By: BY JEAN NAYAR
A collection of rooms by top designers showcases the essence of contemporary, high-style coastal living.
On the pool deck of a stately dwelling in Darien, Connecticut, designer Cindy Rinfret created an elegant seating area that not only reflects the elegance of the home’s interiors but also takes advantage of spectacular views of Long Island Sound.
LIVING SPACES
1/ RITA CHRAIBI
A light-filled living space created by French Moroccan designer Rita Chraibi in a bay-front condominium within French architect Jean Nouvel’s Monad Terrace Miami Beach residences takes equal advantage of light, views, and indoor-outdoor living by fusing interior and fashion design to humanize the space. “I approached the interior as a couturier approaches fashion design — with meticulous attention to detail and tailored to perfection,” says Chraibi. “I selected the furnishings of Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection for Roche Bobois because I believe they achieve what I continuously seek in my profession: a touch of madness and fantasy mixed with extreme elegance.”
2/ ADAM TIHANY
Designed by Alessia Genova of Tihany Design, the living space of a three-story villa residence designed by architect Khalid Al Najjar features striking natural materials, hand-chosen art, and a curated selection of furniture and accessories. The open courtyards of the residence repeat key materials used inside, creating a sense of harmony with the outdoors.
KITCHENS
1/ IVETTE ARANGO
“We wanted to integrate interior and exterior to create a space that was what the client requested: a casual, elegant, and easy space for entertaining,“ says Arango about this indoor/outdoor kitchen area of one of her Floridian projects. “The elements used reflect how well you can pair organic materials — such as the petrified wood table with metal base and the wood floor — with more luxurious elements, like the glass light fixture and marble countertop on the kitchen island.”
2/ JEAN NOUVEL
An open kitchen in a 5,200-square-foot condo at Jean Nouvel’s Monad Terrace residences features Gaggenau appliances, marble counters and floors, and a slatted wood ceiling that flows seamlessly into the living spaces and complements a thoroughly modern lifestyle.
DINING SPACES
1/ DANIELLE ROLLINS
Drawing on the tropical environs of a home in West Palm Beach, designer Danielle Rollins juxtaposed woven banana leaf dining chairs against crisp white walls and a contemporary light fixture. “The home isn’t very large, so maximizing the space and livability of each room was paramount,” says Rollins. “The overall feeling embraces a very tropical, modern, retro aesthetic.”
2/ GIL WALSH
In a dining space that seats 12 in a 7,000-square-foot tropical, modern home at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida, designer Gil Walsh turned the table into a work of art by topping its Coquina base with crackled glass, which offers the bonus of hiding smudges and fingerprints. Woven chairs from JANUS et Cie and a chandelier of brass rings keeps the ambiance relaxed and the mood light. “Making sure that the view was uninterrupted was important,” Walsh says.
BEDROOMS
1/ DUNAGAN
The master bedroom is the pièce de résistance of a spectacular Venetian Island home overlooking Biscayne Bay. “Situated in its own wing, the voluminous suite is luxurious and elegant with an abundance of soft, supple textures,” says designer Charlotte Dunagan. Exotic ipe wood grounds the space, while the modern bed is placed to best appreciate the stunning views, a velvety chocolate-brown chaise offers the perfect spot to lounge, and dark wood doors close for privacy.
2/ MARSHALL WATSON
At once formal and relaxed, the traditionally furnished master bedroom of designer Marshall Watson’s own Greek Revival home on Gardiners Bay in the Hamptons is defined mostly with classic furnishings and cherished heirlooms. “I don’t believe in throwing anything away,” says Watson. An uplifting palette of buttery yellows, misty grays, and steely blues gracefully mediates the divide between indoors and out. “I love grabbing color from the outdoors and pulling it in,” Watson adds. “A home needn’t be fussy or untouchable to be elegant. To me, it’s about comfort, light, portions, harmony, and balance.”
BATHROOMS
1/ DANIELLE ROLLINS
In a mid-century apartment in West Palm Beach, a modestly scaled bath lives large thanks to clever touches introduced by designer Danielle Rollins, who added lively green-and-white botanical wallpaper and placed glass vessel sinks atop a reclaimed wooden vanity with extra storage. “I wanted to remain true to the retro/mid-century architecture, yet make the space seem fresh and sophisticated,” says the designer.
2/ BETH WEBB
In a 10,000-square-foot family getaway home in Lake Keowee, South Carolina, Atlanta designer Beth Webb crafted the master bath to merge with the landscape. Clad in wood and surrounded by windows that look onto the woods and lake, the tub area is the ultimate retreat. “The family includes many children, so this space is a soothing refuge for the mother to escape to,” says Webb.
3/ DUNAGAN DIVERIO DESIGN
Positioned to take advantage of breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami’s skyline, the master bath of an expansive 17,000-square-foot home on Star Island is encased in Calacatta marble slabs that give it spa-like elegance. Through large steam-shower doors, a deep soaking tub overlooks a plunge pool that integrates with the main pool.