DESIGN

ABODE

DESIGN A NEW Vibe

From Mediterranean to modernized in West Bay Club

By Mary Thurman Yuhas | Photography by Rick Bethem Photography

Porcelain plank flooring brightens the living spaces, providing the backdrop for the continuing neutral palette punctuated by shades of blue throughout

Estero’s West Bay Club was a hidden gem when Jennifer and Joe Pavich built their home there in 2006. Sited on 8,686 acres west of U.S. 41, the Estero River runs through the private community, which includes preserved wetlands and quick access to the Gulf of Mexico. While they were thrilled with West Bay’s amenities, their Mediterranean-styled residence¾—formally overdressed in Tuscan ornamentation and heavy architectural elements—no longer fit the lifestyle of the family with three young children.

The couple summoned award-winning designer Laurie Walter, CEO and lead designer at Cardamon Design, and senior interior designer and project manager James Gelet to breathe new life into the 3,750-square-foot house. Today, the transitional, contemporary four-bedroom home looks and feels as refreshed as the young, active family. “We cut walls back, created niches, and created some fun, cool spots,” says Walter.

As a top-selling real estate agent for Realty World International, Joe is acutely aware of what luxury property buyers are seeking, and he used that knowledge to guide the remodel. Jennifer is a nurse practitioner, anesthetist, and co-owner of the Laser Lounge Spa in Naples. “I was involved in everything with this remod-

Lower right: The kitchen with dark cabinets before the renovation. Inset: The new kitchen is crisp and airy with white cabinetry, a custom range hood, and the subway tile backsplash. Far right column: The light palette extends upstairs.

el,” Joe says. “In 2019, we gutted the kitchen and added a wet bar to the living room, but Jennifer and Laurie did all of that.”

The prior working relationship made this project go smoothly, Walter adds. “It really helped that I’ve known them for so long,” she says. “They built the home and knew exactly what they wanted and what they didn’t.”

IN THE DETAILS

The front and garage facade were streamlined by removing precast fascia designs and window sills; the windows were squared and replaced. Replacing the barrel roof tiles with a charcoal-colored tin rooftop and updating the landscaping were equally important.

Inside, modern, greige-colored porcelain plank fl ooring runs throughout the living spaces in the place of formerly dark terra-cotta and marbleized tile. “Greige (gray plus beige) is a designer’s dream because it goes with anything and lives well with kids, pets, and the frequent entertaining Jennifer and Joe do,” Gelet explains.

Columns in the foyer were removed and Gelet created a custom wood-framed focal point with a wave-like wall covering in the airy entryway. The goal “was to mimic an underwater space,” Gelet says. Posh yet practical, living room furnishings are clad in textured, neutral performance fabrics. Accents of soft blue refl ect Southwest Florida’s sky and sea. A petrifi ed-wood coffee table with Lucite legs appears to fl oat in the center of the room. The kitchen was gutted to make way for an open workspace punctuated by clean, white cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, and a Wolf range with distinctive red knobs and a custom range hood that matches the cabinets. “We look for the good bones in our projects and are big proponents of not spending money when it’s not necessary,” says Walter.

Because the couple frequently entertains family and friends, a large, welcoming farmhouse dining table was selected for the formal dining space because it is as inviting as it is practical.

In the cozy family room, a sprawling, cushiony sectional sofa comfortably accommodates the entire family. Prior to the makeover, family photos were in every room but Walter charmingly highlighted their importance by placing all of them on one wall. A custom cabinet holds the children’s tech toys and other media paraphernalia.

Soft and serene, the easygoing neutral master bedroom exudes comfort and peace. Unseen is the expansive walk-in closet. The adjoining master bath is clad in easy-to-maintain porcelain tile that replicates exquisite dolomite marble.

CUSTOM INTERIOR DESIGN GIFTS AND ACCESSORIES FINE FURNISHINGS

393 BROAD AVE. S. NAPLES, FL www.jettthompson.com 239.263.5460

Prior to the renovation, columns blocked Joe’s views of the television located in the 1,600-square-foot outdoor living area. These days, it’s Joe’s favorite spot to watch television with his children.

Frequently used, the outdoor dining area is well-appointed. The solid concrete table can surely withstand strong storm events. Just outside the lanai is one of the liveliest places in the home—the pool, where the children spend hours frolicking, and the fi repit, where many a marshmallow is roasted.

The Paviches were thrilled to work with Walter again; and Joe knows the renovation will lead to a higher selling price down the road. “When they laid out our furniture, it created a whole different look,” Joe says. “Everything turned out so well. We are happy with our home. We get so many compliments.”

Laughter and tears of joy accompanied the grand reveal when the family returned to their completed family returned to their completed home. “We greeted them at the door home. “We greeted them at the door with Champagne and the kids came with Champagne and the kids came in screaming,” Walter says. “ T h i s in screaming,” Walter says. “ T h i s p r o j e c t w a s o n e o f m y f a v o r i t e s . ” «p r o j e c t w a s o n e o f m y f a v o r i t e s . ”

The original facade (left) was stripped of its Mediterranean infl uences and the landscape was updated to complement the modernized home.