I was very honored when “Southern Style” featured a project of mine in their Summer 2017 issue, titled, “East Coast Blend – New England And South Florida Styles Come Together In This Designer’s Brand Of Fort Lauderdale Chic.”
Although I was born and raised in South Florida, I have always had an affinity to more of a New England and or North Eastern style when it comes to architecture and interior design. This particular project has been a work in progress over several years. In 2008, the home underwent an extensive renovation that included new hurricane proof windows, a new cedar shake roof, and most of the first floor was taken down to the studs to create a new footprint. Additionally, the existing screened in porch was demolished and rebuilt to a porch twice the size of the old one.
The porch that is featured in this article is an extended living area that is used twelve months out of the year. The porch includes a full summer kitchen that is not featured, a dining area, and a nice seating area with a fireplace and t.v. Although South Florida can be unbearable to sit outside a few months out of the year, the area is used for entertaining, relaxing, dining, etc for a good nine months. The location of the porch flows beautifully off the kitchen’s casual dining/office area, as well as there is another entrance from the den. For entertaining, it is ideal for traffic flow. I designed this with a blue and white theme, adding pops of color such as coral. I change out the pops of color once in a while to keep it fresh!
The kitchen and casual dining/office area is designed in a classic, timeless look featuring custom white cabinetry, hardwood floors, honed calcutta marble countertops, subway tile, and fittings in a polished nickel. Lighting played a huge part in the design, with inside cabinet lighting, underneath cabinet lighting, recessed lighting, and a couple areas to feature exquisite chandeliers. I feel lighting is extremely important when designing an interior; it can make or break the ambiance! You will notice in one of the photos a display of some of my Anna Weatherly china collection. This particular area is what I refer to as our Butler’s Pantry. It holds several pieces for entertaining and dining, as well as collectibles to display.
The living room features a timeless, classic look layered with many colors and textures, mixing “old and new”. This room could easily be in New England as well as South Florida. Staying with lighter colors as the overall concept keep it fresh and light; however, mixing in the darker wood antique pieces ground the room. The English Canton featured in the built-ins is a personal passion I started 20 years ago while visiting in New England. The double sided fireplace is a favorite of mine. You might think we don’t need a fireplace in South Florida, but we use it any chance we get!
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