There is a certain temptation to take coastal living literally, but with smart, sophisticated selections, it doesn’t need to be cliché. Interior designer Meg Carson of Emcy Interior Design of Bradenton, who was enlisted to design the interior of this model home with a British West Indies flair, had no intention of going over the top. “We wanted a fresh interior, free of dolphins, seahorses, and other stereotypical ‘ocean’ themes,” says Carson. “Focus was paid to clean lines, with juxtaposition of rustic, earthy finishes,” she explains.
For this build, ceiling heights were of major importance. “Each main space has its own ceiling detail design. We kept the ceilings light in color so the house feels open and bright,” Carson illustrates. Keeping the color palette monochromatic, yet true to aquatic influences, muted shades of traditional coastal greens and blues give it a more urbane feel.
Another integral member of the design team, residential designer Shawn Ambrose speaks to the beauty of working on a model home. One of the features added to this specific model that is sure to attract potential homeowners is its unique amount of privacy. “We opted against floor-to-ceiling glass and instead installed a concrete privacy wall on the exterior, thus bringing a different option to the market.”
The model demonstrates that a mix of style can create a beautiful result. While Carson concentrated on coastally-inspired interiors, the builder’s vision calls for a West Indies feel. This was obtained through a generous use of darker wood finishes, 17-foot vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, and even a lighting design that keeps a West Indies atmosphere close at hand while not being over-committed. “From rustic to romantic elegant, we selected lighting to complement and complete the look rather than define it,” contributes builder T.J. Nutter of Nutter Custom Construction.
If there’s one thing the team agrees upon, it’s that the home is airy and bright. The end result is fresh and revitalizing.
The front elevation of this model home is essentially West Indies style. An emphasis was placed upon the entry because, while the home is filled with detail, he wanted it to be easily read. Its two-bay garage with doors from D & D is side loading for more appeal. Residential designer Shawn Ambrose says proportion is key, especially when you’re trying to give a model curb appeal. The design called for smaller windows in greater number to provide privacy and natural light.
Carson wanted a statement piece to be the first item to catch the eye when entering the living room, which she achieves with a buffet in vivid blue. A pair of wing chairs by Four Hands in New Navy face inward for uninterrupted conversation. Neutral Birch Lane sofas are set upon a casual, hand-loomed denim rug. Carson fearlessly mixes metal finishes. “It used to be a faux pas, but now we embrace it,” she advocates.
Carson’s idea was to keep the study on the masculine side, yet still cozy. A use of deeply-saturated colors makes it a fun place to work in her opinion. A tall Uttermost Nadira canopy chair is positioned in the corner. With a powdery blue paint color in mind for the walls, Carson selected darker planked flooring for contrast. Decorative items on the walls acknowledge popular Floridian hobbies like deep sea fishing and cycling.
Wanting the kitchen space to feel open, clean, and inviting, Carson chose Albrecht white cabinetry and high-end stainless steel appliances from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. The Quartz Zodiac London Skye countertops and island from Distinct Finishes fit the personality of the home, contemporary yet soft. The smoky blue Maxwell barstools marry the greens revealed in nearby spaces. Carson adds hanging lights in a black finish to bring an intended contrast to the white.
The rustic appeal of the dining room table brings a solid presence, so the accompanying fullyupholstered chairs are kept neutral and flowy. The light fixture is linear to elongate the space. Crystal barware fills the custom built-in display unit within reach of the climatized wine column.
To create a coastal and casual retreat for the future owners, the master bedroom is a mix of materials from metals to organic woods. Silvery tones are utilized on the upholstered bed, and on the Steinworld Graybeau chests used as nightstands, which are simultaneously dressy and casual. Above the bed is a set of driftwood wall panels from Phillips Collection. The area rug is admittedly “a little loud, ” to offset the neutral bedding.
The master bath again unites gold and silver tones. The tiled shower makes an impact with a big, beautiful wall of 18-by-36-inch Kauri Beige Tiger Core tile from Distinct Finishes as its focal point. “You can see the sky when you’re in the shower,” boasts Ambrose. In an effort to “switch up the normal, expected bath lighting,” Carson selected four pendant lights for symmetry and surprise. The vanity is topped with Quartz Zodiac Course Pepper from Distinct Finishes.
Builder T.J. Nutter calls attention to the large outdoor entertaining area, with summer kitchen and pool bath finished with wood trellises, all of which were intended to harmonize the indoors and outdoors. As so many rooms open out onto the exterior rear, it makes the entire floor plan seem larger. “The pergola between the spa and living room was introduced to add more readability to the inside/outside concept,” elaborates Ambrose. “We wanted it to feel as if you were inside and outside at the same time.”
The elongated swimming pool features a sunning shelf and low-profile, built-in spa. The pool is visible from the master suite, living, and dining areas. Custom builder T.J. Nutter explains that the custom white aggregate brick pavers are especially high end and appropriate for a spa-like environment. The pool is screened-in in keeping with the goal of privacy, meant to appeal to a future homeowner seeking a true sanctuary.
Written by Robin Hodes Photography by Jake Bibler
D & D Garage Doors 1177 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.7242 www.danddgaragedoors.com
Distinct Finishes & Associates Bradenton, FL 34212 941.374.1554 www.distinctfinishes.net
Emcy Interior Design 205 North Orange Avenue Suite 303 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.807.0479 www.emcyinteriordesign.com
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 2451 17th Street Sarasota, FL 34234 941.951.0110 www.fergusonshowrooms.com
Nutter Custom Construction 3534 South Osprey Avenue Sarasota, FL 34239 941.924.1868 www.nuttercustomconstruction.com
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