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Custom Contemporary

A true contemporary, a wide band of color running around the top of the two single-car garages accents the linear design of the home. Garage awnings of aluminum slats and a freestanding pergola-like carport offer minimal shelter, but maximum architectural impact. To the right of the entry, water from a horizontal spout in the one-and-a-half story tall tiled wall splashes into a two-level rectangular fountain

One of just four homes in the micro-gated community of Coffee Pot Estates on Snell Isle, this contemporary began with a vision and design from Latin America. “Before we could break ground on this home, the plans had to be converted to American building standards,” explains builder Elisa LaBram Verch whose company was selected by the developer to build four waterfront homes that comprise Coffee Pot Estates. The tiny territory on Coffee Pot Bayou is within walking distance to trendy downtown St. Petersburg

Devoid of window coverings and stretching 25 feet to the ceiling, the living room is bathed in light from the quartet of vertical clerestory windows aligned above a wall of sliding glass doors. A sleek fireplace surround of polished marble gleams beneath an oversized Magnolia photo from Janet Mesic Mackie. A low-slung couch paired with high back chairs cozy up to a pair of resin log tables in silver leaf from Phillips Collection.

“This was our first contemporary design and it was exciting!” says Verch. “Most of the homes on Snell Island are Mediterranean or European designs; there are very few contemporaries.” The cool white modern residence with a low-pitched flat tile roof does stand in contrast to its warm-toned neighbors topped with terra-cotta barrel tile.

The streamlined kitchen is a study in white, punctuated by stainless steel appliances. White lacquered Italian cabinetry features all drawers below the Pompeii pure white quartz countertops. The matching quartz backsplash seamlessly blends the upper and lower cabinets. Under- and over-cabinet integrated lighting from Lyteworks provides subtle illumination. The range hood is hidden behind one set of shiny doors. Trent Austin wood-topped stools with matte black steel frames provide a touch of industrial appeal in the otherwise contemporary kitchen.

“The dining area emphasizes the importance of light in this home,” says Verch. “We worked within the parameters of residential glass to maximize the view.” Polycotton Seatbelt Chairs from the Phillips Collection surround a reclaimed elm plank T-leg table from the Organic Restoration collection at Blue Hand Home. The vibrant digital print on Plexi is “Paris,” from Reimann’s Paris Eiffel Tower collection. It hangs above a Tara Shaw shelter sofa in Belgian linen.

“No two homes we build are exactly alike,” continues Verch. “We are 110% a custom builder. This client had great vision and was a lot of fun to work with. She was integral in the fixture and finish selections, drawing on her experience as an interior designer.”

The four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms are spread out over three levels in the 3,686-square-foot, two-story structure. A mezzanine level houses one of the guest suites. Two more are on the second floor. The master suite, with two sitting areas, is conveniently located on the main floor. All of the bedrooms have access to the outdoors through balconies or terraces.

The master bath shower is floor-to-ceiling marble. Walls and a shower bench are covered in 3-by-12-inch marble tile laid on the vertical. Smaller mosaic tiles make up the shower floor. Glimpsed beyond the frameless glass shower door, the vanities’ white lacquer finish is a stunning foil for the gleaming chrome fixtures from Lyteworks and full-width mirror.

“The home is actually a tri-level,” explains Verch. “This guest room and bath are actually on their own level and landing.” A slender pencil post canopy bed suits the long, narrow, minimalist design of the room. Tone-on-tone bed linens visually expand the space. A simple foot locker at the foot of the bed can serve several purposes in addition to providing storage. Here it holds accessories, functioning much as a coffee table would.

A dozen frosted-glass inserts send muted light through the custom doors leading into the home. Marazzi’s Beachwood porcelain tile from the Montagna collection gives the floors throughout the home a whitewashed look. Constructed of drywall, the stairwell is faux finished with a dark wood in contrast to the light-toned floors and walls. An early 20th century Nyamwezi hand carved wooden sculpture greets visitors on the first landing. The pop of color on the stairwell landing is from a mixed media canvas by Andreas Reimann called “Red Deneuve.”

One of two sitting areas in the master bedroom suite, this space offers water views through three slender fixed windows. A round reclaimed elm plank table in charcoal, with trestle legs, from the Organic Restoration collection at Blue Hand Home, serves as a desk. One of the many faux cowhide rugs scattered throughout the home rests beneath the table. An oversized graphic print in stark black and white adds more visual drama to the intimate space.

With light pouring in from the long, narrow clerestory window and from a glass panel exterior door leading to an upper terrace, the upstairs loft offers a serene spot for conversation. Two armless semi-reclining occasional chairs on chrome pedestal legs sit upon another faux hide rug. A nearby rag ottoman adds funky texture to the space. The dark, faux-finished walnut on the door frames and moulding contrasts with the white walls and light floors.

With its thermal windows and abundant light, the home is a natural for the potential addition of solar energy. Other energy-saving features include a gas cooktop, gas tankless hot water heater, and multiple zoned air conditioning units.

A west-facing rear exposure guarantees spectacular sunset views across the sweeping sloped lawn and circular bayou.

Shellock® pavers in tan, from the Atlantic Series by Artistic Pavers, comprise the rear patio. They feature actual shells mixed into the paver and honed to expose their beauty. At one end of the patio is an outdoor kitchen under a lanai. Stainless steel appliances are housed in a faux-finished marble base under a natural marble countertop. The back wall is an intricate tile mosaic. Electronic retractable awnings allow for the regulation of sun exposure. Tomato-red planters and a frisky metal dog sculpture provide a whimsical accent.

LyteWorks 816 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941.745.2900 www.lyteworks.com

Written by Ginny Cooper Photography by Christopher Della Penna

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