Team Work Makes the Dream Work

“It feels like I’ve always had this home—it’s like it was always in my heart,” says homeowner Lucinda Dasta. “It came out of a concept from me, and I just love it—the materials and colors. Everybody worked well to get it. It took teamwork.” There is no higher compliment when a homeowner’s vision is brought to life and she is able to contribute the success to the team that worked together to make her dreams a reality.

This elegant, French Country-inspired kitchen is the stunning result of an effort among architect Clifford Scholz, Perrone Construction, Marie Bowman Interior Design and the Dasta family. The family had lived on the property for many years, and the new construction home was built after the existing home was demolished. “We had an older home but one of the biggest lots on this key, and we did not want to change,” says Lucinda. “We lucked out with the Perrones—they were just wonderful.”

Ricky Perrone of Perrone Construction recalls meeting the clients for the first time, and how they hit it off right away. “We met them at their home on the back porch to talk about what they would possibly want to do,” says Ricky. “We had a lot of fun bouncing ideas off each other.”

Ricky recommended bringing architect Clifford Scholz onboard for the project, because he knew that Clifford would understand the concept for the home and be able to dial into the traditional architectural style the Das- tas were hoping to achieve. The design process moved quickly from there, says Ricky. “Because the homeowners had a distinct vision and were involved in the process throughout, they actually started building fairly quickly,” he says. “Lucinda communicated her vision—H-shaped symmetry, French style and not at all contemporary—and the team made it happen. We have a great way of seeing a client’s vision, assembling the team around that vision, and making it happen in a way that is done quickly and efficiently.”

At this point, Marie Bowman Interior Design came on board to help bring Lucinda’s French-inspired aesthetic to fruition. “This client wanted authentic, casual elegance inspired by the French Country aesthetic,” says Marie. “When we first started the conversations, the clients expressed that they didn’t want finishes that looked new in the home, but ones that had a certain old and timeless presence about them. We looked for finishes and materials that would give the feeling they had a history behind them and had been there for a long time.”

An exquisite, custom Francois & Co. stone hood surround was finished in scagliola stone. The historic technique creates a finish that resembles fine marble and limestone. Sarasota Architectural Woodworking crafted the cabinetry, and Marie selected Farrow & Ball Blue Gray No. 91 for the color. “We felt this added the right touch of understated color to this kitchen,” says Marie.

The island countertop is Ijen Blue quartz, which Marie thinks brings a touch of energy and movement. She chose brushed white bronze hardware from Rocky Mountain Hardware. Paul Ferrante, a lighting designer and manufacturer who works exclusively with interior designers, created the custom ceiling lanterns above the kitchen island based on a simple sketch.

“Marie helped me follow through with what was in my head,” says Lucinda. “Otherwise, I would have been stuck with the designer’s concept, and I don’t ever like doing that because it isn’t my heart.”

The result is lovely tailored home and kitchen space that is well thought out and personal to the homeowner. “One thing I really appreciated about working with these clients was that their vision was very specific to them,” says Ricky. “I always love when people stay true to the vision they had for the property, because there’s nothing more personal than your own home.”

Resource:

Perrone Construction

Ricky Perrone

7045 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941.924.6900 perroneconstruction.com

Marie Bowman Interior Design

Marie Bowman

1188 North Tamiami Trail, No. 105 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.809.5949 mariebowmaninteriordesign.com

The scope of work for an interior designer is not limited to the interior design of the project. Sometimes the designer serves as a style coach, helping homeowners marry their vision with the design aesthetic they actually lean towards. This was the case for Lyndsey Davis Nicklas of L Design Studio, when a retiring couple brought her in to renovate the kitchen in their second home—a condo with panoramic views of a lake and golf course.

“They came with a vision that felt like it didn’t actually pair with the aesthetic I had seen in their home, where they had furnished a living room and started an art collection,” says Lyndsey. “Their vision sounded more coastal transitional than what I was seeing them gravitate to, and I was pleased that they trusted me enough to pivot them.”

The couple, without realizing it, was leaning more towards modern style, and Lyndsey helped guide them as they collaborated to create a kitchen that would fit this newfound style. “Something that was really important to them was that the design still felt warm and not cold,” she says. “I worked with them on how to incorporate texture and finishes to keep the space feeling warm but with a clean, modern aesthetic.”

Lyndsey employed stardust quartzite to bring in more warmth. This adds interest, texture and movement to a space that has mostly clean lines. For the countertop, Lyndsey chose to stick with the standard three centimeters thickness for a thinner, more European look. “The stardust quartzite has some cool black characteristics that some clients might shy away from,” she says, “but these clients liked the unique aspects of the stone, so we decided to feature it up the backsplash as well.”

Integrated J-channel finger pulls for the hardware give the cabinetry a minimal style, while the Hubbardton Forge island light offers an edgy, industrial feel. The cabinetry is Wilsonart Laminate, chosen for its durability and easy maintenance. Lyndsey says most people are blown away when they realize it’s not real white oak. The laminate cabinets are perfect for the homeowners because they are passionate cooks. “This kitchen had to be designed to be a workhorse,” says Lyndsey. “A lot of kitchens in this area aren’t designed for use, but these clients were very specific that theirs needed to work well for them while being designed in a very minimalistic, modern way—so there is a lot of incorporating function behind closed doors.”

Custom functionality was built in with organizational strategies in every drawer or cabinet. A hidden coffee bar area can be stowed away behind a dropdown door, but it is easily accessible to the main area for all-day use when the homeowners—coffee connoisseurs— entertain.

One wall houses appliances and a fullsize wine tower. To the right is a hidden butler’s pantry behind what appears to be cabinet doors. To maximize the view from the windows, Lyndsey shifted the kitchen about 10 feet, which left approximately six feet of the existing kitchen. This created the opportunity to add the butler’s pantry. Notes Lyndsey: “That was neat to give them a ‘dirty kitchen,’ as we like to say—a prep area and a place to keep countertop appliances and things that might clutter up the main countertop areas.”

Resource:

L Design Studio

Lyndsey Davis Nicklas

6561 Taylor Road #1

Naples, FL 34109

239.260.5165 ldesignstudio.com