Vogue Interiors announced award-winning designer Leslie Gebert, Allied Member, ASID has completed a refreshing makeover of a villa residence in the Montelago neighborhood at Miromar Beach & Golf Club. The approximately 2,500 square feet great room floor plan includes a pleasant dining area, island kitchen, four bedrooms, and three baths. The great room and kitchen offer landscaped water views. Gebert’s design intention included bringing a lighter, brighter feeling to the residence while incorporating new accessories and new furnishings along with existing furniture pieces her client wanted to keep.
The existing light creamy gold floor tile provided a fine neutral foundation for Gebert’s thoughtful plan and was not changed. Lighting fixtures throughout the home were updated for fresh appeal and the darker walls were transformed with a restorative soft white paint and glossy light trim for an immediate brightening effect. As part of the renewal process, Gebert unified the decorative style emphasizing a lighter, more transitional flavor throughout the home. This began in the foyer where a heavy Tuscan bronze light fixture was replaced with a simple rectangular boxed shape pendant with a walnut finish on a metal frame. Its linear design, repeated in the dining chandelier, introduces the classic clean lines that are presented in all rooms. The original entry table was replaced with a distressed wood console with an iron frame to coordinate subtly with the owner’s existing cocktail table in the great room. Above the console, a prominent, newly selected water color conveys a pleasing lightness and playful green, teal, blue, and spicy orange colors. Arched openings from the foyer allow a smooth transition into the great room and dining room.
The dining room features a wide and beautifully arched wall niche that Gebert accented in a soft blue-gray tone to provide elegant contrast. In the niche, a circular mirror with a sunburst metallic frame is suspended over a handsome storage buffet in a distressed wood finish. The owner’s original dining table was beautiful but dark. Replacing the wood with a glass top table instantly enlivened the space. The metallic bronze base blends perfectly with the large rectangular box pendant that matches the fixture in the foyer and hangs from a drop coffered ceiling. To meet the owner’s request for eight dining chairs without crowding the somewhat limited space, Gebert introduced chairs with a narrower profile that retain perfect proportion. The clean-lined chairs are upholstered in a cream vinyl for a classic chic look that is not only light and fresh, but also easy to care for. This fabric selection is in keeping with the owners’ request that all materials should be practical for their lifestyle, which includes visits from grandchildren. Anchoring the dining room tableau, the owner’s rug in shades of taupe and rust adds interesting color contrast. A window at the head of the dining table provides natural light while the bold mirror reflects glimpses of the home’s colorful comforts.
Maintaining harmony in her design, Gebert has incorporated the owner’s favorite furniture pieces, including their parson’s table next to the dining room window. It functions as a laptop desk and functions as the office space for the home. The accompanying chair upholstered in a patterned teal fabric is a perfect complement. Above the desk, a new piece of abstract artwork in swirling shades of muted greens and blue-grays adds fresh perspective to this informal workspace.
In the adjacent living room Gebert’s plan evolved around the owner’s sectional sofa upholstered in a dark sage green chenille fabric. Combined with a full wall of dark built-in shelving set against somber wall tones, the look had been rather heavy. The owners were considering painting the built-in shelving, but Gebert demonstrated how the fresh white walls provide a light, clean backdrop against which their collected items could be displayed. By showcasing a few well-placed decorative pots, glass jars, and sculptures that incorporate the home’s accent tones, the built-ins now provide a handsome focal point in the room creating balance and harmony. A large spice colored charger in the center of the display echoes the shape of the dining room mirror. The inclusion of elegant solid colored pillows on the sectional sofa in shades of orange, blue, and yellow instantly brightened the darker background fabric. The accent tones in the existing area rug, which include the blue-gray and rust tones from the dining room, now radiate with fresh life. Also incorporated are the owner’s wicker armchair adorned with colorful cushions and a throw, and a rectangular glass top table framed in distressed wood. Although crafted by different manufacturers, Gebert was able to source several furniture pieces finished in a distressed walnut tone to combine beautifully with the owner’s cocktail table. These include the foyer console, the dining room buffet, and a sofa table by the lanai. Tall, sheer drapery panels with raffia embroidery were added to soften and frame the large windows that overlook the pool area. Beyond the pool, an expansive lake and woodland preserve provide a beautiful background and natural extension to the refreshed living space.
In the kitchen, the granite counters and medium brown cabinetry remain unchanged. To invigorate the presentation, Gebert replaced all the Tuscan light fixtures with sleeker modern styles. Against one wall, where a dark oversized cabinet had dominated the space, a smaller chest in a linen fabric finish with a bronze nail head detail now offers lighter proportion. Graceful artwork adorns the wall above. Two barstools upholstered in a spice colored fabric add balance and practicality at the granite bar area that wraps around into the living room.
While the original furniture in the master bedroom was left untouched, simple modifications to the room lightened and rejuvenated the ambiance. A wall niche in the entry to the master bedroom was painted a deeper neutral color so it would stand out in contrast against the restful whites and creams of the room. The old standard pile carpet was replaced with a more fashionable cut pile variety, and graceful new pillows were added to the bedding. In the master bathroom, the wall tones were lightened and a selection of new accessories was added for fresh embellishment.
Gebert’s design plan extended to the lanai used by the owners as a second living area. A comfortable conversation area was established with four glider rocker chairs upholstered with richly padded cushions in orange and aquamarine blue and anchored by a cheery chevron rug. Above the bar area, an oversized painting in bold tones of orange, cream, and aquamarine adds colorful emphasis. Stylish new barstools were introduced along with a glass top dining table and matching chairs. Relaxing loungers add the finishing touch. From the foyer, looking through the living room to the charm of the outdoor living area, the harmony of Gebert’s well-blended color palette is evident throughout.