WHIMSICAL FLORIDA RETREAT
When your client of many years calls to ask if you would help them decorate their new property in Florida, you JUMP at the opportunity. You get over the very real issue of not having access to any trades or showrooms in the region by forming a partnership with a local interior designer and bingo - the perfect team is formed!
Chomping at the bit to create something completely different from their Toronto digs, our client gave us full reign to go for it. We were excited by the idea of creating a breezy, colourful and whimsical space they could relax in so we started by using all natural materials like rattan, wood, sisal and linen; and built everything from there. The palette - riffing off a Floridian landscape of sea, sand and sky - is made up of calming shades of cream, beige, blue, and blush pinks.
The kitchen was already in the works when we came on board - a clean-lined, transitional style that's timeless. With the kitchen being white, it served as the perfect backdrop to inject a little Griffin Houghton colour and fun into the mix. We chose this whimsical tile, which brought the entire kitchen alive with an explosion of palm trees, tropical flowers and birds. It struck just the right chord in the space along with the denim leather stools.
In the open concept space, we decided to create two sitting areas - a casual one off the kitchen (which was originally intended to be the dining area); and one in the centre that serves as an entertaining space. Large, dramatic Audubon prints set the tone for both of the two sitting areas and served as a great jumping off point for the fabrics and furnishings.
We then situated the dining area at the far end of the room where the space is more generous in size and with access to the outdoor Lanae.
With only two bedrooms in the home, we needed to carve out one more sleeping space for family and guests, so we took a small room (just off the dining area) and turned it into a multi-use space. With a daybed for sleeping and everyday lounging, and with a desk under the window for remote Zoom calls, it's one of our favourite rooms!
The Guest bedroom and ensuite leans into the Floridian vibe in a big way. Playful Schumacher Palm Leaf wallpaper cocoons the room. Broadloom carpet is soft on the feet, and the crisp white bedding paired with blush accents make it a very inviting space to relax in after a long day in the sun.
The Principal bedroom and bathroom are drenched in pretty shades of blues and creams and are equally enticing spaces to bookmark long hot days on the sunny golf course.
We absolutely love how this house feels so different from our clients' home in Toronto and their cottage in Marmora (which we also decorated). House & Home Magazine loved it too and featured the project in an eight page spread in the May issue of the magazine. Check out the full story by clicking the button below.
Any chance we get to work on a vacation home we jump at - especially when it is in beautiful Florida. Take us with you wherever you call home. We are ready and our bags are packed!
All photos above by Andrea Kellaway
Styling by Griffin Houghton
Contact us for all your design needs at studio@griffinhoughton.com
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