5 minute read
Sunset Point Serenity
BY ANNE ZIMMERMAN BRIAND
Nestled just south of St. Pete, on the island home to Ft. Desoto Park, lies the newly completed Sunset Point condo village. With its westward orientation, this stunning complex offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the enchanting Shell Key Preserve — a haven for nature lovers and a perfect retreat for those fortunate enough to call Sunset Point home.
Among them are Cynthia and Bill, who in 2023 set out to create a serene escape within their new condo, where they could savor the sublime water views, magnificent Gulf sunsets, and the tranquility of the beach below their balcony doors.
Their journey began with a long-standing familiarity with the area. Having previously owned a condo on the bay side of Tierra Verde, they were drawn to Sunset Point for its Gulf-front location, modern amenities, and larger space. They envisioned a home that would blend seamlessly with its coastal surroundings while offering a modern lifestyle.
To bring their vision to life, they turned to Tampa’s renowned interior designer Julianne Hendrickson, celebrated for her commitment to understanding her clients’ desired aesthetics and translating them into spaces that resonate with their deepest aspirations. Hendrickson embraced the mission with her characteristic blend of precision and polish, transforming their new space into a coastal haven that is as serene as it is sophisticated.
“We designed the space to feel airy and coastal while leaning into modern, neutral colors and forms,” Hendrickson explains. “We wanted this space to feel like an extension of the environment. By using materials and colors that reflect the coastal landscape, we’ve created a space that feels both connected to nature and refreshingly modern.”
The design’s foundation lies in a carefully curated palette of whites and light neutrals. Modern shapes and rounded fixtures harmonize the space, keeping it open, soft, and warm. Hendrickson’s use of organic shapes and rounded forms echoes the curves found in nature, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside. Every detail— from the selection of Lexington Furniture pieces to the use of Bernhardt and Arteriors lighting — has been thoughtfully chosen to create a luxurious yet comfortable ambiance.
A standout feature of the home is the thoughtfully designed kitchen, which invites gathering around both an island and a peninsula. This layout, offering seating for seven, was arranged with Cynthia and Bill’s love of entertaining in mind. With open views of Shell Key Preserve and the Gulf sunsets, every meal becomes a unique experience. The flexibility of the space allows for multiple functions, from casual gatherings to formal dinners, enhancing their lifestyle of entertaining and socializing.
In the living room, the open layout and expansive windows flood the space with natural light and frame breathtaking views of Shell Key Preserve, making nature an integral part of life at Sunset Point. By maintaining a monochromatic color scheme, the view takes center stage, while the furnishings offer a comfortable retreat for undistracted relaxation and enjoyment.
The owners also reimagined the traditional den/office space, opting for an open and flexible area. By removing the doors and a wall, Hendrickson created a seamless flow into the common area, providing the perfect setting for a piano and giving it the prominence it deserves. This design choice reflects Hendrickson’s philosophy of creating spaces that are not just functional but also emotionally resonant. The new layout also includes a gallery bar with cabinetry and a wine refrigerator, enhancing their entertaining capabilities.
Hendrickson’s ability to interpret her clients’ desires shines throughout the project. “When we first met with Julianne, she asked us how we wanted to FEEL when we walked through the beautiful, rounded, soft chandelier with shapes reminiscent of seashells, and roped shell beads offers greetings upon entry to the condo. door. I immediately said, “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” and Cynthia said, “Sophisticated Coastal,” said Bill.
After she went through some other questions and selection choices for colors and styles to learn their preferences, Julianne had a strong sense of the couple’s tastes. “We gave Julianne carte blanche to design the interior space, fixtures, and all furnishings and incorporate the floorplan changes. She showed us her design board, room by room, even with our own art! It is exactly what we wanted. Julianne and her team worked their turnkey magic and transformed our unit in two days,” Bill shares.
Reflecting on the project, Hendrickson adds, “Bill and Cynthia believed in the design process and trusted our team to create a vision for the condo that would stand the test of time.”
Cynthia and Bill’s hopes for a serene coastal retreat has become a reality. Their new home at Sunset Point perfectly balances nature’s tranquility with a festive atmosphere for entertaining and activities. Every detail, crafted with intention, enhances the natural beauty surrounding the home while bringing that beauty inside.
As the sun sets over Shell Key Preserve, this tranquil oasis offers more than just a home; it offers a lifestyle where peace, elegance, and the spirit of coastal living blend seamlessly. Truly, at Sunset Point, serenity is now.
Anne Zimmerman Briand can be reached at anne@annezimmerman.com
