By: JEAN NAYAR
Designer Jackie Armour crafted all-new interiors with a traditional touch on a riverfront site for a growing family that has occupied it for generations.
The location of the decades-old home of an empty-nester couple on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, Florida was ideal. But the dwelling itself had outlived its usefulness. So after talking through the options with their architect, instead of revamping it with an addition, they realized a wiser strategy would be to knock it down and start over again. And their newly built abode, developed in many ways from the inside out with the aid of interior designer Jackie Armour, now suits their multi-generational lifestyle to a T.
“When their children were growing up, the single-story wood-frame house they’d built in the 1980s worked well,” says Armour. “But now that the kids are grown with children of their own, the couple wanted more space to comfortably host regular larger family gatherings, where everyone could enjoy an active lifestyle along the river.” Inspired by a British Colonial-style home they’d seen Admiral’s Cove, the couple enlisted architect Mitch Miller of Village Architects for the design, then hired Bryan Willoughby of Willoughby Construction, who worked on a neighbor’s home, to build it. When the pair shared a magazine feature showcasing interiors they wanted to emulate, both the architect and builder realized the spaces were designed by Armour, with whom they’d worked on other projects. The designer was swiftly brought in to join a team with an established rapport that simplified that design process from the start.
Aside from a fresh approach to the home’s design and scale, the owners wanted to bring its features and infrastructure up to date. “Since we made the decision to demolish the original home and custom build, we wanted to include amenities like smart home technology, complete solar power, and customized millwork,” explains the wife. “It was also important for us to have an unobstructed water view from the living room and kitchen and a layout that would give us open indoor/outdoor space for entertaining.” As such, the team worked to create a significantly larger two-story dwelling with primary living spaces and a master suite on the main level, and three bedrooms and a massive gym with an adjoining balcony overlooking the river upstairs.
In contrast to the dark wood and ornate millwork in the previous house, the owners also craved a cleaner, more contemporary vibe in the new home yet wanted to preserve some traditional detailing. With guidance from Armour and her senior designer Taylor Ehrlund, they opted for all-white millwork with simpler lines, including arched portals in the foyer and coffered ceilings and painted paneling in the living areas. Armour also introduced hand-finished French oak floors and a fresh blue and white color scheme with all new furnishings throughout. Sliding impact doors that stack back and open onto a generous screened-in lanai ease entertaining, as does a great room space that includes an open kitchen, a casual dining area, and a butler’s pantry. And finishing touches, such as a beribboned edge treatment on the window shades in the primary bedroom and a rift-cut oak vanity faced with mother of pearl in the master bath, elevate the atmosphere with luxe restraint. “Now that the home is finished,” says the designer, “the owners feel that building a brand new home on a beloved site with lots of family history was the best decision they’ve ever made.”
