DESIGN +DECOR
THE FLORIDA EDITION
THE KITCHEN ISSUE
DISPLAY UNTIL 07/25/22
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MASTER BEDMAKERS VISPRING ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE THE NEWEST EDITION TO THEIR LINE-UP OF LUXURIOUS HANDMADE MATTRESSES- THE CASHMERE SUPERB , FILLED WITH RICH AMOUNTS OF LUXURIOUS CASHMERE. FIND YOUR NEAREST RETAILER AT VISPRING.COM OR CALL 888.298.5795
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DESIGN +DECOR
THE FLORIDA EDITION
SPRING 2022
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HINTS OF HOME
A Connecticut family sees touches of traditional in their new coastal-style home in Naples. Story by Heather Shoning Photography by Venjhamin Reyes
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KITCHEN DESIGNS
Understanding the clients style, needs and desires and understanding the designer’s interpretation Story by Kathleen Syron
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A SENSE OF SPACE
An open floor plan gets a designed-for-entertaining update. Story by Heather Shoning Photography by Sean Patrick Murphy
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Publisher’s Letter In The Field 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 SPRING 2022 Editor-in-Chief Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 Contributing Writers Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Pam Gersh, Sean Jarvis, Ross Robinson, Meryl Siegman, Anna von Stelzer-Worth, Kait Shea, Anastasia Storer Contributing Photographers Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, Janice Parker, Durston Saylor, Debra Somerville, Eric Striffler, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography Copy Editor Elena Serocki Graphic & Web Design East Coast Home Publishing
Publisher Shelley E. McCormick sm@dd-mag.com 203-545-7091 Account Managers Jane O’Reilly Mara Skowronek Kelly Ames Smith Design + Decor 349 Forest Hills Blvd Naples, Florida 34113
Design + Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Subscriptions: one year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues can be purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 349 Forest Hills Blvd Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.
EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING 349 Forest Hills Blvd Naples, Florida 34113 DD-MAG.COM
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
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pring has sprung here in Florida. For some, the season conjures up feelings of inspiration and hope as the natural world revives and reinvigorates itself. Spring to Floridians usually means the end of “Season”—when the snowbirds go home and life gets a little quieter for us. But things have changed over the last few years. While there is still a seasonal aspect of three-month renters, we have seen more and more people making Florida their new homestead. With any new homestead comes new construction, renovations and the need for interior design. And during this time, there is no rest for the weary. To members of the home design industry, I say congratulations for all the hard work you’re doing while continuing to stay upbeat and positive with all the obstacles the industry has faced! Cheers to you! I’m excited to present you with our Spring issue, which is chock-full of exciting features. First up, a big celebration article about Stofft Cooney Architect’s 40/20 Anniversary. Learn about the partners and the astonishing legacy they have created. For our Annual Kitchen feature, “Honing Your Masterpiece,” we reached out and asked numerous local kitchen designers, “What did your clients need or must have in their design to make it the kitchen of their dreams?” Their replies will surprise and delight you. And, in our “Ask the Experts” department, learn from PBS Contractors all about pre-construction—all the things necessary to take a project from planning to production. It’s a fascinating class in How to Build 101. Enjoy the issue!
Shelley McCormick
Cheers,
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MELANGE
KBIS 2022 ROUND UP
This past February in Orlando, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, or KBIS, came roaring back after its COVID hiatus, with 375 vendors descending upon downtown to show their latest and greatest wares. Here are some items that we spied and wanted to share.
Unity Refrigerator Modeled after SMEG’s retro-inspired FAB28 Refrigerator, Unity features signature hues and imagery of the seventies era, and is now available exclusively at Neiman Marcus, retailing for $3,999. smeg.com
Ice Genesis Collection by Arik Levy The inspiration is from the large ice lakes of the Artic. ICE Gold represents the summer, ICE Green the spring, ICE Viola the autumm and ICE Ink represents the winter. us.compac.es/
Miele CM5 Silence Countertop Coffee System The CM5 Silence range of countertop coffee systems has reduced grinding noise by 50%. Now, whether at home or in an office setting, users can more quietly prepare a fresh, hot beverage. Seven coffee specialties, from a simple espresso to a latte macchiato, can be prepared and dispensed at the touch of a button. miele.com
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Sterling Light Vadara captures the essence of nature’s most beautiful places in artisan, handcrafted quartz — transforming your interior into a space filled with the same breathtaking beauty your surface was inspired by. vadaraquartz.com ROHL Apothecary by House of Rohl The Apothecary Collection draws its inspiration from the beautiful shapes of old apothecary bottles that are now sought-after collectables. Designer Xander Noori looked to the past for inspiration and brought it into the present with unique chamfered details, beveled edges and balanced arcs, resulting in a silhouette of contoured elegance and nuanced simplicity. houseofrohl.com
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IN THE FIELD
A Tribute to a Thriving Partnership Stofft Cooney Celebrates its Ruby Anniversary Story by Meryl Siegman
Contemporary Polynesian – Port Royal – Naples, FL - 2015
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Randall Stofft and John Cooney
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French – Bay Colony Estates – Naples, FL - 2003
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Contemporary Polynesian – Port Royal – Naples, FL - 2015
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his year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Stofft Cooney Architects, one of Florida’s most prodigious architecture firms. Randall Stofft originally hung up his shingle in Boca Raton in 1980, opening a second office in Naples 20 years later, with John Cooney at the helm. Over the decades, Stofft Cooney has made an indelible impression on Florida’s architectural landscape from coast to coast, with hundreds of residences, resorts and commercial buildings in its extensive portfolio.
John grew up in East Hampton, NY, where, as a teenager, he spent his summers as a lifeguard. His long walks on the beach led to a fascination with the stunning architecture he saw along the way, resulting in his following the same path as his future partner. He quit lifeguarding to work as a mason’s helper, absorbing as much as he could about the architecture of the spectacular homes he was working on. Ten years after Randy inaugurated his firm on the east coast of Florida, he brought John on board to take the Naples office to the next level.
The firm shares mutual ideals and aesthetic principles, as well as a strong belief in the value of architecture. It creates residences and commercial buildings that defy limitation to a single style or aesthetic, drawing inspiration from all genres and historical eras. Its mission is to create the everlasting through timeless, but relevant and modern, design.
Hiring John turned out to be a prophetic and strategic move. While Randy had his finger on the pulse of architecture on the east coast, John was busy building relationships with contractors and engineers on the other side of the state. He implemented a plan for growth with Randy ’s approval, and the firm took off. “The trends in Florida always start on the east coast,” John observes. “Randy saw them before they made their way here. I imported his knowledge and expertise from Dade Country and merged it with mine here in Naples. That exposure and design vision really gave me an advantage here.” The result was the rapid growth of the firm.
A Bit of History Randy and John came to architecture from different backgrounds and along contrasting yet parallel routes. The son of a developer, Randy was always interested in art and architecture. As a high school student in the Midwest, he interned at a high-profile architecture firm in Chicago. By his junior year, he knew he wanted to be an architect, and after graduation from high school chose to go right into architecture as an undergraduate. After working for the prestigious firm SOM in the Windy City for almost a decade, he moved to Florida and opened up his eponymous firm in Boca Raton nearly half a century ago.
Randy acknowledged the value of what John brought to the table, and they became equal partners. “We’ve worked together for over 25 years, and have been partners for 20 of them,” John comments. “It’s a very good relationship. Randy ’s design vision is implemented here on every project, while he’s given me the freedom and flexibility to run this office as I see fit.” Today, Stofft Cooney is busier than it’s ever been, having become Design + Decor
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Eclectic Traditional – Aqualane Shores – Naples, FL - 2014
one of the most sought-after architectural firms in Florida, with an extensive portfolio of hundreds of residential, resort and commercial projects throughout Florida, including The Collective, Naples’ newest lifestyle and design center at 111 10th Street South. Its stunning architecture and thoughtful design allow for open, expansive and light-filled spaces. The Perfect Matc From the outset of their relationship, it was evident how similar both partners were in terms of architectural styles. “We’re not very different at all,” notes Randy. “From the beginning, we understood what the other liked. We have a very similar eye when it comes to understanding quality architecture—that’s why we really hit it off.” John agrees that the two are well aligned when it comes to architectural philosophy. “The difference between the work we do has more to do with the demographics of our clientele,” he says. “The east coast of Florida is more influenced by the transplants from the Northeast, while the west is home to many people originally from the Midwest.” The result is that Randy ’s work is more contemporary and modern, with clients wanting a strong curb appeal, whereas many of Naples’ homes are not as showy from the exterior, and tend to be slightly more traditional. 26
Old Florida – Captiva Island, FL - 1999
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Modern Elegance – Venetian Village – Naples, FL - 2013
Exponential Growth When Randy started out on his own, the firm, which had a staff of five to six for a number of years, specialized in the high-end residential market. When John was hired to run the Naples office, the firm began to experience remarkable growth. Today it is substantially larger, with 30 people working in the Naples office and 20 in Delray. Despite its size, it is run more like a boutique firm: small and customized, but with the manpower to handle the largest residential, resort and commercial projects in the country. “We had strong roots in Mediterranean architecture for many years,” John explains. “That gave us a big surge in the clients who came to us.” But trends in architecture change with the decades in 10- to 20-year cycles, he explains, and “now it’s everything but.” Their impressive portfolio includes styles ranging from tropical to coastal contemporary. Happy Clients Stofft Cooney has created a legacy of satisfied clients around the U.S. For one couple, the firm designed three homes: a beach home on the Naples coastline, their main residence in the suburbs of Chicago, and an equestrian retreat in the countryside. “All three are different styles,” the husband explained. “The Naples house represents Florida vernacular architecture, while our primary residence is cedar shingle, and the country home is ranch style.” What he loves most is that each is unique, with rooms that flow together. “We wanted a home, not a museum—one that will look right for a long, long time. These houses are timeless.” Another couple is about to complete their fifth home in Naples with Stofft 28
Contemporary – Ft.Myers, FL - 2005
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Traditional Gulf Front – Olde Naples, FL - 2016
Cooney, with two more about to break ground. While the intent was to build them all as investment properties from the ground up, they moved into one of the houses as a full-time residence because they fell in love with it. “John and Randy are great guys to work with, and there are no egos involved,” says the wife. “They are super-talented, intuitive and very sensitive to their clients’ tastes and lifestyles. And they can design any style home.” This is evidenced by the fact that each of their houses is unique, featuring a range of styles, including Dutch Caribbean, Georgian with a hint of Southern, and West Indies with a little bit of “Old Florida” design elements. Among the firm’s extensive circle of fans is Toscana Homes, a Naples-based general contractor specializing in high-end residences. Owner Richard Compagnone and his partner, Daniel Russetto, a state-certified building contractor, have collaborated with John and Randy on more than 40 homes. “I started working with the Naples office over 30 years ago, even before John took over, when there were just three people working there,” Rich explains. Under John’s guidance, he notes, the office has grown substantially in size, organization and structure. “I use them to build my spec houses and refer clients to them all the time because of their talent and ability,” he says. “Randy is an absolute artist when it comes to designing a home, and John is excellent at detailing the exteriors, right down to color selection.” Clearly, Randy Stofft and John Cooney enjoy long-standing and ongoing relationships within the community on both sides of the state. 30
Port Royal Stofft Cooney has extensive experience designing homes in the prestigious Port Royal community: the current count is 140 out of just over 600 residences, and growing. Originally a mangrove swamp in Naples on the Gulf of Mexico, the land was purchased in 1938 by John Glen Sample, a retired advertising executive, for $13,700. His ambition was to make Port Royal the finest place in the world to live. And he succeeded. “It’s the premier community in Naples, and one of the most coveted zip codes in the country,” says John, “with deep water access to the gulf, large lots and wonderful amenities. We’ve been very fortunate that our work is well received by not only residents of Port Royal, but also by the entire community.” Randy attributes the firm’s success in Port Royal to knowing and understanding Naples and its building guidelines, as well as what the city itself and clients like. “We started out doing two or three a year, but when John came on, our quality control got better, and the clientele became more astute architecturally.” These days, many of Port Royal’s original homes are gone, replaced by larger, modern structures with more amenities. Randy mentions with a chuckle his most recent Port Royal commission is a teardown of one of the community ’s older homes, designed decades ago by— you guessed it—his own firm. He admits, “It had seen better days.” Giving Back to the Community Both partners are committed to giving back to the community that has provided so much opportunity for them. Their favorite charities
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Modern Elegance – Venetian Village – Naples, FL - 2013
include non-profits that support causes dear to their hearts, such as: STARability; Immokalee Foundation; Naples Senior Center; Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF); and Shelter for Abused Women and Children Naples.
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Their generosity has included donating their architectural services to the Naples Senior Center, as well as to NCEF, sponsors of the world-renowned Naples Winter Wine Festival, for which they designed their permanent headquarters in Eagle View Professional Park.
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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.
of Trays: Where tanna wouldDesign we be Associates, without theGWT tray!Outdoors Trays areand, funcEqually course, important Homes to both men the Ultimately, positive The and Collasttional, resourceful andKurtz elegant, andNaples. they ishave an abundance of ingstyle. imprint lective will the firm hasadditional made on candles businesses, the communities as it purpose and They arefeature perfect for your and such florals, interior “We to have design designed studios, a significant furniture number companies, of homes and allowing anserves. ottoman become a cocktail table, and are easily in the other area related over thefirms past that 20 years,” complement John explains. the existing “As a moved around. result, tenants. the firm has had a visual impact, not only residentiallyright but now in theincommercial What’s trending flooring? sector as well.” He concludes, While “Naples Randy is asees wonderful development community projects to which like The so Collective of Showroom its residents as a way contribute. of deepening They just hiskeep roots stepping in the Jack Walshmany Trade Pillows are an easy addition, adding comfort and pops of color, Jeremy Walsh up. INaples am verycommunity, proud that Stofft his priority Cooneywill has grown always and be textures and layers to your rooms. Think of the fabrics you use Oiled natural prospered Kurtz over Homes the Naples years, soand it continuing is inroom a position foundato give wood flooring for any style isthe popular— and what effect or feel you are trying to achieve: heavy velvets, especially natural back tion to the hiscommunity father which laid. as well.” “Iis hope everlasting. we continue things hardwood, trending withThe biophilic suedes and leathers add depth and weight, linens and cottons designs. We have the way been doing for 38 years,” says lotswe’ve of requests forthem wide-plank hardwood add an airy organic feel, and silks add a sumptuous, elegant feel. floors, which Resource: Randy, who is delighted so many family make rooms look larger that and more open and memoffer Don’t just settle for a fabric—add some fun with trims and something for everyone, bers are innothematter business. family is a realOak big your“My design sensibility. Old Florida – Naples Pier - 2008 tapes, and layer your pillows. Stofft part Cooney of Architects my life. It’s great have some them as is one of the most durable species, withto a tight, dark of grain that John Cooney part of room, the Kurtz Team.” works in almost any in any stain. Maple is the second Here are my accessory must-haves: Randall Stofft 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 Coffee-table books: They are essential and a great way to dis- are gray and Delray with Office the business. His two Carolyn and gray muted stains, white anddaughters, light natural wood. play your interests and personality. There are no “right” books; 42 North Elizabeth, Swinton work Avenuein client relations and marketing, choose travel, fashion, couture, design, interiors, architecture, The advantages Carolyn’s husband, Gordon,direct is a projDelrayand of Beach, an oiled FL 33444 surface areDavid the pleasant conart, hobbies…the list is endless. Hardback books add color and tact with the 561.243.0799 ect manager. Carolyn andtheDavid’s children, wood, the smoothness, abilitythree to repair the conversation and can be flanked by some fabulous bookends or affected area without Noah, Isla and Lucy in the Kurtzand offices, working on are theoften whole surface, the stacked on a cocktail table or shelf. Naplesand Office Noahcreated is even listed the website a future positive room climate by theonexchange of asmoisture. 111 surfaces 10th employee. Streetsoak South Hisinto startthe date? Theflooring year 2035. Natural oiled wood and provide Sculptures and ornaments: These add precision, flow and state- the necessary Suite robustness 308 from the inside out. However, lacments, depending on size and matter, and they also show an quered surfaces Naples, Resource: FL 34102 sealing the wood floors on top, and represent 239.262.7677 avocation or passion. They are another great way of adding tex- are often obtained through several layers of lacquer. The wood Homes Naples tures and layers. Create vignettes or show as a collection on underneathstofft.com theKurtz lacquer layer is usually left untreated. Randy Kurtz an entry table or console to create vast interest and depth to a 111 and 10th designs Street South room. What innovations do you see for homeowners who 304 want to create Suite an outdoor oasis? Naples, FL 34102 Candles: They create the mood and ambience of a room with 239.594.1501 their essence and glow. Versatile in every room, they can add LMG Design Consulting Contemporary – Ft.Myers, FL - 2005 kurtzhomes.com that welcoming warmth every home should ooze. Lisa Guild
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Pre-Construction 101 How to prepare for the build with Bart Zino of PBS Contractors
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Story by Kathleen E. Syron
+D: What is pre-construction, and how does one go about it? BZ: Pre-construction activities are all the things necessary to take a project from planning to production. There are generally two paths through this process: the traditional design/bid/build (DBB) model, and the more specific design build/construction management (DB/CM), construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) and request for proposal (RFP).
purpose design and budget. It is a very collaborative experience for all.
In regard to DBB, the roadmap has been in place as an industry norm forever. The process of a client finding and hiring an architect, working through programming and getting those ideas and needs onto paper very often happens without the input of a general contractor. The general contractor is usually called in after the plans are complete, and he is expected to provide a very specific price for a very specific, predetermined scope of work. This award of the work is often very price-conscious.
The RFP is a great way for a client to build his team early in development. We embrace and enjoy this method, but we prefer CMGC. The role of a general contractor in an RFP arrangement is a little less interactive and usually held at a slightly further arm’s length. Remember, the architect has usually met the client before issuing an RFP. The architect helps build the RFP and often helps to choose prospective general contractors to invite. In other words, the owner and architect are a team that invites the general contractor. The general contractor is there to support the process, attend the meetings and answer questions. The difference with CMGC is subtle, in that it is usually the general contractor and the client who bring the design team to the table. This creates a different dynamic and sense of who is driving the process among the three parties to the
When (DB/CM) is employed, the client builds his team on day one, choosing the design team and contractor on the merits of both, with price a secondary concern. The general contractor and architect work hand-in-hand with the client to come up with a best value and 34
DB/CM and CMGC are virtually the same process. CMGC describes the design build process as managed by a general contractor using outsourced consultants and design teams. An in-house design team or a true joint venture are the other delivery methods popular in collaborative pre-construction arrangements. Our preference is outsource.
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Rendering by Dwayne Bergmann | Dwayne Bergmann Interiors
development process. D+D: How long a process is pre-construction, what is the result, and what are the costs involved? BZ: For a typical remodeling project in the half-million-dollar range, our goal is to take the client from the first design and scope meeting to a point where we have a clear, complete design, all selections and finishes chosen and confirmed, a complete set of permit-ready drawings, and a firm, current price and contract in four months. A home can take longer depending on the intensity of the design—perhaps eight months to a year. Pre-construction costs are included in our budgets initially as proPhoto: Clive Daniels jected costs. Time spent with the client to develop his plans and specs is then tracked and reported monthly to the client. We’ve had pre-construction stages take as few as eight weeks, when the client we’ve been and forced to We’ve slow down and spend more and design team sare focused linear. also seen this process time in our homes, it’s become imperative to create take six months and more. The client “happiness” level when a proja space that’s not client’s only comfortable, stylish ect takes that long depends on the recognitionbut of the size and and current. With this in mind, we asked the area’s top scope of the project and his own personal decision-making process. design professionals to predict the biggest trends in home design for 2022. If has you’re to renovate your home or redecorate D+D: How PBSplanning Contractors mastered CMGC? your living space, these ideas might offer a breath fresh air.expeBZ: PBS became proficient in the CMGC methodof through
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rience gained over many projects and many years. For example, we D+D: What style materials will When gain popularity in kitchens? started out with an and in-house designer. that long-time, trusted advisor retired, it became apparent that we needed to either hire a new Alina Guzowska, Marketing designer or work with outside Communications design teams. OneManager of our priorities as New Style Cabinets a general contractor is to match each client with the best matching New Style Cabinets, basedand in taste Chicago, a showroom Nadesign team. Personality comeopened into play. We don’tin want ples in the fall of 2021. The firm has been in the industry for more to match up a traditionalist with a minimalist. In deciding whether a decade, and its cabinetry millworkwearedecided craftedthat in-house. to keep design in-house or and outsourced, a singleWith deasigner key eye for craftsmanship and use of the highest quality materials, generally has a single point of “design view.” We wanted to New Style Cabinets thatbystand the offer our clients the designs greatestone-of-a-kind range within products the industry making test best of time. the matches, so the flexibility of a larger pool of design professionals has proven to better serve our wide range of clients. That Alina: to evolution. see a combination of we’re different materials was theWe’re singlegoing biggest Of course, always lookingbeto ing used together, and clients playing with a variety of finishes and improve processes and have continued to refine how we approach textures to create a custom appeal. pre-construction. Cabinetry pieces are becoming more artistic, and they ’re being finished with woods like walnut and oak,a and accessorized D+D: Thenatural pre-construction phase requires massive team of with conglass and wire mesh. Clients might still feel hesitant to with oak tributors to work together effectively. How does PBS go prepare for on their cabinets them of the ‘90s, but what this critical phase, because and howitis reminds it accomplished? we’veCreating seen being done with super exciting. BZ: a schedule thatiteveryone on the team buys into is criti-
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The PBS Construction Team
cal. This includes not just the architect and contractor, but the client as well. All three of us have responsibilities, obligations and deadlines. By building a schedule of events and assigning responsibilities, we can have regular progress meetings to assess how things are going. We share a written narrative, set up like a checklist, which describes each role and what each part of the team can expect from one another. D+D: Once the team is in place, who takes the lead in creating a strategic plan for the project? And what does a strategic plan look like? BZ: The project manager from PBS is in charge of the strategic plan. The project manager understands everybody ’s place in the schedule because the project manager built the schedule. The strategic plan looks like a schedule accompanied and complemented by a narrative checklist. Our project managers use an enterprise solution to project management called CMiC. In addition, they build pre-construction and construction schedules with MS Project. We track progress with calendar- and narrative-based MS Office solutions such as Excel. D+D: How does PBS bring the right guidance and leadership to each project? BZ: There is no replacement for experience in this working relationship. The pre-construction process is not an everyday experience for most project managers. There is no trade school to teach it. To get our people on board as quickly as possible and to maintain them along the way, we use a mentoring system to lead by example. A management team checks the milestone progress dates and the quality of the work all along the way, and offers its input and expertise as needed to keep things heading for the final goal, which is the start of construction. Resource: PBS Contractors Bart Zino, Senior Vice President 4395 Corporate Square Naples, FL 34104 239.643.6527 pbscontractors.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Backyard Utopia Creating the ultimate pergola for your outdoor experience Story by Elena Serocki
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esign + Decor chatted with Stuart Sheppard of GWT Outdoors about his collaboration with Hardie Boys to design a line of stateof-the-art, custom-built pergolas that will provide you with the perfect outdoor living
space.
D+D: Tell us a bit about GWT Outdoors and its products and services. SS: GWT Outdoors is a luxury boutique shop that provides top-quality, innovative, custom outdoor living solutions with superior craftsmanship, the latest technology and a timeless design. As brand partners with the world’s leading outdoor manufacturers, we offer a broad suite of leading-edge, highly functional European and American outdoor products, including operable pergolas and awnings, screen shading, heating, cooling, exterior walling and luxury outdoor furnishings. With our finger on the pulse of industry market trends and technologies, we pride ourselves on introducing emerging, cutting-edge prod38
ucts and innovations. We showcase our portfolio of products in an unparalleled, state-of-the-art experiential showroom in Naples, FL, which is designed for homeowners and the trade. Our fully certified teams of design experts in outdoor luxury solutions are based in Naples and Greenwich, CT, and we service Florida, the New York tri-state region and the entire country. Our committed and highly experienced team members have a passion for enhancing luxury outdoor living, and they devote acute attention to detail. We provide seamless service: from the initial consultation and outdoor design recommendations, to the international shipping logistics and white-glove delivery and installation. D+D: Pergolas date back to ancient times. Why do you think they are still relevant in today ’s market? SS: The louvered-roof system is a complete game changer for both the high-end residential and the hospitality community. At the residential level, we are helping customers live an outdoor life similar to the setups they have indoors. At the restaurant
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and hospitality levels, we are selling the client straight revenue. They can take and hold outdoor space reservations regardless of what Mother Nature throws at them, and can usually recoup their investment in as few as two years. D+D: What are some benefits of having a pergola? SS: Louvered-roof pergolas allow you to fully control your outdoor environment. You can position the louvers in an open position against the sun to keep the space in the shade, and allow fresh air to ventilate through. Open the louvers more to allow for direct sunlight when desired, and close them all the way to stop rain from entering your covered space. We have motorized side screens to stop sideways rain and wind, and we can add outdoor rated fans and heaters to further control the environment. D+D: You recently partnered with a company called Hardie Boys to create a line of custom pergolas. Please tell us more about this collaboration. SS: Hardie Boys creates components used in exterior building systems. Our collaboration with Hardie Boys came out of the need to offer more traditional-looking pergolas for Gulf Coastarea homes that have West Indies-type designs with more Colonial-style architecture. We can offer pergolas with rafters and decorative columns, and then incorporate the motorized louvered roofs, motorized side screens and drainage into a single package. It gives us much more flexibility in addressing our customers’ needs. Hardie Boys is Florida-based, and Renson Outdoor, our partner for motorized terrace coverings, will soon be manufacturing its roof-only systems in Dallas—instead of Belgium—so we cut down dramatically on delivery timelines, shipping costs, etc. We are very excited about this partnership potential! D+D: What features can homeowners add to the pergolas to create a more comfortable experience? SS: We tell our clients, “We want to help you take your indoor living outdoors.” We can create outdoor kitchens with dining space, and we can create outdoor living spaces with fire pits and builtin TV-sound systems. We are partnering with Kettal, a company based in Barcelona, Spain, to include custom, high-end outdoor furniture, carpeting and lighting in our packages. We can add heaters and fans for temperature control. We recently built an outdoor yoga studio with louvered roofs, stackable glass doors, windows and a sporting equipment closet. The potential for use is unlimited. Resource: GWT Outdoors Stuart Sheppard The Collective Building 111 10th Street South, Suite 100 Naples, FL 34102 Naples Showroom: 239.330.4838 Greenwich Office: 203.992.1000 gwt-outdoors.com
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Photo: Clive Daniel Home
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HINTS OF HOME A Connecticut family sees touches of traditional in their new coastal-style home in Naples. Story by Heather Shoning | Photography by Venjhamin Reyes
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A large sectional offers comfortable seating for everyone in the family, yet the room’s streamlined design, ornate fretwork on the cabinetry, and coffered ceiling with Aegean blue give the space a refined look. The Bedrosians Magnifica floor tile flows throughout the area, creating a solid connection between the main living spaces.
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ennifer Almodovar comes from a close-knit family. When two of her siblings moved to Naples, FL, and another was planning to do the same, she knew it was time for her and her family to join them. Besides being close to family, she also chose to move to Florida for the lifestyle. “It’s about being outside so much of the time,” Jennifer says. “In Connecticut, you’re limited to the spring and some days in the summer, but there’s unlimited time to be outdoors in Florida.” For now, the Almodovar family spends as much time as possible in their new home in Talis Park, but when their children graduate from high school, the family will live there full-time. Jennifer’s brother recently moved to Talis Park and hired Faith Fix of Freestyle Interiors to design his home. So Jennifer—and her sister—followed suit. “His two sisters ended up buying properties in the same neighborhood,” says Faith, “and we designed both sisters’ homes simultaneously.” Jennifer and her husband, Antonio, wanted a home designed for indooroutdoor living. The style had to be timeless, comfortable, family-friendly and perfect for entertaining their local family members and new friends. Jennifer loves the coastal look and shades of blue. She took the lead in working with Faith, picking images she liked on Houzz and attending design meetings in Naples, while Antonio took a backseat, staying in Connecticut with the kids. Design + Decor
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Faith designed a dream family home—with multiple spaces for entertaining-that bridges the gap between coastal and contemporary, but features hints of traditional style that hearken to the family ’s Northeastern roots. The main floor features the kitchen, dining room, a more formal living room, the children’s bedrooms and the primary suite. Upstairs is home to two guest rooms and a comfortable family room designed with the children in mind, but which also gives guests a place to retreat.
Jennifer Almodovar fell in love with the waterjet-cut backsplash that provides color and texture to her mostly white kitchen. That nautical blue island reflects the backsplash hue. Crisp white cabinetry takes a traditional cue from inset doors with exposed hinges. The large space offers ample room for family and friends to gather.
Room for Everyone On the first floor, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all open to the lanai to capture that indooroutdoor lifestyle the Almodovars longed for. The living room provides a more formal place for entertaining, with a pair of club chairs in textured blue velvet and a wet bar with blue cabinetry featuring glass doors with detailed millwork. “The coastal part shows in the fretwork in the bar area, Design + Decor
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The primary suite offers the homeowners a relaxing space to retreat. The bedroom includes pops of bright coral bolstering the palette of rich, warm colors and textures. Access to outdoor space from their room was important, so Faith delivered with a seating area and fire pit outside the suite. The bathroom features an oversized shower and luxury touches, such as a pillowedge tile accent in the shower, a wall-to-wall mirror and shiny chrome fixtures and light fixtures.
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the cabinet under the TV and the buffet in the dining room,” says Faith. “We had fun with a little bit of fretwork in this house.” Indeed, it adds a rich sophistication, while the room is softened by an oversized sectional—perfect for hosting the entire family. Jennifer commissioned a family friend, Holly Miller, who now lives in Florida, to paint a piece for the living room wall. “She was a neighbor of my parents, and she was a very good friend,” Jennifer says. “I love her artwork, and I knew that spot would be perfect for something she could paint for us.” The kitchen is complete with a large island in a nautical blue with seating for four. The upDesign + Decor
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The second-floor family room is a comfortable, casual space but retains a refined look that is perfect for guests. A sectional with a leather-covered coffee table is ideal for kicking back. The children spend time here, too, so there’s an attached wet bar area for snacks and drinks. The outdoor seating area allows guests to have private space with all the amenities the home offers.
holstered stools are a refined style but comfortable enough for everyday use. The backsplash, which the homeowner fell in love with, is a waterjet-cut mosaic. Nods to tradition shine through in the fixtures and the cabinetry, with its inset doors and exposed hinges. Upper cabinets take full advantage of the high ceilings for maximum storage, while the frosted glass fronts keep the space light and airy. The pendant light fixtures are of a medium scale, which Faith says is on trend. They hang from decorative chains, giving the room a bit of sparkle. The adjacent dining area has a round pedestal table with upholstered dining chairs, coordinating with the barstools. A crystal chandelier hangs from a chain similar to that of the island pendants; the delicate design is striking but doesn’t impede the view of the outdoor living area. The entire great room features a coffered ceiling with Aegean blue insets, fortifying the coastal feel. “The lanai is large compared to some,” says Faith. “You feel like the outdoors is absolutely being brought inside.” It also has its own unique ceiling: the coffered and lovely circular inset feature pecky cypress. The texture and color add a warm, cozy feel to the outdoor living and dining spaces. In this area, there’s a living room with ample seating around a fireplace and television wall, a dining table with
seating for eight, and a grilling area. “One of my husband’s specific requests was the grill,” says Jennifer. “He wanted a specific type of grill so he could make pancakes and bacon in the morning and cook lunch or dinner out there. And we wanted a table big enough to seat all of us, plus have family over. I just wanted to be comfortable and cozy, because that’s where we spend most of our time during the day when we’re not in the pool.” Yes, there’s the pool, because what Florida lifestyle would be complete without it—especially a family with children? The Almodovar family enjoys it every day. It’s deep enough that the kids can dive into it, and it features an adjacent hot tub with a waterfall into the pool. Back indoors, the second floor caters to kids and guests. “I wanted a place for my son to play video games, but where they could also be put away and hidden,” Jennifer says. Not only does the family room hide the games, but it also offers ample seating with a large sectional and looks sophisticated enough for guests to retreat to the room and feel comfortable. The second level also features a wet bar for refreshments, two guest bedrooms, bathrooms and an outdoor seating area.
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Personalized Private Spaces Faith designed the children’s rooms to grow with them through their high school years. Even though they aren’t in the home full-time, Jennifer wanted the kids to have personalized spaces. The coastal palette took an interesting turn in the daughter’s room, with an eye-popping bright coral hue that also appears in a guest room and the primary suite. Each has an upholstered bed and fun tile and wallpaper treatments in the bathrooms. Faith again nods to the Northeast in the primary suite, wrapping the room in crisp white wainscot. She opted for Roman shades with a patterned drapery tape to make the room rich Design + Decor
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The daughter’s bedroom reflects her taste and is designed to grow with her. Bold coral color and print wallpaper in the bathroom is a fun divergence from the coastal blue palette of the main living areas.
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Indoor-outdoor living topped the list of the homeowners’ requirements for their new Florida home. The entire great room space opens to the outdoors, creating a connection between the indoor living spaces and the outdoor areas. A living room with a fireplace, television and large dining space ensures the extended family has plenty of room to gather.
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in texture and color. The wide-plank wood flooring, custom upholstered headboard and creamy white armchair bring a warm elegance to the room. The space opens up to an outdoor seating area that again says “Northeast,” with a cluster of Adirondack chairs around a firepit. The primary bathroom is an ample space with an oversized shower. “I know it’s a really large room, but we didn’t want a bathtub,” says Jennifer. “I wanted a really large shower.” She adores the accent wall with its soft-blue pillow-edge tile—especially how it reflects in the wall-to-wall vanity mirror and plays off the backsplash. Flooded with natural light from the transom windows, the room has a spa-like feel, with the crisp white marble countertops and chrome fixtures. “The couple hadn’t built a house in a long time, so this was fun for them,” says Faith. “And Jennifer trusted us. It was a nice collaboration.” The result is a dream family home that the Almodovars love sharing with their extended family. Resource: Interior Design Freestyle Interiors Faith Fix 3525 Bonita Beach Road SW #105 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.949.2210 freestyleinteriors.com
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KITCHENS
KITCHEN DESIGNS Understanding the clients style, needs and desires - and understanding the designer’s interpretation Story by Kathleen Syron
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SHERIE WEIDNER CLIVE DANIEL HOME “THE MODEL CLIENT”
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ne of the main jobs of an interior designer is to learn as much as possible about your clients’ style and needs, and then interpret that information into a functional, stylish space. The challenge is compounded when you don’t know your client—or the client doesn’t exist at all. Sherie Weidner of Clive Daniel Home was chosen by the home builder Imperial Homes to create the design for the “Valewood” model home in the Quail Creek Golf Community in Naples, FL. Curtis Gunther of Imperial Homes, LLC, took on the role of the client, representing future buyers with a list of “must-haves” and budget restrictions. Curtis was interested in a transitional design that would appeal to a wide audience, but he was also open to new ideas and nontraditional approaches to design. “He liked the concept of California chic,” says Sherie, “so I created a modern California aesthetic using sophisticated and striking color combinations of blacks, whites and gold, combined with cypress wood ceiling accents and pops of natural greenery, white oak floors, white walls, gold hardware and contemporary fabrics and furnishings, to form a spa-like, California-inspired space.” More importantly, Curtis stressed that he wanted the kitchen’s design to incorporate a unique “wow” factor without compromising functionality and while keeping within the allocated budget. The ample square footage of the kitchen gave Sherie plenty of room to get creative while still maintaining traffic flows. “Curtis was not afraid to take risks, and his open-minded approach to design/build efforts fueled the flow of the design process,” she says. “He is wonderful to work Design + Decor
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with, and together we bring the latest cutting-edge ideas to each of our designs.” The design/build process is a bit different when you are working on a model home and your client is a corporation. Early in the process, Curtis and Sherie had several meetings to discuss the overall layout of the kitchen. Clive Daniel then prepared the design concepts that were reflected in CAD drawings; David Eldert, a kitchen designer with Design Works, created 3D renderings. Then Sherie presented the finalized kitchen design to Imperial Homes for approval. It included cabinet finishes, an expansive kitchen island, a marble backsplash and a magnificent glass wall. The square footage allocated for the kitchen in the Valewood model was very generous, which provided several options for the cabinet, cooktop and prep island layout. After meeting with Curtis to discuss his objectives, Sherie recommended an oversized 68- by 68inch dining height island that was attached to a 52-inch-deep and 10-inch-wide prep island. This layout would create a logical traffic flow around the perimeter of the kitchen. The design is unique as it challenges the more traditional layout with the dining table located parallel to the prep island. “With the pandemic changing the way we utilize the spaces in our homes, an oversized, multifunctional dining height island seemed a natural fit,” explains Sherie. “This oversized island is a central location for sharing meals, but it is also the favorite spot for carving pumpkins, wrapping gifts, completing school projects, working on puzzles and displaying an elaborate spread for the much-needed cocktail parties.” 58
The beautiful and expansive polished countertops are Silestone Et Statuario, which provide an amazing, clean, white Carrera look with moderate veining. The kitchen backsplash and backdrop of the bar is a honed marble by Skyline in black, white and warm gray colorways. The geometric pattern of the marble adds a contemporary yet timeless elegance to the kitchen. Sherie specified white oak wood floors to keep the design light and airy. The cabinets in the kitchen are a beautiful, contrasting combination of soft white and charcoal finishes. “David of Design Works beautifully incorporated our design concepts and worked alongside me to give great detail to the overall cabinet design,” says Sherie. “No detail was overlooked, including the subtle profile of the legs on the dining height island and the finished legs on the perimeter cabinetry.” The dual finishes give a unique and contemporary detail to the upper glass doors, and the streamlined, flat-front kitchen hood is a dramatic and contemporary accent. Sherie beautifully incorporated a Sub-Zero dual-drawer wine refrigerator into the design of the wet bar, which is located close to the outdoor bar and entertainment area. The team was also attentive to detail in the design of the butler’s kitchen cabinetry. The butler’s pantry received a charcoal finish, while the interior of the glass upper cabinets and open floating shelves were finished in natural oak to provide an organic and striking contrast. The cabinet design incorporated a second dishwasher, ice maker and refrigerator for the ultimate entertaining experience.
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Another “wow” feature is the unexpected and contemporary floor-to-ceiling metal and glass wall. When Sherie presented this feature to him, Curtis loved it, and it soon became a “must-have” for him. The 10-foot-high by 19-foot-wide custom wall offers a sophisticated and organic feel to the kitchen, and an elegant division between the kitchen and the formal dining area. The budget was modified to include this incredible feature in the kitchen. The kitchen’s third “wow” factor is the design of a dog station, which soon became everyone’s favorite. The station has an open bottom for easy access and feeding, a drawer for organization, and a black “slate”-looking countertop in Cosentino’s Bromo Dekton. All in all, says Sherie, “With any new build and renovations, and especially in today ’s environment, issues will always creep into the design/build process. It’s how the design/build team handles these issues that sets them apart from their competitors. I am most proud of how Imperial Homes and Clive Daniel worked together as a team. The home reflects our cutting-edge design/build abilities to overcome supply chain obstacles and create an Aurora- and Sand Dollar Award-winning kitchen and overall model that we all can be extremely proud of.” Resource: Clive Daniel Home Sherie Weidner Naples Showroom 2777 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34103 239.261.4663 Boca Raton Showroom 1351 NW Boca Raton Boulevald Boca Raton, Florida 33432 561.440.4663 clivedaniel.com Design + Decor
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JACKIE ARMOUR JMA INTERIOR DESIGN “SUBTLE COASTAL-CLEVER STORAGE ”
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ackie Armour of JMA Interior Design has a design philosophy built on trust and communication. She has spent the past 20 years building successful relationships with clients, contractors, architects and tradespeople, so now all her business is by referral only. Such was the case when architect Mitch O’Neil of Jupiter, FL, with whom Jackie had worked many times before, referred her to his clients, who were remodeling their vacation home in Jupiter Island. The family has multiple homes, with a primary residence in Texas. They use the Florida condo in the summer for a couple weeks and as a winter escape for their extended family. Jackie first met the clients on-site with Mitch to see the space and discuss changes. Since the common areas of the condo were divided into several rooms, the design team couldn’t take advantage of the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that runs through the space. Moreover, the existing floor plan of the condo’s public spaces (kitchen, living room, dining room) didn’t allow for free-flowing movement between the kitchen and living area. The two rooms were separated by a wall of cabinetry sandwiched between two large support pillars, which also blocked the kitchen’s view of the ocean. The condo’s decor was heavy and outdated, with a real lack of design intention. There was dark, built-in cabinetry and a sea of beige carpet and soft furnishings. The homeowners wanted more light in the overall space to make it fresh and airy. To accomplish this, the design team planned to get rid of all non-loadDesign + Decor
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bearing walls in the public spaces. This would open up the condo to the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean, which would become the focal point of the design. The homeowners wanted to take advantage of the view and let the light bathe the kitchen, dining and living spaces. Jackie was tasked with overhauling the space to give it a subtle coastal design. Though the condo was relatively small for the homeowners, they wanted to keep the same lifestyle they maintain in Texas, which includes hosting large family dinners and entertaining friends. They needed plenty of storage for all their cooking, dining and entertaining needs. Pantry space was a must, but they didn’t want a wall of cabinetry; instead, they requested decorative areas that are visually interesting. In addition to an island, the homeowners needed an eat-in area that had a view of a TV. For Jackie, the challenges of this project centered around its site, not on the clients or their must-haves. The limitations of a condo association and its building requirements can complicate the work of an interior designer who wants to give her clients the absolute best layout and most functional features possible.
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Jackie designed a wonderfully cohesive space that makes the kitchen the center of attention, with the dining and living rooms also beautifully appointed. The family was very agreeable to the subtle coastal design, which includes all-white cabinetry around the perimeter of the kitchen, surrounding a blue kitchen island and dining table. The only other color in the room comes from the decor items and the shimmering, shell-like backsplash featuring tones of blue and gray.
for cans and packaged goods. The new, opened-up floor plan left two large support pillars standing in the middle of the room. Jackie used that to her advantage by building a bar between the pillars with a row of cabinetry, which contains two refrigerator drawers, a wine refrigerator and several pullout storage options.
Since storage was a priority for the family, Jackie had to use every available space while still creating an interesting look. Condo ceiling heights are notoriously low, and this one was no exception, so there was no way to stack the cabinets. Instead, Jackie built the island two cabinets deep—and did the same for the matching dining table. She also added tray storage above the refrigerator and a large pullout pantry. A matching pantry cabinet disguises a utility pipe, but still offers shallow cabinet storage
JMA Interior Design Jackie Armour JMA Interior Design 1907 Commerce Lane Suite 103 Jupiter FL 33458 561.743.9668 jmainteriordesign.com
Resource:
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LISA GILMORE LISA GILMORE DESIGN “TURNING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE”
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blended family with young children and grandchildren felt trapped in their hive of a house, so they called in Lisa Gilmore Design to help them. The family had been living in the home for only five years, but the style was stuck in the early 2000s. The previous owners had tried to recreate the Mediterranean exterior of the house and neighborhood in the inside by using heavy, unnecessary Mediterranean details, such as a yellow gold faux finish. “Our clients are a pretty young family, and their home felt the opposite of that,” recalls Lisa, founder of the firm. “They are friendly, always smiling and laughing, and they love to entertain and travel. But their home felt dark and unimportant.” The family wanted the house to feel open and airy, with defined spaces and pops of colors. They sought to continue the Mediterranean feel of the home, but with clean lines. Lisa Gilmore Design is known for its ability to interpret a client’s style without imposing its own preferences, but this particular client was happy to let Lisa take charge. Even though the clients themselves were easy to work with, however, the house presented a Design + Decor
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number of challenges that required rethinking the whole space. The home, explains Lisa, was “built with a lot awkward angles and things that just didn’t function well, which made for a cumbersome floor plan. I often found myself scratching my head, trying to figure out was what was going on there.” To give her clients the kitchen of their dreams, she had to completely reconfigure the floor plan and make several changes to existing rooms. She eliminated a triangular powder room, due to its awkward location, and reconfigured it into a stunning walkin wine room. She separated a laundry room and pantry that were inconveniently housed together by giving the pantry an entrance through what looks like a wall of cabinets. During the remodeling process, the homeowners did have a few “must-haves,” which proved to be a bit tricky. The clients wanted to hang antique French doors as a piece of art, but Lisa instead opted to have them retrofitted to work as the doors to the wine room. The success of this feature pushed the clients to 66
explore other antiques for their home. Indeed, with the owners’ blessing, Lisa was able to obtain a decorative semicircle window from the famed Biltmore Hotel to add to the wine room. The contractor on the project built everything by hand, so the kitchen is fully custom, with much thought and detail put into every area of the room. Their kitchen is now perfect for cooking and family time. Resource: Lisa Gilmore Design Lisa Gilmore 669 1st Avenue North St Petersburg FL 727-201-8902 lisagilmoredesign.com
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MICKEY DICKSON MARZUCCO ECRU & EBONY DESIGN “STAR MAKER”
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ickey Dickson Marzucco of Ecru & Ebony Design was excited to start a new project with a fun-loving couple who have been her longtime clients. This time she was tasked with designing and handling the construction and project management of an outdoor kitchen and entertaining space in Naples, FL. Since Mickey had been working with her clients for the past nine years, she was very familiar with their traditional style. Over the years, however, she’d also discovered that she could push their boundaries a bit more into the transitional direction. “They have great taste and trust me, so I knew it would be a smooth collaborative process,” explains Mickey. The mission was to create an outdoor entertaining area with plenty of room to mingle and enjoy various activities. There was a heavy emphasis on the entertaining aspect of the redesign, so the “must-haves” included several types of refrigeration, an ice maker, counter-height seating with a raised bar, and two large TVs for watching sports. Mickey also took the weather into consideration and made all material choices based on their durability and performance. Together, Mickey and her clients decided on a slightly West Indies style. Design + Decor
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Known for creating a relaxed, genteel feeling, the British Colonial style pairs dark-stained rattan and wood furniture with light linens and an abundance of greenery to cool and refresh the space. Mickey suggested the louvered door style with a weathered tan finish to evoke the island feel. “I knew it needed to be a good-quality outdoor cabinet material to withstand the weather and frequent use,” she says. “The PVC boxes and resin door and drawer fronts make these cabinets very durable. Stainless handles were selected for their durability as well.” All the appliances have custom matching cabinet panels to hide their utilitarian look. To further instill the warmth factor, Mickey added matching cabinet panels behind the TV. Mickey and her clients had discussed several material and style options for the countertops and fireplace, but when they found the book-matched quartzite with the heart shape it created, that became the touchstone around which all 70
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decisions were made. They both fell in love with the stone as soon as they saw it, and knew they could perfectly coordinate it with everything else. “We wanted to be able to see the heart in the design,” explains Mickey. “I wanted to clad the fireplace in the stone so the heart would sit perfectly above the firebox.” The same stone was used for the countertops as well. Almost indistinguishable from the real stone, the upper third of the fireplace column and reverse side have a faux finish exactly matching the stone. Resource: Ecru & Ebony Design Mickey Dickson Marzucco 5401 Taylor Way #4 Naples FL 34109 239.825.1487 ecruandebonydesign.com
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DEBRA YELNER DLY DESIGN “WITH FREEDOM COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY”
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s principal of DLY Design, Debra Yelner has more than 30 years of experience as an interior designer, project coordinator, interior decorator and designer/builder working on large multimillion-dollar projects. Recently she was approached by developer Mike Assaad of Waterside Builders to design an 8,000-square-foot singlefamily spec home in the Aqualane Shores neighborhood of Naples, FL. The building frenzy happening in South Florida today has high-end residential builders facing an increasing demand for one-of-a-kind custom homes. It is becoming more and more necessary for the builders to do something new to distinguish themselves and their product from all the other developments. “Builders are now seeing the value of unique and expertly executed plans, and are seeking out designers who can deliver something remarkable.” explains Debra. “It makes sense that a buyer willing to spend $15 million to $20 million on a home is not going to want to walk into their neighbor’s house and see the same design.” Mike gave Debra full control of the entire spec house. “He wanted a broad enough design to appeal to the largest audience, yet something unique and different that he hadn’t seen before,” says Debra. “As the designer, I am responsible for making every inch of the house look good. Once I receive the set of drawings from the architect, I take full control of all design and decor decisions. It is immensely freeing, but such a huge responsibility.” The challenge for Debra and Mike was to go against the coastal contemporary design trend that is rampant in South Florida. They wanted to bring a high level of sophistication to an “outside-the-box” design without knowing if it would successfully sell the house. And what happens if the spec house doesn’t sell? Debra felt an immense sense of responsibility that could have become crippling for an inexperienced designer. Over the years, however, Debra has found the Design + Decor
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sweet spot in crafting a universally appealing design that is still one-ofa-kind and sexy. Debra approached the project by making sure the kitchen was equipped with all the necessary functionality, and every element in the design was custom and detailed. She started with the cabinets by working with cabinet designer extraordinaire, Marcus Jelley, who has been designing inspirational architectural cabinetry and fine furniture for over 30 years. Marcus works in tandem with designers detailing the cabinets, and then manages the fabrication by the WOODworkers Naples. The cabinets are 100% custom in style, color and functionality. “Every kitchen has all the same elements,” says Debra. “It is the refinement of the details that sets one kitchen apart from the others.” Often people can’t pinpoint what makes a kitchen feel more elegant and complete, but it is in fact the layers of detail within the design that reflect its brilliance. Marcus and Debra found several ways to make the cabinets and overall kitchen design special with unique details. The cooktop wall is very long and bookended by the matching panel refrigerator and closed cabinetry. In the center, Debra and Marcus de74
signed the cooktop work area by bumping out the space from the other cabinetry on that wall. Marcus created a gigantic work area by flanking the cooktop with matching stainless-steel drawers. This gives the appearance of a much bigger cooktop and, in conjunction with the bumpout, sets the cooking area apart. Above the cooktop on either side of the range hood, Marcus and Debra created beautiful window box cabinets that not only allow in the light and greenery from the side yard, but also serve as a display cabinet for fine china. The black iron frame becomes a pop in this neutral kitchen. The oak cabinets were given a white cerused treatment: this centuriesold technique came from a talc-like powder used as make-up. Today, the open pores on the wood are brushed with paint. The beautiful whitewashing effect from this old technique is surprisingly modern. Picture lights were fastened to the cabinet facia over the coffee bar, pantry door and refrigerator. Separate areas for coffee and wine were created as well, with their own cabinet designs. The coffee bar upper cabinets are given black iron frame doors to mimic the window box cabinets on the adjacent wall.
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The wine bar cabinets are the cerused oak with metal grating. The layout was another way to add distinction. The original design called for two separate islands, one for prep and one for dining. Marcus changed that by creating one large U-shaped island that offers waterviews whether the homeowner is doing food prep, having a meal at the banquet or enjoying a glass a wine from the wine bar. The expansive wine bar contains two Sub-Zero wine refrigerators and can store hundreds of bottles. “Today, families live in their kitchen/great room and never want to leave this area,” explains Debra. “They want everything at their fingertips. They no longer want wine storage tucked away under the stairs or in the wine cellar.” In this black, taupe and brushed brass kitchen, pops of the unexpected are displayed in the juxtaposition between the modern design and a very traditional, button-tufted leather banquet with damask pillows—proving that the pop doesn’t have to be a bright color.
Debra continued the unique drinking/dining experience by creating an owner’s club room with a contrasting color scheme of dark blue-gray walls finished in a high-gloss lacquer. She also redesigned the dining room as a flex space to increase the home’s functionality. Debra Yelner believes the adage “high risks equal high rewards.” She enjoys the freedom and risk of doing spec houses because they always bring out her best designs. Resource: DLY Design Debra Yelner 4945 Westchester Court #4401 Naples FL 34105 203.921.5566 dly-design.com Design + Decor
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WILFREDO EMANUEL WILFREDO EMANUEL DESIGNS “MODERN ECLECTIC”
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ward-winning interior designer Wilfredo Emanuel has spent the past 30 years cultivating his design career. Originally from Puerto Rico, and a graduate of Instituto De Banca y Comercio in San Juan with a degree in interior design, Wilfredo extended his design education by studying in London, Milan and Orlando, eventually earning another Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Academy of Design in Orlando. When Wilfredo decided to open up his eponymous firm three years ago, a local builder who had worked with him on several occasions recommended the designer to the owners of this home because of his European sensibility. The homeowners were socialites with a background in fashion and the arts. A former model, the husband is now a fashion industry insider with a warm, traditional design sense. His wife is an artist from Czechoslovakia who appreciates the sleek, modern look of European kitchens. The challenge for Wilfredo was to mix the somewhat sterile aesthetic of the wife with the warm vibe of the husband. Wilfredo’s European training in both the modernist and classic traditional styles proved he was perfectly suited for the first clients of his own design firm. Functionality was the top priority for Wilfredo. “This is a real working kitchen,” he says. “The husband loves to entertain and show off his skills, so we made everything custom for the clients.” The large kitchen is also fully equipped with two ovens, two dishwashers and the “must-have” butcher block table at the end of the island. “This couple has children and entertain often,” says Wilfredo. “As families and friends convene in the kitchen, they wanted a durable space for everyone.” Lighting was also a top priority for the homeowners. Wilfredo added plenty of recessed lighting to highlight the Design + Decor
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differing work areas. Sonneman Lighting created the beautiful customsize “CityScape” pendant light over the butcher block table. The kitchen is very modern, with its sleek, white-slab front cabinet doors, the white Carrera marble on the backsplash and countertops, and all the stainless steel and chrome fixtures. The room reads extremely warm, however, because of Wilfredo’s use of zebrawood. The input of wood in a white kitchen to warm up the space is Design Theory 101, but the use of zebrawood that has been lacquered is a whole other level of the juxtaposition. The zebrawood with its honey color and unique stripes adds all the texture and color needed to warm the space, but the radical change between glossy white and natural wood can be a bit jarring. Wilfredo finished the wood cabinetry in a lacquer so it would
blend more with the other cabinetry. The results make for a modern, warm kitchen that Wilfredo calls “modern eclectic.” The dining chairs were also custom made for the clients by John-Richard luxury designers with comfort in mind. Resource: Wilfredo Emanuel Designs Wilfredo Emanue 4760 Tamiami Trail North #2 Naples FL 34103 239.315.7794 wilfredoemanueldesigns.com Design + Decor
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LYNDSEY DAVIS NICKLAS L DESIGN STUDIO “MID-CENTURY FAMILY HOME”
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yndsey Davis Nicklas, president and principal designer of L. Design Studio, explains her design philosophy and company mission statement as follows: “To create extraordinary living spaces on your terms, because great design is not one-size-fits-all.” This commitment to customization is in reference to all aspects of the design process, including timing, style, budget and material selection. L. Design Studio aims to provide its clients with all their musthaves while also working within their own personal framework. In the summer of 2021, a young couple with three children hired Lyndsey to revamp their entire home, especially the kitchen and main floor area. They needed more functionality and durability. “They were a fun, creative, active family that had multiple needs and requirements,” remembers Lyndsey. “The challenge of designing a space that can withstand the rough and tumble lifestyle of three little ones while still looking beautiful and functional was a wonderful exercise.” Functionality and durability were not the only “must-haves”: the couple also planned on using most of their own furniture, and were dedicated to the mid-century style of their home and furniture. “The clients had a strong sense of their style preference, and that gave us a very clear direction,” says Lyndsey. “The challenge was to incorporate all the functionality they required as a busy family of five—storage and durability being top priorities—while staying true to the warm mid-century style they prefer.” Lyndsey augmented their furniture with eclectic looks from the couple’s travels pre-kids. “The space highlights all the different experiences they have had as a family, keeping the overall feel light and fun.” The first issue Lyndsey tackled was the awkward layout, which did not provide useful sight lines from the kitchen. Her clients were looking for a space with a view of the pool to keep an eye on the kids as they played. “We experimented with multiple kitchen locations,” she says. “There were a lot of requirements that the floor plan needed to meet. Most layouts had the kitchen towards the front of the house and a living area towards the back. But that didn’t allow for a view of the pool and backyard while cooking. That ulDesign + Decor
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timately led to the placement of the kitchen towards the back of the house, and then everything else fell into place from there.” Lyndsey’s clients are foodies who are tough on their kitchen and appliances. They needed durable materials that looked great, but could withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Lyndsey used luxury vinyl tile flooring throughout the main area for its style, durability and price point. “The cabinetry, while needing to be very durable, also needed to fit into a budget for the project,” she says. “It is semi-custom cabinetry, and the material is high-pressure melamine, which looks like veneer wood. The goal was to get the warm look of a high-end veneer while keeping the cabinets uberdurable. The melamine can take a beating and is easily cleanable. Today’s technology in high-definition printing allows these materials to look very realistic.” Resource: L Design Studio 6561 Taylor Road Suite 1 Naples FL 34109 239-260-5165 l-designstudios.com Design + Decor
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MEGAN WINTERS MEGAN WINTERS DESIGN “DOUBLE THE ROLES, DOUBLE THE FUN”
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egan Winters, the interior designer, is known for her bold designs that mix modern and classic features with supersaturated colors. She creates comfortable yet sophisticated homes with high-end design. Megan Winters, the client, also appreciates big color and, above all else, wants her home to be happy and fun. Playing the dual roles, says Megan, is “honestly my favorite thing to do. I give myself free reign to design in a way that makes me happy. It feeds my soul.” Megan was a Chicago resident who’d spent much time in Naples, FL, visiting her parents and her Florida clients. When Megan’s parents decided to downsize, Megan and her husband bought their house and moved to Florida. Her parents, who are also from Chicago, had spent the past 28 years in their Naples home. It had good bones, but was in serious need of cosmetic and functional updates. The original layout included a small galley kitchen, a family room and a screened-in lanai. Since there was another lanai off the formal living room, Megan chose to close off one and expand the kitchen and family room. The renovation tripled the size of the kitchen and doubled the size of the family room. Megan is constantly looking for design inspiration from artwork, architecture, colors, nature—anything that captures her attention gets clipped and filed for future use. Her design inspiration for her kitchen, however, came a little closer to home. Megan’s mother had painted her kitchen a cobalt blue because it made her happy. And, although Megan had never used this parDesign + Decor
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ticular blue before, it always appealed to her, and she knew that one day she would find its perfect use. In an homage to her mother and happiness, Megan decided to design her new kitchen around the bold color. She started with Viking custom color appliances in a cobalt blue. She then used the exact same color on the cabinets in the middle island and the range hood. Strategic placement of the appliances and cabinets create a bold blue stripe and bookends in the white kitchen. The cabinets were custom made by New Style Cabinets according to Megan’s design. “We were there to make sure Megan’s vision became a reality,” recalls Margaret Noga, vice president of the cabinetry company. “To make that happen, we measured the jobsite and provided detailed shop drawings as well as custom samples. This allowed us to present how our cabinets would be constructed and made sure the end product was exactly what Megan envisioned for her space. We provided custom high-gloss color match for painted cabinet accents. The idea was to match the finish on Megan’s appliances, and it turned out beautiful.” Megan continued the use of the happy blue in both the wallpaper in the breakfast nook and the hallway leading to the kitchen. The breakfast nook wallpaper is a custom piece by Drop it MODERN Megan added her custom blue color to their Sea Kelp paper with joyful results. The hallway is Ashanti, a Kirk Brummel-designed paper by Brunschwig & Fils, in blueberry. The zebra-esque print in blue is a true charmer. 86
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The biggest challenge this kitchen presented was the odd angled ceilings and walls that occurred when the three individual spaces were converted into an open area. One particular angled wall in the kitchen was a distracting eyesore. Megan resolved the issue by centering the pantry cabinetry and bumping it out of the wall. She surrounded the highlighted pantry with Ellsworth Kelly-inspired artwork by Lisa Flynn of Milagro Design in Santa Fe, NM. The wall allows the “eyes to dance around the space among the balancing elements, so you don’t focus on the odd angle,” Megan says of her intentional design. Megan Winters, the client, is thrilled with her joyful design; her parents are delighted that every Sunday they get to visit their sunny, happy
home—without any of the upkeep; and Megan Winters, the interior designer, is overjoyed at having yet another grateful client. Resource: Interior Design: Megan Winters Design Megan Winters 847.707.8950 Meganwinters.com Cabinetry: New Style Cabinets 239.315.0755 newstylecabinets.com
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JIM DOVE DOVE DESIGN STUDIO “A BLACK KITCHEN THAT IS ALL ABOUT COLOR”
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im Dove has more than 25 years of experience creating architecturally inspired, award-winning kitchens, with top-of-theline pieces in locations ranging from California to Italy. Recently, an architect referred him to a couple with four young children who were building a 1,200-square-foot addition to their older traditional home. The homeowners asked Jim Dove Design to plan and fabricate their kitchen and create a cohesive design for their addition that would encapsulate the kitchen, family room, mudroom and powder room. This is just the type of project Jim loves— and excels at. “I’m from an architecture background, so it’s innate for me to take a broad, holistic approach to each project,” he explains. “We’re taught to look at the whole space and how the individual elements relate to one another.” With a master’s degree in architecture from UCLA, Jim spent the first part of his career working on residential architecture projects before he segued into kitchen design and cabinetry. He now owns design showrooms in Florida and New Jersey. Jim draws inspiration from his passion for art and architecture, and prides himself on being a professional communicator of the design process. The owners of the Georgian colonial home, which is more than a century old, wanted their addition to be more in line with the history of the home without feeling old-fashioned. The challenge presented to Jim was to make the home elegant yet kid-friendly, beautiful yet durable—and to have a black kitchen and a red butler’s pantry! Such bold choices would inhibit most designers, but Jim Dove Design never shies away from a challenge.
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First up for Jim was to design the kitchen cabinets. He chose a traditional recessed panel door in Ralph Lauren Boot Black, which is a very deep black color with blue undertones. The style and color harken back to colonial times, as was the intention. But it was too somber for Jim, so he added a high-gloss finish, giving the cabinets elegance and functionality. The many windows flood the space with light, so adding the lacquer finish helps bounce the light around. “Most people would think high-gloss cabinets are not kid-friendly, but they are,” says Jim. “The finish makes the cabinets incredibly durable, and you need only to wipe down the fronts to help the kitchen retain its beauty.” “Homework station” and “sophisticated” are not words normally used together, but in this case they can be. Jim knew the four young children would need a place in the kitchen to do homework, which would require a lot of space and create a big mess. So Jim continued the kitchen cabinetry along the wall of windows on the other side of the island, which included desks. The tall, closed cabinetry stores supplies and artwork. He also made sure all fabrics used in the home were high performance for their longevity and durability.
Though this was a traditional home with sophisticated clients, Jim was given only two colors to work with in this kitchen— black and red. He used the two bold colors, creating a neutral look with the black, and allowing the red to be the mysterious and alluring feature. He softened the traditional, stark blackand-white look by using a pale blue and black, with blue undertones. The contrast between the two colors is not as great, which leaves a calmer palette. He then allowed the sliver of the red pantry exposed to the kitchen to shine. If you look in the opposite direction, the black-and-blue combo continues through to the living room and swirls around the yellow dining chairs in the center of the design, like the sun. Resource: Dove Design Studio Jim Dove 3414 South Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33405 561.268.2647 Jimdovedesign.com Design + Decor
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GABY SAAD REAL WOOD FLOORS “WOOD FOR YOUR KITCHEN-EVERYTIME”
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aby Saad, manager of Real Wood Floors in Naples, FL, has dedicated the past eight years to designing and making beautiful flooring to meet every purpose, design and budget. She is understandably a huge proponent of real wood floors for the kitchen, and her passion is apparent when she talks about her products and how they are the perfect flooring choice for any kitchen. In the case of wood, it’s important to understand the terminology. When vendors say “real wood,” they mean all types of flooring that are made of 100% real wood. “Solid wood” floors (SWF) are made of all real wood, as are “engineered wood” floors (EWF). The difference is that a solid wood floor is just one single plank, while an engineered wood floor is made of multiple layers of all real wood. They are both 100% real wood, with the engineered variety having a few major benefits over the solid one. “SWF should not be installed in an area like Southwest Florida, where the humidity is extremely high,” says Gaby. “The moisture will ruin solid wood floors but have little effect on engineered wood. The multiple layers counter the effect of the humidity and neutralize the stress that is put on the wood. SWF should not be installed in the basement because of the moisture issues there as well. Real Wood Floors uses engineered floors exclusively in Southwest Florida as they can be installed above or below grade, and in dry or humid environments, and do not need acclimation for humidity before installation. All products from Real Wood Floors are hypoallergenic
and use renewable natural resources.” There are pros and cons to all finishes, and flooring is no exception. Gaby is a firm believer that real wood floors is preferable to all other materials and the best choice for kitchens. However, she realizes that tile had been a popular choice for kitchens at one time. That is changing, and Gaby is happy to explain why tiles are no longer in great demand. “Wood floors not only add visual warmth to the space, but they are also warmer than tile on your feet and softer on your joints,” she says. “People who play tennis and golf, for example, or those with knee and back problems can greatly benefit from wood floors in their homes.” Homeowners also like real wood instead of other man-made flooring because of the unique nature of the wood grain. “Tile and other man-made products will have a repetitive pattern, but wood will always have differing variation in tones, number of knots and grain character,” says Gaby. “So, for a truly unique floor in your home, you should always choose wood.” And although wood has been around since the beginning of time, it has trends just like other finishes. The current wood looks now are cleaner, with more natural colors. According to Gaby, “Gray is exiting and opening the space for warmer tones. Creamy and very mild honey tones are more desirable for more organic looks, as they support lighter decorations as well. Extra wide is also phasing out; sizes like five-, six- and seven-inch wide are more environmentally friendly and back in style.” Design + Decor
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inch wide are more environmentally friendly and back in style.” The transitions from a wood floor to a different surface usually entails a molding or threshold, which Real Wood Floors avoids as the company believes them to be aesthetically unattractive. The firm prefers a flush finish even with a threshold. As the trend toward having one contiguous flooring continues, the need for a transition will lessen. For homeowners who use real wood floors in the kitchen, it is best to make sure the floors are sealed. “Sealed wood floors will deter liquids like coffee, wine and even water from penetrating and staining the wood floors,” says Gaby. “At Real Wood Floors, we use only urethane, lacquered or closed-pore UV cured oil prefinished wood floors, so our clients never have
to worry about any of that. Other manufacturers choose a hard wax oil/natural oil finish, which does not protect the floors from staining. The urethane finish makes the floors very easy to care for and maintain. All you need is a vacuum and dry mop with spray cleaner.” Resource: Real Wood Floors Gaby Saad 2013 Trade Center Way Naples FL 34109 239.470.5827 realwoodfloors.com Design + Decor
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A SENSE OF SPACE An open floor plan gets a designed-for-entertaining update. Story by Heather Shoning Photography by Sean Patrick Murphy
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As if the foyer with its soaring ceilings and striking contrast weren’t grand enough, Mimi added an eye-catching light fixture by Gabriel Scott.
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Each of the open floor plan public spaces announces itself with the natural wood casing, which Mimi chose for its warmth and strong sense of presence and transition.
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Although it seats 14, the custom dining table with chairs by Camerich feels like just the right size, no matter how large the dinner party. The floor-toceiling windows create a solid connection to the outdoor living area.
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fter 15 years of living in their 1990s Neo-Mediterranean home, and with an eye toward being empty nesters, a couple in Hollywood, FL, turned to interior designer Mimi Friend to fulfill their dream of owning a modern, elegant home designed for entertaining. The clients wanted extra bedrooms, but as the plans started to come together, the project took on a life of its own. They added 1,500 square feet to the existing 5,000—space that had to be warm and inviting for guests, and comfortable for everyday life. The family is an adventurous one—they travel extensively and love the outdoors. It was important to highlight these aspects of their lives in the design, and Mimi did so in both obvious and obscure ways. In addition, as is the case with many couples, this pair had different ideas about the design. The wife wanted a neutral palette and minimalist design, while the husband desired bold color and a bit of drama. The resulting de-
sign turned out to be a bit of both in some unexpected ways. Creating a Presence The original floor plan had no formal foyer, but now, from the moment you walk in and stand under the soaring vaulted ceilings, there’s a distinct feeling of having arrived. “I designed the space to create the feeling of a portal that more formally carries the person in,” says Mimi. “It offers a peek inside, but is more of a transition. It tells more of a story from space to space, so you go through organically and experience the space.” The handsome espresso herringbone wood floor is a prime example of going bold in this area. One side of the foyer features a window that looks into the adjacent music area and a striking staircase backdrop. As you transition from the foyer into the home’s main living area, a pass-through with wide, warm wood casing frames the space and creates a formal passage, delineating the movement from one space to the next. Mimi Design + Decor
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repeated this pattern in several key passages. “While the home has an open concept, these transitions categorize, in a way, the spaces for guests moving through to the living room, then into the kitchen and then to the dining room,” she says. Natural wood is an ambiguous way of drawing the outdoors in and creating an organic, textural element to a refined, modern home. “We have an open floor plan, and I love that we chose a wood floor 100
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in the common areas and wood framing the entryways—that warmed everything up,” says the homeowner. “Clean lines and modern design can be cold and uninviting. This is warm and inviting.” The living room has a formal feel, but features a casually elegant white sofa and two white chairs with black metal frames. For above the sofa, Mimi cre-
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The petite but stately breakfast table and chairs by Harbour Outdoor add warmth and additional seating for entertaining. The blue rug in the living room creates continuity and fluidity between that space and the kitchen, with its navy island cabinetry.contrasting with the cabinetry.
ated a grid of framed photos of icebergs that the family had taken on their many travels. “It’s special because it’s a piece of their life, and it’s a story being told right there on their walls,” says Mimi. Black and white contrast is evident throughout the home. The homeowners wanted something that felt modern, and today’s fresh, modern look is the contrast of black with crisp white. “They wanted it to be homey while feeling elegant, fresh and crisp at the same time. The wood accents were an essential part of making that happen,” says Mimi. “There’s a lot of tongue-and-groove wood. Some of it is painted white, but it’s about getting the texture in there to give it that element of warmth.” As you move through another oversized passage into the kitchen and breakfast area, the space becomes voluminous. The high ceilings of the main floor are particularly evident here. The contiguous flooring accentuates the grandeur as well as the sight lines through to the dining room and beyond. The floorto-ceiling windows and doors flood the rooms with stunning natural light. There’s a strong sense of connection to the outdoors and a fluidity between indoors and out for entertaining. The kitchen is rather intimate, with lower ceilings and a small footprint. “The whole idea for this entertaining area was that, as the homeowner is preparing a platter, friends can gather around the island to talk to her while having a glass of wine and moving around the dining room, kitchen and living room,” says Mimi. “It’s beautiful without being too formal, and there is fluidity and connection between the rooms.” Design + Decor
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It was important for the homeowners to have indoor/outdoor living space connected to their bedroom. The exterior natural wood ceiling and the painted version over the bed bring texture and warmth, while creating a striking contrast to the dark wood flooring. A Calvin Klein Collection by Nourison rug ties the look together.
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Mimi introduced mixed metals into the design as a way of creating layers of design characteristics. “In the kitchen, I have polished nickel mixed with satin brass. I think that’s a great synthesis of the warm, brushed texture with super-sleek polished nickel,” she says. “It works—they balance each other out. There’s the cool and sophisticated with the warm and organic.” The navy island color creates a regal look with brushed gold. Personalizing the Private Spaces The family includes three daughters, and all have their personalized spaces, though one is away at college. The youngest daughter had strong opinions about what her room should look like. “She’s 12 years old and knew exactly what she wanted,” says Mimi. “She had a lot of great ideas. She wanted something sophisticated and glamorous—she even had a vision for the light fixtures.” Her room is pale pink with gold accents. Mimi created a gold butterfly arrangement on the wall above the bed, and the light fixture is a gold and crystal chandelier. “The room matches her personality so well. It’s youthful, vibrant, super-sophisticated and glamorous—just like she is!” The middle daughter’s personality is quite different, and so is her bedroom. “She’s happy, calm and Design + Decor
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Despite the tranquil nature of the space, the book-matched marble is a showstopper. It provides that “wow” factor the husband wanted in the home.
easygoing,” says Mimi, “and her room matches her demeanor—serene and calm.” The soft purple walls paired with neutral and white furnishings create the perfect soft background for the brushed nickel and clear acrylic accents. The space exudes a peaceful lightness. The primary suite is a stately, tranquil space. Like the other bedrooms, it is part of the second-floor addition in this remodeling project. It was important for Mimi to blend the homeowners’ styles here, and give the husband a bit of bold design while keeping the overall feel quiet and understated. The light-colored, neutral furnishings contrast with the dark wood flooring. The home sits on a small lake, and the homeowners, says Mimi, “were adamant 104
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that when adding the second floor, they wanted a sweeping view of the lake. They wanted to bring the outside in as much as possible.” A curtain wall of windows and doors to the outdoor seating area helps accomplish this goal. Mimi also furthered that feeling of outdoors-in by using the wood ceiling in this area. The outdoor ceiling is a natural finish, but she brought that wood—painted white—into the ceiling treatment above the bed, creating warmth, texture and a robust design connection from one space to the next. The primary bathroom is a spa-like retreat. Despite the relaxed, calm design, “This is a prime example of trying to fuse the two energies of husband and wife. The husband wanted a big boom of something unique with a lot of
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The couple’s youngest daughter knew exactly what she wanted in her bedroom: glamour. To deliver the look, Mimi introduced a Visual Comfort Chapman & Myers chandelier, a clear acrylic desk chair and a plush bench at the foot of the bed.
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character,” she says, while the wife wanted to feel like she was at The Four Seasons every day. Mimi created a dramatic focal wall behind the vanity to achieve a bold look while retaining the Zen-like feel. “The book-matched marble with its stark pattern create a ‘wow’ moment, but it’s done in an understated and elegant way that allows the space to feel very calming, relaxing and serene,” says Mimi. She also carried the natural wood into this space, creating a warm, earthy texture to contrast with the cool tones of the marble. The soaking tub and separate marble-enclosed shower accentuate the halcyon nature of the space. Mimi credits the homeowners with trusting her, even though this was her first solo project. “I showed them some of the work I’d done in Palm Beach and New York, and they were impressed,” she notes. Indeed, they made the right choice. Both public and private spaces in the home present unique moments of understated drama and elegant connections to nature. “Mimi was critical for the design, layout and furnishings,” says the homeowner. “She had a lot of creative ideas, including the molding, the alcove ceilings—all clean rather than overdone. She was instrumental in making the home turn out as it did.”
Adds Mimi: “This was my first project working on my own, so they put a lot of faith in me. I’m grateful they gave me that first chance to show what I am capable of.”
Resources: Interior Design Mimi Friend Interiors Mimi Friend 917.583.1891 mimifriend.com Kitchen Sanoma Kitchen & Bath 5179 S University Drive Davie, FL 33328 954.541.2908 sanomakitchens.com Design + Decor
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PROFILE
The Personal Touch of Gold Skies Mike Hufford brings custom carpentry and millwork to Southwest Florida Story by: Hunter Powell
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M
ike Hufford and his hand-picked, tight-knit team at Gold Skies Construction are one of the few construction companies in Southwest Florida that offer personalized custom carpentry and millwork to residential and commercial clients. But what truly sets his company apart is Mike’s strong sense of motivation and involvement in every stage of his projects.
the customer’s dream—whether it be a simple bench seat, a built-in bookshelf or a full fireplace installation, such as the one his team installed on the seventh floor of Kalea Bay in Naples. Mike and his team not only build their projects to specification, they also do the complete installation, no matter the challenges involved. Mike calls his work a “comprehensive design service for everything we build.”
Mike began his career in carpentry at a very young age. Growing up in the Midwest, he was just a child when he started worked in construction with his father, and he gained experience throughout his youth by working with his dad on a wide range of carpentry projects. After graduating from college, Mike used his skills to start his own carpentry business in Iowa. After spending time with his wife in Florida, however, Mike realized his heart lay elsewhere. “I wanted to bring quality finish and custom carpentry to Florida—where it was sorely needed,” he says. “It has been my dream to bring this work to Florida.”
Every good project hinges on good leadership, and that’s why Mike designs and supervises every step of every project his company takes on. “I cut all the parts, oversee assembly of the parts, and lead every single part of each project,” he says. Mike takes ownership of every part of the project to make sure every client’s experience is perfect.
Mike brought his carpentry talents and business know-how to Naples, and that’s where Gold Skies Construction’s story really begins. But what has made the company thrive? In Mike’s words, “I’m the guy who takes your ideas, goes to my shop and makes that dream come true. I’d call us a designbuild studio. I design it in my head, and then bring that vision to life.” Indeed, Gold Skies Construction can do it all, no matter how big or small
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In Southwest Florida, Gold Skies is the go-to company for clients looking for custom work that will truly transform a space and make a unique statement in their home or business.
Gold Skies Construction Mike Hufford 941.777.8775 goldskiesco.com Design + Decor
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PROFILE
Visiting The Studio A Unique Shopping Experience in the Naples Design District Story by: Hunter Powell
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he Collective Naples, located in the heart of the Naples Design District, has always embodied its core principle of being a catalyst for design inspiration. Acting as a one-of-a kind design hub for Southwest Florida, the building houses an architect, a builder, two interior designers and a wide range of architectural elements and furnishings. The Collective’s budding new showroom, The Studio, is quickly making the site the foremost destination for art and design in Southwest Florida. Located on the second floor of the building, The Studio is composed of 20 mini-showrooms offering of a variety of architectural elements and finishing touches, including flooring, specialty doors, pools, fireplaces, modern art and more. Open to designers and the public, The Studio is a one-stop source for everything Naples has to offer in home design. The moment they enter The Studio, visitors get the impression that they are about to experience the finest in design work. They are greeted by a custom-built reception desk designed by AlliKristé Custom Cabinetry. The desk is built with precious stone zebra quartz from UMI The Source and has an LED overlay that acts as a center for events held in the space. Visitors are next drawn to Grate Fireplace’s unique, all-vapor Opti-Mist fireplace, which gives the ambience of a real fireplace without any of the hassle. A walk through The Studio’s mini-showrooms either with a designer or by self-guided tour offers glimpses into many interior design possibilities that the visitor might not have considered for home or business. Best of all, each space includes contact information for the businesses featured, enabling the visitor to make further inquiries into their design work. Tenant Saint Raphael Roofing calls The Studio “the perfect place for Collier County residents to view some of our work and get more information.” The Studio’s owner and developer, Randy Kurtz, wanted to create a space where everyone could visit and experience all that Southwest Florida design and architecture have to offer. Elizabeth Kurtz, business developer of Kurtz Homes, says this new space “will allow residents, tourists and trade professionals alike to interact with a comprehensive mix of design-oriented brands and products. Whether building, renovating or simply updating a home, The Studio will redefine and streamline the design experience.” It is already apparent that The Studio’s efforts to draw people to the Naples Design District are working. The Studio is expanding fast and recently added eight more spaces that are filling up quickly, showcasing the work of even more designers. One of the tenants, Ryan Youngquist of The Luxu-
ry Bed Collection, praised the space, saying, “The Studio creates an open house where people can get ideas for their homes and visit with a designer. It is truly a one-stop shop in the design district.” The Studio space is “a dream come true” for Lorenzo Cassina of the Cassina Collection. “I always dreamed of having a showroom in Naples under the same roof as other companies of great quality,” he says. “Having a manager greet people and make connections gives me a presence in Naples without having to be there daily.” Thomas Mizwa of Andersen Windows also praised The Studio employees, noting, “The staff is professional and a joy to work with. The space is perfect for holding events supporting the Naples community, which in return exposes new people to our products and services.” Indeed, The Studio is effectively bringing to life The Collective’s goal to “redefine the home shopping experience” for the wider public. It has become a gathering place for designers and homeowners alike to meet and gain inspiration for exciting new ideas. Located on the second floor at 111 10th Street South, right in the heart of the Naples Design District, The Studio can be visited any time, with a designer, by self-guided tour or just to see what events are taking place there. The Studio is truly the place to be for anyone interested in Southwest Florida interior design and architecture. Resources: The Collective Naples Elizabeth Kurtz & Angie Gangl 111 10th Street South, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 239.594.1501 thecollectivenaples.com The Luxury Bed Collection Ryan Youngquist 111 10th Street South, Suite 310 Naples, FL 34102 239.296.5497 theluxurybedcollection.com Cassina Collection Lorenzo Cassina 111 10th Street South Naples, FL 34102 954.389.8212 cassinacollection.com Design + Decor
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PROFILE PROFILE
SLEEPING BEAUTY
THE DIAMOND MAJESTY FROM LUXURY BRITISH BED BRAND VISPRING
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These materials, alongside threelayer hand-nested calico pocket springs of which there are 4,080 in a US King mattress, create the most comfortable and luxurious sleep. A single Diamond Majesty mattress takes a Vispring craftsperson over 11 hours to make, including 4 hours and 15 minutes of hand side-stitching.
he Diamond Majesty from Vispring is the British heritage brand’s most luxurious mattress and offers unrivalled comfort and the ultimate in restful sleep. The Diamond Majesty has been created by Vispring using their 120 years of expertise in mattress making and using only the finest natural materials including Royal Alpaca. Royal Alpaca is the world’s finest alpaca yarn and boasts a micron count of less than 17, making it the softest fibre. Royal Alpaca is separated from other classes of alpaca based on three features: fineness, length and colour. Trained alpaca fibre sorters, usually women, can do this by hand and sight: they know where the different qualities of fibre are found on the animal and feel the fibres for fineness with incredible accuracy. The Royal Alpaca is combined with other natural materials such as blended real Shetland wool, cashmere, silk, bamboo, British horsetail which enables air circulation and is extremely resilient and organic cotton which is ethically produced and provides natural absorbency and is breathable.
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The Diamond Majesty can be paired with Vispring’s President Divan and the opulent Art Deco Grand Berkeley Headboard for the ultimate premium bed. It is estimated that we spend a third of our lives in bed, and Vispring mattresses are built to last, with a 30-year guarantee, ensuring that each model is an investment into many years of perfect sleep. The Luxury Bed Collection Vispring Boutique 111 10th Street South Suite 110 Naples, FL 34102 239.296.5497 vispring.com
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