Coastal Design Takes A Contemporary Spin In This Florida Home

On the breezy shores of Naples Bay, one couple recognized a chance to step outside their comfort zone. They had outfitted a historical home in Illinois as well as a traditional lake house in Wisconsin, so when they decided to build a getaway in Naples, they opted for a more modern look. “We envisioned something coastal and contemporary that complemented the Florida lifestyle and our love of boating,” the husband recounts.

Just like her clients’ boats moored at the private dock, interior designer Renée Gaddis wanted the house to feel equally tied to the water. “When you come through the front door, the goal was to extend the view through the living area out to the pool and dock,” she describes. Architect Jonathan Kukk, who worked with Seaside Custom Builders, designed the structure’s stucco-and-limestone façade to maintain privacy, then lined the opposite end with prominent windows that look out to the bay. “We wanted to open up the back of the home as much as possible to the views,” he says, “so there is a ton of glass.” Landscape architects Christian Andrea and Phil McHenry used the infinity-edge pool to further enhance the setting: “It brings water to the forefront when you’re looking out from the inside,” McHenry observes. And by placing the dock below pool level, the team ensured it remains unseen from the ground floor, creating seamless vistas.

Inside, Gaddis continued the focus on the bay sights by selecting complementary light and airy finishes. Lofty coffered ceilings, driftwood-esque floors and teak-like touches all subtly nod to boating culture. “A lot of the textures we used give you that Florida feel,” Gaddis says, pointing to grass-cloth wallcoverings.

White walls and trim in most of the ground-floor spaces create a clean backdrop that helps highlight the couple’s contemporary art collection, curated by consultant Daniel Kinkade. From there, Gaddis took her palette inspiration, naturally, from the changing waves. “The house has a single color scheme throughout: a variation of blue,” she says. Cool, calm shades in the living room’s performance upholstery convey a connection with the outdoors. Softer, greener hues upstairs impart tranquility in some of the bedroom suites, and a deep, masculine tone envelops the husband’s office. Then there is the kitchen, home to doses of periwinkle—including one statement-making appliance. “When we picked the range color, we decided to carry that shade through to the cabinetry and bar area, allowing the kitchen to really pop,” Gaddis explains. “It’s like a ray of sunshine, with this surprising periwinkle.”

The relaxed nautical lifestyle also influenced furniture selections and an open layout that fosters congregating. Oversize sectionals offer seating aplenty in the living area and the lanai, a prime spot for watching the sunset. And instead of stipulating a formal dining room, the interior designer furnished a niche in the living space with a table and banquette for multipurpose use. “Their dining area was formed as more of an extension of the living space, where you could work, watch television or enjoy the outdoor view,” she explains. “There is also a gathering zone off the kitchen, and when the living area sliders are open, it becomes one large room. People can flow from the lanai all the way to the kitchen.”

This sense of a carefree retreat carries into the bedrooms, where comfort remained top of mind. The couple’s space acts as a self-contained luxe getaway, with window-facing swivel chairs, a marble-floored bathroom and direct access to the husband’s office. “We now have a Four Seasons-style primary suite on the ground floor,” the wife muses. “And upstairs, it’s like a mini hotel.” That’s hardly an exaggeration: Each bedroom has a connecting bathroom, a stylish ceiling fan and clever storage. “We added valet closets, so guests have a place to lay their suitcase, open it up and hang clothes, like you would in a hotel,” Gaddis says. “The clients wanted their visitors to feel spoiled.” The four guest suites also share a loft area, and an elevator easily transports luggage between floors.

Watching the colors change in the sunset sky from endless vantage points, the owners say the property perfectly embodies their vision of living in Florida—a compliment they credit to an understanding team. “We really trusted Renée,” the husband says. “We learned if you allow creative freedom, you get great work.”