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When making the transition from living in Atlanta back to his native Tampa, Ian McNeel knew he wanted to be on the water in a home that afforded him privacy, but wanted enough space to display his eclectic possessions from far flung travels over the past 20 years. While he found everything he was looking for in the St. Tropez development on Harbour Island, the two-story, fourbedroom, four-bath home he chose was originally built in a classic Mediterranean design. As he envisioned his Florida lifestyle with an avant-garde yet sublime sensibility, he made the decision to revamp the new home to accommodate his desires with as little disruption to the bones of the original build. Together with Ramos Construction and David Von Thaden Designs they set out on a transformation and achieved surprising results that are nothing short of spectacular.
“Ian is not interested in anything conventional.� —David Von Thaden
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Welcome home The entryway is home to first impressions and was redesigned to bring about a high level of stimulation to both homeowner and guests. Oversized sapele wood and glass doors open into a foyer of original travertine stone floors and a staircase that was reengineered to withstand the glass and stainless steel railing that is the centerpiece of the redesigned aesthetic Von Thaden envisioned. “This element was a bit of a tough sell,” Von Thaden says. “To convince Ian to take what was a typical wood trend and iron banister staircase and make it into a piece of art unto its self,” he adds. According to Von Thaden, one of the largest challenges
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was to get the weight and scale correct, so the team didn’t have to start from scratch with an entirely new staircase. “The impact of the interlocking cylindered crystal chandelier set against the glass railing really sets the tone for the rest of the story we are telling,” he says.
Diverse entertaining The home is clearly well spaced for entertaining and relaxing. Each open-aired room flows evenly on to the next, despite the colorful pieces and unique art and artifacts that Ian has collected from around the world. Perhaps the most interesting aspects to these treasures are the lack of a true theme, taste or style among them, serving as a credit to the notion that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect to these treasures is the lack of a true theme, taste or style among them, serving as a credit to the notion that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
Opposite: The family room expresses the modern touches Ian wanted, but it remains a warm and comfortable place for friends to gather. Top: An ordinary guest bath was transformed into a sleek and stylish space. Bottom: The interlocking cylindered crystal chandelier sets the tone for the rest of house.
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“It was our job to make sure we showcased Ian’s collections of both furniture and art in a way that celebrated his passions rather than hiding them behind lots of fabrics, colors and molding,” says Von Thaden. “We chose a calming palette of grays, creams and browns, and used clear lighting throughout to achieve a dreamy modern island feel with touches of Asian and old-world influences,” he continues.
What’s cooking? The redesign of any kitchen or bath area is usually considered to be a costly and difficult one to successfully achieve. More often than not a complete gut-out is mandatory for a variety of practical reasons. Ramos Construction knew how to prove this was both unnecessary and untrue. With the goal being to update and glamorize a typical galley kitchen overlooking a family room entertaining space, they installed white quartz-stone countertops, chocolate wood cabinet doors over existing cabinets with stainless handles as well as stainless appliances throughout. The
sharp right angles carry over the breakfast bar into the sitting area and create a seamless transition from kitchen to the lounge area which overlooks the pool and channel. Thick, espresso-colored shag carpeting anchors the space that spreads itself out with soothing ambiance and invitation in a most surprising way. “Ian is not interested in anything conventional, but like any man wants to feel comfortable in his own home,” Von Thaden says. Von Thaden stayed with this idea when choosing pieces that would surround the fireplace for cocktails and conversation, and yet also make for a great space to watch a game. If the family room is meant for ease and contentment, the more “formal” living area on the opposite end of first floor combines a swirl of design elements from various periods of the 20th century. 1960s orange occasional chairs flank a 1970s leather couch that was once in his father’s office and has that well worn patina that only comes with true wear and lots of history. Just off this area is a full bathroom that was transformed from “ho-hum practicality” into a virtual jewel box with dramatic pebbled wall coverings, whimsical crystal ball lighting and an unusually clever sliding-glass and wood screen concealer.
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“We chose a calming palette of grays, creams and browns, and used clear lighting throughout to achieve a dreamy modern island feel with touches of Asian and old-world influences.” — David Von Thaden
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The task to update the master bedroom and bath, was equally as challenging in that the team had to create the client’s vision for atmosphere and excitement while using all existing floors, windows and ceiling heights. White drapery wraps the walls of the bedroom, encasing a white shag rug that rests cloud-like beneath the platform king bed. Low side tables flank the giant cushioned headboard providing scale propriety in a dreamlike setting. The colors and modern touches grace the bathroom and again served as the catalyst to transformation in lieu of demolishment.
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decoratingtrends From start to finish this project is was an exceptional study in the art of being inspired by what you have and deliberating on what truly makes sense to keep and treasure, or let go and transform.
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