While this home’s stately, traditional appearance is obvious for all to see — something surprising awaits those who enter its doors. Careful attention has been paid to each detail of the home’s design — allowing it to serve as the perfect canvas for the homeowner’s extensive modern art collection. This blending of the traditional and the contemporary was a challenge that Architect John Cooney was more than happy to tackle. “My goal was to design a sophisticated piece of architecture that would nestle into a community that was traditional in nature, serve as a backdrop to the homeowner’s art collection, and deliver phenomenal water views from every room in the house,” says Cooney from Stofft Cooney Architects.
While the home’s exterior architecture is old Florida style, upon closer inspection one can notice subtleties that lend a more contemporary countenance. “The smooth precast, precisely built metal roof, thin fascia, soffit details, and clean corbels all give the Old Florida style a cleaner look to tie into the interiors.” says Chuck Rainey, Vice President of BCB Homes.
Inside, the home’s monochromatic pallet allows the art to take center stage — with the extra punch of unique architectural detailing. An awe inspiring, multiple-reverse coffered ceiling with indirect lighting ignites the imagination, enhancing the homeowner’s desire to immerse himself into the artistic landscape that brings him joy. Aesthetic pieces, such as the rich and tactile stainless sculpture “Looking Down” by Tony Cragg and a beautifully luminous multi-color painting by Peter Zimmerman delight the senses.
The clean white kitchen is minimalistic in nature. The cabinetry is an abstract version of a bead board shaker cabinet but with a modern twist. Due to a lack of ornate detail in the kitchen, lighting both the ceiling and cabinetry accents was an important consideration in design. Two perfectly placed kitchen sculptures by Bill Thompson add a pop of color to the otherwise monochrome space. Another elaborate piece of artwork in the hallway, entitled “Wham” by Beverly Fishman, gives the homeowner a true conversation piece with which to enthrall guests.
The striking dining nook features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that emphasize the panoramic water views. High gloss, white enamel wood floors combine with an impressive chandelier from Barovier & Toso to create an inviting space.
The fun, outdoor living room with fireplace denotes an air of whimsy. Brightly colored furniture and spacious water vistas present a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for guests to gather and converse. Bi-fold doors by NanaWall allow for an open space floor plan. This relationship with the outdoors is what Cooney is the most pleased with, “whether it’s the living room, kitchen or outdoor living room, the house flows very well,” adds Cooney.
Colorful and dramatic, the master bedroom comes to life with the addition of a large Marcus Weggenmann Carpet in tones of orange, rust, yellow and green. Another unique, wood-planked ceiling crowns the room and adds texture. A large balcony, spanning the entire length of the master bedroom, highlights the serene beauty of Naples Bay. Above the bed, a series of paintings by Beverly Fishman entitled “Dividose” lend luminosity to the space.
The dark wood flooring of the study brings an element of contrast to the home. Minimal detailing in the ceiling and indirect lighting bring full attention to the homeowner’s beloved art. “Wood man” by Stephan Balkanhol and a Busan shipyard photo by Thomas Struth amuse and delight — while a Paul Smith rug enlivens the area.
The bright, white master bath with freestanding tub serves to further accentuate the home’s remarkable waterfront location. A Glassos countertop provides shine and durability. A hand-painted skateboard by Peter Zimmermann adorns the wall, continuing the artistic theme. In the dining room, windows opening to the south side of the property allow plenty of natural light to illuminate the portrait of Mademoiselle de Pompadour by Ken Aptekar which elegantly wraps itself around two walls. White tiled floors and another impressive garnet colored chandelier from Barovier & Toso place an exclamation mark on the room.
The home’s black mosaic pool is designed with a 360-degree infinity edge, creating the illusion that it’s one with the Bay. While the all glass tile sun shelf with chaise lounges may give the false appearance of shallowness, this waveless pool actually provides depths of up to six feet, enabling it to be used for both lounging and swimming laps.
The detached spa, located off the outdoor living room, also boasts an infinity edge with water flowing over all four sides. Multiple planters lead down to the dock below, blending the elements of indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.
The homeowner is pleased with his artistic oasis, “I always tell people, ‘if you’re going to build a house, Naples, Florida is the place,’” he says. “It was such a satisfying process that I could have started the next day and done it all again.”
Written by Marci Wise
Stofft Cooney Architects
633 Ninth Street North
Naples, Florida 34102
239.262.7677
BCB Homes
3696 Enterprise Ave. #100
Naples, Florida 34104
239.643.1004