Design + Decor Southwest Florida Winter 2020 by East Coast Home Publishing

DESIGN +DECOR

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

KITCHEN LOOKBOOK 2020

$7.99 US/$8.99 CANADA

DISPLAY UNTIL 04/15/20

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CARRIE BRIGHAM DESIGN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN & DECORATION

ARE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL KOREN

ONI (239) 261-1720 5117 CASTELLO DRIVE, SUITE 1, NAPLES, FLORIDA 34103 WWW.CARRIEBRIGHAMDESIGN.COM

NAPLES • BONITA SPRINGS • ST. THOMAS • BETHANY BEACH • NEW YORK CITY

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Architectural | Structural | Interior

Blueprint Documents Renderings Custom Homes Renovations Single Family Condominiums

27499 Riverview Center Blvd. Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.444.5780 | AA#26003726

www.AshmoreLLC.com

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LICENSE# AA26000793

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DESIGN +DECOR

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

WINTER 2020

LIGHTNESS OF BEING

An extensive renovation by Collins & DuPont transforms a heavy, old-fashioned home into a place with flow for the whole family. Story by Drew Limsky Photography by Lori Hamilton

DREAM BUILDER

Builder Mike Roller materializes everything his clients visualize Story by Johnna Rocker-Clinton Photography by Blaine Jonathan

CREATIVE CONTEMPORARY

When a prime corner location required a substantial new build, Stofft Cooney Architects executed a study in geometry.

Story by Drew Limsky Photography by Matt Steeves

DEPARTMENTS 30 44 110

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Publishers Letter Kitchen + Bath Profile

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DESIGN +DECOR WINTER 2020

Editor-in-Chief Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 Managing Editor James Eagen Contributing Writers Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Pam Gersh, 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 Advertising Director Dante Golio Account Managers Alessandra Flanagan Aileen Gardner Joy Zurzolo Design + Decor 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 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, 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 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 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 Naples, Florida 34113 DD-MAG.COM

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

ith a start of a new year and a new decade, I believe that we as humans are driven to start anew with lifestyle changes, perhaps by blazing a new path at work or by changing our living spaces by either renovating or buying a new home. We have a sense of excitement and anticipation for the coming year. I always look back and reflect on both personal and professional growth, and consider where I can improve my own life or make the world a better place by giving time to an organization or by crafting articles that will illuminate topics of concern. Which brings us to our “In the Field” article. We got creative with leading industry architects on designing an exterior elevation of a home based on an inspiring client. But we didn’t stop there. We added a twist on the subject by asking the architects to utilize materials and strategies that support the goals of the 2030 Challenge, a joint initiative of the American Institute of Architects and Architecture 2030. The mission of Architecture 2030 is to rapidly transform the global built environment from being the major contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to becoming a central part of the solution to the climate crisis; to achieve a dramatic reduction in energy consumption and GHG emissions of the built environment; and to advance the development of sustainable, resilient, equitable and carbon-neutral buildings and communities. Also in this issue, we interviewed several industry experts on what to look for in kitchen design and trends for our “Kitchen Look Book 2020.” Read about what appliances are hot right now and what finishes will complement your kitchen. Design + Décor looks forward to continuing to inform you about the fascinating world of design and to forge new paths in bringing brands to life. Here’s to 2020 and beyond!

Shelley McCormick Cheers,

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- Publisher

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MELANGE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS The duval Collection Our original duVal Collection is generously scaled seating designed with the ability to compose large sectional sofa ensembles, or stand separately as individual seats in the garden. Our duVal back design features our signature duVal panel of diagonal treillage set within a stepped architectural framework with bespoke Moorish, Mughal, Persian Star, and Quadrato Panels available. mckinnonharris.com

Campus Collection by Mauro Lipparini The Campus collection has been designed to furnish the living area with modular sofas, low tables and writing desks - but also the dining room - with sideboards, dining tables and chairs. The dining table with rounded corners has an elegant structure, with rigorous and elegant lines in metal and solid wood. nattuzi.com

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Ambition Vases Exquisitely fashioned three-dimensional blooms adorn the whimsical ceramic Ambition vases, available in three sizes. janusetcie.com

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Acrylic Stemware Inspired by fine crystal - these acrylic glasses are perfect for your boat or poolside entertaining! republicofdecor.com

Noodle Armchair Colorful and whimsical, the Noodle Armchair is crafted from handwoven rattan over a powder coated steel frame. janusetcie.com

Royal Botania Organix Lounge Modular Seating Except for maybe the horizon, there are no straight lines in nature. Most organic shapes are either curved or round; our all new Organix Lounge collection has been inspired by nature itself. duodesignsandshowroom.com

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Stacking Decanter A conversation piece for your bar, this decanter allows you to store multiple spirits while saving space and looking interesting. republicofdecor.com

Eve Graffiti Unmistakably vibrant, the Graffiti Eve is an alluringly unique statement piece. Each apple is one-of-a-kindâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the distinctive sculpture is molded by hand and individually hand painted by a Portuguese street artist to include the iconic JANUS et Cie topiary tree. janusetcie.com

Skyline by Marcel Wanders A carefully selected blend of exquisite materials and geometric lines characterizes the Skyline coffee table, available in two versions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one with a base in metal with polished chrome finish and top in Calacatta Oro marble, and the other with a black chrome base and black granite top. The arch design on the front created by the metal base is a reference to the arches in the old cities of Puglia. natuzzi.com

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In the Fie

tects or interior designers themselves, they work together with all trades to harmonize different materials, wallcoverings, tinted concrete, etc. to create the best atmosphere for the space. “We can contribute to the poetry architects and designers create,” says Don, who describes color as a “shape-changing sensation.” He and his wife are often brought in to help decide if a color is the correct choice—it’s as simple and complex as that. Talking with Don, you understand just how much there is to know about color. He points out that “biologists believe human beings can differentiate between seven and nine million distinct shades.” Color shifts within the eye and is ever-changing. Other things that shift along with color are trends—and that’s where the avocado-green appliances come in. Who decided that green appliances would be a hit? Or did consumers already reveal what would be in style so manufacturers could produce just that? This involves color forecasting. Sandra Sampson, vice president of public relations and communications for the Color Marketing Group, describes color forecasting as “determining consumer color preferences several years in advance.” Made up of volunteers, the Color Marketing Group is the leading international associationLotus of color Moderndesign GardenprofesDay Bed sionals, and has been forecasting color for over 50 years.Belgium. Each Lotus modern garden day bed is a luxury outdoor daybed designed by Kris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania garden furniture company, With its bold contemporary design and sumptuous all-weatheryear, furniture Lotus invites you and your loved relax infour decadent the materials, Color Marketing Group releases to one the to public key comfort and style. You can optionally fit a highcolors, quality parasol cooling shade over Lotus modern garden day bed. which to areprovide determined by regional color forecasting workduodesignsandshowroom.com Donald Kaufman shops known as ChromaZones® and in conferences throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Explains Sandra, “The

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KITCHEN + BATH

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KITCHEN LOOKBOOK 2020 Story by Adler Grove

Kitchen by EBL Interiors + Construction

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Traditional Wheel Pulldown Faucet by Waterstone

he kitchen serves as the heart of our homes—a place for family and friends to gather. This year, the concept of timelessness takes a step forward to claim its rightful place in the home. Here’s what today’s designers say are the best developments in color, texture and function of furnishings and finishes—the keys to a successful kitchen space. All About Appliances: Champagne, Anyone? In recent months, some designers have shifted away from darkercolored appliances. White glass doors are gaining popularity, as the design pendulum swings toward the opposite extreme. The most surprising color within the 2020 trends is champagne or soft bronze, though it goes by various names, according to manufacturer. Donna Wallace, owner of The Defined Home, LLC, sums up this phenomenon: “Champagne-color appliances are an anomaly in that this is a rare case of the mid-market leading the high-end. Typically, a high-end manufacturer comes out with a new color or finish, and quickly it is copied by the mid-range appliance manufacturers. That is not the case with the finish also known as ‘Sunset Bronze.’ I think we will see it gain popularity because it is a welcome break from the predictable stainless-steel kitchen. It is softer on the eye and blends beautifully with warmer tones.” 46

Designer Patricia Mammoliti of Florida Cabinets, which specializes in Poggenpohl kitchen systems and other luxury brands, also notices that this color is trending in her showroom. Patricia sees champagne appliances pairing beautifully with bronze-aluminum cabinet doors. “Different finishes are also appearing,” she says. “Stainless and titanium finishes that do not show fingerprints have been developed.” Florida Cabinets foresees white and black glass appliance fronts continuing to be specified into kitchens in 2020. “Induction ranges are very popular, and that will continue to show up in our area,” Patricia notes. As the design principal at K2 Design Group, Jenny Provost offers this perspective to clients: “It’s not unusual for one of our customers to choose appliances that give even world-class shoppers a case of sticker shock. They are expensive, so here is some seasoned advice: skip trendy colors, stay away from gadgety features, and focus on full integration. When choosing appliance finishes, I prefer…none! I like for the fridge to disappear—to be completely integrated into the cabinetry so that when your friends visit, they must ask where the fridge is located. Same for dishwashers.” Jenny continues on the subject of cooktops. “Cooking is another mat-

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ter,” she says. “For those who need a gas flame to feel they are really cooking (guilty!), I highly recommend the Miele 48-inch Dual Fuel range with M Touch controls. What a machine! Six gas burners and a gas grill; two ovens, one with a wireless temperature probe, and one that is also a microwave oven! And there is a warming drawer. I personally use this appliance and have finally found cooking heaven. With a cooking command center like this, which should last for decades, stainless steel is the only finish offered, and that’s as it should be.” The trend of making appliances disappear is one Donna Wallace is witnessing, too. “A design style I see gaining ground, probably because the kitchen is the heart of the home, is to hide and/or camouflage the cabinets and appliances,” says Donna. “Sub-Zero was the innovator of the industry when it integrated its refrigeration. What better way to show off high-end appliances than to hide them in plain sight? I like to take an area in the kitchen, the size of a tall pantry or small butler’s pantry, that provides storage in the base, with a functional countertop space and open shelving above for the coffee maker, toaster, juicer, microwave and other small appliances. Then, put that behind pocketing doors, so when not in use, it is completely hidden. It can be categorized as a pocket kitchen or, as one of my clients put it, ‘the break room.’”

Kitchen by Carrie Brigham Design

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Let’s not leave out one of the most prevalent trends in cooking for the upcoming year: the induction cooktop. “If you are more comfortable without the flames,” says Jenny, “then you might want to consider what some of the very top chefs in the world use: induction. It offers great control and no heat, and some models can be recessed into your counter so that the smooth glass top is completely flush with the adjacent surfaces. Since the induction burners do not heat up, it is perfect for smaller kitchens in which the cooktop

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Thermador Steam Oven Pro by Ferguson

Kitchen by The Defined Home

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space can double as counter space.” Donna of The Defined Home, LLC, gives us a wider view when considering finish colors for kitchen appliances. “White glass on appliance and cabinet doors will also gain some footing as consumers look for a brighter option to replace the darker black and stainless finishes that have been so popular in appliances,” Donna observes. “Stainless steel, however, will continue to be a best seller because of its timeless beauty and ability to blend with anything. It infers a sense of being an accomplished chef, even for the novice cook.” From the cutting edge of kitchen tech, Jenny of K2 Design drops some inside information about what’s ahead: “Hang on to your chef ’s hat,” she says. “The future is coming with induction cooktops that can be rolled up and put away. Yep, that’s right—you can simply roll it up like a large placemat and place it in a drawer. It’s all about ferromagnetics. Remember, you heard it here first!” Credit is duly noted to K2 Design Group for that bit of gold. Eye-catching Statement Taps One place to make a big splash in a kitchen design is with a statement tap. Choosing the color and style is a big decision. Carrie Brigham, principal of Carrie Brigham Design, lays out her methodology. “There’s always a bigger picture when you’re making individual selections and you want the kitchen faucet to be a wow factor,” Carrie says. “If it’s centered on a window or at the midpoint of an island, and that’s the focal point of the kitchen, you can achieve a wow factor with an antique brass or an unlacquered brass finish tap or faucet. Another way is to play with the scale: you can go really large with a tall gooseneck or go with a bridge-style faucet, which is kind of leaning to a more traditional style. Waterworks has some beautiful options that are a traditional faucet styled in a contemporary way.” The staff at K2 Design Group spends a lot of time pondering the best faucets. Asks Jenny: “How does one make the single most used element in the kitchen—the faucet—stand out? Darned good design, that’s how. I’m a huge fan of Waterstone Faucets, a U.S.-based manufacturer that’s been around since 1999. Its Wheel Pulldown Faucet is a real showstopper and a joy to use.” “Another favorite, and way more modern in its slim and sexy design, is the Contemporary Gantry Pulldown faucet,” Jenny continues. “For serious home cooks with the large pots and pans to prove it, this faucet, with its articulating spout, makes cleanup so much easier. On trend, of course, are the motion sensor or tap-to-operate faucets. They are great for ease of operation and cleanliness.” Cabinet Refinement in Metal and Glass Mixing and matching metal and glass in uppers and base cabinets is super hot right now. These jaw-dropping banks of cabinets are composed of anodized aluminum frames and glass shelves and doors, customizable with marble, ceramic, lacquer, glazing or exotic wood. “This trend has been on the rise for a while now,” says Audrey Healey of EBL Interiors + Construc-

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Flooring by Real Wood Floors

tion. “For us, this is most clearly illustrated in our Snaidero USA Riquadro. This is a line that allows clients to completely customize their display piece. From the stone material to glass finish to metal selection, each piece can be selected to the client’s liking.” Patricia of Florida Cabinetry adds, “Prevalent now are glass doors and backsplashes with a matte satin finish in white or navy blue. Glossy finishes are going away.” Carrie Brigham has some interesting twists to add from her office. “Another way to incorporate metal and glass is by integrating that style cabinetry over windows in the kitchen, so it allows for a really interesting display space,” she says. This trend of glazing the back of the cabinets allows sunlight to penetrate through the kitchen windows and uppers into the space. Carrie Brigham Design has just completed another trendsetting project. “We designed this phenomenal dry bar—it’s the focal point of the dining room,” Carrie explains. “We custom designed the entire cabinet to be mirror polished stainless finish, and it has a really sleek low-profile door that was custom fabricated. The cabinet is actually backless, so the backsplash goes from the countertop all the way to the ceiling behind the cabinet. Below it is an onyx countertop with a painted wood cabinet finish below. The entire backsplash from the countertop to the ceiling is onyx, and the countertop is onyx as well.” 50

Carrie is excited as she describes the aesthetic. “It’s backlit,” she says. “The whole thing is going to have a really incredible glow.” Dark and Stormy: Interplay of Light and Dark Whether a home’s aesthetic is traditional, modern farmhouse, eclectic or progressive, darker finishes are here for 2020. When paired appropriately with light elements, a depth and richness can be achieved through the application of contrasting tones. Tricia Maloney of UMI Stone says, “When it comes to countertops, we love to mix and match colors and materials. My favorite is a kitchen that has a countertop in a white Pompeii Quartz color, and the island in a dramatic quartzite that is a real showstopper!” Real Wood Flooring Manager Gaby Saad chimes in, “Whether you are inclined to a more classic style or you naturally gravitate to modern environments, darker tones add elegance and sophistication to any home. When choosing whites, ivories and light beige tones for your area rugs, the contrast of the colors plus the change of textures invite you to experience an easy transition to a different surface. Oriental rugs are the perfect partner for a dark wood floor, which allows the craftsmanship and colors of the rug to take the stage and show off.” “A new trend in the industry is to use porcelain slabs on kitchen countertops, doors and even drawers,” notes Rey Sorhegui of Ru-

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Samsung Portable Slim Double Induction Cooktop

Kitchen by Florida Designer Cabinetry

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Multi-Purpose, Fully Automatic Wine Appliance by Plum

ben Sorhegui Tile. “Dark, contrasting colors like black and gray on countertops are a perfect way to add drama to your kitchen.” K2 Design’s Jenny Provost offers another perspective on the subject. “There will always be those who love bright white kitchens,” she says. “It’s true that there is a certain energy that comes from the reflection of light on white surfaces. But I am a design professional who loves to cook. When I am at home creating food instead of floor plans, I want to be relaxed. A glass of wine, something a little bluesy on the Sonos, and I’m ready to cook! Having the gravitas of dark wood floors and a mix of light and dark cabinets with wellcontrolled lighting puts me in the mood. Even though Florida will

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always ‘own’ light and bright, moodier finishes have found their way into our designs. Instead of antiseptic white, our clients’ interests are trending towards rich and warm finishes—almost urban in nature.” Jenny describes several recent projects. “In a Bonita Springs highrise, I’ve employed metal-rich glossy copper with stainless-steel frames to create a Louis Vuitton-inspired steamer trunk look,” she says. “I’ve been nervy enough to use a barnwood-look cabinet, acidwashed steel, and an end-cut butcher block counter to offset the white gloss in a modern penthouse at the Colony Golf & Bay Club. These days, I particularly enjoy combining the unexpected. Cana-

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Ask the E

dian white oak, today, knotssoand all, with dark bronze textured metallic livability is key. That includes: cabinets paired with dark-tint oiled grid screens, custom made in Cape Town, South form a rich kitchen in a - Open Africa, spaces with large windows thatexperience bathe the kitchMarco Island home.” en in natural light Several motifs emerge fashionable choices in current kitchen - Naturalasmaterials that help you bring in nature, such design. Pared-down sleek, sophisticated elegant,grain the colas rawand finishes, woods with anand interesting and ors, finishes andtextures layering in recall todaynatural ’s culinary creation spaces that patterns—even with tend their toward timelessallrefinement. Only time will tell how well these beautiful imperfections trends hold up, but, for now, the big players in style and operation have asserted themselves for theofupcoming - Seamless integration living plantsyear. into the kitchen environment, especially using systems of open shelves Resource: on the walls, on the island and above it

Stone by UMI

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Carrie Brigham Design - Organic, flowing design that makes movement and Carrie Bringham the transition between different activities very effort5117 Castello Drive, less Suite 1 Naples, FL 34103 239.261.1720 Resource: carriebrigham.com Studio Snaidero Naples EBL Interiors + Construction 1482 Rail Head Boulevard Paul Benson Naples, FL 34110 1482 Rail Head Blvd. 239.431.5003 Naples, FL 34110snaidero-usa.com 239.431.5003 eblinteriors.com

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Ferguson 38 Goodlette-Frank Road South Naples, FL 34102 239.963.0087 ferguson.com K2 Design Jenny Provost 25081 Bernwood Dr. Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.444.5205 k2design.com Plum 11 SW 12th Avenue, Suite 104 Dania Beach, Florida 33004 844.856.PLUM (7586) plum.wine Poggenpohl Florida West Florida Designer Cabinetry Patricia Mammoliti 10800 Corkscrew Rd #105 Estero, FL 33928 239.948.9005 floridacabinets.com Real Wood Floors Gaby Saad 2013 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 239.470.5827 realwoodfloors.com Ruben Sorhegui Tile Rey Sorhegui 3876 Mercantile Avenue Naples, FL 34104 239.643.2882 sorheguitile.com The Defined Home Donna Wallace 470 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34102 239-234-2773 thedefinedhome.com UMI Tricia Maloney tmaolney@umistone.com 1615 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 239.593.6995 umistone.com

Tile by Ruben Sorhegui Tile

Waterstone Faucets waterstoneco.com

Design + Decor

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IN THE FIELD

Meeting the 2030 Challenge: Southwest Florida Architects Push the Envelope of Sustainability Story by Alder Grove

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STOFFT COONEY ARCHITECTS

A progressive partnership between the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Architecture 2030, a non-profit organization established in 2002 to respond to the climate-change crisis, has set a new standard for energy use reduction in the coming decades, titled the “2030 Challenge.” For our annual Architects Issue, Design + Décor learns about the cutting-edge solutions that design firms are implementing to achieve the ambitious sutainability goals set forth by this challenge. We asked six design firms to submit renderings to demonstrate their best practices for the greening of luxury homes. Pull up a comfy seat and become enlightened about how architects are reducing and eliminating extraneous energy usage in high-performance residences, as set forth by Architecture 2030 and the AIA.

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hree vacant lots on Keewaydin Island are the starting point for the grand design adventure that became the residence seen in the renderings. John Cooney, partner at Stofft Cooney Architects, was approached by members of a large family to design an off-the-grid vacation destination with some unique features. Three hundred feet of Gulf Coast frontage opens up in front of the buildings. A long ramp slopes to the backwater dock on the opposite side of the island. Golf carts are the workhorses employed to carry supplies to the main entertainment space from the boat-only access to the property. Two telling phrases that drove the design of the building layout were “party pavilion” and “pods” (intended to function as an array of guest suites). The project team became enamored with the concepts. Soon Mr. Cooney and his team had sketched out the beginnings of what would eventually become the refined compound shown in the virtual perspectives. The main house connects to each of the accessory 58

bedrooms via a raised, covered walkway. Each guest cabin includes a private bathroom. Boosting the living space floor height to twelve feet above sea level in all the buildings provides clearance for storm surges to do their thing when the inevitable hurricane makes an appearance. Each room takes full advantage of the vast Gulf of Mexico views with large, water-facing expanses of operable doors and windows. Achieving maximum luxury in tandem with off-the-grid lifestyle took several creative strategies to manifest. A solar array graces the roof of the main building, which functions to harvest the abundant sunlight and store it in a sophisticated battery bank. If the batteries should run low, a generator with the capacity to power the entire electrical system stands at the ready. Reducing the demand for alternatively-generated electricity, propane cooktops are the primary method for meal preparation. All the other appliances are the most energy-efficient money can buy. A cistern provides storage for drinking water, and a septic system takes care of all the grey and blackwater effluent generated on-

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site. Integrated throughout the buildings are practical and common sense passive design methods such as deep overhangs to protect from the sun, operable louvers at large windows and fenestration to let the ocean breezes cross-ventilate. Selections comprising the exterior materials and interior finishes in the project will perform maintenance-free for the long-term. Due to the boat-only access reality for houses on the island, eliminating upkeep and regular importation of building materials is wise. Drywall and stucco were not included anywhere in the specs due to their proclivity to develop mildew and mold. Instead, locally sourced and rotresistant cypress lines interior spaces and cementitious siding protects exterior facades. Ipe decking is in it for the long haul, comprising the walkway surfaces and decks. To best reflect the relentless radiation of the sun, all the exterior surfaces sport light color pallets. The tropical stilt house is so classic that it is the obvious choice for

coastal abodes because it simply works. Adding in the plot twists of not being grid-tied and having severely limited access, brings with it some design challenges that have resulted in sustainability and luxury living arriving full-force throughout the project. Succeeding in crafting a multi-venue residential property is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the team at Stofft Cooney Architects. Anyone lucky enough to be entertained at the retreat will surely come home with a memorable experience. Resources: Stofft Cooney Architects John Cooney 633 Ninth Street North, Suite 300 Naples, FL 34102 239.262.7677 stofft.com Design + Decor

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DG Architecture’s renderings of its Florida Case Study Home depict the sustainable attributes of the residence, located on the Gulf Coast in Naples, FL. Tom Jones, AIA, principal architect of the firm, is eloquent in outlining the project’s pertinent requirements. “When you do sustainable design, you try to do things in a way that minimizes or mitigates the use of man-made energy sources,” he explains. “The reason we do that is to design the house for its location and climate. Sun angles and exposures are critical.” Tom calls attention to Florida’s unique environmental dilemma: Designers want to capture the abundant natural light, but must employ creative solutions to mitigate the accompanying heat gain. The exterior form, colors and material selections in this home work for its Southwest Florida location. A rectangular volume with the 60

proper dimensions allows natural light and breezes to pass easily through interior spaces. A long, narrow, three-dimensional shape for the overall house gives way to the ingress of coastal breezes and subtropical sunshine. Ubiquitous as it is in tropical zones, the white painting of the building’s exterior serves to reflect heat away from the structure, more than any other color. Accenting the façades with wood elements softens the aura of a modern aesthetic; this is achieved by the use of sunshade devices, columns and cladding regions. Passive cooling, which decreases the temperature inside the building without mechanical assistance such as air conditioning, is paramount in the design of the house. Sunshade devices filter the sunshine, blocking some of the heat while harvesting the daylight. Tom explains the process of cooling the house through natural convection. “Beyond the front door is a double-height space that becomes a convective shaft,” he says. “Opening lower windows at certain times of day allows

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WDG ARCHITECTURE

PLANNING + INTERIORS cooler air to come in and displace warm air. The warm air naturally rises and exhausts at the top, where there are operable windows. That natural flow is a way to create a cooling effect in the house.” Rainwater harvesting and rooftop photovoltaic panels further reinforce the sustainability of the residence. A crawl space catchment system allows the storage of runoff from meteorological events. The water is filtered for gray water, as used in utility sinks and toilets and for priming the swimming pool pump. Tom explains how the solar panels help as well. “They’re laid flat all along the length of the highest roof,” he says. “In a sustainable home, they are there simply to create electricity and offset the need for the electrical utility. This is a method for harvesting sunlight.”

that is suitable for this area in terms of environmental variables and considerations?” asks Tom. “These are some things done specifically to address the local climate environment by the Florida Case Study House.” WDG’s project provides an excellent example of how green design can boost the energy efficiency of a luxury residence in Naples. Resources: WDG Architecture | Planning + Interiors Tom Jones 8970 Fontana Del Sol Way #2 Naples, FL 34109 239.594.9778 wdg-architecture.com

An ever-increasing catalog of strategies can be used today in designing a house that puts sustainability at the fore. “What would a home be Design + Decor

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K2 DESIGN GROUP

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s the design principal of her successful firm, K2 Design Group, Jenny Provost has decades of experience putting together finelycrafted custom-home and remodel designs for her clients in and around Bonita Springs, Florida. She and her fiancé have been travelling intermittently for several years, and they enjoy bringing artwork found in far-flung locales back to their homes. The couple fell in love with and purchased three acres on a mountain slope outside Cape Town, South Africa; putting three buildings on their acreage seemed like the right choice. Jenny’s off-the-grid compound consists of the main house, a guest house and a manager’s dwelling. Meanwhile, back in Southwest Florida, 30 minutes from Naples, is a small town bearing the name Immokalee. “Immokalee comes from the Seminole language, and it means ‘my home,’” Jenny explains. “My fiancé and I have a lot of fun taking things from Florida and bringing them to South Africa, and taking things from South Africa and bringing them to our home in Florida. We collect art when we travel, so there’s always a story.” The project style is mid-century modern, adhering to many of the design elements adored by so many. The off-the-grid homes sit on a moderate slope. On its downhill side, the main house rises three stories above grade, capped with a roof deck. To address the essential need for heating, Jenny intends to utilize a simple method. “We’re going to be using heating fixtures that burn wood pellets instead of cordwood,” she explains. “Pellet stoves are used more in South Africa than they are in the U.S., and they’re a greener choice because the fuel is made from recycled wood.” A blackwater system will be integrated into the site to redistribute and upcycle every available nutrient produced from the houses. “This is a system where the sewage is used for irrigation as well as fertilization,” Jenny continues. “It’s completely self-contained on-site and does not contribute to the municipal wastewater load of nearby Cape Town.” Included are several features to boost energy efficiency. The entire lighting system is LED, providing lower energy requirements. “There will be a home control system that will meter power usage and allow temperature control,” says Jenny. “We will also have motorized sunscreen shades throughout.” The shade devices can be programmed to open and close to deflect or invite the sun’s heat to influence the interior temperatures. “We’re using the bottom part of our land as the solar field,” explains the intrepid designer. A green roof covers part of the house, allowing rainwater to infiltrate and feed hardy plant cover. Adjacent to the green roof is a roof-mounted solar array that supplements the needed energy to power the domestic hot water and heating systems. With unobstructed views of the Atlantic extending to the Cape of Good Hope, this project embodies a feeling of expansiveness. Jenny Provost combines all the elements in balanced measure: the Earth’s embrace for temperature mitigation, the sun’s blessing of warmth and clarity of light within the home, and careful reintroduction of human-created nutrients to nourish the surrounding land. In her rendering for a dream client, which happens to be herself, she conjures up a delightful concept encompassing aspects of sustainability and living lightly on the land. Resources: K2 Design Group Jenny Provost 25081 Bernwood Drive Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.444.5205 k2design.net Design + Decor

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s one of three principal architects at MHK Architecture & Planning, based in both Naples, FL, and Aspen, CO, Nathan Moore has plenty to say about his firm’s rendering, which showcases a modern residence in Southwest Florida. Several influences converge in the composition of this coastal home. A common-sense philosophy espoused by the architect is that a home must be comfortable for its inhabitants. A building’s overall success is measured in aesthetics and livability. Bringing joy to the home’s residents is equally critical to the application of stylistic design elements. Today’s progressive architecture takes its cues from a wide range of historically essential styles. The Sarasota Modern style has local roots stemming from the regionally appropriate design elements that address warm weather and intense sun in a coastal environment. During the style’s heyday from the 1940s through the 1960s, innovative architects crafted a vernacular intersecting the forms and façades of the International Style 64

(popularized by Bauhaus and others) and the organic flow pioneered by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and his disciples. “Here we have an effort to take the benefits of restraining from ornamentation, so that it has a modernist aesthetic, but it’s also comfortable for daily living,” says Nathan. “I love museum-quality modernism, but I would hate to live there.” “The cultural theme is the lifestyle of Southwest Florida,” he continues. “It’s all about the indoor-outdoor living, the pool and the tilt towards modern architecture.” Nathan explains that the primary living space for this house is on the second floor, reducing concerns about damage from hurricanes and the dreaded storm surges that inevitably occur. “This is where we’re trying to make the modern a little bit more comfortable. The whole ground level becomes shaded, covered space that can be used all year long. It maximizes the usefulness of the indoor-outdoor spaces. We’ve designed a green wall, which can be seen in the rendering, as well as an outdoor kitchen to make functional the spaces beyond the lower-floor

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MHK ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

large openings and recessed NanaWalls.” Several sustainability features are designed into the project. Shade from the deeply recessed lower-floor openings begins to cool the air before it circulates past the building envelope. Daylighting the upper floor reduces the demand for electricity. The home’s form is relatively shallow, allowing sunlight to bring natural brightness into all the primary living spaces. “As the sun changes, the light in each room changes and the inhabitants forge a connection with the outside environment,” says Nathan. The low-maintenance, high-albedo exterior materials reflect the subtropical sun, lessening the cooling load that the air-conditioning system must accommodate. Nathan expounds on the concept of timelessness. “You look at Fallingwater, the Frank Lloyd Wright classic, and it doesn’t look like it was built in 2010,” he says. “It looks like it was built in the 1930s. It reflects the views and values from the time in which it was created.” A quality piece of

architecture has elements that identify it as being from a specific moment in time, but it still stands the test of time due to its beauty, intrigue and proper proportions. MHK’s rendering strives to embody this concept of timelessness. Resources: MHK Architecture + Planning Matthew Kragh Nathan Moore 975 6th Ave S Suite 200 Naples, FL 34102 239.331.7092 mhkap.com

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CHARLES J. NAFIE ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

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omeowners seek to achieve harmony with nature and educate their children about sustainability by working on a vacation home with Charles J. Nafie Architecture + Design.

A couple from Michigan with two sons approaching teenage years sought out Charles Nafie to design their eco-friendly vacation home on Sanibel Island, off the western coast of Florida. A renowned and accomplished architect, Charles was only too happy to collaborate on a home with a vastly reduced carbon footprint. The rendering of the residence, located on a secluded beach cove, depicts the architect’s distillation of his clients’ vision for a home engaged in a dialogue between what is man-made and what is natural. “There is a standard of greenness with this house that is raising the bar, according to the desires of my clients,” says Charles. “The spirit of the house is transparency,” he explains. “The house can be totally open on the lower level so the family can be one with nature.” With the clients explicitly desiring an ultramodern aesthetic, the architect ingeniously married the program with the site conditions and requested design vernacular. “The contrast between nature and man-made is going to be quite apparent,” says Charles emphatically. “There will be no blurred lines. The edges are hard, sharp and crisp. The rendering strives to show this stark contrast, which is the design intent.” To approach net-zero energy status, the project includes such features as LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient appliances. A southfacing solar array on the roof consolidates sun energy. Geothermal and traditional heat pumps recirculate water from beneath the site for cooling and domestic hot water needs. Charles discusses another important consideration. “The seals at the doors and windows must be installed to perform at a much higher standard than other areas of the country due to the occasional severity of storms passing through,” he says. “When you have so much glass, you have to protect it from hurricanes, inclement weather and even just the strength of the subtropical sun. We took it a step further and created a brise-soleil with motorized louvers that ride on tracks. They can go up and down, based on programmed automation. At certain times, for a pending hurricane, they can be closed up as tight as a drum, and on other days, they can be completely wide open to allow the gently flowing breeze to pass through the lower levels.” Charles also explains how the triple glazed windows serve to keep the cooler, conditioned air inside and the hot outdoor weather outside via the insulating air pockets between the glazing panels. The architect summarizes the goal of the rendering: “It started with the ultracontemporary look of the house with its sharp angles, sloping roof and whiteness of the building in contrast to the greenness of the surrounding natural environment. I’m striving to represent that differing architectural styles can be adapted to almost any residential community, as long as they respect that community, environment and neighborhood.” It’s reassuring to know that openminded designers are making their mark right here in Southwest Florida. Resources: Charles J. Nafie Architecture + Design Charles J. Nafie 3641 10th Street North Unit B Naples, FL 34103 239.263.3800 cjnaarchitects.com Design + Decor

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he dual priorities of sustainability and adaptability to varying coastal weather conditions drive the design of this luxury Gulf Coast residence. A modern aesthetic overlays the beach-adjacent home. Thermal efficiency and low-maintenance exteriors undergird the building’s durability. Timeless forms and pleasing proportions welcome residents home to a sense of ease. It’s all the creation of Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA, principal architect of her namesake design firm. The first essential tenet of sustainability is the concept of passive design. Large windows and doors face south and take in the views of the Gulf of Mexico. Sunlight filters past protective overhangs at this façade. More sizable openings grace the north elevation, tapping into the rich resource of even daylighting for the interiors. Dual-pane low-E glazing in the doors and windows help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the thermal envelope. Gentle gulf winds are employed to cross-ventilate ocean breezes 68

through the narrow floor plan. “Conditions are often perfect for keeping the windows open for nearly half the year, allowing natural air cooling to offset the energy use of year-round air conditioning,” says Joyce. “The house is typically one-room deep, with ample dimensions, as would be expected in a high-end home.” Active energy systems pick up the slack on chilly nights and cloudy, stormy days. Supplemental power is generated with south-facing solar panels to fuel domestic hot water requirements and swimming pool heating. A heat recovery ventilation system condenses exhaust gas from the air-conditioning units and reuses it for the demanding task of pool warming. “All lighting fixtures are LEDs, significantly reducing energy use as compared to the electrical needs of conventional lighting,” explains Joyce. “Exterior lighting is dark-sky compliant and turtle-friendly. Low-intensity, beach-facing fixtures give sea turtles a break when making risky runs in and out of the drink.” Smart home sensors follow residents around, using

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ARCHITECTURE JOYCE OWENS power only in areas that are currently occupied. This miracle of modern technology chips away at energy bills in a most pleasing fashion. The amenities of the outside living areas include a courtyard, a screened area at the rear, two rainwater-supplemented pools and native landscaping that doesn’t require excessive watering. The courtyard entry to the residence is covered, lending a respite from sun and rain as one stands at the front door. Interior finishes are carefully sourced from local vendors, with heavy preference given to materials with the greenest credentials. All the appliances are energy efficient, surpassing Energy Star benchmarks. “The lower floor contains no living space, since floodwaters may well rip through the garage and storage areas at ground level,” notes Joyce. “Minimal repairs after any potential damage are better than having to replace a kitchen or a house full of ruined furniture.” The finish floor height of the main-level living area exceeds FEMA flood elevation requirements, as Joyce prefers to exercise an abundance of caution at the seaside.

The residence’s structural foundation system is designed to provide next to no resistance to oncoming storm surges. Subterranean and minimally exposed foundations will not receive the brunt of powerful storm waves. Instead, they will stay in place as wild waters are allowed to flow through the structure without impediment. Resources: Architecture Joyce Owens Joyce Owens 2281 Main Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 239.425.5773 architecturejoyceowens.com

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ASHMORE DESIGN

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wner and building contractor Camden Ashmore relishes the unusual process involved in the project his firm has dubbed “Arroyal.” He notes, “It’s not often that we design something that’s completely from our own heads and put it on paper.” Interior designer Carleen Young adds, “Looking at the 2030 Challenge, our obvious test is the solar heat gain mitigation aspect of living in Florida.” As it relates to finding the right client, architect Kevin Walls observes, “The homeowners need to have the right mindset. Sometimes we are approached by a person who has the right attitude; other times it takes some convincing.” Arroyal has many features that work toward carbon neutrality. “We’ve incorporated a lot of large overhangs to provide shading to the building,” says Carleen. “The triple-coated monolithic glass, which has a pretty high solar heat gain coefficient, helps keep UV rays and heat outside the house.” There is also an aluminum sun control structure composed of recycled-content extrusions. Native plant landscaping and a rainwater collection system reduce dependence on the municipal water system. The team also left existing shade trees in place and planted new ones on-site to curtail solar heat gain in the home. A light-colored metal roof provides high albedo (solar reflectance). Insulation R-values above code requirements enhance energy efficiency. “Finding inventive ways to cut down on the use of energy that also meet the needs of a building’s users is really what it’s all about,” according to Kevin. “The LEED rating system has a whole section, probably 20%, that is for what is called ‘innovation in design.’ This is for things that are not necessarily included under another credit. We have the opportunity to use local crushed shells as a driveway material. It’s a better option than gravel or hardscape because it’s abundant, naturally produced and not used for much else.” Kevin outlines the rationale behind the scale of the house. “The idea was to scale it down to be affordable for a family with a standard income.” Adds Camden: “We pride ourselves on designing homes with high functionality. There isn’t an abundance of gratuitous space.” Since Ashmore is a service-oriented custom design firm, notes Carleen, “each project is uniquely geared toward the clients. We design from scratch, each home crafted to meet their personal needs.” “One of our points of pride is that we’re not egotistical designers,” says Camden. “We don’t force our ideas on an owner. Our role is to educate the owner about the new trends, techniques, building practices and styles as we learn about them ourselves. When we do a project like this, we get to relay more information to the owners and introduce them to a world they didn’t know about. It’s a fun process to design for each new homeowner.” With design professionals committed to discovering green solutions, the planet stands to benefit from efforts to meet the 2030 Challenge. Resources: Ashmore Design Camden Ashmore 27499 Riverview Center Boulevard #103 Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.444.5780 ashmorellc.com Design + Decor

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LIGHTNESS OF BEING An extensive renovation by Collins & DuPont transforms a heavy, old-fashioned home into a place with flow for the whole family. Story by Drew Limsky | Photography by Lori Hamilton

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The owners of a 12-year-old home in Quail West, Naples, enlisted Collins & DuPont for a full-scale renovation that included a more simplified, neutral-colored exterior.

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In the living area, Collins & DuPont moved the fireplace to make it more dominant, adding a mirrored fireplace wall and a second, high mantle.

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hen clients from Pennsylvania enlisted Collins & DuPont Design Group to remodel and renovate their vacation home in Quail West, Naples, they knew exactly what they wanted: simplification, a calm palette, and—most importantly—family-friendliness. Though it was Sherri DuPont’s first time working with the new homeowners, it wasn’t exactly a blind date: her firm was recommended not only by another client, but also by the builder and the realtor. “When you have three people recommend you,” Sherri says, “it’s a natural.” Despite the fact that the home was just 12 years old with good bones, it was never going to work for the family ’s lifestyle, neither inside nor out. “The client wanted it simplified from day one,” Sherri recalls. “We did a lot of work to the exteriors to give it more of a Naples manor kind of look, as opposed to Mediterranean.” Sherri, working with designer Mylene Robert, transformed the façade, redesigning the metal accents. “It had scrollwork and things like that,” Sherri says. “It was yellow with a terra-cotta roof. We had to bring it into the new millennium.” Flat concrete tiles on the roof, which evokes stately slate, replaced the terra cotta. Sherri changed the entrance and restained the front door. Light gray pavers were added to complement the roof. The result was classic. With Architectural Land Design as part of the team, the front lawn took on a tailored look, with high and low Design + Decor

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Collins & DuPont overhauled the original â&#x20AC;&#x153;chopped-upâ&#x20AC;? layout of the house to allow for more openness and sightlines.

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The bar features stools by Jessica Charles and a built-in by Edge Cabinet & Space Creators.

foliage set on a pair of islands. There are now clear sight lines across the lawn to the handsome, timeless exterior. “Before, it had an Italian feel,” Mylene notes. “We made it more casual.” Open house The interior required a similar redo. “The house was very chopped up, very compartmentalized the way homes used to be,” Sherri explains. “The clients wanted it to be open and light. And they wanted to be able to walk in the front door and see the gorgeous views. The way it was set up before, you couldn’t see anything. And they have an incredible lot with panoramic views of the golf course and the lake.” 80

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When the clients purchased the home, it boasted bold colors— too bold for their taste. “Walls were bright yellow and hot pink, and the ceilings were done in that English country overdone look, with florals and bright colors,” Sherri recalls. “With the family being as active as they are, they wanted something more relaxing.” Family friendliness Now, about that family: It includes five children and more than a dozen grandchildren. So, while everyone agreed that the aesthetic goal was a high-style Naples look with light walls, light furniture and light floors, with that many people in the house

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and so many children, “it had to be almost bullet-proof,” says Sherri. The first floor ticks both boxes. The clients originally preferred a polished white marble that Sherri says would not have been feasible with so many people in the home. It took a lot of shopping, but the designers struck gold with 40- by 40inch Ruben Sorhegui porcelain tile; a textured version of the same tile was chosen for the outside deck. “Walking from the front to the outside feels seamless,” Sherri says.

fragile fabric, and put it on the backs of the chairs, while the inside of the chairs is a Lillian August performance fabric. You can clean it with soap and water. So when the kids are sitting there eating spaghetti and meatballs, they don’t have to worry about the tomato sauce and oil ruining the furniture.” The dining table base from Century supports a top from Creative Glass, while the warm gray walls are offset by glittering sheers from Kravet and a John Richard chandelier.

The dining room also exemplifies a marriage of style and durability. For the custom-designed chairs, Sherri came up with a novel solution: “We took our beautiful Romo fabric, our most

Serenity made simple As Sherri considered the great room, it became clear that the home’s original space management had to be rethought. “DiDesign + Decor

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The master bedroom contains a bed by Century, backed by a bed wall clad in Donghia fabric.

agonal spaces are not comfortable to live in,” she says. “While diagonals and octagons may be attractive, they ’re not relaxing—there’s something awkward about them.” In several cases, important elements seemed to have been oddly placed. The great room’s fireplace was small, pushed off to the side. “We shifted it to the left, enabling a much larger fireplace,” Sherri says. Once clad in dark cherry, the fireplace is now dominant— and consistent with the light neutral walls. Visual interest is provided by the fireplace’s massing and details: the primary mantel is high, at around six feet, and a second mantel commands the room at 16 feet. The two mantels are separated by a vast mirror with lead detailing. To deliver the simplified look the clients wanted, Sherri relieved the room of its panel molding and its two Juliet balconies. For the furnishings, she crafted a custom sofa in an oatmeal performance fabric from Vanguard that has a Sunbrella-like finish; she also selected a heavy Marge Carson driftwood coffee table with a metallic sheen, and nesting tables by Theodore Alexander. Just as she did in the great room, Sherri simplified the kitchen, improving proportionality and eliminating distractions. Coffers were reduced and made less busy. The effect is now clean and serene, with cabinets that are 10 feet tall, plus crowns, to be proportional to the 12-foot ceilings. The designer worked 82

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on the flow of the kitchen, again erasing awkward elements. The original cooktop featured a huge gas range on an angle; there were also two islands, with two chandeliers suspended over each. “I cook, so this is a passion for me,” says Sherri. “The kitchen has to be convenient for the cook or multiple cooks—there are areas where two, three or four people are simultaneously cooking in their own spaces.” Sherri centered the cooktop, and the two islands become one, with walnut cabinets by Edge Cabinet & Space Creators, and a quartzite Taj Mahal top. The hood, also from Edge, is painted white wood and features pleasing curves, while twisting spiral pendants from Visual Comfort were chosen to echo the mirrored faces on the upper cabinets. In true Naples fashion, all roads lead to the sun, and the Naples-style covered pool remained intact—with a few revisions. “Previously, there were plants that didn’t do well behind the screen enclosures,” Sherri recalls, “so we got rid of them and added more decking. With as many as 17 people in the house, it needed more chaises and seating. Before we chose one stick of furniture, we wanted to make sure there was seating near the pool where the parents could be watching their children in the shallow part. It was all planned based on the family ’s lifestyle.” The pool was given new liner tile, as was the deck. And Sherri made certain the outdoor kitchen could accommodate more of the family by extending the bar. With its composite wood look

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The master bath is anchored by a 66-inch soaking tub from Ferguson Enterprises.

and quartzite countertops, the space “is much more open and elegant than it was before,” says Sherri. Again, respecting the size of the family led to the addition of two bedrooms. “We took an exterior deck and a study and turned them into two bedrooms for a total of seven bedrooms, plus a cabana,” Mylene says. The home contains nine bathrooms. The master bedroom lost its dark stained wood and was painted white. The designers removed shutters and replaced them with blinds and side panels to let in light. “There was a very heavy texture on the bed wall, so we removed that and replastered and papered,” Sherri says. A custom-made linen bench (fabricated by Cox Manufacturing) rests at the end of the bed, atop hickory floors. The wife’s master bath contained familiar issues with convenience and flow, including a challenging corner vanity. “Corner vanities are often problematic, especially with the mirrors, so we added two solid panels to cut down the amount of mirror,” Sherri explains. Calacatta marble was laid on the floor, and was echoed in the marble countertops and backsplash. Sheers replaced shutters. The cabinetry, again by Edge, is all new; a dated built-in tub was removed and replaced with a 66-inch soaking tub provided by Ferguson Enterprises. Design + Decor

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The outdoor kitchen features a countertop of Kali Sand quartzite and a grill by Lynx.

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The stripping down and lightening up process required a gestation of 15 months—and then it was done. As the clients moved through the finished product, how it would play to the various extended family members was on everyone’s mind. The verdict was the ultimate compliment: “We got big hugs and kisses,” Sherri says. “They told us we were part of the family now.”

Resources: Interior Design Collins & DuPont Design Group Sherri DuPont 8911 Brighton Lane Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.948.2400 collins-dupont.com Architectural Design Diamond Custom Homes Karen Velasco 9130 Galleria Court, Unit 204 Naples, FL 34109 239.325.4600 diamondcustomhomesfl.com Landscape Architect Architectural Land Design 2780 Horseshoe Drive South, Suite 5 Naples, FL 34104 239.430.1661 aldinc.net Flooring Real Wood Floors Gaby Saad 2013 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 239.592.4572 realwoodfloors.com

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DREAM BUILDER Builder Mike Roller materializes everything his clients visualize Story by Johnna Rocker-Clinton | Photography by Blaine Jonathan

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The bell-style stove hood was custom-made with blue-painted wood and copper detailing.

The office barn door slab is an Angelim Pedra imported from Brazil.

itting on the dock of a bay on Marco Island, FL, is a lovely 3,000 square foot home filled with unique beauty. Featuring vibrant art pieces, South American wood and even a handcrafted, granite bathtub weighing over 1,000 pounds, this home was perfected by its owners.

When a family decides to build a home, they are embarking on a journey that will involve several expert opinions and even input from family and friends. Although it is important to trust these experts and perhaps also listen to loved ones, it is of the utmost importance to trust oneself. The inhabitants of a home must be the loudest voices during construction. When the owners connect to the process, and the builder and architect are willing to listen, the dream will materialize. The customer is always right Mike Roller is a humble man who likes to spend time with his family, especially his five-year-old and three-year-old, and escape into nature now and then. He stresses that he is not concerned with building an enormous corporation, but wants his company, Marco Custom Builders, to remain a hands-on, customer-oriented operation. “I want to be able to work on every project,” he says. “I want to make selections with the people—look through all the details and items. This way we can avoid frustrations. I want to build complete custom homes without the outrageous price.” Mike spends most of his time on-site. He is there to answer questions and make sure things go smoothly. Since Mike works only on Marco Island, he is never more than five minutes away from his projects. Although he subcontracts trusted professionals to handle the specifics, he is not afraid to get his hands dirty when needed. Design + Decor

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The dining room wall, in a class by itself, adds texture and beauty to the room.

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The loft: the roof had to be lifted due to a change during the building process.

As construction progresses, owners may change their minds about things. This is typical, and Mike knows that making adjustments for clients is essential to their happiness. He stresses that clients need to be satisfied since they will reside in the home. In this particular home, the loft was initially supposed to house a pool table. “As we progressed, they decided to make it a sitting area,” Mike says. “We had to make a little bit more space because the previous design didn’t go out in a 45-degree angle. In order to make space, we moved the roof a little bit, and that gave them a little bit more privacy.” Mike works with an architect on every project, noting, “It adds a lot of value to the customer, and it’s included in the price.” Indeed, he and architect Bill Lewis are constantly consulting with their clients. These particular homeowners “had existing artwork that was bold, and they also wanted copper accents,” Bill states. “It is my job to incorporate the client’s views into the design, and then advise them if something is not consistent with the theme. It’s a team effort.” What Mike loved most about this particular project was that “the owners picked exactly what they wanted with absolute disregard for anyone else’s thought. They let us counsel them, they asked questions, but some of the things in the home are so different—like the navy blue, the two different granites, the copper. But they knew exactly what they wanted, and it worked.” Mike is confident that his company is flourishing because, he says, “We have the time.” His decision to keep the customer first—quality over quantity—is evident.

Where are the stairs? One thing that is not noticeable in the pictures are the stairs. How do the owners get up to the loft? “The stairs are tucked right behind the wall in the kitchen,” Mike explains. “We do that for two reasons: It’s easily accessible from the garage and tucked out of sight, so you’re not just staring at some stairs. Also, the stairs double back, and you get a huge pantry where you can put lots of food and any other materials.” The pantry is located behind the stove hood, on the other side of the wall; it extends all the way to the end of the white cabinet. Creating a U-shape, the stairs sit on top of the pantry. “The top part of the U is behind the wall with the hood, so the pantry is underneath it. It slopes as you go further in, but you can stand up in it for almost the entire length. There is a landing in the middle, and then it comes down just to the right.” The hidden staircase in this contemporary coastal home is a clever design that adds mystery and intrigue. Explains Bill, “It wasn’t necessary to bring the stairs into the formal part of the home, by the front entry in this case. I thought it worked well to keep them secluded. Then people ask, ‘Where are the stairs?’ It makes it a little intriguing, and that’s good. Then you’re getting involved with the space.” The wood works The owners wanted live-edge wood as a barn door. Mike’s wood supplier, who has markets in South America, sent pictures of different slabs of wood along with measurements. The final decision was Angelim Pedra, a dense, durable hardwood native to Brazil that is known for having various unique stripes, including tan, yellow and even dark red and brown. The wood’s Design + Decor

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The 1,000 pound granite bathtub is reminiscent of a coconut shell.

distinctive dark streaks make it desirable and eye-catching. The slab is “a few hundred pounds,” Mikes notes. “We had to reinforce the wall to make sure the track didn’t fall out.” Because the door is so heavy, he also had to consider how the door closes. “You can’t really slam it too hard,” he says. “It catches on some springs, and extends.” Mike worked with Chris Hendrickson from EJH Cabinetry on the barn door. “To not take away from the beauty of the wood, we just did a clear finish,” says Chris, “so you could still see all the wood grain and texture.” The barn door is not the only unique wood in the home. Underneath the wine area, against the wall, lies 200-year-old reclaimed barn wood from the same wood supplier as the barn door. Also, the bell-style stove hood was custom-built in Chris’ shop. It is blue-painted wood with hammered copper over a wood substrate. Although the bell style is popular, the blue and copper make it one-of-a-kind. All the different woods add a contrast that distinguishes every room. “The light wood-grain tone throughout the TV area ties everything together in that area,” Chris says. “The kitchen is the kitchen; before you start making the living room or the dining room feel the same as the kitchen, you do different tones—that really breaks it up.” Contrasts that flow Upon entering the house, visitors are entertained by the eclectic pieces and design. The copper ceiling fan in the family room, the red chairs, the lounges, the navy blue, the textured gray Design + Decor

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wall—there is so much to behold. The copper is such a contrast from the typical stainless steel, and, with its reddish hue, fits well with the red furniture. The owners also chose various woods throughout the house. Each room has its own unmistakable flavor, but there is consistency and flow throughout the house—contrasts that flow. The deep color of the bathtub against the silver travertine flooring in the bathroom; the copper detailing in the fan, sink, stove hood and front entry; the wood trims and reclaimed wood—all these contrast,

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but they outline the house perfectly. “I give the owners all the credit for that because they are creative,” Mike says. “This home is a mix of art, modern and contemporary.” The simple technologies Mike’s greatest passion is building homes that people love, and making their lives more comfortable. “When building a house with us, you get the house, the landscaping, the driveway,” he says. “It is finished and ready to move in

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Mike is helping his clients avoid the annoyance of slow Wi-Fi by giving ethernet connections to as many devices as possible. “Everything works in a central panel, whether it be in a closet or in some kind of a space where it doesn’t take up usable space. That allows you to have your cable modem and router together, with maybe a network switch. Depending on the size of the router, if you have enough ports, you can essentially just plug in every single outlet. If you have a printer, you can just plug it in the wall, and you have Internet, plug in the computer—same thing,” he explains. Marco Custom Builders, WHL Architects and EJH Cabinetry all speak well of each other. Their harmonious work effort shows in the beautiful product—the home they built and designed together. The secrets to building a client’s dream are listening to clients, putting the clients wants first, and working with a professional team. Doing just that, Marco Custom Builders will be in business for years to come.

Resources: Builder Marco Custom Builders Mike Roller PO Box 369 Marco Island, FL 34146 239.595.9020 marcocustombuilders.com Architect WHL Architects 1100 Fieldstone Court Marco Island, FL 34145 239.784.8065 whlarchitect.com Interior Design Norris Home Furnishings Keve Butterfield 5015 Tamiami Trail N #2802 Naples FL 34103 239.300.1122 norrisfurniture.com Kitchen Design EJH Cabinetry 939 Windward Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 239.394.6363 ejhcabinets.com when we’re done.” He also adds—at a minimum—basic technology into every home. In this particular residence, Mike provided basic wiring that allows the homeowners to connect to ethernet in their wall outlets. “With our network wiring, I run an ethernet cable to every single TV,” he says. “If you are hanging your TV and want to have your cable provider come in, they can literally plug their box right in—if it’s an Internet-based one—so the owners are immediately connected to Wi-Fi.”

Wood Flooring Real Wood Floors Gaby Saad 2013 Trade Center Way Naples FL 34109 239.470.5827 realwoodfloors.com

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CREATIVE CONTEMPORARY When a prime corner location required a substantial new build, Stofft Cooney Architects executed a study in geometry. Story by Drew Limsky | Photography by Matt Steeves

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1. This sprawling, modern spec home designed by Stofft Cooney moves away from the usual Naples aesthetic.

“T

h i s h o m e w a s an opportunity to do something different, step out of the box,” says John Cooney, principal (with Randall Stofft) of Stofft Cooney Architects. With offices in Naples, Delray and Sarasota, and projects that span the state—from Miami to Melbourne and from Fort Myers to North Key Largo—John is an expert on Florida’s entire vernacular. “Most developers will take the safe route and do a tropical style, like Old Florida, Bermuda or British West Indies,” he says. But in Limitless Development—with father-and-son team Mark and Dante DiSabato at the helm—John found a partner willing to push the envelope in a more design-forward direction. The DiSabatos, who had worked with John before, approached the architect to design a spec house, a high-profile property set on a conspicuous corner lot at Gulfshore Boulevard and Third Street. “ They wanted something striking and one-of-a kind,” John recalls. On the market

What resulted was a modern-contemporary statement home, and an ample one at that: 5,896 square feet under air, and a sprawling 7,953 gross square feet. With Dante DiSabato handling the sale of the property through William Raveis Real Estate, the home is on the market for $8,975,000. John says he expects a more discerning buyer to gravitate to the property. Indeed, it is an assertive homeowner who will be drawn to something so commanding—and fiercely geometric, with its proud angles and asymmetry. The home boasts an exterior of smooth white stucco and gray limestone, with a flat concrete tile roof; accents were added in the form of bronze, louvers and aluminum siding. Dante sees the home’s boldness as a selling point. “ This is really a new direction for the Naples aesthetic,” says the younger DiSabato. “It’s dynamic and dramatic while being grounded in its surroundings. From every angle, this feels and lives like a dream house. It is your own resort just steps from the beach. When I think Naples, this is exactly the type of house that defines the Naples lifestyle.” Design + Decor

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The staircase—a mono stringer with a glass rail—is a standout in the living area.

North to south While Randall Stofft founded his firm in the mid-1980s, John Cooney signed on in 1992 and became a partner in 1999. Born and raised in East Hampton, Long Island, NY, John was steeped in the beachside aesthetic from childhood. “I was immersed in the lifestyle,” he says. “I grew up as a lifeguard on the beaches there, took runs and walks on the beach, and admired the architecture the Hamptons is known for.” As he became conversant with the work of the East End’s well-known architects, a realization took hold: “I knew I wanted to go to 98

architecture school. That was the impetus for my career.” John trained at Kent State’s School of Architecture and Environmental Design in Ohio. “ The Hamptons have influenced my work, though not in this particular home,” he says. “My goal was to create a neutral palette. The modern component was going to be striking, with neutral tones to soften it. We wanted a warm, cozy feeling with a modern backdrop.” Dante agrees: “It’s contemporary without being cold, transitional without clinging to the past.”

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Limitless Development, helmed by Mark and Dante DiSabato, wanted a striking indoor-outdoor approach to push the envelope.

Resort living “ The developer wanted to create a private resort,” John says. To that end, the home celebrates the great outdoors with an infinity pool featuring a swim-up bar, motorized louver canopies, a fire pit, and trellis work over the barbecue and the outdoor dining pavilion. “When you’re dining,” John says, “ water cascades over the infinity edge down toward the deck. It has the feel of a resort amenity package.” Architectural Landscape Design, a frequent Stofft Cooney collaborator, was responsible for the pool. Texture abounds, with shell-stone decking and a durable synthetic material Design + Decor

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Clive Daniel Home provided the earth-toned dĂŠcor.

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that mimics ipe or teak. John notes that landscape architecture can be really tricky. “If you’re not careful, you can end up with a lot of hardscape that appears cold and commercial,” he says. “But the landscape architect did a wonderful job by incorporating grass pavers in the driveway, as well as stepping stones and water features. That goes a long way to soften up the site.” A few exterior choices deliver a sense of surprise, such as artificial turf on the second-story terrace and whimsical downspouts. “We thought it would be fun to use rain chains as architectural elements,” he says.

Mike Assaad of Waterside Builders was the general contractor, and installed the kitchen cabinetry and granite countertops.

Living space “ Though the exterior is clearly beautiful, the magic really takes place inside, where its livability shines,” Dante says. “It’s designed to be comfortable whether it’s just you and the family or you entertaining dozens of guests.” John explains that the kitchen/great room was designed as open entertainment space that leads to an exterior pool deck on one side, and the study and the dining room on the other. Bisecting the plan, and lending the two sides privacy, is the attention-grabbing staircase with a glass railing. “Keeping in mind the contemporary architecture, the staircase is a mono stringer with cantilever wood trim,” the architect says. “Glass railings accentuate the modernism of the stairs.” He notes that the floating stairs required “structural gymnastics,” but ultimately was not a challenge. For the flooring, John chose an engineered wood in driftwood gray. Above and beyond Both upstairs and down, the home’s ceilings represent a key part of the design. In some places, they are seamless; in others, sculptural. “In the ceiling, it’s very important to maintain the clean, modern lines,” John says. “We used a lot of drywall ceilings with recessed LED lights and linear spot diffusers, which are trim-less. The end result is a single slot, with no metal around them.” He notes that discreet diffusers have come a long way: “We’ve been hiding the diffusers for about 15 or 20 years, but in the past, the HVAC wasn’t available in variable speeds so the slots would whistle. Now with variable speeds, we have more control.” In several places, the ceilings have been shaped for maximum visual impact, such as above the stairwell. Here, the eye is immediately captivated by a series of floating trays with LED lighting at each step. In the master bedroom, the dropped ceiling is likewise notable. “What’s unconventional about it is that it’s a double-stepped tray Design + Decor

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The resort aesthetic is enhanced by a roof deck with sunset views.

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The master bedroom boasts a fireplace wall with an embedded TV, and innovative interior architecture— such as a double-stepped tray in a floating ceiling.

in a floating ceiling,” John says. The ceiling is also technologically impressive. “ The lights, diffusers, speakers and motorized blinds are all incorporated into the ceiling.”

“We wanted to get an abundance of light into the room, so the clerestory windows are an effective way to bring in the light while preserving privacy. It also allows for a nice bed wall.”

Unexpectedly, the master bedroom boasts clerestory windows. “Since this is a corner lot, there are two front yards, two front elevations and basically two side elevations that are fairly close to the adjacent property line,” the architect says.

In the details For Mike Assaad, whose Naples-based Waterside Builders was the general contractor, the details make the home successful. “It was more on the contemporary side than what we usu-

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ally do,” he says of the home. “ There’s a lot of delicate tile work and ceiling detail and stairs. There were a lot of moving parts in that house, and we’re very glad about how it turned out.” Mike recalls that the ceilings and baseboard details took up the most time. “ There were elaborate automation systems, miles of cabinetry and granite tops, which are very impressive. The material selections were excellent. Coordinating all that in a finite amount of space was the biggest challenge.”

John observes that teamwork was required to strike the right balance for such a significant home. “We work really closely with the developers and the interior designer, because whenever you do a spec home, you have to deliver certain amenities that a home at this price point deserves,” he says. “You don’t want to get too gimmicky, which sometimes happens when you’re trying to showcase sexy materials.” He says that the master bedroom is a good example: “ There’s a fireplace Design + Decor

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with a TV above it, intricate ceiling design and an exquisite flooring material. We’re combining a lot here, but the elements need to complement each other and not be considered overdone. That’s the key to a successful spec home— to deliver all that without getting too ornate.” Clive Daniel Home provided the décor, with its serene grays, creams and shades of mocha. “ The developer is really pleased with the outcome,” John says of the project, which took two years to complete. “It’s avant-garde as far as a spec home goes, but exactly what we all envisioned. And Waterside Builders did a great job in bringing to all to life.” Given his Hamptons upbringing, John is keen to nudge Naples into the forefront of luxury architecture. This project would count as Exhibit A. “California, Florida and New York are the three leading states in the country for architecture,” he says, adding that he goes back to Long Island once or twice a year (“I’m always keeping an eye on the architecture”). Trends start in the cities, he notes. Naples follows. But the expansive, assertive home he saw to fruition on Gulfshore Boulevard looks like a leader. Design + Decor

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The infinity pool is lined with shellstone and a synthetic deck that evokes teak or ipe.

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Cooney went to work creating two pavilions with motorized canopies for the outdoor kitchen and dining room.

Resources: Architect Stofft Cooney Architects 633 Ninth Street North, Suite 300 Naples, FL 34102 239.262.7677 stofft.com

Landscape Design Architectural Land Design, Inc. 2780 South Horseshoe Drive, Suite 5 Naples, FL 34104 239.430.1661 aldinc.net

Developer Limitless Development 1556 Marsh Wren Lane Naples, FL 34105 239.571.6275 limitlessdevelopmentfl.com

Interior Design Clive Daniel Home 2777 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34103 239.261.4663 clivedaniel.com

Contractor Waterside Builders 1400 Gulfshore Boulevard North Suite 106 Naples, FL 34102 239.430.3883 watersidebuildersinc.com

Flooring Real Wood Floors Gaby Saad 2013 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 239.592.4572 realwoodfloors.com Design + Decor

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PROFILE

THE SWEET ART GALLERY

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Dede Sweet and Artist Al Razza

ithin Naples Art District is a gallery that specializes in fine contemporary artwork by artists who have honed their craft. Sweet Art Gallery offers styles such as abstract, expressionism, and contemporary realism in bold colors and a high level of quality that owner Dede Sweet has been quick to recognize. After all, she was once a professional artist herself. She’s an ardent believer in encouraging and celebrating rare talent. “My father always said you should always hire people that can do it better than you.” Dede’s drive forms the basis of Sweet Art Gallery, and it’s a drive that began as a child. She has always been infatuated with art people chose for their homes. “Even at Christmas time while everyone was looking at all the decorations, at the roof, the Santas, the lights, I was looking through the living room window to see what they had over their couch. I’ve always been that one person that wants to see how rooms are and who decorated them. And as soon as I could afford my own magazines, they were only the best. I’d shred them, rip them, tear them, and put fantasy rooms together that always included art. It was a no brainer where I was going to head.” Her talent for art collecting was recognized as soon as she moved to Naples. One day she was offloading her art and an interior designer saw her work. “She said ‘I need some of those for a model house.’ And that’s how I got started…” Since 2005, Sweet Art Gallery has grown into a 14,000 square foot showroom. She pairs her collection with the Clive Daniels furniture store so customers get the full experience. “It really works. You can visualize and see how everything looks together.” In addition, her gallery allows clients to take work home to test for a few days as well as offers framing and installation services. “It’s a win, win, win,” says Dede.

The showroom features work by over 40 artists. “The majority of them have masters in fine arts and have paid their dues…They have submitted artwork to museums since the 1950s and a lot of them have had their own solo shows.” Most of Dede’s clients have a shared love and appreciation for quality art and her gallery is there to ensure clients choose pieces that work with their homes. “A lot of Naples and Southwest Florida residents have unbelievable collections. The last thing you want to do is put something in there that’s not qualified to hang next to what they already collected… It’s about the right pieces.” And for Naples, bold and contemporary art is a clear choice. “Here in Naples people have second homes and come to have fun, vacation, golf, and relax…. If you’re looking at the beach, sunrise, sunsets, and colors you live with, we need to embrace that color. Good color brings good emotions. You want a house that makes you feel like you’re alive. You want rooms that come to life. You want something other than “blah”. And that’s why you come to Sweet Art Gallery.” Resource: The Sweet Art Gallery Dede Sweet 2100-A Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 239.597.2110 thesweetartgallery.com

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PROFILE

Naples Tables 2020

heers to 2 years! All eyes will be on Naples Tables, Celebrate 2020 with Panache! presented by The League Club on March 2nd, 2020, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Naples. The event is a highly anticipated encore performance to the sold-out 2019 debut of the stunningly beautiful Naples Tables, Celebrating Style, Food and Fun. An impressive cast of interior designers, florists, event planners, local nonprofits and shops will dazzle guests once again by showcasing 60 unique and beautiful professionally designed tables created especially for the event. Design + Decor magazine was invited to participate in the inaugural launch of the event as a Design Partner sponsor and will generously return in 2020 with several designers on the Design + Decor 2019 Top 25 Design Firms list contributing their talents to this annual feast for the eyes. When the doors open at 10:30 a.m. guests will mingle with friends, view the fabulous tables and meet the designers who created them. Each designer who participates in Naples Tables will be able to showcase their creativity to over 600 luncheon guests and speak about potential new business opportunities. A Naples Tables Resource Book describing each of the designers will go home with each guest for future reference. At noon, guests will be seated at one of the beautiful tables to enjoy a delicious luncheon created by the Ritz-Carlton chefs. Since Naples Tables is all about Celebrating 2020 with Panache! keynote speakers and best friends Alex Papachristidis, internationally known tastemaker and interior designer and lifestyle commentator Susanna Salk, host of the Quintessence blog video series “At Home With” are the perfect duo

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to bring their entertaining flair to the luncheon. Alex believes one must “Eat, drink, be merry and live everyday with elegance!” The late Mario Buatta called Alex “one of today’s eminent tastemakers.” Internationally known interior designer, Alex Papachristidis, has been honored with appointment to the AD100 List, Elle Décor Top 100 List and Salonniere 100. Susanna Salk is a best-selling designer, stager, stylist and author who says “My goal is to always give design a voice.” The speakers will exchange lively banter on the art of entertaining guests with personal tips, pictures and stories. The League Club annually hosts one major fundraiser for its Community Trust Fund from which grants are distributed to strengthen communities in Collier and Lee counties through a carefully vetted process. The 2019 fundraising luncheon raised a record $420,000 benefitting The Community Trust Fund that has distributed over $4.5 million in grants over the last 33 years to deserving local nonprofits supporting the environment, education, children and families. The League Club is a 501(c)3 organization of women is Southwest Florida strengthening communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism and philanthropy. The League is open to women who have been or still are a member of a Junior League that is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International. The League Club leagueclub.org Instagram #NaplesTables

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