Vogue Interiors’ Christie Heeb, Licensed Interior Designer, has completed the renovation of a Gulf Coast beach front condominium that had not seen an update in over four decades. The transformation was granted a prestigious Sand Dollar Award from the Collier Building Industry Association. Once a modern marvel, the space had fallen behind the times, its interior stuck in a bygone era. All of the finishes, fixtures and decorative elements made the space feel disconnected from the sleek, sophisticated aesthetics that are now highly desired by luxury condominium owners. But after 40 years, the condominium recently underwent an extraordinary renovation.
The owners, looking to breathe new life into their dated condominium and create a glamorous, comfortable, practical, and timeless space, enlisted the professional help of
Heeb at the onset of the challenging project. At this time it was ascertained that the clients wanted to embrace a bold and modern black and gold color scheme. This decision was not only a nod to sophistication but also a way to make the condominium stand out from most beachfront interiors typically seen along the Gulf Coast. Black and gold, when done correctly, is a combination that exudes luxury, elegance, and refinement.
EECON Construction Services, having completed prior projects at Monaco Beach Club, was chosen for the construction elements of the extensive renovation. Heeb met with the builder to determine what could and could not be done structurally. Spaces were to be repurposed, and walls moved to improve functionality. Challenges such as eight-foot ceilings, nonrelocatable plumbing stacks and weight bearing columns were addressed. Heeb, drawing from her decades of experience immediately began to imagine the redesign.
Upon entry, the foyer had the hip ceiling and oversized light fixture removed and LED flat puck lighting installed. A gold starburst chandelier now illuminates the gold and white wavy wallcovering of the once drab, tunnel like space. A console table of black onyx sports a crystal and antique brass table lamp. Under foot, a soft taupe area rug with dashes of black and gold softens the look. French white oak flooring continues through the common areas and bedrooms.
Continuing into the main living area, Heeb created a new focal point through the use of a dramatic black onyx slab with gold veining which extends ceiling to floor and houses a dramatic linear fireplace. Each side is flanked by custom illuminated and mirrored back pearl toned built in cabinetry. A pearl toned sectional, upholstered in performance fabric is adorned with a dramatic combination of black and gold luxe accent pillows. An ivory toned stone top and brass base cocktail table, sculptural occasional chair, ebony wood end table with aged brass hardware atop a tone-on-tone textural rug are enveloped by complementary artwork and accessories to complete the dramatic and inviting space.
From the living area the eye is led through to the newly imagined, glass enclosed former outdoor terrace. Heeb made the area more intimate and put focus on the magnificent views. The structural columns are now graced with dramatic crystal and satin brass sconces. Four swivel chairs in a textured neutral performance fabric surround a gold leather round cocktail ottoman. The newly perfected space is ideal for conversation and dramatic sunset views.
A wall was removed to expand the kitchen/dining area to create an open concept between the living area and kitchen that also formerly obstructed the view. A dry bar in the adjacent living area was redesigned and the space behind it in the original was utilized for widening the kitchen as well. The original outdated kitchen consisted of slab laminate door cabinets, outdated granite countertops and a back lit fluorescent dome ceiling. The kitchen now boasts custom cabinets in an alabaster lightly hand glazed finish. A 10-foot floating island was created crowned with a six-centimeter-thick exquisite Taj Mahal exotic quartzite countertop. The surround countertops are inclusive of a full height backsplash in a durable and heat-resistant neutral quartz. The newly designed space allows for counter height seating on both sides of the island. Thermador and Wolf luxury appliances inclusive of panel fronts create a streamlined and functional cohesion. The sleek designer faucet, cabinet and appliance hardware are in a brushed brass finish. Three elegant lucite and brass pendants light the island. Performance fabric counter stools with burnished brass bases offer ample seating in the beautiful and functional kitchen.
Throughout the interior, gold was introduced through various accents to bring warmth and a sense of opulence. The gold elements also served to enhance the natural light flooding the space, creating a luminous environment. The combination of black’s boldness and gold’s warmth gave the condominium a balanced and luxurious feel, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day at the beach.
Visit our portfolio page for before and after photos.