Flip this over to enjoy the September/October issue of Orange Appeal!
32 LAKESIDE LUXE
Many prestigious neighborhoods were developed decades ago. While homeowners might love their neighborhoods and properties, many desire to update these aging homes. Their wish list? Create a space that is more open and suitable for their taste and lifestyle. Farina & Sons received the call to do just that for a family in Isleworth — completely renovating the home and maximizing the expansive views of the Butler Chain of Lakes.
38 WARM CONTEMPORARY
It is no wonder The Vereena, a 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home, is an award winner — it encompasses a plethora of high-quality features including a dramatic ceiling plan, innovative lighting, custom cabinetry, custom-designed furniture, skillful use of finishes, seamless indoor-outdoor living and multiple fire features. The project was recently recognized with two Grand Awards.
44 DRAMATIC DETAILS
Updating a house with good bones and elevating it to the next level was the task designer Audrey Morrone willingly took on for her clients who had purchased a large home on Maitland’s Lake Sybelia. Adding details like wainscoting, wallpaper, faux paint, sculptural lighting and textured furnishings kept the neutral palette interesting.
cover: Primary bath designed by Rob Turner, CRT Studio Interiors, and built by Chris Salhab, Valdara Custom Homes. Photographed by UNEEK. Article on page 38.
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
MICHAEL SCOTT PHOTO
UNEEK
FIRST LOOK
Founded as a tribute to Bali, Plumeria Decor & Design in Maitland features a large selection of furniture and décor that represents natural elements and skilled craftsmanship. 8 TRENDS
Human-centric lighting is the next big thing in home design as consumers focus on quality of life in the built environment.
Cathy Sands, Blue Daze Designs, is known for attentiongetting spaces and in this completely remodeled primary bedroom and bathroom suite she employed her aesthetic
for maximum results. Designer Shane Kennedy, a partner in Prestige Florida Property Investments, completely renovated a luxury, lakefront home, just over 11,000 square feet, in Maitland that sold for a record $10.3 million.
22 EYE ON ARTS
A roundup of fall arts exhiibitions from the Mennello Museum of America Art, Orlando Museum of Art, Snap! Orlando and the Rollins Museum of Art.
Designers showcase their work and discuss the details and inspirations behind these stunning spaces.
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Robert Ashby
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natural elements
Founded as a tribute to Bali, Plumeria Decor & Design in Maitland features a large selection of furniture and décor that represents natural elements and skilled craftsmanship. Irem Utas¸, a passionate interior designer with a vision rooted in simplicity, timelessness, and a deep appreciation for nature was inspired by her transformative trip to Bali. In addition to design services, the showroom offers a variety of housewares, lamps, rugs, baskets, lamps, chairs, tables, cushions and throws. plumeriadd.com
LIGHTING for a SENSE of STYLE and WELL-BEING
by Karen LeBlanc
The National Kitchen and Bath Association says human-centric lighting is the next big thing in home design as consumers focus on quality of life in the built environment.
Human-centric lighting, or HCL, is in sync with our circadian rhythms, the physiological response to the day-night cycle. HCL works by creating bright, energizing light to start the day and transitioning to warm, calming light at dusk. LED technology makes HCL possible while offering more lighting design possibilities for the home.
“LED has expanded the aesthetic for modern pendant and chandelier lighting, introducing shapes, curves and configurations never before available,” says Annette DePaepe, Senior Interior Designer at Phil
Kean Design Group. “Look to LED for the highest quality of light and color options to accentuate your home and the desired level of warmth or brightness.”
“I think the latest trend is consumer awareness of how valuable the correct lighting choices are for a home or office,” adds Eric Horner, Eric Horner Interiors.
Finding the right light for the style, scale and function of a space takes into account shape, size, bulb color temperature, materials, and fixture configurations. Experts say the sleek silhouettes of linear fixtures and configurations are popular design choices because they max-
imize illumination. “Linear designs often have additional layers of height and width for visual interest,” Eric notes. Linear configurations also disperse consistent lighting, making them popular for over-thecounter lighting and long dining tables.
“Multi-point pendants are having a large impact on design today because we can combine many pendants to create the feeling of an aura of light within a volume of space. This concept is particularly suited to open two-story spaces or tall ceilings,” Annette says. Phil Kean Design Group also
Above: Phil Kean Design Group
uses flush-install LED strips in interior and exterior applications. “The outdoor-rated LED strips can be made in any shape, including curved configurations,” she adds.
New places and spaces shining a light on design include guest rooms, laundry rooms and utility spaces. “Secondary spaces have become an opportunity to express aesthetic and cohesive design by selecting lighting that seamlessly ties the entire
space together. In the past, these tiers of rooms often came last in terms of budget, available funds, timeline and efforts. We’ve re-thought that equation, which brings a higher value to the entire project,” Eric explains.
Mixed metals and natural materials define the latest lighting looks, which range from mid-century modern to Grand Millenial aesthetics and updated iconic silhouettes. “There’s still a lot of bling that our Florida homes want to have, but with a very modern flair — not your grandma’s traditional chandelier, but sleek contemporary styles with integrated LED light sources and eye-popping designs,” says Wendy Rensenhouse, a designer with Lightstyle of Orlando. “There is also a revisiting of some iconic traditional lighting styles but with an updated modern aesthetic.”
All fixtures this page Savoy House available at Lightstyle of Orlando.
Eric sees the return of several classic elements, including crystal and stone mixed with iron or metal, and artist-driven, custom-made lighting. “What’s not in style are fixtures that do not fit or complement the interior’s overall aesthetic or the space’s architectural integrity. Keeping a fixture because you loved it in a former space is very out,” Eric explains.
Wendy sees black finishes as popular picks in mixed-metal combinations with gold, chrome or brushed nickel. Gold is a consumer favorite that combines well with natural materials. “Gold offers a wide range of finishes including burnished brass, antique gold, gold leaf, soft gold, matte gold and champagne gold,” she says. Wendy suggests pairing gold with organic materials such as raffia, natural abaca, vintage natural wicker, rattan, grasscloth and wood. “The natural/organic aesthetic adds texture and a beautiful neutral color palette that works so well in our Florida home,” she continues.
Phil Kean Design Group sees mixed metals with matte black and honey brass as dominant choices for fixture finishes.
Keeping track of evolving trends and technology in lighting works to transform
the look and experience of a living space. Experts say illumination for a greater sense of well-being and the ideal ambiance requires a combination of personal taste and professional knowledge.
“Selecting lighting can be overwhelming, especially when so many lighting options are available. I recommend that the homeowner bring photos of the rooms and spaces they want to illuminate, as well as room dimensions and ceiling heights. They can also share images of preferred lighting styles. A qualified lighting specialist should be asking for this information to help you navigate your lighting project,” Wendy says.
“A specific lighting fixture can singlehandedly enhance the room to the next level and bring a greater value to the client in the project’s overall investment,” Eric notes.
KAREN LEBLANC IS HOST OF THE DESIGN TOURIST SERIES. SHE TRAVELS THE GLOBE ATTENDING SOME OF THE WORLD’S PREMIERE DESIGN EVENTS IN SEARCH OF THE LATEST TRENDS, TASTEMAKERS AND UNIQUE FINDS. LEARN MORE AT THEDESIGNTOURIST.COM
Savoy House fixture available at Lightstyle of Orlando.
Hudson Valley fixture available at Lightstyle of Orlando.
designingMINDS
BOLD+COLOR+FUNCTION=
Photography by Steven Miller
Cathy Sands, Blue Daze Designs, is known for attention-getting spaces and in this completely remodeled primary bedroom and bathroom suite, she employed her aesthetic for maximum results.
“It was a complete rework of space. Where the shower is now was a daybed alcove. There were two tiny vanities and a small shower area with no tub. The whole section was gutted. The client told us she wanted her bedroom to be a cave — dark, dramatic and rich with no pictures of her child. It was to be her grown-up space,” Cathy says.
DESIGN DETAILS INCLUDE:
THE CENTERPIECE:
A showstopping floor-to-ceiling, blue-tiled fireplace in a herringbone pattern.
UNEXPECTED MODERNITY:
Custom olive-green paneled headboard paired with natural pendant lights and accented with seagrass wallpaper.
VIBRANT ACCENTS: Blush swivel chairs, playful decorative elements and eye-popping art.
WOW
designingMINDS
DREAM CLOSET: Custom walk-in with integrated lighting and tailored storage solutions in an elegant, glam space.
SPA-LIKE BATHROOM: Fully remodeled with a wet room, freestanding bathtub, and bold tile work with gold fixtures.
“I find that people are very afraid of color, but once they have it, they absolutely love it. I would keep in mind what colors you like to wear because that shows an indication of what you feel good in. She is very fashion forward, has her own style, and
we could take inspiration from that. She very much gave us leeway but shared her needs. We showed her creative solutions to the needs. I always want to collaborate with the client,” Cathy explains.
designingMINDS
epitome of elegance
My vision for this home was to blend new technology and contemporary craftsmanship with the traditional stately look and feel of the home. My focus was to bring warmth into the space throughout and at the same time create a sleek design that would stand the test of time,” Shane says.
Designer Shane Kennedy, a partner in Prestige Florida Property Investments, completely renovated a luxury, lakefront home, just over 11,000 square feet, in Maitland that sold for a record $10,300,000. The multi-million-dollar project, which took nearly one year to finish, features classic luxury finishes with modern technology to create a home that is highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.
He was able to accomplish this by incorporating state-of-theart home automation systems, high-end finishes and eco-friendly amenities, creating a timeless design that stands apart from fleeting trends. The property features exquisite details you would expect in a home of this caliber such as marble flooring, bespoke cabinetry and stunning Italian chandeliers, all meticulously selected to embody both elegance and functionality.
Long-time commercial developer and partner at Prestige
Florida Property Investments Alex Reece praised the project. “Collaborating with Shane has been a remarkable journey. His talent for integrating luxurious elements with advanced technology has truly set a new standard in home design. Remodeling and designing a $10 million home can be a highstakes endeavor, as there is always uncertainty about whether the buyer will appreciate the overall design. In this case, we had multiple interested buyers which speaks volumes about Shane’s design acumen,” he comments.
Shane shared more insights into the massive undertaking.
Interior Appeal: What was so special about this project?
Shane Kennedy: This project was particularly special to me because it marked my first design venture outside of the Windermere
designingMINDS
area. It was a thrilling opportunity to bring my vision to life in Maitland. The challenge of creating something that resonated with a new customer base was both exciting and inspiring. I saw it as a chance to introduce my design philosophy to a broader audience and demonstrate how luxurious, thoughtful design can enhance the unique character of Maitland-Winter Park homes.
IA: How does it reflect your approach to design?
SK: My design philosophy centers on transforming spaces to their fullest potential. My goal with this home was to completely reimagine its layout and aesthetic, opening up the space to create a more fluid, modern living environment. By incorporating state-of-the-art features and replacing everything from the ground up, I was able to transition the home to the look and feel of a brand-new build. Every element was carefully selected to enhance the home's functionality while adding a contemporary elegance that feels both fresh and timeless.
IA: Did you envision a particular buyer(s) when designing?
SK: I didn’t have a specific buyer in mind when designing this home. Instead, I focused on creating a space that would appeal to a broad spectrum of potential buyers.
IA: What were the most interesting details?
SK: Some of the most interesting features of this home include the expansive kitchen, the walk-in glass wine cellar, and the massive walk-in closets. The Italian chandeliers add a touch of elegance, while the exterior fountains create a peaceful ambiance. The intricate woodwork throughout the house ties everything together, giving the home a unique and luxurious feel.
IA: Where do you think home design is going?
SK: I see home design continuing to embrace modern features, with a strong focus on maximizing every aspect of the square footage through smart design. Homes are becoming more efficient and functional, integrating technology in ways that make living more comfortable and personalized.
Fall Exhibitions
The Rollins Museum of Art looks forward to opening its fall season on Saturday, September 14, notably welcoming the traveling exhibition, Nostalgia for My Island, from Museo de Arte de Ponce, which features 20 paintings by Puerto Rican artists. This season also marks an important moment as RMA adds bilingual didactics to exhibitions providing broader accessibility to visitors. Other shows include one dedicated to portrait paintings, one addressing climate change, and a couple continuing through from the spring season. The rotating exhibition What’s New will this time feature a recent acquisition by Jeffrey Gibson (representing the U.S. at the Venice Biennale). rollins.edu/rma/exhibitions/
Notions of culture, beauty and perception collide at Snap! Orlando’s Le SALON 2024, an annual showcase of international and regional artists. The exhibition provides viewers with a unique opportunity to revisit past exhibitions while discovering new works.
Le SALON 2024 highlights an array of mediums, styles and artistic subjects, and Snap! will be offering art consultations and procurement options for a variety of clients. Featuring the works of Mark Gmehling, Luis Lazo, Martin Stranka, Tratos, Chris Robb, Annie Scull, Derek Gores, Jacob Bailes, James Hand, Aunia Kahn, Andy Stur, Janessa Douds, Jordan Burchill, Theresa Lucey, Ericka Sobrack, and Nicholas Kalemba. The exhibition is on view through November 23. snaporlando.com
Sally Michel: Abstracting Tonalism at Mennello Museum of American Art is the first museum retrospective in more than 20 years of Sally Michel’s Modernist landscapes and figurations from the 1930s – 1990s, long overlooked in traditional Art Historical discourse. Michel’s modern use of simplified color and line ensured that
the mood and atmosphere of her own personal moments could be universally understood as the Tonalists before her — especially the paintings of Florida, which radiate with soft pastels that recall mid-century beachside motels, glow with neon sunsets, and diverge with the stark tones the sun brings to a landscape after late-afternoon rain.
A panel discussion featuring Katherine Page, Mennello Museum of American Art Curator, Eleanor Heartney, art critic, and Sean Cavanaugh, artist and grandson of Sally Michel on Thursday, September 21 from 1-2pm will kick off this exhibition on view through January 12, 2025. mennellomusuem.org
The Orlando Museum of Art will present four exciting exhibitions this fall. Experience the nostalgia of Litte Golden Books with more than 60 masterpieces of original illustrations from the Random House archives during Golden Legacy: 80 Years of Golden Books. Torn Apart: Punk + New Wave Graphics, Fashion and Culture, 1976-86 brings together for the first time Andrew Krivine’s extensive collection. PUSH: J. Grant Brittain 80’s Skateboarding Photography showcases the iconic photographer who is revered by skateboarders around the world. Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues and Soul grants viewers an all-access pass to some of the most memorable performances in popular music history.
A Fall Season Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 20; a Lecture Panel & Book Signing on Saturday, September 21; PUSH: Slideshow, Q&A and Book Signing on Sunday, September 25; and 100 Years of Art, The Gala on Saturday, September 28. For tickets or additional information, visit omart.org.
Area designers share details about some of their favorite rooms.
FOYER
Elegance and simplicity define this warm, modernist entry hall that leads into the spacious three-level home. Custom details in glass, metal and exotic woods are enhanced by the indirect and decorative lighting lending a sense of luxury to the space.
ROB TURNER, CRT STUDIO INTERIORS
Photo by UNEEK
ROOM by ROOM
DINING ROOM
There’s nothing better than a large round table to entertain. Everyone is part of the conversation. This dining room features a custom 84" round table with French dining chairs each covered in a different Fortuny fabric. The large glass chandelier creates the perfect ambiance for both day and night.
ABIGAIL RIZOR, WOLFE-RIZOR INTERIORS
ROOM by ROOM
KITCHEN
A water leak prompted this homeowner to embark on a major kitchen remodel, transforming the space from closed and confined to open and expansive. By removing load-bearing walls, the kitchen is now larger and seamlessly connects to the family room. The renovation also features custom cabinetry, new wood flooring and professional-grade appliances, elevating both style and functionality.
CAROL TWOMEY, S&W KITCHENS, WINTER PARK
Photo by Rickie Agapito
OUTDOOR LIVING AREA
After a complete renovation, we transformed this outdoor living area with new surfaces on the ceiling, walls and floors creating a beautiful yet natural environment. The furnishings were updated to the epitome of comfort while maintaining a stylish look conducive to entertaining and family relaxation time.
ERIC HORNER, ERIC HORNER INTERIORS
LAKESIDE LUXE
ARCHITECT: MARK NASRALLAH, NASRALLAH ARCHITECTURAL GROUP
BUILDER: VICTOR FARINA AND MACKENZIE BAKER, FARINA & SONS, INC.
INTERIOR DESIGN: ANGELA BROOKS, BROOKS DESIGN STUDIO
LANDSCAPE: SCOTT REDMON, REDMON DESIGN COMPANY
PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL SCOTT PHOTO
Many prestigious neighborhoods were developed decades ago. While homeowners might love their neighborhoods and properties, many desire to update these aging homes. Their wish list? Create a space that is more open and suitable for their taste and lifestyle.
Farina & Sons received the call to do just that for a family in Isleworth — completely renovating the home and maximizing the expansive views of the Butler Chain of Lakes.
(Left): The spacious, open kitchen was designed with plenty of storage and beautiful details such as the brass clad vent hood and hardware.
(Above): A climate-controlled wine room is dramatically covered in marble with brass accents.
Although the home was structurally sound, it was gutted down to the studs to make all the needed and wanted updates. Square footage was added to the first floor primary wing, allowing space for an exercise area, expanded bath and double closets. The floor plan was re-worked in the kitchen and living areas creating better flow and views. Upstairs, the the roof line was lifted so an extra space could become an additional bedroom suite.
(This page): Another angle of the kitchen shows the fully equipped prep kitchen and back staircase. The rift-cut white oak walls in the dining room amplify the room’s height while providing hidden storage.
(Opposite): Subtle hues in the living area don’t compete with the outside views while the furnishings, lighting and art keep it interesting. Under the curved staircase a grand piano is right at home. The large mud/laundry room conceals all the necessities and there is still room for four machines.
As for the process and timeline for the approximately 9,000-square-foot, six bedroom, six and a half bath project, Victor says, “We introduced them to architect Mark Nasrallah and designer Angie Brooks, and developing the plans took about seven months. It was about an 18-month build time. We did a lot of add-ons including the front entryway — it was a real engineering challenge. By extending the height of the one upstairs bedroom, it can now function as an in-law suite.”
Today there are more and more engineering, structural and technology com-
ponents than ever before including, in this home, the installation of steel I-beams to support columns and walls that were taken out. Everything from the roofing insulation, plumbing, wiring, AC units and windows were replaced. The Loewen impact-rated glass windows cut out UV rays from coming in and also provide soundproofing — especially helpful when boats are speeding by.
“The technology and smart house wiring for security and AV needs is more than ever. We are required to do LED lighting now and you will see the low-voltage LED
(Below): The primary bath has marble countertops with a leathered finish and hidden storage, 12' shower in polished marble with body jets, and solid brass hardware from Joseph Giles.
(Left): One of two closets in the main suite with a boutique-style ambiance and Polyform wardrobes.
lighting in the tray and coffered ceilings, bookshelves and stair treads. All this discretionary lighting sets the tone for the overall ambiance of the home. It makes it much more inviting and elegant,” he explains.
The front elevation with a new drive and fresh landscaping leads up to the clean-lined, limestone-clad facade and massive 10' steel front doors from Italy that open to reveal a front-to-back sight line to the water. To the right is a stunning, sculptural staircase featuring waterfall stairs encased in curved drywall with an iron railing and LED lighting. To accentuate the two-story opening with walls covered in rift-cut white oak, a large Cameron Design House (based on London) chandelier spirals down as a piece of art.
In addition to opening up the living area, floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of light and the opportunity to really take in the outdoors. The Euro-designed kitchen is replete with custom white oak cabinetry and brass-covered vent hood. But there is also a fully equipped, and equally beautiful, prep kitchen that has a large window.
Outside the covered lanai was refreshed and is multi-functional for entertaining or everyday living. An attached private office provides a quiet spot to work with sensational views. The new, large pool with sun shelf and concrete loungers, marked lap lane and spa for 10 makes relaxing easy.
Not only do the owners love this home, but judges agree as it earned the 2024 Parade of Homes Grand Award for a remodel.
The lanai with raised beams, fireplace, and summer kitchen is a true living room with all the amenities you would find indoors.
warm CONTEMPORARY
It is no wonder The Vereena, a 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home, is an award winner — it encompasses a plethora of high-quality features including a dramatic ceiling plan, innovative lighting, custom cabinetry, custom-designed furniture, skillful use of finishes, seamless indoor-outdoor living and multiple fire features. The project was recently recognized with a Grand Award from the Orlando Parade of Homes and an Aurora Grand Award from the Southeast Building Conference.
interior design: ROB TURNER and MARGARITA MARCO, CRT STUDIO INTERIORS
construction: CHRIS SALHAB, VALDARA CUSTOM HOMES
residential designer: ZERO LATITUDE
photography: UNEEK
But at the heart it was built for a family who wanted a comfortable contemporary that was warm and inviting. “The Vereena stands as a testament to our commitment to redefining the art of family-oriented design, offering a sanctuary where connectivity, style and functionality converge to create an unparalleled living experience,” says designer Rob Turner, CRT Studio Interiors.
“What really makes this home stand out is the level of detail. We have stained walnut interior doors throughout with zero casings, recessed baseboards, and a quarter-inch
Opposite: Even though the dining room is open to the kitchen and living room, the stunning fixture serves as the grounding element and punctuates the space.
Above: The main living area is filled with comfortable furnishings while the water vapor fireplace and vibrant artwork add just the right touch of color.
shadow line that runs around each door — really intricate, clean details. Some of the different materials we used ranged from large-format slabs to create grand focal walls to delicate, high-end stones to create more furniture-like features on some of the vanities,” adds builder Chris Salhab.
The open floor plan takes full advantage of the natural light which floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the first floor and the 30' sliding doors leading to the luxurious lanai. Even the staircase, encased in glass with floating tread and a white spine, reflects light.
Meticulous ceiling details connect the spaces for a melodic flow yet let them stand apart with interesting paint and wall covering choices. Intricate lighting highlights and accents the thoughtful structural elements. Furnishings and finishes are in neutral hues that don’t read monotone.
“We incorporated a lot of walnut from the doors in different banding, bridges over the kitchen cabinetry, and in a variety of patterns like with the backsplash in the bar area. We used smoked glass doors in the upper cabinetry of the bar. And then we carried that glass into custom furniture pieces for the main living space as well. Rob and his team did the design on a few of the furniture pieces and my team brought them to life,” Chris explains.
“We selected all the furniture and coordinated all the textiles. From the plans we made sure everything was integrated. The design was very clean, but with a lot of reveals and insets,” Rob says of the extensive interior detailing.
“We did custom cabinetry in the kitchen and bar area, of course, But the really cool feature is the floating double-sided vanity in the main suite separated by an aluminum screen wall that runs up the ceiling with an inlaid mirror. You can see the recessed ceiling with the wall covering on it that goes from the bathroom through to the bedroom
Above: Channeled lighting showcases the inlaid, slatted walnut on the island while a large-format porcelain adds drama and provides a maintenance-free surface behind the stove.
Opposite, clockwise, from top left: The bar area utilizes the same materials as the kitchen with the addition of a smoked glass backsplash; The dramatic powder bath walls are bathed in a Phillips Jeffries cork wall covering that has gold flecks in it; A custom wall-mounted, upholstered headboard creates a bit of an enclosure. A Phillip Jeffries textural wall covering was installed in the recessed part of the ceiling. CRT custom designed the bedside tables as well as the dresser.
and it’s separated by a stone wall with a double-sided water vapor fireplace inside,” Chris continues.
The actual build time after design and permitting was about 15 months. That fairly short period may be attributed to the collaborative teamwork between Chris and Rob. “Chris and I had such good synergy, and we were all in on it together. So, figuring things out, like all the detailing, was a seamless effort,” Rob concludes. And as for that attention to detail Chris shares, “With the level of craftsmanship on the project there was zero compromise.”
Top, far left: The open, sculptural staircase features a white spine and continuous walnut hand railing that doesn’t obstruct the home’s natural light
Top, left: A cladded 24' wall in a gray material features a hidden door that leads into the office.
Both opposite bottom left and top right: The 30' sliding glass door is flush on the inside and outside so there’s no step anywhere. If there’s a storm, the door has a drain in it. A rain arbor over the pool has a 150" projector screen inside of it that drops down. From the ceiling in the lanai the projector drops down and shoots from the lanai across the pool making it perfect for movie nights and sporting events. There are two more fire features on either side of the spa.
Left: Gas torches flank the front entry that is wrapped with a thermally treated wood are recessed linear lights that go up and turn onto the ceiling. The 6' x 10' steel pivot front door transitions from clear to frosted glass.
On the cover: In the main bath a double-side vanity and double-sided water vapor fireplace reflect the high level of design utilized throughout.
dramatic details
UPDATING A HOUSE WITH GOOD BONES AND ELEVATING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL WAS THE TASK DESIGNER AUDREY MORRONE WILLINGLY TOOK ON FOR HER CLIENTS WHO HAD PURCHASED A LARGE HOME ON MAITLAND’S LAKE SYBELIA.
We wanted to take it to an elegant, sophisticated place. The owners were not necessarily in a rush to move in, but they do have two small children, so it was important to complete the project as soon as possible. We started
in October and ended in June — workers were pretty much there every day. It was definitely a labor of love,” Audrey says.
Adding details like wainscoting, wallpaper, faux paint, sculptural lighting and textured furnishings kept the neutral palette interesting. “We wanted to go monochromatic and add some wallpaper in places to make it fun for the family since they are younger. We wanted it to be a place where they could entertain and just really feel at home,” she adds.
The bathrooms were definitely the most dated, so they were taken down to the studs. And the primary bath was given special attention to create a relaxing
interior design: AUDREY MORRONE, MORRONE
INTERIORS
photography:
ROBERTO GONZALEZ
retreat for the owners. Audrey worked with Artisan Kitchen & Bath Gallery, located next to her Winter Park business, to install Kohler Purist — sensual lines in a minimalist style — fixtures in all of them.
One thing that was very important to the homeowner was a library space that Audrey masterfully designed in the former formal living room. “In the front to the left, we created a library with a custom reading table and four chairs. So, the kids can do their homework there or the parents can be on laptops using it as an office. It’s a dual-purpose space with a lot of custom woodwork we designed and had fabricated,” she explains.
(Opposite): In the foyer, the white table is from Revelation and the art is by John Richard.
The family room’s focal wall with expanded fireplace surround makes a bold statement, complementing the monochromatic furnishings.
The family room’s makeover revealed a lighter, brighter ambiance with emphasis on functionality. “There was a brick fireplace, and we expanded the surround by 18 inches on each side, but due to the ceiling height, we didn’t want to add stone that would have seams. So, we put Durock cement board on it since it is a wood-burning fireplace and our artist, Cory Schrag, did a faux finish that resembles black slate. We took the idea from an inspiration photo we found online. Custom cabinets on each side for extra storage and some of the AV equipment were also added,” Audrey says.
The dining room is layered with luxe, including the large table, carved-back chairs, subtly finished walls, and eyecatching chandelier and sconces.
In the library, a custom table is perfect for working or studying, and the adjacent sitting area highlights intricate woodwork and built-ins.
The dark, moody theater room features faux-painted walls and comfortable seating.
A guest bath is bathed in a delicate floral wallpaper with brass accents.
Cory also meticulously painted the dining room, upstairs movie theater and powder room walls. “The dining table was there when they bought the house. We worked around it and came up with the faux finish on the walls. We had found wallpaper, but because of the lines in it you would have seen the seams. So, we had Cory mimic it with paint. We added all-new lighting — the chandelier and sconces — as well,” she adds.
A special feature was made for the kids’ room. “We wanted a forest-like atmosphere, so we had two talented artisans create the bookshelf tree. Our client had found something similar online that was created with AI. So, we were tasked with creating it in real life. It took a couple of tries because the shelves had to be bent, but also be able to hold the books. They made it sturdy in case the kids tried to climb it,” she continues.
“The clients were amazing to work with and they had exquisite taste which makes it so much easier. It was definitely a collaboration. We normally have clients send over inspiration photos and her photos were like nothing we had seen before. Lighting and window treatments are a huge part of a house — and anything we proposed was approved,” Audrey concludes.
An informal dining area sits between the kitchen and family room. The wine wall is illuminated with backlit stone. Another view of the library reveals the detailed woodwork and beautiful table.
A forest feel envelopes the kids’ bedroom with a whimsical, off-the-wall tree bookshelf.
In the primary bedroom, light draperies flow down from the ceiling to the floor behind the bed to create drama and serve as a secondary headboard.
The main bath has a wet room with heated tile floors, towel-warming rack, backlit mirrors, and push-to-open cabinets. Everything in the house is controlled by Control4 smart home system.
Double sinks in the children’s bathroom work well for the son and daughter. The bunny hardware adds some fun for them and the forest theme continues with the wallpaper.
