIDA EDITION
FALL 2021
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DOWN-TO-EARTH ELEGANCE
A Naples condo gets a luxurious makeover that suits everyday living. Story by Heather Shoning Photography by Blaine Johnathan
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OBSESSION POSSESSION
2021 ANNUAL TOP 25 DESIGNERS ISSUE Stories by Susan Winlow, Hunter Powell, Kathleen Syron and Elena Serocki
118 ARTS & CRAFTS GOES TO THE BEACH
A New England couple gets their beloved design style in their Marco Island home. Story by Heather Shoning Photography by John Sciarrino
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Publisher’s Letter Ask the Experts Profile
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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 FALL 2021 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
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very year I eagerly anticipate the arrival of fall: the temperatures cool down, the heavy downpours of summer subside, and, of course, I get to pick out “The Top 25 Interior Design Firms,” the most exciting part of the season for me. Each year, our magazine looks for design firms that create positive change and inspire homeowners with beautiful, intelligent craftsmanship. And each year, we challenge the interior designers with a theme to open up their creative minds. This time we chose the theme “Obsession/Possession.” You’ll learn what each firm is obsessing about in design, and what skills they possess that set them apart. Other features in this issue include a story about an Arts & Crafts-style house that was ingeniously designed to fit into our Floridian landscape, and a project that involved using the exquisite Baccarat Hotel NYC as an inspiration to create a home for everyday living, which we’ve titled “Down-toEarth Elegance.” As I write this letter, High Point Market in North Carolina—the home design version of NYC, Milan and Paris Fashion Week rolled into one—is in full swing. I’m eager to hear what our design partners will take away from the event and bring to their next design projects. And I am also thrilled to be able to bring these finds to the pages of our next edition. Whatever your style is, Design + Decor has you covered, bringing you new design concepts from the trade, and the latest products and services available. We love what we do—and it shows on the pages of every issue! Congratulations to this year’s Top 25 Interior Design Firms!
Shelley McCormick
Cheers,
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MELANGE
WHAT’S NEW WHAT’S NEXT The Hero Light Chandelier Designed to be the focal point and HERO of any room. Lights have the option of being left to hang through the center or set within the ring of this fixture. busterandpunch.com
The Studio The artist’s studio is a private space full of mystery, a room reserved for free thinking, experimentation and expression. mindtheg.com
Emperor’s Labyrinthe Displaying a captivating, detailed pattern of an old Chinese maze garden, the Emperor’s Labyrinthe is a marvelous work of art and a riveting background setting. mindtheg.com
Hula Hoop Pillow Drusus Tabor pillows are crafted entirely by hand in NYC. Beginning with beautiful illustrations, each design is block printed with low-impact textile ink on linen, the result is rich in character and texture. studiofournyc.com
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The Hooked 6.0 Multi Light Pendant made up of Smoked Bronze, Steel, or Brass pendants, each with their own customizing hook, and matte rubber detailing. The light comes complete with a mix of shades - 1 large and 2 small, made from 2mm rolled steel and finished in Stone or Graphite powder coating and 3 bare bulbs. busterandpunch.com
PerseusWallpaper Lines, diamonds and circles come together to create a simple and chic pattern. Sold by the yard printed on a continuous roll. Slight variations in dyelot and texture of printed wallpapers are to be expected Available in Orange, Black and Platium. studiofournyc.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS
JMDG ARCHITECTURE PLANNING & INTERIORS Stories by Meryl Siegman
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rchitecture is a unique profession that is seldom understood for all that it encompasses. “It’s a combination of art and science, which are seen as mutually exclusive, but architecture brings them together,” says Thomas Jones, AIA. “There’s a synergy between them, like the left brain and right brain trading roles. It is our ability to finesse the blending of art and science that makes us good at what we do.” Thomas and Robert Mongillo are the principals of JMDG Architecture | Planning + Interiors. Rob heads up the firm’s residential studio, where his strength is tailored more to traditional home design. Tom is the director of design for the commercial studio, for which he oversees the design and execution of all commercial building types, commercial interiors, master planning, and select modern custom singlefamily residential projects. Based in Naples, FL, the firm was established in 1991 by the original owners as a residential design practice. Rob joined the practice in 2009 just after the financial crisis of 2008, when the firm decreased from 40 employees to just four. In 2017 the firm consisted of nine people, and Tom joined to 28
Robert Mongillo and Tom Jones
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MELANG In the Fie
Accessorizing is such a key element in the final design process—it’s the icing on the cake, exposing your creativity and expressing your personality. It’s not just filling up every shelf with your favorite treasures and trinkets, but being thoughtful and processed as to what and where. Be highly curated with your accessorizing: we evolve and change, and so should your home. While changing a full room can be timely and costly, keeping your rooms fresh and current can be done with accessories. Pillows are an easy addition, adding comfort and pops of color, textures and layers to your rooms. Think of the fabrics you use and what effect or feel you are trying to achieve: heavy velvets, suedes and leathers add depth and weight, linens and cottons add an airy organic feel, and silks add a sumptuous, elegant feel. Don’t just settle for a fabric—add some fun with trims and tapes, and layer your pillows. Here are my accessory must-haves: Coffee-table books: They are essential and a great way to display your interests and personality. There are no “right” books; choose travel, fashion, couture, design, interiors, architecture, art, hobbies…the list is endless. Hardback books add color and conversation and can be flanked by some fabulous bookends or stacked on a cocktail table or shelf. Sculptures and ornaments: These add precision, flow and statements, depending on size and matter, and they also show an avocation or passion. They are another great way of adding textures layers. Create vignettes or show as a collection on start aand commercial architecture division, tapping his 20 years an entry table or console to create vast interest and depth to of contacts and experience doing commercial architecture ina room. Naples. In 2018, he and Rob took over the firm as co-owners and rebranded the company with a new vision and business Candles: createa well-balanced the mood and firm, ambience of a roominwith model forThey creating not prevalent the their essence and glow. Versatile in every room, they can add marketplace. that welcoming warmth every home should ooze.
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of Trays: Where tanna wouldDesign we be Associates, without theGWT tray!Outdoors Trays areand, funccourse, Homes Ultimately, The Coltional, resourceful andKurtz elegant, andNaples. they have an abundance of lective willarefeature businesses, as purpose and style. They perfectadditional for your candles and such florals, interiortodesign studios, furniture and allowing an ottoman become a cocktail table,companies, and are easily moved around. other related firms that complement the existing tenants. What’s trending right now in flooring? While Randy sees development projects like The Collective as a way of deepening his roots in the Jack Walsh Trade Showroom Jeremy Walsh Naples community, his priority will always be Kurtz flooring Homes Naples continuing foundaOiled natural wood for anyandstyle room isthe popular— tionhardwood, his father which laid. “Iis hope we continue things especially natural trending with biophilic the way been doing for 38 years,” says designs. We have lotswe’ve of requests forthem wide-plank hardwood Randy, who is delighted so many family floors, which make rooms look larger that and more open and memoffer bers are innothematter business. family is a realOak big something for everyone, your“My design sensibility. part durable of my life. It’s great have some them as is one of the most species, withto a tight, dark of grain that part of room, the Kurtz Team.” works in almost any in any stain. Maple is the second most popular hardwood, because it has a predictable pattern Nancy, continues to be involved and color, with Randy a hint’sofmother, character. Today ’s most popular colors with the business. His two Carolyn and are gray and gray muted stains, white anddaughters, light natural wood. Elizabeth, work in client relations and marketing, Carolyn’s husband, Gordon,direct is a projThe advantagesand of an oiled surface areDavid the pleasant conect manager. Carolyn andtheDavid’s children, tact with the wood, the smoothness, abilitythree to repair the Noah, Isla and Lucy in the Kurtzand offices, affected area without working on are theoften whole surface, the Noahcreated is even listed the website a future positive room and climate by theonexchange of asmoisture. employee. Hisinto startthe date? Theflooring year 2035. Natural oiled surfaces soak wood and provide the necessary robustness from the inside out. However, lacquered surfacesResource: represent sealing the wood floors on top, and are often obtained through several layers of lacquer. The wood Homes Naples underneath theKurtz layer is19-person usually left untreated. practice Today, JMDG islacquer a thriving, architectural Randy Kurtz with local, regional and national recognition. Offering a wider 111than 10thother Street companies, South What innovations and designs do you see homeowners who range of services theforfirm supplies highSuite 304 want to create an outdoor oasis? end residential design for both traditional and modern project Naples, FL 34102 in commercial project types, types, comprehensive experience 239.594.1501 LMG Design Consulting master planning, and an interior architecture studio that serkurtzhomes.com Lisa vices Guild both commercial and modern residential projects. “Our
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The firm’s philosophy is that design should alwaystogether be an inteltects or interior designers themselves, they work with ligent process. “A good designer should understand howrealtors to asall trades to harmonize differentIt’s materials, at the point wallcoverings, where tinted similate different site environmental to practiconcrete, etc. to variables—from create the bestare atmosphere searching for forthe homes space. to “We list, calcan concerns in construction—to come out a design that contribute to the poetry architects knowing and thatwith designers when something create,” hassays relevance,” asserts. “Intelligent usessensation.” ideas and Don, whoTom describes color asgoes a “shape-changing on design the market, multiple concepts to produce something that conveys in isa He and his wife are often brought offers in to will help decide bethose received ifideas a color that real solves social needs, andvery addresses cultural issues. Detheway, correct choice—it’s as simple and first complex day. Naples as that. is Talking a great and architecture do alljust those things. Blending pragmatism JMDG is a practice that blends creative design ability with sign with Don, you understand how place much to live, there and is toyou knowcan about see a high level ofout creativity gets youpeople there.”really experienced technical acumen. “You can design anything you with color. He points that “biologists that believe humanwant beings to can be want,” Tom says, “but if you don’t understand how to build differentiate between seven and down nine million here. distinct shades.” it, what good is your design talent?” For today ’s challenges, Resources: he and Robert believe that, in the residential world, developer Color shifts within the eye andResource: is ever-changing. Other things + Interiors home builders have not necessarily addressed people’s evolving JMDG that Architecture shift along| Planning with color are trends—and that’s where the Jones needs, nor have they warmed up to what might be considered Thomas avocado-green appliances come Waterside in. Who Builders decided that green apMongillo out-of-the-box thinking. “Some challenges are simply the re- Robert pliances would be a hit? Or didMike consumers Assad already reveal what Tamiami Northso manufacturers sult of a lack of sustainable master planning,” says Tom. “That 633 would be Trail in style 1400 Gulf couldShore produce Boulevard just North that? 300involves color forecasting. Suite 106 is where architects come in. We are best suited to understand Suite This Naples, FL 34102 how to solve social and cultural problems through design.” Naples, FL 34102 239.594.9778 Sandra Sampson, vice president 239.430.3883 of public relations and commuIn the commercial realm, according to Tom, “there is a need jmdg-architecture.com nications for the Color Marketing WatersideBuildersInc.com Group, describes color forefor more hands-free environments, including motion sensors casting as “determining consumer color preferences several years to open doors and flush toilets. There are components used in in advance.” Made up of volunteers, the Color Marketing Group HVAC systems and light fixtures that can be used to sanitize is the leading international associationLotus of color Moderndesign GardenprofesDay Bed the environment. The empirical data or realized effectiveness sionals, and has been forecasting color for over 50 years.Belgium. Each Lotus modern garden day bed is a luxury outdoor daybed designed by Kris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania garden furniture company, bold contemporary andcan sumptuous furniture Lotus invites you and your loved relax infour decadent hasn’t caught up toWith theitsmarketing hype, design but we clearly all-weather see year, the materials, Color Marketing Group releases to one the to public key comfort and style. You can optionally fit a highcolors, quality parasol cooling shade over Lotus modern garden day bed. the direction technology is taking us due to COVID.” which to areprovide determined by regional color forecasting workduodesignsandshowroom.com Donald Kaufman shops known as ChromaZones® and in conferences throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Explains Sandra, “The practice is diverse in many aspects,” says Rob. “Whether a private residence that responds to the lifestyle of its occupants and environmental context, or a public building that responds to greater human needs and the fabric of a city, good design is the result of an intelligent and intentional process that JMDG provides to all our clients.”
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IN THE FIELD
Haute couture Interior Designer Jeff Schreier Discusses the Benefits of Custom-Made Furniture Stories by Meryl Siegman
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nterior designer Jeff Schreier loves furniture. In fact, it is such a passion that he is currently designing his own furniture line, which will be unveiled in the spring of 2023. The founder of Schreier Interior, based in Naples, FL, and Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Jeff has been transforming residential and commercial interiors into luxurious works of art for more than two decades. His firm is known for its high-level partnerships with local artisans, with whom it creates unique items including furniture, lighting, wallpaper, carpets and area rugs. Jeff ’s knack for custom design makes it one of his specialties, and something he loves do to. Jeff particularly likes working with Naples-based Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors (MSCI), saying, “Michael uses the old school artisan approach. His pieces are meticulously made by hand. The details and craftsmanship behind the fabric are as beautiful as the finished product. He is an exceptionally good craftsman.” What is custom-designed furniture, really? The term “custom furniture” can be confusing. Jeff is happy to set us straight: “Clients often use the term when they aren’t buying a piece of furniture off a showroom floor, but are having certain elements customized, such as the color of the fabric or leather, the type of nailhead trim, or the finish on the legs. But when I used the term ‘custom,’ I mean creat-
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ing something bespoke that is made entirely from scratch, something that never before existed.” What are the benefits of custom-designed furniture? There are many benefits of having furniture custom-designed. Here are some that stand out for Jeff: There are not many exciting choices out there. “Much of what is available can be boring,” Jeff explains. “There’s a limited number of great vendors to begin with, and it seems like everything they produce looks very similar, using the same puzzle pieces and just arranging them differently.” For them, “custom” means changing a few finishing details. For Jeff, it means designing a bespoke piece specifically for the project but, more importantly, for the customer. For Michael, it means the client is guaranteed the highest quality. Clients get exactly what they want. Jeff believes that by having custom furniture specifically created for them, clients get exactly what they want, and have control over what they are getting. He particularly likes working with smaller, local workrooms, where he and his clients can meet with the craftsperson to work out all the details, which is not possible with large furniture manufacturers located hundreds of miles away. “What we do,” he says, “is so much bigger and better than ‘custom.’” Design + Decor
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dian white oak, knots all, with dark bronze metallic today, soand livability isstudio, key. That includes: cal newspapers that a and wide audience. Intextured hervisits outreach, Lead timesHer projects. are agility not necessarily as a designer longer.can Jeffbe is attributed not a big fan toof To her the curate in-desire unique pieces for hisreached designs Wilfredo local cabinets paired dark-tint gridtoscreens, custom made she referenced thewith local Floridaoiled Cracker and Chickee herent for instant drivegratification, to adapt a built sayingspace that to getting its context. exactly what In 2017 you markets she wanttoin identify suppliers and resources. “I try maximize myHuts’ local in can Capeto Town, South form a rich kitchen experience inofa -people Open Africa, spaces with large windows thatsays. bathe the kitchresponse climate-sensitive architecture, with theHe goal was recognized terms of quality, fit forand heraesthetics efforts and is worth elevated the wait. to the Sometimes prestigious resources customso we support in our community,” he relies Marco Island en innew natural light to workinwith “looking back tohome.” look ahead.”Successful educating the pubCollegedoesn’t ization of Fellows take longer of the thanAmerican buying a manufacturer’s Institute of Architects standard on hispiece, existing network to find artisans on a long-term lic about architecture, she went on to build several projects (AIA).especially during the pandemic, can have a delivery time which, basis.as long Several motifs emerge fashionable choices in current kitchen - Naturalasof materials help you bring in nature, such based on her principles goodthat design. Southwest Florida as 24 weeks. According to Michael of MSCI, the process can take as few design. Pared-down sleek,exemplary sophisticated and elegant, the colas rawand woods witharchitecture, anattention interesting grain and isdesigns now home to some of her which is Starting as three toout fiveasweeks, a woman from in thea moment male-dominated the prototype industry is started Wilfredo’s was to a the are stunning infinishes, their meticulous to detail. ors, finishes layering inother todaynatural ’s culinary creation spaces tend textures that recall patterns—even with their modern inand form and thought. forms ofone these buildchallenge. finished product. Without any female role models to look up Colors to, she andtruly textures complement each onThe more than level, and timeless Only time will tellend howofwell allrefinement. beautiful imperfections are derived from theiran context and function. worked with men who recognized that women broughthis somerooms ings tie toward together to truly create experience. At the the these day, trends hold up, but,clients’ for now,comfort the big and players in dream style and thingprocess The different to a team. She recalls being an anomalyhis in first the and last priority is the their foroperatheir hasyear. a ‘ wow’ faction asserted themselves forone the upcoming - Seamless integration ofactually living plants into theGod, kitchen Committed to advocating for good design, Joyce serves on theI industry, To bring his a situation custom pieces she to worked life, Jeff hard includes to leverage the client in the inhome: the Loncreative “Every timehave they open the door, they have to say, ‘Oh my tor in the kitchen, which is environment, using systemsincluding of open shelves leadership board of a numberespecially of organizations, the don-based process. He practice describesshe it like set this: up with “I have a female clientscolleague. fly in fromProducother love this states. space.’” unique, especially for 2017. Resource:Construction on the walls, on of the Southwest island and above it Women’s Guild Florida and AIA ing personal, It’s unique and fun and intelligent educational, designs but the project best part after is, the project, resultsthe cannot It’s almost like the house was Florida, supporting her peers and continuing the dialogue on twomeasured. be acquiredThe a diverse success international ratio is literallyclientele. off the charts.” Michael Resource: agrees: little bit its time.” Carrie BrighaminDesign - Organic, flowinga design thatahead makes of movement and good practice architecture. “It helps if the client is here so we can be sure we hit the target. When Carrie Bringham the transition between different activities very effortEquipped the client goes withthrough global the experience process with and us, licensure, in the endJoyce we have Wilfredo moved a better Emanuel Designs Resource: 5117 Castello Drive, less Suite 1 Resource: back to the U.S. in 2004 to be closer to her parents and Emanuel product.” Wilfredo FL 34103 set up Architecture Joyce Owens LLC (AJO) in Southwest 4760 Tamiami Naples, Trail North WDG Planning + Interiors 239.261.1720 Resource: Architecture Joyce Owens Florida. She soon discovered modern architecture here After the designs are sketched intothat reality and presented to the Suite client 2 for Rob Mongillo carriebrigham.com Joyce Ownes was removed from context. She wasdrawings inter-FLfor concept approval, Jeffits andclimatological his team produce technical CAD Naples, 34103 633 Tamiami Trail North 2281 Main Street Studio Snaidero Naples ested inJeff changing publicclients mindset about theshop, banalwhere application MSCI. loves bringing to Michael’s they 239.315.7794 discuss Suite 300 Interiors + Construction 1482 Rail Head Boulevard Fort EBL Myers, FL 33901 of architectural details such as seatelements depth andand comfort. the borrowing “They comeofhere stylistic with wilfredoemanueldesigns.com aneleidea of Paul Benson Naples, FL 34110 Naples, FL 34102 239.425.5773 mentsthey what from want,” dry says climates Michael, like“but the someone Mediterranean, needs to which turn that convision 239.594.9778 1482 Rail Head Blvd. 239.431.5003 architecturejoyceowens.com trastsreality—someone into significantly with likethe mesubtropical who has knowledge region where and technology she now to wdg-architecture.com practices. build the furniture Believing anditmake is imperative it happen. We that havepeople to make understand sure we totally Naples, FL 34110snaidero-usa.com Stone by UMI what good what understand architecture they want, is then all about, take many she began steps to writing guide them for loto the 239.431.5003 eblinteriors.com
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finish line.” As production gets into full swing, Jeff works with MSCI weekly, if not daily. Michael first makes a prototype using plywood and cardboard templates to show the client a three-dimensional model. Next he creates a mock-up, which the client can actually test out by sitting on it—and adjustments can be made—even before it has been upholstered. “Clients absolutely love this because they are experiencing the final product as it will be delivered to their home,” says Jeff. “This is the ‘custom’ piece that everyone involved has poured their heart and soul into.” Case studies Jeff and Michael recently collaborated on a set of unique “flower petal” chairs for one of Jeff ’s favorite clients. She was very active in the design, particularly because she knew exactly what she wanted. “She is very tall and likes to sit with her legs tucked under her,” Jeff explained. “Not only did she want to sit in a flower, she wanted each chair to be able to accommodate two people.” Michael first created a template out of cardboard from Jeff ’s design. He decided on using Plexiglass so he could bend it to create different-shaped petals, and no two flowers would be the same. Each petal had to be meticulously formed to be comfortable and look realistic. Finally, they were upholstered in white suede, top stitched in vivid turquoise. Jeff also enjoyed designing the “Lucille Ball” Schreier sofa for a couple with different preferences. He likes a deeper seat depth and different softness, while she prefers a short depth and a firmer cushion.
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Jeff was able to cater to both by creating a subtle serpentine façade with a front line that accommodates both the depth and comfort requirements. “My clients literally do not want to part with the pieces I design,” Jeff concludes. “The pieces become part of their space, part of their life. I create furniture as furniture is intended— to last a lifetime.” Resource: Schreier Interiors Jeff Schreier 26 Tenth Street South Naples, FL 34102 651.442.6879 schreierinterior.com
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DESIGN +DECOR
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What was once a disappointing foyer is now a grand entry, replete with the appointments and attention to detail of a luxury hotel.
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DOWN-TO-EARTH
ELEGANCE A Naples condo gets a luxurious makeover that suits everyday living. Story by Heather Shoning Photography by Blaine Johnathan
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The circular seating arrangement in the grand salon provides 360-degree views of the piano bar-inspired room, gorgeous ocean views and the open-concept kitchen and dining spaces.
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J
enna Getchell has designed a home or two in Naples, FL, in her more than 10 years working in the community, but this condo remodel went against the grain of the standard oceanside home design aesthetic. Taking cues from high-end hotels, this design is all glitz and glam tempered with truly livable finishes to meet the needs of both homeowners. The Brighton at Bay Colony, a North Naples community built in 1994, is located in the coveted Pelican Bay community and sits along the pristine white sand beach overlooking the gulf. The homeowners bought in early and purchased the model condo. They lived full-time in Ohio and kept the condo as a part-time residence for more than 20 years, but when life and schedules opened up a bit, they decided to spend more time in Naples. For that to happen, the condo needed a major redesign. They turned to Jenna, founder and creative director of J. Lynn Design Group. The unit was built during the height of a Tuscan era in the Florida condo market. It featured Old World design elements such as pickled wood flooring. Jenna’s plan was to replace the early ’90s look with fresh materials, plan a better layout with a grand foyer, and add contoured spaces reminiscent of fine commercial areas. “The clients kept referencing the Baccarat Hotel in New York City,” says Jenna. “They love to travel and love the elegance of high-end hotels.” But they didn’t feel Design + Decor
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A stack stone wall pairs its earthy, natural element with the modern, sleek fireplace and television for entertainment. The various seating arrangements provide ample space for entertaining.
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that design style fit their jeans-and-flip-flops lifestyle of living on the beach. “So we had to develop a design that was elegant yet casual and comfortable enough for everyday living.” Although the condo needed to be comfortable for beach life, the homeowners didn’t want the typical blues and softness of costal design. The colors and sharp contrast throughout the design stray from a costal palette. “We decided on turquoise and chartreuse, different accent colors that aren’t necessarily typical in the Naples area,” Jenna explains. The first challenge Jenna and her team set out to tackle was the lack of a grand entrance to the home. Instead of being stately, the entry was oddly shaped with unusable space. Today, upon entering the condo, you find yourself in a grand rotunda vestibule with spokes leading off to the different wings of the condo. The floor is a custom waterjet-cut pattern with Blue Lagos, white frosted glass and Carrera marble. The walls are floating panels of rosewood with LED lights behind them to create a soft glow and mimic designs that high-end hotels employ in their hallways and public spaces. “The entry door is a fire-rated door,” says Jenna. “There’s not much you can do with those, but to dress it up, we applied molding and a fresh coat of paint to give it a new look.” The sconces are from Visual Comfort, while the textured glass chandelier is from Florida’s own Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting. Doorway No. 1 to the left in the rotunda is the guest area. It features two suites, each with its own bathroom—one for their college-age daughter—a laundry room and a powder room. The
couple’s daughter opted for a monochromatic palette for her room: warm neutrals with brushed gold and champagne accents in the lighting, upholstered headboard and chair. Bleached walnut cabinetry in the bathroom brings an organic feel to the room, providing a sweet complement to the marble throughout. The guest suite design is a departure from the other bedrooms. It features an accent wall with textured wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries’ granite collection. There’s a dark-stained rift white oak sliding barn door, privacy screen and cabinetry in the bathroom. The overall feel is warm and earthy. The final space in this wing is the small but mighty powder bath. Typically a space to go a bit over-the-top with design, this one does not disappoint. “The powder room has a gorgeous integrated sink made of Cristallo, and the custom mosaic hexagon backsplash is White Thassos, brushed gold and absolute black marble,” says Jenna. The room is enveloped with wallcovering printed with leaves and panthers for a nod to Florida’s mysterious icon. Doorway No. 2 off the rotunda opens to a comfortable family room rich in color and texture. “This is one of my favorite rooms, just because it’s so unique,” Jenna says. There’s a feature wall with handmade three-dimensional Vahallan wallcovering. Roman shades with a fun pattern rest behind oversized, gold-leaf pendants. Stained espresso wood side tables have satin nickel pulls, and the coffee tables are warm bronze with marble tops. The mix of metals gives a luxe, polished look to the space. Dark turquoise chairs Design + Decor
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The kitchen is an exercise in contrast with the crisp white perimeter opposing the island, and wall paneling painted in Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain. The Lucite and polished nickel hardware turn this island and paneling into a stunning feature that anchors the kitchen. The countertops are porcelain faux marble to achieve the marble look without the maintenance.
and accent pillows add to the color continuity throughout the home. But it’s through doorway No. 3 that you encounter the pièce de résistance of this condo—the grand salon. “This space has that piano lounge vibe, which is what the clients wanted for this area of the home,” says Jenna. “One of their favorite things is to go to the piano lounge at the Ritz-Carlton.” Now, there’s no need to go out. In one area there is a custom bar built to specific measurements and requirements from the homeowner. The custom walnut cabinetry keeps everything in its place, including a hidden turntable and records. Jenna specified a walnut wrap to disguise the round structural column in the corner. Open shelving backed by smoked mirror adds to the oldschool glamour. The angled bar includes a built-in tap and has a Cristallo waterfall top with ribbed glass and gold, drum-shaped pendants. And in the adjacent corner, near the window wall, is a grand piano—key to the lounge feel. The central seating area is situated on a large round Mastour rug and includes two swivel chairs by Hickory Chair and two sofas by Burton James, all with soft curved backs surrounding a large, round wood-and-glass coffee table. Gentle curves are a design detail seen throughout this common area of the home. Also in this wide-open space, adjacent to the seating area, is the dining room with a banquette large enough to seat the entire family for special occasions. Jenna reconfigured this area to create a soft, curved wall instead of the sharp angles that once delineated the space. It’s now a warm space with textured wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries. 50
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The open floor plan demonstrates how the soft lines of the banquette juxtapose the crisp features of the kitchen, including the sharp waterfall countertop at the seating area and the lustrous detail on the island.
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The primary suite takes advantage of the beautiful views and easy access to the terrace, while the refined furnishings give a sophisticated simplicity to the room.
The tones and textures in the soft goods blend seamlessly. Once closed off from the rest of the home, the kitchen is now open to the entire grand salon. Wide-plank white oak floors create connection throughout. There’s a seating area for informal dining with a remarkable waterfall countertop with recessed panel and, behind that, a service pantry. The perimeter cabinetry is white with a mix of solid and glass doors in a clean Shaker style. The Kallista farm sink is a hammered, polished stainless steel for a stand-out accent. The island and wall enclosing the pantry area are showstoppers with Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain paint color and glitzy polished nickel inlays. “The clients wanted a bright, crisp white kitchen, but he wanted something that was going to be an anchor, a focal point,” Jenna says. “So we were just looking for a wow factor, something that really gave some definition and depth to the kitchen.” Mission accomplished. In this wing, behind the bar and piano area, is the primary suite, exuding the elegance and sophistication of a luxury hotel. The triangular shape of the room offers opportunities for a seating area, with chairs from Burton James, and a desk with cabinetry. The crisscross ceiling element, graceful drum light fixture and slight wall niche for the bed demonstrate Jenna’s attention to detail in creating that hotel-style feel that her clients were seeking. The bed is from Theodore Alexander, and the nightstands are from Vanguard and Bernhardt. Cut crystal lamps create a shimmer on the back wall with its handmade Vahallan wallcovering featuring a touch of glitter. The primary bath exudes opulence with the central, glass-surround shower. The original space had two separate bathrooms and, while the homeowners liked the separation, they wanted Design + Decor
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Nothing shouts luxury hotel like a grand glass-enclosed shower sitting center stage in the bathroom. Add marble and a delicate tile pattern, and the look is complete.
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it to be one room. “Putting the shower in the center allowed us to keep her space on the left and his on the right,” Jenna says. “They have their own separate areas, and it feels like one nice, large bathroom.” The cabinetry features a beveled, sculptural detail around the panels, and the bevel repeats in the many framed mirrors. The flooring complements the veining in the marble. “That was something they saw at the Baccarat Hotel. They really liked how the floor was darker, a nice anchor, with everything else above being light and airy.” From floor to ceiling and a completely new floor plan, this Naples condo exudes the elegance and glam he was looking for, while retaining a livable vibe for the flipflop lifestyle she sought. “She wanted him to have his dream condo design,” says Jenna, “but she wanted to feel comfortable in her own space as well.” Resource: Interior Design J. Lynn Design Group Jenna Getchell 1290 Henley Street Naples, FL 34105 239.784.7134 jlynn-design.com
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OBSESSION POSSESSION 2021 ANNUAL TOP 25 DESIGNERS ISSUE Stories by Susan Winlow, Hunter Powell, Kathleen Syron and Elena Serocki
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LEILI FATEMI
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t Leili Design Studio, quality choices are made at every phase of a project. That’s why owner Leili Fatemi likes to describe her studio as “running like a boutique.” That boutique feeling comes from her small, tight-knit team of long-standing contractors and vendors and her perfectionist approach toward interior design. Leili is there for every step of a project, from flooring installations to the application of wallpaper, to ensure that every piece of a client’s room is handpicked. At Leili Design Studio, the driving force behind every project is the client’s lifestyle. “It’s more about creating interiors that are very true to the client’s personalities, that reflect their lifestyle,” says Leili. That’s why one of her favorite parts of her work is the opportunity to expose herself to a plethora of different cultures. For Leili, clients’ cultural values should be represented in the design work she does for them. For example, clients from Thailand might not appreciate wood materials in their home, due to wood being common in their culture, while clients from Pakistan would see wood as a luxury item, due to metal and glass being more prevalent there. Leili does have one clear obsession in her work: her desire to bring people closer to nature in their homes. This focus goes beyond just using plants in her designs. She also incorporates unconventional decorations, such as using tree roots or even 100% organic wallpaper. “You can never go wrong with a feeling of nature in your home,” she says. “I believe we all admire nature, even when we get so busy with life that we can’t go to the park. Nature creates a very real feeling in a room.” Leili says she always strives to find creative ways to integrate nature into a room to “bring people back to their roots” right in their homes. Whether it be through her perfectionist nature or the use of organic materials, Leili ensures that every project feels natural for a client so their homes will be a warm, welcoming mirror of themselves. Seeing her close relationships with her design team members only adds to her clients’ trust that the final result will be one they will be happy with for years. Says Leili: “Setting expectations and establishing relationships is the most important part of a project—second only to being there.” Design + Decor
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DENISE FOGARTY
DENISEFOGARTYINTERIORS.COM
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Photos by Robert Norman
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enise Fogarty is known for classic, clean and bright interiors, a style she describes as “California meets Palm Beach.” As owner of Denise Fogarty Interiors, a full-service design company, she oversees a process that is highly collaborative and personal, resulting in stylish, sophisticated spaces that reflect the homeowner. Her clients enjoy her bold use of paint color, texture and crisp, patterned fabrics. Denise remains creative in her work is by not limiting the vendors she works with. “ The world is my oyster,” she says. “I don’t lock myself into a certain number of vendors. I can go into any of the showrooms at the High Point Market and order anything and everything.” Denise is now obsessing about color. “I love using a pop of color in my designs—in all my designs, even the most neutral and modern of homes come to life with a little color. Currently I am obsessing about green.” Working on a project at a high-rise condo, she says, “the owner bought the unit from her mom, who used a decorator about 50 years ago. It was frozen in time. I’m reincorporating a lot of what that decorator used. It had a Palm Beach feel, and I think that’s what got me
inspired. Green is fresh and brings the outdoors in.” Denise is very confident about the teams she puts together for her projects. “I possess a fabulous network of Naples top subcontractors to get jobs done properly, professionally and promptly. With 35 years of experience, I am well versed in client needs. I enjoy bringing the element of organization to every project, no matter the size, so my client can sit back and enjoy the process. Being an interior designer in the age of COVID, I find it’s crucial to execute projects on an expedited timeline and follow up when things don’t arrive as planned. Design and aesthetics aside, it’s so important to hire the right people to do the job, so you have to do it only once!” What has she learned from her many years of experience in the field? “You really need to study the fundamental elements of design, like scale and proportion, before coming into who you are as a designer. That’s so important. Everything I learned in college really does apply today,” says Denise. “I also learned I love working with people. A big part of my business is getting to know my clients, which I love.” Design + Decor
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KRIS KOLAR CLIVEDANIEL.COM
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s a design professional for more than 25 years, Kris Kolar is passionate about style and dedicated to the idea that everyone should love where they live. She brings that perspective to her work as vice president of interior design and merchandising at Clive Daniel Home, a full-service design firm and high-end showroom. Kris is currently obsessing over Clive Daniel Home’s Custom Shop, which provides multiple customization options for a selection of case goods. Customers can change the hardware, trim or panels on various chests and dressers. They can even add wallpaper to the front of their dresser drawers to coordinate with the bedroom’s wallpaper. Years ago, customization options like this were popular but began to diminish over time. “What you see is what you get” became the industry standard. The pendulum is swinging back, and Kris couldn’t be more thrilled. “It’s a sign of the times that the industry had to change to keep customers happy,” she says. One furniture company, she says, now provides options for the front of doors and drawers. “We can buy the same nightstand, and I might want curlicues on it, while someone might want swirls or circles,” says Kris. “Anything can be special ordered.” It’s never been so simple for clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces for their homes. 64
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What special skills does Kris possess? First, she is a master at getting the scale of a design just right. She intuitively knows how any given set of chairs will look in relation to a specific table or buffet, and is able to pick out pieces that complement each other perfectly. “Scale is super important when doing design work,” she says. “It’s the difference that makes or breaks a room.” In a bathroom she was redesigning, for instance, the windows had neither the same width nor height. Although this presented an aesthetic challenge, Kris was able to disguise the irregularity in scale by creating a sense of balance in the design. First the design team added rectangular mirrors to mimic the shape of the windows, and then placed a round chair beneath the room’s round chandelier, to create a sense of repetition and uniformity. A rectangular rug and geometric tiling completed the look and tied it all together. Kris also has a knack for knowing what trends are about to take off before clients start asking for them. “It’s important to us as a company to be on the leading edge—selecting and not following trends,” she says. “And customers like that they ’re seeing things fresh.”
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ALEX THIES
ALDELYNCHARLES.COM
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delyn Charles Interiors is a full-service design firm that strives to create homes that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Alex Thies, owner and lead designer, has a master’s degree in architecture and more 15 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Early in her career, her passion for textiles and finishes steered her toward interior design, but her architectural background still shines through in her innovative detailing and unique ability to visualize and plan spaces. Alex’s current obsession is contrasting texture. “I love mixing textures and visuals to add interest and depth to a project,” she says. “Whether through lighting, mirrors, wallcovering or a pop of color on the back of a chair, introducing a new texture gives so much color without going crazy with color.” The coastal scene in Florida, she believes, offers a design aesthetic that lends itself to the textures of natural materials. “We use natural materials across all styles; it’s the common thread of our design approach. It mimics what you see in nature— sand, ocean, shells—not so much with color, but more of a tactile experience.” But using texture successfully is a very delicate balance, she notes. “We want the texture to pop so your eye is drawn to it, but we don’t want to take away from the natural beauty of the coastal view.” Recently, in designing a formal dining room, her team went a little darker and moodier than usual, yet they put colorful fabric on the back of a chair. “It’s the first thing you see when you walk into the home,” says Alex, “so it was important to make it interesting to draw the eye.” The floor has deep tones of oak and an inlay of shellstone tile to give visual contrast that matches the ceiling. Three light fixtures featuring brass opaque globes provide a juxtaposition between natural and manmade. For a powder room she was tasked to design, the space was small, so “ we wanted to bring a lot of wow,” recalls Alex. She installed a custom vanity with concrete vessel sinks. Light green grasscloth on the walls provides natural texture. The mirror is slatted wood, and the light is suspended from the ceiling by a woven rope. Finally, “the fun but neutral print on the floor provides a playful mix of natural versus manmade products,” she says. What special possession sets Alex apart? “My background is different from that of most interior designers,” she says. “With a master’s in architecture, I can’t help but approach each subject from that angle. I think that a house should be as functional as it is beautiful, and that the architecture of the home should be celebrated and enhanced through the interior design from the inside out.” Design + Decor
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LYNDSEY DAVIS NICKLAS L-DESIGNSTUDIOS.COM
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yndsey Nicklas Davis’ career in interior design brings together two great passions, business and creativity. For Lyndsey, however, her business, L Design Studio, is more than just a career: it’s a lifelong love of interior design, the creative freedom it allows, and the satisfaction of working with others to transform their homes and lives. In middle school, Lyndsey was inspired toward design by the rising popularity of TV shows like Trading Spaces. She looked at those smiling faces, saw lives changed by the efforts of designers, and found her calling. After working for a local remodeling company, Lyndsey made the transition to full-service interior design, using her knowledge of construction and architecture to form a mutual respect in her relationships with everyone she works with on projects. By respecting how every part of the process works, Lyndsey is able to design rooms that utilize the full potential of an interior space, from floor to ceiling. “L Design believes in treating everyone with respect and integrity,” she says. “Every person involved in a project is as important as the next. In times like these, those strong relationships show up for Design + Decor
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you when you are in need.” Her architectural expertise and strong relationships shine through in her firm’s projects. L Design has a solid focus on the structural elements of a space that define the nature of a room. That’s why her current obsession is walls, a “prominent feature in the interiors industry,” she says. “It’s not just about paint color and a piece of art; it’s about analyzing your opportunity to add architectural elements and features to supply depth to a room.” For Lyndsey, utilizing installations or adding texture or movement to walls offers a great opportunity to provide detail while still keeping a space simple. Surfaces are a part of her creative pallet in designing a room. Great interior design work requires a mind that thinks about spaces from all angles, as the team at L Design Studio does. In an industry where nothing is predictable, L Design is headed in the right direction, thanks to Lyndsey ’s thorough knowledge of the whole process and her respect for how that process works. “Whether it’s working with contractors or cleaning crews,” she says, “valuing input at every stage of the process ensures that the completed product turns out great.” Design + Decor
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JOANNA PALINCHAK DWEST.COM
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ashion wasn’t meant for the runway alone; it takes a talented team of professionals to interpret the client’s vision and translate it into fashions for the home.” —Glenn Midnet, Founder/CEO Design West
Truer words could not be spoken about JoAnna Palinchak, vice president of design for Design West. The full-service luxury interior design firm specializes in design services for private residences and clubhouses, and also does architectural detailing, model home merchandising and comprehensive custom home renovations. JoAnna started with the company over 20 years ago as a design assistant and has steadily made her way to her current position, managing a team of designers who specialize in luxury residential design and model home merchandising. She is also on the design team of the National Association of Home Builders’ New American Home in Orlando. Though JoAnna’s obsession with cabinetry hardware is not new, her passion for it is as strong as ever. She believes that the essence of style is in the details. “In the same way you can change the look of your favorite little black dress by swapping out jewelry, I can change the overall look and aesthetic of cabinetry with one simple detail,” she explains. Her obsession with hardware started at the beginning of her career and has grown into a full-blown love affair. The ever-evolving hardware craft continues to capture JoAnna’s interest and spark her creativity. The seemingly endless array of choices in style, finish, placement and scale allows her to make every project unique. One look at Joanna’s designs and you’ll instantly feel at ease. There is a calm symmetry to her work that doesn’t tax the brain, but allows the eyes to rest and relax. A recent kitchen design saw matching cabinetry on both sides of a range. A living room plan has matching bookcases on either side of a fireplace. This deliberate balance is innate for JoAnna, much like the balanced symbiosis of how she runs her projects and teams. JoAnna blends her business professionalism with her extraordinary creativity. She provides her customized designs to fit any scope of work, and then manages every detail to ensure client satisfaction. JoAnna has spent years working on both the creative and operations sides of the business so they work in unison. She possesses the ability to not only provide her clients with creative, bespoke designs, but to offer organization and solutions to projects.
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MICKEY DICKSON MARZUCCO ECRUANDEBONYDESIGN.COM
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ickey Dickson Marzucco moved to Naples, FL, shortly after design school and has been there for more than 20 years. She spent her first years working for high-end boutique residential design firms before becoming the principal designer and eventually the owner of Ecru & Ebony Design.
A lot has changed in Naples over the years, but the one constant has been Mickey’s love for and obsession with “continental chic” design, so named for the way it elicits the feeling of travel and history. Just as the continent consists of separate countries with their own languages, cultures and history, Mickey’s designs are full of individual pieces with their own stories, but when brought together surround the space with a feeling of curiosity and wonder. She achieves the look, she says, “by mixing antique with modern pieces, creating a curated collection of inherited pieces, pieces from travel and simple classic items.” If any singular article of furniture could sum up Mickey’s continental chic style, it would have to be a recent bench creation. Mickey took a very traditional and formal bench with turned and fluted legs (18th-century Neoclassical) and painted it in a modern bluish teal. She then made a cushion out of the very traditional but ultracasual French ticking material, and added bolsters fashioned with traditional, fancy, floral-patterned Schumacher cut velvet. Together, the styles, fabric and colors trigger thought and imagination, which is what Mickey aims for with all her room designs. Ecru & Ebony Design can also do a more modern aesthetic, but it never leaves its traditional roots far behind. When she recently remodeled a contemporary condo, Mickey took a traditional living room layout of two sofas facing each other and two chairs on one end (while the other end looks out onto the view) and populated it with modern shaped furniture and fabric. The sofas are covered in fabric with a modern interpretation of the flame-stitch motif. Again, she mixed modern furniture with a design that dates back to 13th-century Florence, Italy. Mickey is known for her impeccable attention to detail, whether in material selections or the construction process. A clear example is her love for using intricate plaster ceiling reliefs. She creates them herself from a wide selection of standard pieces, and then works with highly skilled craftsmen who expertly install her creation. The relief consists of many tiny pieces that seem inconsequential until they are put together in a masterpiece. And that is one of Mickey’s greatest attributes: a true talent for gathering up and combining all the smaller pieces and delivering a design masterpiece. Design + Decor
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ARLYNN MCDANIEL FREESTYLEINTERIORS.COM
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nowing about home construction makes Arlynn McDaniel’s job as a designer so much easier. As senior lead designer at Freestyle Interiors, Arlynn has 19 years of experience in both interior design and construction. “I catch many things that come up when people are thinking up creative things to do,” she says. “I tell them that a fireplace will be too big, the tile won’t work because of grout lines, or we can’t do that ceiling because of the way the trusses are running.” But Arlynn wants to make things work for her clients. “I listen to my clients’ needs and wants, and work with them to achieve their dream home. In the end, they need to be happy with their environment, and it is my job to help them get there.” Arlynn’s obsession is ceiling details and Design + Decor
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how they relate to the room and the style of the house. “I just love ceilings. They play a large role in the overall feeling of the house, and should be considered when making decisions for the rest of the house,” she says. “Ceilings don’t have to be intricate, but they need to be consistent with the rest of the design. It’s a part of the home that tends to get forgotten, but I think the ceiling completes a room—it brings balance, weight and symmetry, and it delineates different seating areas and uses of a room. Wood, wallpaper, metal, crown, paint: there are so many things you can do with a ceiling. Tech has also come along with ceiling details, and we’re able to do some cool stuff that people haven’t really thought about.” How can ceiling designs be tied in with the rest of the room? “Based on design of house, if we do a plank wood floor, we’ll do wood beams up in the ceiling and stain them the same for color continuity,” says Arlynn. “We can do an accent paint color we’ve done in a niche, and put it on the ceiling. We’ll do a floor tile inlay on the floor, and we’ll duplicate that shape in the ceiling.” Other elements of a room that can be used to draw attention to the ceiling, she notes, include seating, uplights, wallcoverings with vertical stripes, and window treatments. “When I do a ceiling,” she says, I think about people looking up, and I want it to be fun and creative.” Arlynn’s special expertise in home construction is especially beneficial in planning ceiling designs. “I possess deep knowledge and understanding of the overall construction process,” she says. “This helps me to better understand how to design interior architectural details. I take a lot of time to make sure all the components work and will actually fit into the space.” Design + Decor
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ALEXIS LIMB
ALEXISMARIEINTERIORS.COM
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lexis Limb of Alexis Marie Interiors always wanted to be an interior designer. From the summer before college until she graduated, Alexis interned at the large established firm of Design West in Naples, FL. Getting hands-on experience confirmed her interest in design and opened the door to a career at the firm. She spent 10 years working on high-end residential homes before she decided to start her own company. Alexis Marie Interiors has been operating for six years, focusing on new construction, including vacation homes and full-time residences, and first-time buyers. Obsessing about wallcoverings is a major focus of Alexis Marie Interiors. According to Alexis, walls are made for more than just holding up ceilings. “Walls are blank canvases primed for creating interest and a memory point,” she says. The options are limitless when dressing walls, she says, so homeowners should not be constrained to using just paint and paper. Wallcoverings also add to the warmth of a well-lived-in home. While new construction can come off cold and sterile, wallcoverings embrace the room like a cozy blanket. “I’ve been putting wallcoverings in almost all my designs lately because that comfortable feeling truly evokes my design style,” says Alexis. She also believes certain spaces deserve their moment. For example, the powder room, often overlooked, is the perfect location for a wall treatment, which can turn the 80
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ordinary into something extraordinary. The warmth that wall treatments add to a room is like the feeling Alexis brings to her clients. Her friendly demeanor translates into a strong emotional connection. When she first meets her clients, Alexis walks through their home with them, imagining their daily life, holidays and celebrations. Together, they paint a picture of how the homeowners see themselves in the space. As she envisions the clients living in the space, Alexis bonds with them on an emotional level—and that’s what sets her apart from other designers.
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KRISTIN LYONS KDLINTERIORDESIGN.COM
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esigner Kristin Lyons is a tactile person. She loves to touch and feel everything she designs to really get the sense of an object. This has served her well in the design world and as owner of KDL Interior Design, which specializes in vacation homes in the Fort Myers, FL, area. Kristin’s homes differ from others as she shies away from the typical coastal look. “KDL works with forms and shapes of various genres, and reinterprets them in modern textures,” she says. Think clean lines over relaxed sofas and blue and white pillows—spaces that make her clients feel at home and not in a hotel. KDL creates transitional spaces with a calm and serene vibe that clients crave in their second homes. She is currently obsessing over everything mid-century modern and how to incorporate modern textures into the genre. She recently took a classic midcentury modern chair and replaced the earth-tone fabric for a blue leather, creating a familiar yet unique dining room chair. She often uses a version of the mid-century modern starburst
mirror in her designs, but with different finishes. For another project, she started with a simple retro, full-back round accent chair and added lush fabric and brass accents. The texture and smooth curves give the chair a sophisticated feel; grouped together in a dining room, it is not only striking but also softens the seating area. Kristin undoubtedly has the hometown advantage. Not only did she grow up in Fort Myers, but she worked for a local interior design firm for 15 years before starting her own company seven years ago. Her contact list of vendors is the envy of interior designers—and also ensures that her clients get everything they want in a second home. Indeed, Kristin is great resource for homeowners who don’t live in the area full-time; her easygoing nature and limitless expertise in the field quickly put her clients at ease. And KDL’s designs embody the spirit of Fort Myers, which is known for its beaches, scenic views and laidback atmosphere.
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RUTA MENAGHLAZI THEORYDESIGN.COM
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he team at Theory Design is inspired by nature, organic elements and the spirit of handmade objects. Their overarching goal is livability—the ability for everyone to see themselves living comfortably in each space. “When asked to do an interior, we take into account the lifestyle of the homeowners—what their view is going to be, how that affects them, the function of the home and how easy it is to maneuver,” says Ruta Menaghlazi, vice president of design at the firm. “We also think about how that house is going to interact with nature and all the external elements.”
nut, a sea fan, sculptural and floral branches, distressed leather and hammered metal. The design team also incorporates global and artisanal designs into their projects. “While traveling, we sometimes find interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces from a local artisan at a market,” says Ruta. “I always find beauty in things other people might think are mundane: driftwood or a black stone with an interesting texture. Nature is our best artist.”
For one project, a homeowner’s study desk is positioned in front of the window to offer a view of the pool, landscaping and golf course. A vase is filled with branches from a mahogany tree outIndeed, the firm obsesses over the elements of nature and a holis- side and a decorative box made from buffalo horn. tic approach to design—bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor living. “It’s part of our look to have more natural elements Ruta possesses the special skill of sharing the homeowners’ vion the interior of our homes,” says Ruta. “We also apply authen- sion of their home and bringing it to life, yet adding a different ticity to our projects when it comes to the quality of materials and dimension and enriching their vision. “I love doing what I do, she handmade and human-touched products, be it a sculpture, fabric, says. “It lives inside my head 24 hours a day. It’s like a big puzzle, etc. Our team believes this what gives the projects a soul.” and I’m filling in all the pieces. I have million different choices, so I have to edit them down to the ones that work. But the most The firm uses neutrals, but never in a boring way. Neutral ele- important elements in the home are the people who live there.” ments might include nubby textures such as linen or cheruse walDesign + Decor
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JADE TIMMERMAN JNTINTERIORS.COM
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ou deserve a home unlike anyone else’s—a beautiful sanctuary that reflects you and your family—so you can look forward to entertaining and creating special memories with the people you love.” That’s the guiding philosophy of Jade Timmerman, CEO and lead designer of JNT Interiors. Jade worked for more than a decade in luxury interior design firms, where she learned how to create a rich, elevated, warm and timeless look. She founded JNT Interiors in 2015, with the objective of making that luxury style pop with unique pieces, textures and colors that reflect the homeowner’s personality. “After the past 18 months, I feel there has been a shift to a more casual yet elevated feel for the home,” says Jade. “We’re spending more time at home, living in every room. I strive to make every room livable and functional for each client. I don’t want them to ever feel like they have a room they can’t use.” What is her current obsession? “Muted jewel tones and natural textures,” she says. “The new collection from Arte wallcoverings really stands out to me—so many good colors, patterns and textures! I’m itching to get a project where I can bring in this style. I can already picture it—a mix of worn woods, warm brass, a pop of black, terra cottas and muted greens.” Jade admits this is a departure from what it typically seen in Florida. “I think design is starting to get away from white, grays and cooler colors,” she says. “I
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think we’re going back to earthy, richer green and deep, dark reds in wallpaper. I always go toward those deeper jewel tones. My designs are bright and blue—I like the deeper muted tones. They are calm and relaxed, and make a space feel richer when you add them in.” For a bungalow with small spaces, Jade created a clean, classic, timeless design in the living, dining and kitchen areas. For the tiny guest room upstairs, however, the client asked for a bright, inviting space. Jade designed a nice little jewel box. “The house is clean, calm and simple everywhere else,” she explains, “so we got crazy in this room, with a leopard-print chair and print on the wallpaper.” What special talent makes Jade stand out? “I possess the ability to understand and interpret my clients’ needs and create not only a beautiful home, but a functional one as well,” she says. “Potential clients always want reassurance that their home is going to feel like them and work with their family and lifestyle. I guarantee this by spending all the time needed during onboarding, using questionnaires, digital folders of inspiration images, and an initial design concept meeting. I want my clients to know I’m listening and being thoughtful about their designs. I want to get them to the best version of their home.” Design + Decor
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CANDICE KELBER
CANDICEKELBERINTERIORDESIGNS.COM
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andice Kelber worked her way to the top of the interior design industry and, 15 years ago, earned her spot as the head of her own studio. Today, Candice Kelber Interior Design makes sure that her clients receive more than just an aesthetically pleasing space—they get rooms that will last a lifetime.
Candice knew from a young age that her calling was interior design. It all began with an aptitude test she took as a child that pointed her towards the industry. After starting out in fashion, Candice became a design assistant at an interior design studio, where she worked for 12 years before opening her own firm. Her background in fashion heavily influences her style as a designer, as she distinctly focuses on the materials that make up a space. “I have a deep love and knowledge of textiles and an appreciation of fabrics that borders on obsession,” says Candice. “I also have a tendency to ‘dress’ a house like one dresses in clothing. You’ve got your base outfit—walls, flooring and
basic furnishings—and then you add your jewelry—lighting and mirrors— and last you add accessories—accents, rugs, pillows, etc. Voilà! You’ve dressed your room.” Her obsession carries over into textures, a detail she says can bring a room to life more than just paint or color. “With texture, you can set a mood and create an overall feel for a room, from casual vibe using a chunky grass cloth, to a more formal aesthetic with a shimmering mica fleck.” While making all her individual choices to bring together a room, Candice ensures that it’s the client’s personality that comes forth first in a space. “I try to make it more about the clients and their personality,” she says. For her, the best designers are those who adapt to their clients and put them on display in a space. “We put our heart and soul into our projects, and I want to make a quiet statement of my abilities without leaving an obvious footprint of having been there,” Candice explains. “I think it’s important that the project reflect the client and who they are, with just an inkling that someone else has made it that.” Design + Decor
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LISA DAVENPORT LDDINTERIORS.COM Photos by Neil Landino
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L
isa Davenport wants nothing more than to put Americans to work. Her passion for using products made in this country is born from her desire to give artisans, tradespeople, weavers—the gamut—an opportunity to fulfill the American Dream.
“My dream is to build and furnish homes that are fully American made,” says Lisa of LDD Interiors. “In a perfect world, every piece placed in a room would be made here in the states. I really believe in keeping Americans working. We outsource so many products with the reasoning that it’s cheaper overseas, but it’s not necessarily true anymore. Things are becoming overpriced because it’s hard to get them here. A lot of boutique artisans are popping up all over the place. Locked down in their homes, people are finding their own talents and are painting, sewing, building and making their own leather goods. There are a lot of artisans designing and making it here in the states.” For Lisa, it’s not enough to just use the high-quality American-made pieces; she wants to know the story behind the pieces—whether it’s the stunning green custom-made cabinetry made in Glastonbury, where
Lisa’s client and the artisan sat together and sketched out the design; or the Cambria countertops she loves because of the company’s desire to give back by helping its employees with their own American Dreams. Who made that exquisitely upholstered chair with the immaculate nailhead detail? And what about that elegant walnut and poplar wood staircase constructed in the shop and brought to the client’s home? “When my clients put their hands on the back of that chair, they’re holding on to a piece that was made by a fellow American,” she says. Lisa prides herself on being able to tell these tales to her clients. Each piece has a story, she says, and “I possess a freaking awesome collection of them. My ability is to find that American-made product that tells the story.” Lisa’s ability to delve into her client’s history to find his or her unique style helps her match client to artisan. To put together the client’s story, she asks questions like, “What is your favorite ice cream?” and “What is your favorite childhood memory?” She says, “Working with me is like being in second grade again. It’s fun, you play, but you’re still learning. I want my clients to have fun, to learn.” Design + Decor
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ANIKO BRITTINGHAM ANIKODESIGN.COM
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uring the hustle and bustle of life, we may take for granted how coming home can be an escape from our daily stresses. For Aniko Brittingham, principal and lead designer of Aniko Design, the idea of home being a comforting retreat is at the forefront of all her design projects, resulting in residences that calm the mind and soothe the soul. Aniko has been in the interior design business for 25 years. Her experience and passion for travel have led her to pick up on all the little things that turn a house into a warm, welcoming home. “I have a love of the process,” she says. “I’m very calm, so I like to listen to everybody involved with a home, come up with a solution, and bring together a cohesive picture.” Her laid-back personality informs every detail of the homes she helps create. Whether it be the soft edges on furniture or the artwork on the walls, every element of a space is handpicked. Often, as part of her designs, Aniko seeks out favorite local artists, whose work features soft brush strokes and lots of blues, greens and pinks. These small details all work together to offer a peaceful atmosphere in her spaces. That’s why the current obsession at her firm is crystals. For Aniko, different types of crystals can inspire the feeling in a room. “I think they’re so much fun,” she explains, “and they all have a meaning behind them. Putting them on shelves or nightstands can give a room a more organic or tranquil feeling. The blues in aquamarine or the gold tones of citrine can inspire positivity and determination.” The little choices she makes in her designs do more than provide comfort—they also bring a little bit of the exterior environment inside. “I work on the beach a lot, and when you’re looking out the window at the water and the palm trees, you fall in love with those blues and grays and greens,” she says. “I try to meld the indoor space with the environment around it.” Through that complete harmony of exterior and interior, Aniko ensures that every time her clients walk through their front door, they will enter special, peaceful spaces that will immediately put them at ease. Design + Decor
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NAN WRIGHT WRIGHTINTERIOR.COM
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right Interior Group is a design-build firm that specializes in unique luxury. The firm’s high-end clientele commands an exceptional design with great attention to detail. “Everyone wants the unique factor— something they won’t see anywhere else, explains Nan Wright, the company’s creative principal. To accomplish this, her firm designs every surface separately and as part of a whole, so every aspect of the room gets to shine. Nan is currently obsessing about wallcoverings, as it is an element that can be customized for each client. And she is not limiting herself to paint and paper. “A wallcovering brings an added dimension to a room more than any paint color can do,” says Nan. “It can tie a room together, simply because it often has Design + Decor
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more than one color or material built into the surface.” Wright Interior’s portfolio is rife with unusual custom wall decor— designed by Nan. For one project, she used a wallpaper of blue and metal/mirror to reflect all the colors in the room. It gave the space texture and also provided depth to the wall, which can’t be done with paint or flat wallpaper. In another home, she put up seagrass wallpaper and then brought in an artist to paint a custom mural on top of it. She notes that most of the wall decor she offers is handmade by artisans, which adds a natural element to her high-end, sleek styles. “A handcrafted wallcovering is even more unique, since each panel is made to the client’s color and design specifications,” she says. “Its one-of-a-kind nature makes it all the more special in elevating the design.” Wright Interiors is an exceptional concierge service, offering a comprehensive design experience from initial meeting through to installation and delivery. From drawing up blueprints to picking out bath mats, Nan does it all. Since most of her clients are not local, she places much emphasis on communication and inclusion, using Zoom calls and PowerPoint presentations to keep homeowners up-to-date. Her impressive team possesses the innate ability to translate a client’s needs and style into a unique, sensational space. Design + Decor
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TOM JONES
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ost people think of interior design as the decoration and organization of interior spaces. The philosophy of JMDG Architecture | Planning + Interiors, however, is to sculpt an interior environment with the use of structural components, materials and light. It’s the blending of science and art as it relates to function, form and artistic expression. JMDG team members differentiate themselves from standard interior designers by using their mastery in architecture and structures to handle all steps of a project. “We are a comprehensive architecture practice,” says Tom Jones, the firm’s principal and director of design. “We approach projects with an architectural perspective. Normal interior designers have to depend on contractors, while we bring that expertise ourselves. We’re more equipped to surgically alter spaces and structures.” Their expertise shines through in the work that JMDG does. Whether the firm is changing the structure of a building or constructing new aspects of a space, Tom believes the form a space takes is the first and foremost element that determines how a building will feel to those within it. “We don’t see ourselves as designers who just cover up or decorate,” he says. “We utilize structure to our advantage to understand the greater potential of a space.” Architectural concepts, including layering, are always an obsession at JMDG.
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The firm employs alterations such as vertical walls and horizontal add-ons to the ceiling. These design elements expand the visual scale of a room and give clients a sense of connection between the interior and the exterior. JMDG’s scientific approach to forming a space creates trust with its clients, who appreciate the firm’s ability to objectively communicate deeper aspects of a project. “Our greatest asset is our philosophy of approaching design as an intelligent process,” says Tom. “JMDG has a passion to create ‘places’ within a space. Similarly, our architecture philosophy looks to create ‘destinations’ within the overall context of the design concept. These ideals, reflected in our designs, help diversify and broaden the sensory experiences of the homeowners.” Design + Decor
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JENNA GETCHELL JLYNN-DESIGN.COM
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enna Getchell brings a world of experience to her firm, J Lynn Designs. After graduating from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, she worked for several architectural groups in Los Angeles, doing drafting and detailing work, which quickly became her forte and passion. After eight years, Jenna returned to her home state of Ohio to work with W Designs, a large firm focusing on vacation homes in Florida. Jenna finally settled in Naples and started her own practice. The majority of her business is in Naples, but she also takes on projects in Ohio. Jenna is currently putting her skills into overdrive as she obsesses about cabinetry detailing in all its forms. She believes that basic room designs are not good enough for her clients. “I look at all aspects of the room—walls, ceilings, cabinetry, floors—anything that I can extenuate and elevate to a more sophisticated and interesting look,” she says. A look at J Lynn Designs’ portfolio reveals that Jenna puts much time and effort into creating one-of-a-kind pieces. All her cabinetry has 3D elements of beveling, mitered edges, moldings or trims. She also incorporates big, chunky hardware onto her designs, both to add interest and to draw the eye into the finer details of the cabinetry. Jenna’s bathroom designs are particularly special because she treats each space as though it is the main feature of the home. In fact, each piece in her bathrooms could stand on its own, but together they make elegant, sophisticated spaces. Indeed, Jenna’s passion for architectural detailing and her expertise in the field are what set J Lynne Designs apart. Design + Decor
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DIANE TORRISI
DIANETORRISIDESIGNS.COM
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or Diane Torrisi, no one should ever settle for the ordinary. She makes that crystal clear in her business, Diane Torrisi Designs.
Diane grew up around European architecture, and her appreciation for the timelessness and beauty of that style has followed her throughout her life and career. During her 12 years of interior design work, she has brought that European flair to all her residential and commercial projects. It’s through that spark that Diane helps homeowners embrace a whole new world of color in their homes. “I’m a bit of a frustrated designer,” she explains. “People are normally afraid of color, but I want to have bursts of color! It’s just fun. I want to help people embrace flamboyancy.” Her current obsession is jewel tones. Stemming from her integration of European design philosophies, Diane opens new worlds of emerald and velvet within her designs. “ The depth of the various green tones fascinates me,” she says. “ These colors speak to my soul and pull at my heartstrings!” There’s always room for elegance in her interiors, whether it be in tile work, such as Kravet teal or emerald velvet, or in
whimsical wallpaper patterns, like Phillip Jeffries’ handcrafted Hummingbird Hemp. What really makes DTD Interior Design so special goes beyond her striking European-inspired style, however. It’s Diane’s personal connection with each client that sets her off from other designers. That’s why, for each project, she uses different materials and tile to give each client his or her own unique space. “I consider it a privilege when new clients—even more so, repeat clients—invite me into their world and personal space. I truly care how they will live in their newly designed spaces.” While Diane works to open up clients to the world of Euro pean design and elegant color usage, she also opens herself up to those clients, creating lasting designs that people can love living in for years. “When a project is finished and I close the door, I feel like I leave a piece of myself behind,” she says. “After the investment of work and hours spent, to have the client love it is why I do it. I feel that squeeze on my heart when I give back the key and say, ‘Enjoy it! I’m on to my next adventure.’”
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SHEILA CORASANITI-COOK BOUTIQUEINTERIORS.DESIGN
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he pristine, award-winning designs of Sheila Corasaniti-Cook, owner and lead designer at Boutique Interiors, show the 35 years of experience she brings to every project. After art and design school, Sheila spent her initial years working for a large furniture retailer. Not only did she learn about furniture merchandising and manufacturing, but her interest in interior design grew, and she started to get more involved with the creative end of the industry. Two-and-a-half years ago, after many years of working for several design and build firms, she started her own company, Boutique Interiors. Since then, the firm has exploded to meet the demand for new and remodeled homes in the Naples, FL, area. “People are spending more time at home, so naturally they want to create a space they can live and work in that provides a stylish, livable, safe haven,” says Sheila. Currently, Sheila and her team are obsessing about color contrast, making sure to get the right balance of light and dark within any room. It’s comparable to designing for the negative space. Her rooms have an ornate, cool, clean, neutral aesthetic with pops of color, but also carefully curated dark elements to ground the room and give contrast to the neutrals. In a recent model home, Sheila designed the open living space using warm neutrals of greige, ecru and white. Then she added lighting with deep rich tones, including a pair of charcoal wooden beaded table lamps, a bronze chandelier dripping with crystals and two smoky glass pendants over the kitchen island. These small elements that might be considered secondary to the other furnishings in the room are actually what make the other objects shine. Another model home follows the same pattern: warm tans and whites with long black pendants over the island, and a large black circular chandelier in the living room. Since Sheila has a strong background in art, her designs have a unique creative quality about them. “I have a passion to create individual spaces for my client’s lifestyle,” she says. Boutique Interiors possesses a diverse team of six designers and several assistants, each of whom has a different design sense. Sheila will match a couple of designers to a client based on their preferred design style. The dual approach always results in a new, creative expression that is hard to recreate with just a single designer. The firm’s teamwork and hands-on approach to serving their clientele have been recognized by builders and homeowners and made Sheila their interior designer of choice. Design + Decor
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HILLARY DISABATO CHANTEL WARMOUTH KNOTANDTIDEINTERIORS.COM
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he dynamic duo of Hillary DiSabato and Chantel Warmouth have just started their own design firm of Knot & Tide Interiors. The name suggests a direct connection to their coastal, nautical style. And although Hillary and Chantel share a design aesthetic, both bring different attributes to the table: Hillary spent many years in real estate and knows how to get the most value out of a house, while Chantel comes from a very strong design background. Unlike most design firms, Knot & Tide focuses strictly on the co-founders’ style. The idea is to build a look and a brand that will one day be universally recognized. To start, they have created two genres, Coastal Casual and Coastal Elegant. Both styles maintain the beachy nautical vibe, but one is more relaxed while the other is more structured and sophisticated. Hillary and Chantel are currently obsessing over layering of everything. Textiles and lighting are the natural aspects to layer in a room, but it’s their repeating of common colors, textures and materials that give their spaces a more finished look. Their rooms are very fresh, clean and light, both in terms of vision and weight. The tones within the home echo shades outside, which allows the mind and eyes a rest. The rooms can appear cloud-like and cozy. Hillary and Chantel are truly the heart and soul of Knot & Tide Interiors. When they take on a client they both get involved, giving their customers the benefit of two designers, not one.
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LISA GUILD
LMGDESIGNCONSULTING.COM
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obody knows the value of teamwork better than Lisa Guild, the owner and principal designer of LMG DesignConsulting. More than anything else, Lisa cherishes her team members, whose variety of experiences, skills and styles appeal to a wide range of clients. LMG is a full-service design firm that takes the homeowner from design to install. After an initial meeting with the client, Lisa assigns a project manager who guides the homeowners through the entire process. She then assembles a team, depending on the type of home, the client’s learning style (visual vs. tactile vs. verbal) and the differing skills of her designers. Lisa also makes sure there is a balanced perspective of old and new within the team—more senior designers are often paired with newer associates, who collaborate on material selection and design recommendations. The firm works mostly on vacation homes, with the process taking an average of two to four years from initial design to move-in ready, so communication with the client is of the upmost importance. Another essential objective of the LMG team is to put the homeowner’s vision at the forefront of the design. Too often designers don’t listen to the client, Lisa explains, and instead push their own personal styles. “At LMG, we believe our role is to unearth the true aesthetic of a person—and then elevate it,” says Lisa. The firm’s latest obsession has been its new interpretation of the black and gold combination. Today, the gold can come in the form of rattan, brass or pale wood, and the combination can be used on furniture, lighting and decor items. Although this may appear to be a fresh take, it actually hearkens back to the Art Deco days of the 1920s, when the look was sleek and geometric. Today’s version is a much more relaxed look that uses natural materials and a modern aesthetic. Lisa thinks this is the next big thing, and thus is incorporating it into her designs. Design + Decor
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ALEX ZAPIRAIN
ALEXZAPIRAINDESIGNS.COM
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any designers like to claim they are unique without having done much to support that claim. Alex Zapirain, however, has unique style to spare. “As a designer, I am more into eclectic design and very edgy style,” he says. “I like to be different, think outside the box and not follow every rule of design.” If you take one look at the rooms Alex designs, it’s plain to see he’s right. As owner of Alex Zapirain Designs, he has done interior design work all over the country and overseas. His wide-ranging experiences with different cultures and environments have helped craft his extensive design skillset. While he has always had a passion for creativity, his desire to set himself apart has formed the distinct style he possesses. For Alex, the drive to be different comes from wanting to give his clients a home that stands apart. Far too often, he says, he “can’t tell one house from the next.” He strives to be a designer who brings his clients something they can’t get anywhere else. When talking about a home for sale that he worked on, Alex recalls, “This neighborhood had seven other houses on the same
block that all looked the same on the inside. I brought something different than all the rest to this house, and because of that it sold before I even finished the project.” Alex’s interior style can be defined as asymmetrical, retro with a modern touch, and timeless. However, if Alex has one singular trademark, it’s his use of the color black in his rooms. “My clients know me for the incorporation of blacks on almost every project—definitely my latest obsession,” he says. When it comes to the rooms he creates, black is a tasteful tool for crafting that unique feeling attributed to his rooms. Perhaps Alex’s greatest skill is his ability to combine his use of boundarypushing style choices and heavy blacks with the expectations and desires of his clients. Alex loves rising to a task and finding ways to merge styles through exciting new methods that differentiate each of his projects. His favorite part of being a designer, he says, is “the challenge. When clients ask me for something that’s not my best suit, I love being able to accomplish that.”
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LISA GILMORE
LISAGILMOREDESIGN.COM
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fter working for years in Chicago, gaining global experience, Lisa Gilmore was hunting for a new design firm in her hometown of Tampa, FL, but was not being very successful. This was the impetus to start her own interior design company focusing on her inimitable style of layering pattern on pattern, bright colors and wallpaper. Today, Lisa Gilmore Design has acquired clients across Florida and the U.S. who are attracted to her unusual use of color and pattern. Residents of the Tampa Bay area are very familiar with Lisa Gilmore Design, which has been a leader in the use of color, pattern and scale for the past 10 years. “Liveable Glamour” is the company’s brand, which captures the homeowner’s interior voice and makes it functional for his or her day-to-day life. “We know that your space should be a reflection of your unique personality and lifestyle,” says Lisa. And though her use of layering is not new—it has been her overriding obsession for most of her career—“it’s exciting to see the success of my designs, which have now been adopted by other designers,” she notes. Lisa is truly a genius when it comes to layering. A simple serene bedroom is uplifted by the use of an animal print bench, turquoise headboard and patterned rug. The room still maintains its peaceful vibe, even though it is anything but quiet. A dining room with a striped rug, plaid chairs and vibrant orange drapery are the height of cool distinction. And colorful artwork hung on top of large-scale patterned wallpaper enhances the painting impressively and is not a distraction. Successful designs like these require not only the expertise of an accomplished interior designer, but one who actually thinks in layers. Lisa was fortunate to be mentored by a traditional interior designer early in her career. “She taught me how to use patterns, trims and detailing, such as using two fabrics on one chair or interlining on drapery to make them pop. She truly opened my senses,” Lisa recalls. Many years later, now running her own flourishing business, Lisa still utilizes those concepts in her own designs, resulting in a sublime, sophisticated, saturated work of art. Design + Decor
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CAMERON REYNOLDS SHARON GILKEY MONTANNA.COM
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n an industry filled with long-standing veterans of the craft, Cameron Reynolds is a young interior designer looking to breathe new life into clients’ homes. While he may be relatively new to the industry, Cameron has proven himself through his drive to create one-of-a-kind designs for every project he touches. Cameron graduated with an interior design degree in 2017, after discovering that design was truly his passion in life. After starting out in the commercial sector, he found that his calling was in the residential field, leading to his position at Montanna Design. “The thing I love most is the end result,” says Cameron. “Every day brings its own set of challenges, but it’s all worth it when you finish the install and the client loves it.” Cameron and his firm enjoy blending new design choices with more conventional styles. “Lately, many clients have been calling for designs that are more transitional, moving towards the more traditional realm of decor and design,” he says. “We’ve
been obsessing over combining these stylistic preferences with bolder colors, richer and more intricate patterns, and interesting textures that layer together beautifully.” Mixing new styles with more traditional ones creates rooms that offer something fresh and delight the client. Colors like jade green, teal or verdigris “give a room color tones reminiscent of the tropics and suggest a new definition of nautical elegance,” says Cameron. If there’s one skill Cameron possesses that sets him apart as a young designer, it’s his ability to think holistically about a space before a project is completed. This means not thinking only about little decorative decisions, but also how they relate to what the rest of the room and even adjacent rooms will look like. “I’m always reminding myself that every design decision I make must reflect the taste and style preferences of the clients, and also create a sense of continuity throughout the entire house,” he says. “This continuous sense of harmony is distinguishable to clients and leaves them with a home that is both unique and fabulously well crafted.” Design + Decor
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ARTS & CRAFTS GOES TO THE BEACH A New England couple gets their beloved design style in their Marco Island home. Story by Heather Shoning | Photography by John Sciarrino
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H
ow do you take a design style steeped in dark woods, copper and bronze finishes, and heavy, exposed beams and turn it into a beach home on Marco Island, FL? This was the challenge Naples interior designer Debra Yelner faced when she met Jim and Teresa Knipper. The 30-year veteran designer was no stranger to overcoming challenges. She’d already had a career that included designing corporate headquarters, restaurants and country clubs; then she designed and built spec homes in Greenwich, CT, for a business she owned with her husband.
Arts & Crafts bones support the entire style of this home—front to back and around every interior corner. Tapered pillars, shake siding and pitched roofs are all tempered with a soft, beachy palette.
It was the Northeasterner in her that helped her win over the client. When architect Matthew Kragh of MHK Architecture & Planning couldn’t find a local interior designer to pair with his client, he reached out to Debra, who was still living in the Northeast at the time. “Matthew said to me, ‘I think you’re the only one who can handle this,’” says Debra. “‘He and his wife are terrific, but I think he needs a Northern designer—someone who can speak his language.’” So she met the couple at their Princeton, NJ, home and speak they did—for more than five hours at Jim and Teresa’s dining room table, poring over the architectural drawings. The rest, as they say, is history. Design + Decor
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The foyer is a lesson in Arts & Crafts crossing over to beach style. The dark wood Craftsman-style door gives way to soft, beachy hues and materials. And the stunning stained-glass panels are a welcoming sight.
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Also no stranger to working out complicated designs, T. Jerulle Construction worked with the MHK team, including their engineers, to develop a structure that would save both time and money. “We incorporated some value engineering items, including the use of Quad-Tee precast slabs, and MHK was very receptive,” says president and founder Terry Jerulle. The drastically sloped lot provided unique challenges, as the structure and foundation required more than 250 precast piles. “That type of structure is usually reserved for commercial projects rather than residential,” Terry says. Having built nearly 100 custom homes in this area, Terry says, “Successful projects have successful teams. Jim Knipper put together a very successful team with MHK, Architectural Land Design, Debra Yelner and T. Jerulle Construction. We all worked well together to build this in the correct manner, turning it in to the Knippers’ home.” Today the couple has their dream Arts & Craftsstyle beach home. Explains Jim, “Teresa and I Design + Decor
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Custom Arts & Crafts-style crown molding adorn classic Shaker cabinets. Custom-finished Arroyo lighting from Wilson Lighting exemplifies Debra’s vision of how Arts & Crafts design would work in an oceanfront setting.
came to Matt with our desire to bring something new to Marco that married our love for Arts & Crafts and the simple Eastlake style to the Southwest Florida style—or, as we would say, ‘Eastlake meets Southwest.’ We are thrilled with how it came together, and Deb’s ability to translate what we were envisioning into reality.” Turning a Style on Its Head So how did Debra achieve the look and feel of the design style so permeated in heavy, dark oak in a way that makes sense for beach home? She took the main design elements and gave them a refresh. The history of today’s Craftsman style is a long and storied one. William Morris, an apprentice to the Gothic-Revival architect George Edmund Street, founded the Arts & Crafts movement in England in the 1860s. He sought to elevate decorative arts and move away from the ill effects of industrialization. This movement spanned a variety of types of design, including architecture, typography, book printing, textile and interior design. As the movement crossed the Atlantic, it became known colloquially in the architecture realm as Craftsman style, thanks to well-known furniture maker and editor of The Craftsman magazine, Gustav Stickley. Today the terms are often used interchangeably. At each turn, Debra considered the guiding principles of Arts & Crafts style, and took it back to its roots by employing the “handmade”—or, 122
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Debra commissioned a few works from local artist and furniture maker Ed Koehler Designs. In addition to this impressive dining room light fixture, he also made artwork for the outdoor dining wall and the sand-dollar coffee table.
In keeping with the theme, Debra used dark woods in this space, taking a cue from the antique library table and original Stickley chair.
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in some cases, “hand remade”—philosophy. For instance, she found classic Craftsman light fixtures replete with the milk glass and classic shapes and bronze finish. Then she implored the lighting manufacturer to recoat the metal in a soft pewter hue. She located cabinet hardware in quintessential Craftsman detailing, and took it to local Naples craftsman Mario’s Metalcraft to give it the same pewter finish. Moving on to woodwork, she kept the time-honored elements, such simple Shaker cabinetry, and added Craftsmanstyle crown molding. She specified four-square wood accents on custom cabinetry in the library, and designed a fireplace mantel typical of early American Craftsman homes, featuring the famous tapered beam style also seen in the beams on the home’s exterior. Then, to make sure it was beach-ready, she painted much of it white or whitewashed it, retaining the dark wood tones in just a few select rooms. Mike Demerly, vice president of T. Jerulle Construction, led the team building the home. “Debra, the carpenter and I would work things out to make sure what was going to be painted,” he says. “In the primary bedroom, we actually used a wood that typically wouldn’t be stained or whitewashed. There’s a lot of grain in it, but the owner liked that. So we whitewashed instead of painting it, as it was originally specified in the plans.” Because the trusses are so massive in this room, Debra specified a whitewash finish to keep the room from feeling top-heavy, while also creating cohesiveness with the barnwood-look tile floor.
Room by Room When you enter the home, it’s hard to know where to look first. Directly ahead is the open window wall with expansive views of the ocean. But overhead is a gorgeous and oh-so-beach-house Seychelles Design + Decor
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Queen-sized bunk beds ensure there’s plenty of space for parents and kids when the whole family comes to visit.
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Subtle, beachy hues color the primary suite. The barnwoodlook accent wall draws in hints of blue and green repeated in the bed and the wall color. Oversized windows and a private deck offer the homeowners a relaxing, easy connection with nature and the ocean.
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Coco Chandelier, followed by a triptych of backlit stained-glass panels with local sea species. Jim challenged Debra with creating the design, which she then turned over to Ancient Arts, a stained-glass studio in San Pedro, CA, to create the finished product. Debra also designed another stained-glass panel for the door leading from the kitchen to the pantry. The kitchen is an impressive display of the Craftsman-goesto-the-beach design. The ample white cabinetry features the pewter-coated hardware as well as the crown molding and glass doors with classic Arts & Crafts muntin design. It also has five— yes, five—of the custom milk glass light fixtures so prominent in the Craftsman lexicon. Two islands allow for everyone to be in the kitchen during family holidays, and for Jim to have prep space out of Teresa’s way when she’s cooking. Explains Jim, “We designed the house so all four of our sons, their wives and our grandkids can gather together—which we last did just before COVID for Thanksgiving 2019, and look forward to doing again!” The kitchen is open to the dining space on one side and the great room on the other.
The lanai creates the indoor-outdoor living space so important for a beach home. It doubles the kitchen, dining and living spaces adjoining it. Local artist Ed Koehler dreamed up the design for the perfect art to grace the large outdoor dining room wall.
The great room has facing sofas in a calming sea-blue upholstery with a custom, artful sand-dollar coffee table between them. But the showstopper in this room is the fireplace. The Craftsmanstyle mantel is second only to the floor-to-ceiling reef stone slab. “I was actually shopping for another client, and this reef stone was sticking out four inches on the end of an aisle,” Debra says. “I turned around and doubled back—I knew it was perfect for this. And the reason it was so perfect: Not only the color, but the fossilized stones in it are huge. So the scale was perfect for the space.”
Design + Decor
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This home is a true oceanfront retreat complete with a huge pool, hot tub and plenty of gathering areas. Each room is oriented to capture the amazing views.
The lanai mirrors the kitchen, dining and great room space. It features a large outdoor kitchen, a dining space with custom wall art and the great room with a tabby shell fireplace surround. Debra had several samples made showing different density of shells, and once the clients decided on one, she asked the fabricator to throw in some shark teeth. “It’s really quite fun,” says Debra. “Jim and Teresa loved it because when their grandchildren came to visit, they’d say, ‘Okay, go find the shark’s teeth!’”
The primary bedroom is light and airy, with its expansive views of the water and barwood tones on a feature wall and ceiling beams. A soft seaglass green wall color bridges from the bedroom walls to the bathroom cabinetry. “It was so refreshing to have a client who wanted color,” says Debra. “Then we picked up that beautiful color in the marble. It has everything from pale greens to pale blues. It is stunning—it was made for the cabinetry.”
Also on the first floor is Teresa’s studio, where she teaches art therapy, and a game room complete with a pool table and custom card table. There are three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a half bath and powder room in addition to the outdoor-access half bath. An elevator and two stairways lead to the second floor, one of which has a wine storage display and wine room deftly tucked underneath.
On Hallowed Ground The home’s exterior features creamy whites and pale blue with all the hallmarks of a Craftsman. “The clients wanted a timeless coastal design, where all rooms of the house focused on the amazing views of the Ten Thousand Islands,” says Matthew Kragh. “Since it was an expanded horizontal lot with a sloping backyard and elevation that was unique to Florida, we were able to stretch the house out along the horizon and orientate each room towards the view.” Exposed trusses and knee brace rafters adorn the gable roof sections, and the pillars are tapered in both the front and rear of the home.
Upstairs is a fourth bedroom, library, Jim’s office and the primary suite. In addition to the game room, the library and office are two spaces that retained the dark oak Craftsman woodwork. The library is home to an antique library table and a burnt-orange leather recliner—a Stickley original. Debra punched up the built-in bookcases with the common foursquare geometric pattern.
The backyard includes a large swimming pool, hot tub and substantial sundeck space, and a short walk away is the Knippers’ private boat dock. Jim and Teresa named their home “Cela Tega,” which in the Calusa lanDesign + Decor
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guage means “view from a high point.” It’s their homage to the native Calusa people who once inhabited the land. “Our home is and continues to be a cohesive ‘positive energy’ project that includes much more than simply the confines and physical design of the house,” says Jim. “The project from design and planning through construction were all part of an effort to infuse relaxing and intentional vibes and energy into the land. So we’re not surprised that when visitors come to our home, they quickly comment how peaceful and comfortable they feel.” Resources: Interior Design DLY Designs Deborah Yelner 4945 Westchester Court Naples, FL 34105 64 Richmond Hill Road Greenwich, CT 06831 203.921.5566 dly-design.com Architect MHK Architecture + Planning Matt Kragh 2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples, FL 34112 239.331.7092 mhkap.com Contractor T. Jerulle Construction Mike Demerly AD Randolph 2670 Horseshoe Drive North #206 Naples, FL 34104 239.213.1143 tjflorida.com Design + Decor
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PROFILE
GWT OUTDOORS
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tuart Sheppard, co-founder of Greenwich Window Treatments (GWT), has become quite the trailblazer for outdoor designers. Though he started out working in big investment firms, including Lehman Brothers, Prudential Securities and Kemper Securities, he has since brought major changes to the outdoor home and commercial design industry. It was while he was attending a trade show in Germany that Stuart first became impressed with Hunter Douglas, the Norwegian window design company. “I was immediately sold on their product and on my path to becoming dealer for them,” he says. Asked what particular product that GWT offers stands out the most to him, Stuart answers without hesitation: the pergolas the firm provides through its partner, Renson. A fairly new product in the U.S., in this country only for the past six years or so, the pergola has an amazing and innovative design. It allows for sun to come in with a contained air flow, and features a closed roof function in case of rain. It has a fully integrated, sleek design, without a nail or bolt in sight, and is easy for the homeowner to access and use. Elaborating on his enthusiasm for Renson, Stuart says the company’s prod-
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ucts truly help distinguish GWT from its competitors in the home design industry. “Around 10% of Renson’s 1,300-plus employees are committed to research and development from the Belgian location alone,” he explains. Over the past seven years, Stuart and his co-founder, Jake Steidl, have expanded their business to the Southeast, specifically the state of Florida. “I knew Florida would be the perfect fit for us, with its rain and heat cycles throughout the year. There’s a great need for the products we offer.” GWT now has a location in Naples, and Stuart and Jake aspire to expand to the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area as well. Resource: GWT Outdoors Stuart Sheppard The Collective Building 111 10th Street South Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102 239.330.4838 gwt-outdoors.com Design + Decor
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PROFILE
EMPIRE CLOSETS
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ourtenay Lindsey, owner of Empire Closets, has managed to make quite a name for herself in the home design industry. Asked how she started on her path to success, however, she gives an unexpected answer: “By a fluke.” A good friend of hers in the design field found Courtenay to be “personable,” she says, and knew she would do well in the business. Since then, she has been on a roller-coaster ride on her way upwards. What makes Empire Closets stand out? Courtenay says her products and designs are “more functional for the consumer” as the firm makes organization its number one priority. She knows it is important for homeowners to have closet spaces that are stress-free zones. Courtenay also likes working on other types of small rooms, such as office spaces and craft rooms. “My favorite space to work on is probably the office,” she says, “due to the more organizational options that are needed.” She believes that trends in “color/ color choice access” heavily affect her industry. There is an everchanging cycle of color preferences, she explains, and the color scheme of a closet or office space can be the pivotal factor for its entire design, setting the tone for the whole room. What distinguishes her company from her competitors in the home design industry? “Myself,” is her bold reply. “Lending my own perspective is what helps us stand out.” Her creativity and flexibility give her the edge over others, she continues, as she has wide-ranging knowledge of the industry and is confident about what truly looks appealing in interior design. “Being a non-
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chain company also gives me more freedom to provide any item or color a customer might prefer,” she says. “There are no limitations for my clients.” Courtenay is especially delighted to provide for the Naples community. “Being born and raised here means I know my local audience well, compared to those from other regions,” she says. She is open to the idea of expanding, but believes this might not be necessary, as Empire Closets can ship anywhere. Courtenay is very active in her local community, having served as president of the Interior Design Society of Naples, and as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club. How does she manage so many responsibilities? “I can thrive off chaos,” she says, adding, “being able to provide for the community” is a huge driving factor that motivates her. To learn more about Empire Closets, check out the showroom in Naples or reach out to Courtenay herself at her website. Resources: Empire Closets Courtenay Lindsey 3106 Horseshoe Drive South Naples, FL 34104 239-276-2287 empire-closets.com
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