This Sarasota model personifies transitional architecture. In keeping with today’s favored style and craving for low maintenance, a tile roof and stucco structure are employed, while natural fieldstone highlights certain focal points such as the window surrounds and entryway. D & D Garage Doors complement the neutral shades of the fieldstone. An iron front door with glass inserts set below oversized corbels is a pleasing aesthetic. The windows, arranged in sets of three, create a sense of continuity. “I’m big on symmetry and proportion,” says Cannon.
After creating just shy of 1,500 custom homes during the past three decades, John Cannon, residential designer, homebuilder, and owner of John Cannon Homes, believes that people building their dream homes pretty much know what they want. They’ve toured his models, poured over interior design magazines, and now they just need someone to turn their mental pictures into good functional designs with a beautiful aesthetic. That’s when Cannon takes over.
Priding himself and his team on being good listeners, he is well-attuned to what people want. Hence, the Korina—a 3-bedroom model home in the Estates at the Lake Club—has it all. Leaving Tuscan, Mediterranean, Mizner, and Spanish revival in his wake, Cannon is now focusing on transitional style. Two popular themes are at play here: Balinese and California casual. Between Cannon’s masterful design, and the expertise of Roy Davis, who was at the helm of the interior design end of this project, this home leaves nothing to be desired.
Cannon took immediate advantage of the spectacular lakefront setting and made certain every aspect pointed to exactly that. “We opened the house up, accentuating the center line from the foyer all the way out to the lanai, so that everything would point to the view,” he says. Next came the bells and whistles: the luxury of having not one, but two kitchens—one for prep and one for entertaining—a spectacular his-and-her master suite that, according to Cannon, “people are going nuts over,” separate private baths, enormous tricked-out closets, and a sprawling lanai complete with outdoor kitchen, stunning pool, and a stimulating fire feature. “We used cutting-edge techniques, integrated the ceilings and windows, and ensured effortless traffic patterns so you have an overall sense of well-being as you roam through the house. It’s the total package,” says Cannon.
Visually extending the home, the view from the foyer through the great room and out onto the lake seemingly goes on for miles. Poplar crisscrossed scissor beams in a weathered teak stain generate excitement at the ceiling, while natural aged wood in a white oak finish brings a balanced calm. A pair of Uttermost oatmeal linen accent chairs join two Klaussner sofas whose neutral bodies are given a cheerful punch with pattered canary yellow and midnight blue throw pillows. Davis uses indigo on the tufted bench, also by Klaussner, which borders the linear stone fireplace. The lustrous Surya rug emulates fibrous raffia, while a teak root cocktail table by Furniture Classics references Bali style.
Here in the prep kitchen is where the real action takes place. It is well-equipped with a professional BlueStar gas range, an attractive and functional Kohler Stages sink with Brizo’s Artesso articulating faucet, and several other upgraded stainless-steel appliances. Recessed lighting is set within the dark-stained beams, and flourishing palms outside the elongated window remind the chef that he or she is cooking amidst a tropical paradise.
Privileged homeowners get to enjoy this showplace kitchen where a wood-paned window in Portobello-toned maple gives a sightline to where the hard work is done. The cabinetry mixes clean white with warm earthy brown, and a commercial-grade glass front refrigerator from True infuses a bit of modernism. As light food preparation is executed on the island lit by brass pendants from Bee Ridge Lighting, family members seated upon stools along the lower counter look on and enjoy an appetizer while awaiting the main course.
The master bedroom, flooded with sunlight, is merely the beginning of all the treats the master suite holds for the potential homeowners. Atop a Safavieh Tibetan, hand-knotted ivory wool rug sits Bassett Furniture’s Compass II bed, whose headboard is upholstered with soft dove gray panels. Hanging above it is an open silk weave paper art piece. The bed is flanked by a pair of stately, oversized nightstands from Hooker Furniture’s Melange series. The ceiling treatment, combining poplar and weathered teak, makes a strong statement, counterbalanced by a delicate aged brass 8-light chandelier from Bee Ridge Lighting. Were the space not ample enough, a sundrenched sitting room is there for the couple’s further enjoyment.
Enter interior designer Roy Davis, who artfully wove Indonesian Bali-esque flair such as thatched roofs, teak wood, bamboo and stone with laid back California chic organic materials, neutral colors, clean lines and refined finishes. And… oh yes, a dash of Hollywood glamour. “You want the client to walk in and feel comfortable,” says Davis of his selections. “Nothing too formal, stuffy or unapproachable.” Also, when designing a model home, the idea is to inspire without scaring people away. He cites as examples the wallpapered headboard wall in the master bedroom, or the easy-to-find furnishings. “These are things that are very doable,” Davis explains, “The potential homeowners should feel confident that they’ll be able to re-create these design ‘moments’ with ease.”
The lady of the house could primp and pamper herself for hours in this gorgeous and spacious bath of her own. Seamless, creamy porcelain tile grounds the room, and Kohler’s “Veil” freestanding tub takes center stage. An understated linen Zoey by Safavieh settee is placed before a splashy graphic tile detail for delightful contrast. The satin brass chandelier from Bee Ridge Lighting stretches its arms overhead, and lacquer planters containing grasses introduce a touch of greenery.
Not to be outdone, the man of the house also gets a stunning space of his own. His private bath features a wall of Italian leather-look iridescent porcelain tiles in masculine shades of smoky brown installed in a herringbone pattern. The vessel sink from Native Trail is totally on-point with the trending material of the moment: concrete. It is set within a custom vanity done in clean, contemporary style. Saddle-toned tile in the bath transitions to white oak flooring in the closet, which is separated from the bath by sleek sliding glass doors. The ample shelving and cabinets are fabricated from textured melamine.
She’s a starlet in her stunning closet where Hollywood glamour takes top billing. In the center, Sunpan’s Icon bench in white faux leather and stainless steel, is placed on a Safavieh fluffy and silvery silken shag area rug. A light gray velvet Christopher Knight Alyssa armchair is coupled with a ritzy brushed-silver and mirrored accent table. Natural light pouring in from the adjoining private courtyard shines on her expansive wardrobe.
The lakefront setting is deserving of a magnificent, resort-like space from which to enjoy it. This lanai, grounded with interlocking shell-stone pavers, features several seating arrangements: a gathering area including two Ratana Copacabana sofas in taupe, and Brayden Studio’s woven wicker Hasler cocktail table, a pair of cocoon-shaped chairs, and steel gray Gadbois reclining chaise loungers. The cantilevered, black-bottom pool features a firepit which protrudes into the water like a peninsula, and the utilitarian pool cage keeps pesky insects out while maintaining the glorious lake views.
Written by Robin Hodes Photography by Gene Pollux
Bee Ridge Lighting 3909 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 941.922.2626 www.beeridgelighting.com
D & D Garage Doors Statewide,FL 888.744.2233 www.danddgaragedoors.com
John Cannon Homes 6710 Professional Pkwy West, Suite 100 Sarasota, FL 34240 941.924.5935 www.johncannonhomes.com
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