While downsizing typically provides an opportunity for new beginnings, determining exactly what should be given to the children, delivered to a consignment shop, donated to charity, or simply thrown away can often be emotionally draining. Once those decisions are made, however, the resulting sense of freedom can be invigorating. Vogue Interiors Donna Overly, ASID specializes in working with clients to navigate the downsizing process and to create new living spaces that are ideally suited to their shifting lifestyle. Designing the new spaces often involves mixing cherished pieces of furniture and collected items with newer, more contemporary elements that better reflect current styles.
“I worked with a client who was moving from a 6,000 square feet home to a 20 year old 3,200 square feet resale condominium at Cap Ferrat in Pelican Bay,” said Overly. “There were furniture pieces, artwork, family photographs, and other items they were very firm about wanting to keep. Our challenge was to wipe away the detritus that naturally accumulates over 20 years and create a fresh, welcoming environment that incorporated everything they wanted to keep along with new furnishings and finishes. Maintaining a balance in this type of re-design and renovate project can be tricky. It can also be very rewarding to sense the client’s joy and satisfaction when they realize those things that are nearest and dearest can work beautifully when juxtaposed with newer, more up-to-date design elements. Our two biggest tasks were completely changing the color palette and selecting new furniture that would complement the pieces they chose to keep.”
To create a fresh light ambience, Overly began by introducing off-white neutral background tones throughout the home. The existing creamy stone tile flooring in the living areas was refreshed, given updated grout, and resealed to produce a brand new look. For maintenance-free practicality as well as aesthetic beauty, tired lighting fixtures and fans were replaced with efficient new technology, including noiseless fans, bendable track lighting and LED bulbs wherever possible. The result was a brighter, cheerier foundation for her elegant design to unfold. She began layering texture and color tones in light easy neutrals, pretty seaglass and vivacious royal navy, incorporating rich wood tones and blending classic styles with clean lines for timeless elegance. For window treatments, Overly introduced a mini cornice design to showcase functioning draperies where appropriate or side panels. Still allowing optimal exposure to the dramatic views, this added a decorative element to the windows throughout, infusing color and finesse while softening the architecture. After eliminating the out of date faux finish on the walls in the elevator lobby, living room, and dining room, she introduced grass cloth wall coverings with metallic backgrounds to all of the ceiling details to add subtle reflective dimension.
Upon entering the condo’s foyer, a low console with a eucalyptus veneer top and a front overlay in white and cream bone makes an immediate statement. Its 100-inch length is ideal to display the family’s collectibles and photographs.
The foyer opens to the living room where a large off-white velour sectional sofa and comfortable contemporary swivel chairs in an off-white woven fabric are arranged upon a stunning wool rug in light blue and off-white. One side of the rug is entirely blue while the other incorporates delightful swirls of seaglass and off-white. In the center, a custom-designed cocktail table incorporates four chrome cubes at the base and a 60-inch square custom-cut glass top allowing the beauty of the rug to radiate. Behind the sectional is a handsome contemporary four door media console in an ebony finish with a golf leaf base and square handles. A side table aptly named “catch a glimpse” thanks to a low shelf that reflects the painting on the underside of the table top adds interest. While happily incorporating the owner’s beloved artwork throughout the home, Overly supplied one dramatic art piece for the living room in the vibrant sea glass and blue tones of her design theme. Wide wall-to-wall sliders open on two sides of the living room to provide an extraordinary connection to the outdoors and Cap Ferrat’s spectacular views.
Centered between the living room and the family room, the dining room features a sophisticated buffet in a medium tone with a step-back design highlighted by hand painted gold swirl accents. Three doors open to reveal six adjustable shelves and four full-extension felt lined silver drawers. At the base, six metal block feet are finished in a brushed rose gold finish. A beautiful square wooden dining table with decorative striations and a cube-shaped base is paired with eight striking chairs upholstered in a faux reptilian woven fabric and decorative nail head trim.
While the owners were not inclined to major structural renovations, they were delighted with the addition of a generous island that provides a new gathering space in the gourmet kitchen. As opposed to the customary breakfast table and chairs, the island affords a spacious area for food preparation as well as casual seating with five counter height barstools displaying round upholstered seats in a creamy woven fabric with nail head trim. To contrast with the existing lighter toned perimeter cabinetry and countertops in swirling earth tones, the island cabinetry is executed in a darker wood and topped with a light monochromatic Cambria quartz. Five frosted pendant lights are suspended from a monorail track overhead to establish a lively new look.
On the other side of the dining room, the welcoming family room also benefits from sliding glass doors that open onto a wide terrace offering yet another vantage point to attractive views. A taupe-toned leather sofa that includes two motorized recliners invites deep relaxation and comfort. Serving as a cocktail table while providing much coveted storage, a large top-opening ottoman in a teal alligator embossed leather adds style and practicality. Complementing the sofa, a handsome occasional chair is finished in a light neutral herring bone tweed accented with a pillow in the seaglass tones. A large area rug unites the furnishings, showcasing a fluid pattern in the room’s teal blue and taupe tones for harmonious appeal. Overly was able to incorporate an existing wall unit that, while more traditional in style, has a classic design and compatible color tones for a seamless blend of the old and the new.
A private hallway to the master suite leads past his and her closets that were made spacious and more functional with a creative closet design to an enormous octagonal bedroom. The eye is drawn to the custom king-size bed whose tall flared headboard, footboard and side rails are upholstered in an off-white chenille that sets the tone for this tranquil space. On either side, beautiful round cabinet night stands with scalloped trim add distinction. The dresser is multi-functional and incorporates three chests, two cabinet pairs, a bridge and a space for a television. New carpeting in the master bedroom as well as the guest suites provides fresh and luxurious comfort.
The master bathroom was given updated lighting and fans. By incorporating two different types of wallpaper, Overly introduced some fresh background texture and pattern to this charming space.
Founded in 1979, Vogue Interiors has earned numerous national, regional and local awards, including three consecutive Aurora Awards, the highest award presented by the 12-state Southeast Builders Conference. From corporate offices at 24520 Production Circle in Bonita Springs, Florida, Vogue Interiors provides design services and model merchandising to residential and commercial clients in the United States and abroad. Visit Vogue Interiors online at vogueinteriors.com.