This collaboration between architect, builder and designer on the house renovation had a rewarding result.  The goal on the project was to have the interiors reflect and support the strong lines of the architecture but not compete.  The mix of natural linen fabrics on over-scale upholstery, mirrored decorative chests, light and airy glass tables and reflective surfaces create contrasts that keep the eye interested and entertained throughout.

This oceanfront renovation for a New Jersey couple's second home in Vero Beach transformed what was “plain vanilla” into “vanilla bean espresso”. The perfect example of such a transformation is the dining room. What began as a small square interior space without windows and two doors opening to a hallway was turned into an warm and inviting room where people would feel comfortable, enjoying a meal, conversing and lingering over dessert and coffee. Custom paneling and textured wall covering provide personality. Custom cabinetry with two tall cabinets provide a serving area with space for twin lamps and hidden storage of the home's audio equipment. Four iron and glass wall sconces light the perimeter of the room and add sculptural interest, and a custom, cerused oak-top, round table that seats eight meets the couple's entertaining needs. 

But aside from the aesthetics, and functionality, at the heart of every project is what it is that the owners value most. In this case, it was family and being by the beach. The home was, after all, their Florida retreat. To accomplish this, it was important that the design team at L.K. DeFrances & Associates chose artwork that spoke to where they are: at the beach. Every detail in the home was thoughtfully curated, from a picture of a sea turtle hanging in the second-floor mezzanine to personal photographs throughout the home. Textured wallpaper complements the soothing earth tones of the upholstery fabric, instilling a quietness and calmness with the neutral palette. The gracious and serene Florida residence provides a change of scenery from the owners' Country French home up north, while still reflecting their style...a true beachside retreat!

Classic lines, understated elegance and highly-refined details were the stated objectives of this design for a CEO and wife who seek refuge from the harsh Canadian winters.  Overlooking the Atlantic, the homeowners did not want the interiors to compete with the beautiful array of blue-green hues of the ocean outside their windows.   A neutral palette rich in texture like the many shades of sand and water allows all the awe to be the varying hues of the landscape outside. 

Situated in the middle of the Intracoastal Waterway, this Moulton-Layne Architecture designed residence gave the project much inspiration to honor the well-articulated interiors.  The design goal was to minimize the impact of the furnishings aspect of this project by using proper scale and quiet colorations subordinate to the architectural texture of the home and the beautiful water views.  A subtly calibrated palette of celadon, ethereal blue and butter tones weave their affect from one intimate room to the next creating a calming aesthetic.

This residence was a challenge from the start: unremarkable stone floors; a living room with disparate architectural features and no particular style.  It took a keen eye to develop its potential.  By introducing taupe grass cloth on the walls, the focus immediately shifts up from the floor.  In the living room, floating cerused-oak shelves add both a modern edge and an opportunity to create visual interest in the once dark corner. Two over-scaled antiqued mirrors flank the wet bar and reflect outside light to the dark side of the room creating specular interest.  Using crisp white linen fabrics on upholstery, a subtle mix of patterns and contrasting dark wood tones, the end result feels both cohesive and organic.

This renovation to a house in John’s Island is the result of a collaboration of our firm, architect Rob Atkins, AIA, and Croom Construction.  The homeowners knew their priorities:  their three Labradors and their collection of local artist.  The couple had purchased the home furnished and after living in it for years realized certain aspects of the floor plan did not fit their lifestyle.  The now 1990’s décor also no longer suited their tastes.  The design vision was to establish an easy elegance to the interiors that would be both comfortable to live with yet stylish for entertaining— and again, holding up to the wear-and tear of dogs!  The resulting design incorporates many bespoke details including millwork, ceiling beams, cabinetry and decorative lighting as the backdrop.   Traditional hand-blocked linen prints paired with “youthful” prints in fresh colorations of golden butter, aqua and blues weave together to create a transitional and updated style for this home.  The end result is a bit low-country, a bit English and a bit modern-day classic.

From the start, a water-hued palette was the immediate vision for this home.  In a community adjacent to the Atlantic, the essence of sea and sand were the inspiration.  The design needed to facilitate daily living as well as serve as a backdrop for the couple’s entertaining needs.  Restraint and editing were the keys to keeping the interiors consistent yet unique from one room to the next.  Paneling and raffia wallcovering in the dining room evokes a classic but updated British West Indies element that weaves warmly throughout the house.

This winter residence serves as a retreat for the couple and their large extended family from Pennsylvania.  Ready for an update to their 90’s décor, the couple turned to L. K. DeFrances & Associates to help guide their vision for a British West Indies-inspired style.   Important to the homeowners were a cherished art collection, some family heirlooms and ultimately the end result being family-friendly.  Analysis quickly determined that adding an architectural layer to the open floor plan would help unify the disparity of the existing common areas.  Through the introduction of dark-stained wood floors, crisp white paneling and millwork, raffia wallcovering, new lighting and island-inspired batik fabrics, the island colonial aesthetic was advanced.

The best take away:  the family now finds reasons to “live” in the living room that previously sat empty.

This power couple, a Federal judge and CEO of a well-known capital management firm, with children in college, found their way to this Vero Beach residence perched over the Atlantic which was to serve as an escape from pressure-filled lives.   With her tight schedule, a weekend fly-in allowed for the only in-person design-planning session for this complete turnkey project.   Having the clients’ trust in the firm’s reputation for ability and integrity gave freedom to make decisions on their behalf yet with the implicit risk of getting it wrong!  Without exception, the homeowners thought the results were spot on.  Proof:  two more projects followed the first. 

This clubhouse and pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean serves as a common meeting area for the community of residents as well as for their individual use on special occasions.  Cabanas flank the pool and serve as respite from the sun and sand.  Careful attention to detail required selections that would withstand both commercial use as well as the harsh elements associated with being adjacent to the sea.