After having worked with our client on their Toronto home, we had the opportunity to work again with them when they purchased their Florida vacation house.
The original 1950’s house was tired and in need of a major face lift. Several bad renovations had left the house disjointed and dark. The client asked us to assist them with interviewing and hiring a local Florida architect, the contractor, trades, pool installation company as well as sourcing local materials.
Our role was to provide an overview of the design of the entire house renovation, which included working with the architect, providing a layout for the addition, all of the interior design, landscape design and the design of the new pool, which included a hot tub area, lounge area with an in pool eating bar, a wading pool as well as the deep pool.
As this project is based in Florida, the emphasis was on the exterior. The house is situated on the intercostal southern end of the island with a view of the ocean from the rear of the house. The kitchen and family room as well as master bedroom were moved to the back of the house to allow the outdoor areas to extend into the living spaces used the most.
All of the interior flooring, exterior drive and steps, pool deck, counters and wall tile were sourced from the same supplier and are used throughout all the spaces. The palette was left as simple and clean, with emphasis on spaces that flowed easily from inside to outside the house allowing our client to entertain guests casually.
A lanai was created with concealed retractable screens allowing our client to use this outdoor space when the bugs are out. During the day, the outdoor kitchen functions as the main cooking space, with a bbq, gas burners, a fridge, sink and ice maker available for all their needs.
Understanding how a client will use a space requires some foresight.
Sometimes even our clients don’t know exactly how they will use a house before it is finished. Allowing for some flexibility in the design, or working with them to make decisions requires listening and also putting options out for consideration.
We know we have done a good job when we get to work with a client for the second time. Long term client relationships become lasting friendships as well.
