Perched high above the Gulf of Mexico, on the 11th floor of a condominium tower on Longboat Key, our Waterclub project replaced an awkward 1980s interior with an airy and serene space that celebrates the deep blue and green hues of the Gulf while complementing the client’s artwork.
We gutted the existing spaces and reconfigured the floor plan to establish clear sight lines and better circulation. Our material palette was smooth white plaster, white and gray oak, hand-glazed ceramic tiles and wallpaper. We used this palette to create warmth and texture and to take advantage of the fenestration’s orientation to allow the space’s natural lighting to help imbue a sense of playful calm throughout the project.
Care was taken to have the ceiling plane as clean as possible. To avoid the visual clutter of recessed downlights, we created a cove detail along the perimeter of the ceiling where hidden LED strip lighting illuminates the soft white walls and creates a subtle separation between horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, we incorporated minimalist linear pendants to illuminate the ceilings of larger spaces.
Threaded through the project, a series of custom built-ins create a cohesive language of oak and bright accents. A block of gray oak cabinets defines the space between Entry Hall and Kitchen and frames a visitor’s first view across the Great Room. This cabinet serves as a “working wall,” with a bench and entry storage on one side, and kitchen appliances and pantry space on the other.
Finishes were selected to complement the shimmering blue and green gradients of the surrounding water. The back wall of the kitchen is clad in a soft periwinkle tile and angled toward the Breakfast Nook window to catch the rays of the morning sun. An internal window in the tile wall opens up views from the Den and provides a visual connection between spaces. Small details, such as the ocean landscape that envelopes the Foyer walls and the glossy blue faucet in the Powder Bath create bright and whimsical moments in the otherwise tranquil space.
