This traditional Old Florida style home, built in 1914, has a wealth of southern charm — but updating the home provided architects with some interesting challenges. The original bed-and-breakfast style home was inspired by the renowned ‘Naples Cottage’ visionary Kristen Williams Haseotis prior to her selling it for a record Olde Naples price in 2012.
“When we took on the project, the current structure was below the FEMA elevations for construction which made tough rules come into play,” says Matthew Kragh from MHK Architects. “Because the house is so non-conforming, we had to achieve approvals to utilize the existing setbacks instead of the new ones,” says Kragh. It was a stringent process. Undeterred, the company took on the daunting task of preserving the home’s history while elevating it to today’s design standards.
They began by stripping away the existing, rotting siding and replacing it with a cementitious fiberboard with a board-and-batten siding configuration. Bit by bit, they brought this home into the 21st century by adding durable Ipe Brazilian hardwood decking to the front porch and upgrading the home with impact Eagle windows.
The new homeowner, a doting grandmother, desired a comfortable, livable space for her family to come in off the beach. To achieve this, she brought in the award-winning design team from Renee Gaddis Interiors. In true Florida style, the main living area is brimming with coastal flair reflected by the plentiful use of linen, and texture and accent colors of sand, water, and sky. The room’s large center table, inviting sofa, and television can be seen from the kitchen, creating the perfect area for the family to relax, converse, and unwind. “The client also wanted to incorporate some antique shutters into the room’s design, so we improvised and used them as a unique backdrop for her original Anne Packard artwork,” describes Renee Gaddis, founder and principal designer at Renee Gaddis Interiors. A touch of harvested coral was also procured by the design team to complete the room’s island-like feel.
The kitchen was kept crisp and clean through the use of Shaker-style cabinetry with a solid color, painted finish. Since the space was small, plenty of design thought went into achieving as much symmetry on the back wall as possible. “We didn’t want to take up a lot of the wall space with a big, bulky appliance, so everything was done with under-counter refrigerator drawers, which was a really nice detail,” says Chris Hylemon from Hyland Custom Cabinetry, a Thomas Riley Company.
The dining room was designed around an existing, sculpture-like metal light fixture that resembles driftwood – and shines upwards, upon the ceiling. An antique reproduction table from Currey & Company with a sturdy metal base is accompanied by six dining chairs from Hickory Chair. In keeping with the metallic theme, a metal urn and zinc agave on a pedestal adorn the space. A charming light blue sideboard with chicken wire adds a bit of whimsy. Again, every effort was made to preserve the home’s historical authenticity. “We salvaged the ceiling materials, and stored them off-site for months, in order to keep it quaint,” adds Mike Assaad from Waterside Builders. “It was such a pleasure to be a part of this creatively collaborative team creating such unique projects,” adds Assaad.
Designed as a special place for the client’s young granddaughter, the TV room includes an adorable baby chair tufted just for her. The TV console crafted in gray- wash wood and a distinctive antique workbench continue the seaside feel of the home – while a spacious sectional sofa and two large sconces with reclaimed wood backing create impact.
The soothing blue master bedroom was designed around fashionable Ikat decorative pillows. Luxurious Ralph Lauren Home bedding on the antique bed offers the homeowner an inviting refuge. The addition of a shell mirror, oriental vase and handmade, woven rug complete the space.
The guest suite bedroom, with its own private entrance, is fun and vibrant. Round prints of coral and playful animal-esque accent pillows create the perfect getaway for visitors.
The granddaughter’s room is equipped with two twin beds and incorporates playful, Indian inspired John Robshaw bedding and a Flokati rug. A blue chandelier over the nightstand, instead of in the middle of the room, adds unexpected pizzazz.
The French inspired main powder bath is elegant, but comfortable. A beautiful abalone-shell mirror by Made Goods and faux candelabra give the room a bit of oomph.
The granddaughter’s bath incorporates form and function. A green garden stool not only provides a pop of color, but enables her to reach the sink easily.
The interior design of the guesthouse was built around the room’s antique plate rack and stunning coral chandelier. While brighter and livelier than the main house, everything was done to keep it in the style of the original cottage. The end result is a charming, authentic home that invites visitors on a journey to a simpler time.
Written by Marci Wise Photography by Doug Thompson
Renee Gaddis Interiors 9915 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 1 Naples, Florida 34108 239.431.8352 www.reneegaddis.com
Hyland Custom Cabinetry 1458 Rail Head Boulevard Naples, Florida 34110 239.591.3203 www.hylandcabinetry.com
MHK Architects 975 6th Ave., South #200 Naples, Florida 34102 239.331.7092 www.mhkap.com
Waterside Builders 790 Harbour Drive Naples, Florida 34103 239.430.3883 www.watersidebuildersinc.com
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