Within a private London Bay Homes residence nearing completion on 4th Avenue North in Naples, Romanza Interior Design’s Senior Design Director Jennifer Stevens collaborated with the client to create a dream home designed with entertaining in mind that’s full of thoughtful details.
Inspired by London Bay Homes’ director of design Michael Faulhaber’s architectural approach, Stevens’ interior design blends the homeowner’s preferences of contemporary furniture, with some transitional influence, throughout the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home.
“We blended the two styles in harmony to create elegant spaces and beautiful moments throughout the home,” said Stevens.
Linen white walls serve as a beautifully neutral backdrop for Stevens’ selections that belie the home’s new construction – like its straight laid, heirloom-grade deep stained walnut flooring.
“A foot-worn face and hand-scraped edges give a nuanced, aged patina to floors in the home’s living spaces,” said Stevens.
Built-ins, including custom-designed cabinetry in the dining room and living room, are stained to match the floor, adding additional depth and contribute to the home’s comfortable sense of lived-in character.
A focal point in the great room is a stunning two-story gas fireplace in the great room.
“We incorporated seating all around it, and added a lot of architectural detail for interest,” said Stevens.
Another focal point is a grand custom staircase of walnut and hand forged bronze, with decorative shell motif inserts on its posts – a subtle nod to the home’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico beach.
As another design layer throughout the home, she also added an eclectic array of statement-making light fixtures – from an elegant burnished silver leaf and clear glass chandelier in the master bedroom vestibule, to the sitting room’s fixture of vintage brass tropical leaves fashioned into a chandelier.
“It serves as a finishing touch, functioning as a kind of jewelry for the room,” said Stevens.
Ceiling treatments also add interest throughout the home, with an up-lit beam treatment in the great room, a backlit tray ceiling over the island, and coffer ceilings in the study.
The homesite’s extra space allowed for an expansive outdoor living area and pool – elements that were at the top of the homeowner’s “must have” list.
Along with creating a multilevel bar near the outdoor kitchen, Stevens selected high quality Crypton indoor-outdoor furniture for the outdoor living area. She designed a backyard focal point with a destination firepit and a 4 x 4 pool. Nearby, a trellis and a fountain wall add an element of discovery.
“It’s casual, comfortable, and extremely livable. They have adult children, so they wanted a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves,” said Stevens.
Functional working space was also a priority, which called for the convenience of an ensuite office.
“The couple owns a business together in the Midwest, and they wanted a shared office space in their new home,” said Stevens. “We were able to custom design a desk for him, and one for her, tailored to their needs. He uses two computer screens, so he wanted a more open design, while she wanted more space for files and some built-ins.”
In the kitchen, an oversized waterfall end island of calacatta marble with raised sit-down bar at one end allows for additional casual seating – ideal when everyone congregates in the kitchen during gatherings.
“We chose quartzite for the counter and crisp white to-the-ceiling cabinets,” said Stevens.
To Stevens, one of the home’s standout features is a dramatic powder bath with glass tile and an integrated sink carved from marble. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said.
The private estate in Naples is scheduled for completion this November. Homebuyers looking for inspiration for interior design choices can visit two recently completed London Bay Homes and Romanza Interior Design collaborations in Port Royal: 4395 Gordon Drive and 700 Admiralty Parade West – both featuring stunning waterfront views.
