PROJECT TYPE: Custom new construction
LOCATION: Longboat Key, Sarasota, FL
SIZE: 5,500 sq ft
STORY: Upon entry to this home, everyone smiles. Designed as a getaway for the owners and a welcoming place for friends and family to gather, The Happy Place interior is light, bright, and luxurious, and seems to float effortlessly over the water.
The beauty of natural stone and wood materials is showcased throughout, with custom detailing at every turn. Under direction from the owners that no ceiling be boring or plain, the ARI design team thoughtfully detailed the coffers and trim work that make each room a 360 degree experience.
The great room makes a grand statement with its 10 foot tall, custom designed doors that slide open electronically to reveal the TV. Our team took meticulous care when designing this feature to plan around the constraints of fixed structural columns and HVAC equipment, without appearing to sacrifice at all the design of this main visual focal point of the first floor. Framing it to both sides are niches featuring a soft blue grasscloth wallcovering inspired by the watery blues outside, and long, graceful wall sconces that bring a soft glow through their linen shades in the evenings. A large, yet visually lightweight, chandelier further defines the room above a generously sized, locally made coffee table. The angular profile of the long sofa was selected to provide interest and detail from every angle in the open space.
In the kitchen, exotic Cristallo quartzite shines on the countertops and backsplash against a combination of white oak and white painted custom cabinetry. Power receptacles are concealed into the millwork so that nothing interrupts the beauty of the materials. The adjacent dining room opens to the patio on two sides, and feels a part of both indoors and out. We custom designed the square table, also locally made, to seat 8. The custom cabinetry in the dining space features stained lightly antiqued mirror to reflect the natural light and views.
Designed to provide the feeling of a private resort retreat, the main suite bedroom and bath welcome in the beauty of nature alongside more custom, interior design details. The bathroom utilizes warm limestone on the floors and walls, visually leading the eye straight out to the outdoor shower and waterfall. Dual vanities provide generous personal space to either side of the spacious steam shower, which features dramatic, book-matched porcelain slabs on the walls and ceiling. A soaking tub stands in an alcove, featuring the same stacked pebble mosaic used in the outdoor shower, to further enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.
Four guest suites each offer a different design experience, while keeping continuity with the home and its waterfront setting. The outdoor areas are designed to entertain a crowd in comfort and style.
