Nothing quite like it has ever been seen in Naples’ Quail West. The Lauréne, a four bedroom, four full- and two half-bath model with 5,672 square feet under air, by Diamond Custom Homes, introduces a modern note into the elegant traditionalism for which the neighborhood is known.
One of the most impactful pieces of this home’s exterior design are the twin fountains on a platform forming the entrance to the home. These were created by Landscape Architect Pat Trefz of Outside Productions International.
“I wanted to make a division between the vehicular and the pedestrian,” says Trefz. “The soothing sound of the water and the wispy beauty of the Alexander palms flanking the fountains make a welcoming statement about the home before a visitor even reaches the front door.”
Envisioned by Residential Designer, Richard Guzman of R.G. Designs, the Lauréne allowed Guzman to push his limits. “I liked that this design was a bit out of the norm,” says Guzman, who interjects contemporary styling by way of the Zen-like front entrance, soaring interior floating ceilings, and clean lines everywhere.
The floor-to-ceiling windows are Guzman’s favorite element. “The windows flood the interior with natural light, easing the transition from inside to outside, and accenting the play of light and shadow, allowing the home to be modern, but never stark,” says Guzman, “Though there always will be room for the timeless coastal cottage design, moving forward I think we’ll be seeing more contemporary homes.”
The home’s builder, Michael Diamond of Diamond Custom Homes agrees. “We get to veer from the same beaten path and stretch our capabilities with this home,” says Diamond. “The whole team poured their talents into creating a home that includes the best of both worlds-private, yet perfect for entertaining; contemporary, yet warm. At Diamond Custom Homes, quality has always been our hallmark and this striking home has achieved high acclaim by everyone who has seen it,” he says.
When it came to hitting just the right chord within the home, the task fell to Lou Shafran and Mark Vanagas of Pacifica Interior Design. They enjoyed the challenge of working with a minimal color palette of black, gray, and white, as well as maintaining clean, simple lines to create the home’s modern elegance.
“Our style varies with each client and is never cookie-cutter,” says Shafran. “Whether what is called for is Old World, or contemporary and modern as in this home, we are always able to interpret the design to meet the project. But we always strive for timeless and lasting themes. We don’t believe in chasing trends. Here we wanted to tie the interior and exterior spaces together and meet the clean lines of the architecture with subtle drama and quiet glamour,” Shafran explains.
The Lauréne is being sold as a furnished model.
Neolith cladding graces the exterior of the Lauréne model in Quail West, whose mahogany and glass front door is reached via a raised shell stone platform that houses twin fountains, bordered by Alexander palms and Texas sage. A stained tongue-and-groove ceiling draws the eye upward as do the bronze framed Andersen Windows emphasizing the home’s clean, contemporary lines.
A Modular Ring chandelier by Ralph Lauren pairs with the transom windows of the mahogany front door to light this elegant foyer. Two Veda mirrors from Uttermost adorn the walls–painted in Sherwin-Williams Snowbound–above the Lazio high-gloss black wood wall consoles by John-Richard. The Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring in Tropea finish from the Dolce Vita Collection, sourced and installed by Naples Flooring Company, runs throughout the main areas of the home and is inset with Thassos marble in the entryway.
A dramatic black and white custom wood cabinet with floating shelves and contrasting faced drawers by EDGE Cabinet and Space Creators hosts sculptures by John-Richard in the great room. An Eden sectional in neutral linen by Bernhardt sports a mohair pillow and others in Kravet fabrics. A duo of Ellwood chairs by Christopher Hyland is clad in black faux ostrich. The Ollie cocktail table is wood stained in espresso and all sit atop a wool chevron patterned rug.
A glass wine room, separating this dining room from the butler’s pantry, holds hundreds of vintages and cleverly hides climate controls in the ebony cabinet. A multi-tiered Sanger chandelier from the Aerin Lauder Collection for Visual Comfort sports crystal balls and is suspended from the dramatic floating ceiling. The Hickory White walnut table with seating for six and the silver chenille upholstered Hector chairs from Century complete the space.
Cole pendants of polished nickel with clear crystal rods by Robert Abbey shine down on one of two islands, topped with Crystal White quartz in this gourmet kitchen. High-gloss enamel cabinetry by EDGE Cabinet and Space Creators is accented with stainless steel appliances, including a professional range hood and wall ovens by Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Acer. A coffee bar with floating shelves and room for a TV proves convenient. Chrome and black stools afford seating space for guests.
The powder bath makes a dramatic statement with its walls covered in black sisal grass cloth by York. Easterly pendants of polished nickel and white glass by Visual Comfort light the Crystal White quartz countertop inlaid with square vessel sinks atop ebony stained wood EDGE Cabinet and Space Creators cabinetry. John-Richard created the white razor coral sculpture and the abstract circular metal sculpture is by Uttermost.
A Malcolm black leather sofa with doughnut geometric patterned cushions by Jim Thompson fabric and Barnaby swivel chairs in gray woven cotton by Century surround the black wood and chrome coffee table atop the Radici Fascinosa rug. A Sonoma end table with khaki striping by Sherrill Occasional stands in front of a Robert Abbey floor lamp. An abstract piece by a local artist adds a spot of color to the monochromatic room.
The Wheeling Upholstered Bed by Bernhardt sports organic lines from the Sferra Grand Hotel Collection. Kravet custom pillows complete the ensemble and a chrome and velvet valance bench by Century foots the bed. Aubree chairs by Bernhardt are of banded charcoal wood with linen fabric. The Bradley chest by Vanguard is in the Oiled Java finish.
Serenity is easily achieved in this master bath. Clad in creamy Thassos marble with a Crystal White marble countertop, dual trough sinks are inset above white lacquered EDGE Cabinet and Space Creators cabinetry. Shower and sink fixtures are from Newport Brass. Sconces are by Visual Comfort and the entry wall, painted in Sherwin-Williams Incredible White, hosts “Edgar” a nude from Leftbank Art.
The pool and spa, edged in mosaic glass and covered Pebble Tec tiles, features a swim-up bar and hosts twin bronze gas-plumed firepots. The ivory limestone deck edges an extended entertainment space of shell stone pavers inset with turf. Chaises by Sunset West match the seating group that invites outdoor gatherings under the 50-foot-long covered lanai, which also has a fireplace, complete outdoor kitchen, and roll-down screens.
Written by Kitt Walsh
Photography by Lori Hamilton
Residential Designer
R.G. Designs
28071 Vanderbilt Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239.949.2929
rgdesignsinc.com
Luxury Home Builder
Diamond Custom Homes
9130 Galleria Court, Suite 204
Naples, FL 34109
239.325.4600
diamondcustomhomesfl.com
Interior Designer
Pacifica Interior Design
2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 130
Naples, FL 34109
239.325.1411
pacificainteriordesign.com
Landscape Architect
Outside Productions International
5644 Tavilla Circle, Suite 207
Naples, FL 34110
239.390.1334
opidesign.net
Resources:
Allied Paver Systems
217 North Collier Boulevard #102
Marco Island, FL 34145
239.394.6152
alliedpavers.com
Andersen Windows
100 4th Avenue
Bayport, MN 55003
800.426.4261
andersenwindows.com
EDGE Cabinet and Space Creators
9130 Galleria Court, Suite 203
Naples, FL 34109
239.631.6771
edgecabinetry.com
Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring
2684 Horseshoe Drive South
Naples, FL 34104
239.206.1898
legnobastone.com
Nassau Pools Construction
5187 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34103
239.643.0990
nassaupools.com
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