finding paradise

EARTHTONES IMPRESS IN THIS MODERN MASTERPIECE

BY ANDREA G. ROLLIN

Photos By Diana Todorova Photography

Nestled in the luxurious enclave of Isola Bella (Italian for “beautiful island”) in the community of Talis Park, this home showcases the exceptional work Theory Design offers to the South West Florida community. Located in the exclusive 4.5-acre sector of 17 single-family homes by Seagate Development Group, the Monterey II model home is situated adjacent to Talis Park’s Great Lawn and Vyne House, and boasts spectacular water and golf course views. The 4,577 square foot home is as versatile as it is elegant with four bedrooms, four full and three half baths, and a three-car garage.

The estate was originally slated to be a model home, but the homeowners bought it at an early phase of construction, and trusted Ruta Menaghlazi, Vice President of Design at Theory Design, a Seagate Development Group company in Estero, to personalize it to their liking. “We were brought in from day one by the owners to make the residence more comfortable when entertaining,” explains Menaghlazi. “They liked neutral earth-tones, so that was a driving force as we chose the palette.” The home lends itself to a more modern feel with a bit of industrial flair to it. Two of the more challenging aspects of the design process, Menaghlazi points out, was the fact that the home is located in a neighborhood with a lot of new construction, so the traffic was congested and, thanks to supply chain issues with the cabinetry, furniture, and lighting, her team had to work with tight deadlines. Even so, they stayed on schedule. While Menaghlazi loves the entire project, the main living area is special to her. “The open plan is always my favorite. I’m a big fan of the soffit and cove ceilings, and LED strip lighting.”

WELCOME SIGHT The main entry to the home previews the richness to come and highlights the earth-tones the owners favor. A black iron staircase, with natural, white wood steps, is built atop a white plank wood oak floor. An eye-catching lighting fixture by Hudson Valley illuminates the room with a subtle glow. The striking ebony iron and glass door welcomes all into the entry of the home, then into a piano area, which leads into the main living area. A bohemian throw rug from World Market adds an organic texture that lends a more relaxed feel to the space.

REVIVING RETREAT Open and cozy, the great room is part of the same space as the dining area and kitchen. It overlooks the lush outdoor living area with the golf course in full view. A contemporary ceiling fan, by Minka Aire, again demonstrates the modern feel of the home. The comfy, cushioned sofas and matching chairs by Vanguard flank the center tables, composed of iron with a bluestone top, by Four Hands. An attractive ebony media cabinet under the TV by Restoration Hardware is set against the textured wallcoverings. Completing the look is a large Surya throw rug and grass cloth walls (made with natural fibers) and the framed transom windows. Stunning lamps were created by Arteriors.

MEALS THAT MEASURE UP What better place to serve delicious meals and snacks than in this spacious gourmet kitchen? Striking pendant lighting above the island by Hudson Valley is complemented by the natural tones of the kitchen. Ebony cabinets and Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer adding flair to the far wall while white oak cabinets sit next to the refrigerator and provide an appealing contrast. An electric Wolf cooktop brings ease to meal preparation, while the floating white oak wood shelves above the cooktop surface on the back wall blend beautifully with the cabinets. The kitchen island is topped with quartzite honed into a three-inch, built-up edge. Sleek iron counter stools were manufactured by Arteriors. Natural white oak flooring gives the kitchen a bright feel.

SERVING WITH STYLE The all-inclusive wet bar with built-in under-counter refrigerator and ice maker is perfect for entertaining friends and family. All of the bar glasses on the second shelf belonged to the owners and it was important to them to incorporate their collection into this space. On the top shelf sits a wrought iron candelabra and two wooden antique Foo dogs. Part of the main living area, the bar is designed with a quartz countertop and backsplash, painted wood cabinets in an ebony finish, and plenty of accouterments for mixing drinks and indulging in a glass of vintage wine. An extra-wide window above the bar area presents a lovely view of the landscaping beyond.

AN APPETITE FOR PERFECTION As dining areas go, this one is both accommodating and elegant. It carries in the earth-tone shades so prevalent throughout the home and features an ebony table by Theodore Alexander with surrounding, upholstered chenille fabric chairs by Four Hands. With the owners’ desire for comfortable entertaining in mind, the designer made a special effort to connect the table, with its setting for eight, to the bar behind it. Refreshing greens decorate the middle of the table and the place settings and add a dash of color to the room.

CLEAN LINES Contrast is the order of the day here and amplifies the master bath’s charm. The well designed space features an oversized shower with both a rain head shower head and a handheld shower head. For convenience, a floating shower seat offers an inviting resting place. The freestanding tub, a modern take on an old-fashioned standard, is equipped with a wall-mounted tub filler. The custom-made vanity has a pebble dark taupe finish on the wood, and marble countertops (the same marble found in the shower). Vanity drawers are stained a dark wood with the same pebble finish. The unique, teardrop-shaped pendant lights above the ebony vanity are by Sonneman. Carrying the theme of great design further, Menaghlazi and her team clad the walls and floor in natural limestone. The unique artwork above the tub is a vintage Japanese print. SWEET DREAMS The tone of the master bedroom is one of comfort and peacefulness thanks to neutral colors that bestow a sense of calm. A Century Furniture king-size bed sits regally in the center of the room, flanked by Currey & Company ebony wood nightstands embellished with a brass finish. The comely, understated wool throw rug is from Surya; unique lighting above the nightstands was designed by Modern Forms and provides ample reading light during nighttime hours. Black and white, custom-framed abstract artwork on the wall introduces a dramatic element to the room and a sharp contrast to the muted hues of the bed covers, pillows, chairs and curtains. Large, expansive windows welcome the morning sun and reveal the vistas that the upscale community offers.

DUSK AND BEYOND When the sun goes down, this Monterey II home abounds with activity. Nighttime is the right time for hosting large parties or small gatherings in the outdoor living area that overlooks the family pool. Cool breezes from the Gulf amplify the breezes from the contemporary Minka Aire ceiling fan, while guests relax and mingle in front of the linear gas fireplace on a Restoration Hardware sofa. An outdoor kitchen, with grill and undercounter refrigerator, stands ready for the preparation of snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. The cypress tongue-in-groove ceiling detail is decorative and rustic at the same time. The dining table and chairs, also by Restoration Hardware, seats eight while a CabanaCoast end table offers a place to put glasses before jumping in the pool

TRANQUILITY PLUS “The lighting makes the whole house come alive at night,” says Menaghlazi of the pool area. A glass safety railing encloses the pool without disrupting the beauty and a separate spa and hot tub provide hours of enjoyment. From the outdoor space, the glorious second-floor balcony is in full view. All of the outdoor furniture, including the chaise lounges by the pool, are by Restoration Hardware. Landscaping and planters were strategically placed between the homes on either side to create a sense of seclusion. “We also have a water wall and water features in place for privacy,” Menaghlazi explains. Tranquility is entrancingly created at dusk, much to the delight of the owners and those lucky enough to share it with them.