An inviting and comfortable home can make us feel on top of the world — and this penthouse condominium with sweeping Gulf of Mexico views certainly delivers. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring each room to life with natural beauty and allow its occupants to become one with the water, aquamarine hues, and orange-colored sunsets. Originally in a smaller apartment, the owners loved the very organic, curving shape of this modern designed Bay Colony building. When the penthouse became available, they turned to the talents of licensed Interior Designer Janet Bilotti to help them create the perfect waterfront oasis. “They wanted a contemporary feel with clean lines and changes of texture,” describes Bilotti, President of Janet Bilotti Interiors.
Light and bright, a skylight in the foyer provides a pleasing mass of natural light upon entering. Simple glass accents and beach oriented lifestyle photography greet guests arriving via the private elevator. Twin life-sized Tom Corbin bronze sculptures entitled “Woman Walking Tall” flank the entrances to the home adding a touch of the dramatic. Teak wood flooring throughout lends warmth and richness to the space.
The casual elegance of the family room offers the perfect place for entertaining. An oversized L-shaped white leather sofa invites the couple’s children and their friends to comfortably enjoy the large flat screen TV with surround sound. “This particular American Leather sofa is from the Venice collection and incorporates contemporary beauty and comfort,” says Emilio Sadez, owner of International Design Source. Subtle pops of natural color — in blue, gray, green, and taupe — bring the essence of the water inside, accentuating the panoramic gulf views. Bilotti designed the one-of-a-kind cocktail table herself using large, fabricated pieces of stone that are stacked irregularly. “I like to add something that’s a little unexpected,” says Bilotti. To find the perfect travertine for the project, Bilotti brought in United Materials, Inc. “There is amazing beauty in Mother Nature’s works of art — color, pattern, texture, and reflective qualities — and it’s always exciting to pull together a unique look,” adds Susan Stewart, Marketing Manager of UMI.
The European inspired eat-in kitchen features a hydraulic countertop that can be lowered for dining or elevated for use as a serving counter. Everything is exposed in this user-friendly kitchen. Metal shelving under the cooktop allows for easy accessibility to pots and pans. The high quality German kitchen appliances were already there, enabling Bilotti to easily update the space with new chairs, artwork, and a few additional upgrades. The gray Italian dining chairs are made from the ecologically friendly material ecopelle. “It’s a very soft and supple material that feels like leather, but at the same time is very cleanable and low maintenance in every way,” explains Ozzie Pancaro from Casa Italia. Black granite countertops, a glass-front refrigerator, and a dramatic steel hood with lighting complete the look.
The impressive formal dining room features a striking, aqua colored glass table — its rectangular top so large that it had to be placed into the home pre-construction. The new owners added their own feel to the room by adorning the area with glass accent pieces in greens, turquoise, and yellows to further evoke thoughts of the sea. This organic shaped artwork, along with Knoll chairs and a stately European lighting fixture, offer a polished ambiance to the setting.
Luxurious and theatrical, the steel paneled walls and flush fireplace in the formal living room create an area of distinction. Two tubular-framed, black leather Bibendum chairs by Eileen Gray combined with a Mies van de Rohe daybed bring an air of classic sophistication to the room. FlowDecor lamps add a bit of bling to pick up the chrome of the chairs while adding sparkle and shine. The glass cocktail table, also from the collection of artist Tom Corbin, has been accentuated by the addition of three reclaimed glass sculptures in vibrant blue. The white 105-inch Desiree sofa is covered with a comfortable fabric and filled with down feathers. A hand-knotted rug adds coziness, warmth, and texture to the space.
One of the most spectacular aspects of this particular building is the organic, curving shape of its open-air balconies. Bilotti has provided the homeowners multiple ways to enjoy this feature, while either relaxing in the conversation seating area, or dining outside beneath a breathtaking sunset. “I try to respect what is given in terms of the construction while giving the client what they want in terms of the quality, design, and serviceability,” adds Bilotti. This plush penthouse playground emphasizes the best of the Florida lifestyle, gifting its occupants with magnificent water views from almost every angle.
Written by Marci Wise
Photography by Giovanni Photography
Janet Bilotti Interiors
1786 Trade Center Way Suite 5
Naples, Florida 34109
239.597.3636
International Design Source
1939 Trade Center Way
Naples, Florida 34109
239.591.1114
United Materials, Inc.
1998 Trade Center Way
Naples, Florida 34109
239.593.6995
Casa Italia
10800 Corkscrew Rd. No. 250
Estero, Florida 33928
239.390.0643
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