Crisp whites, varying shades of blue and sandy hues conspire to give an Ocean Ridge retreat a look and feel inspired by the white-capped waves and shoreline right outside the windows.
Sofas from Monte Allen gather in the living room, while a Carolyn Cole painting from Gruen Galleries splashes color to the space. Photographed by Wittefini
When John Cialone’s clients approached him to design their winter getaway in Ocean Ridge, a palette emerged that naturally insisted the waterfront surroundings lead the way. “The primary view from the home is of the ocean, which has the most intense blue color at times due to the shallow nature of the water at this part of the Florida coast,” says Cialone, of Chicago’s Tom Stringer Design Partners, who selected a mix of cobalt, crisp white and sandy hues with pops of orange to wash over the 3,000-square-foot condo. “The bold coral tone is a natural complement to blue and provides high contrast.”
Together with architect Bill Wietsma of Wietsma Lippolis and his construction team, they took the apartment down to its studs. While the surfaces and finishes were updated and designed to complement the coastal location, a new floor plan of three bedrooms and three bathrooms was designed to allow for better flow and function, access to natural light and privacy. “We had a few challenges,” Cialone says. “The client wanted four sleeping areas in what is traditionally a three-bedroom apartment. We achieved this by creating a den off the kitchen that can be easily converted into a bedroom when needed. We were also tasked with improving the overall flow and space planning of the apartment without altering any window locations. In addition, the ceiling heights were not grand, so we were conscious of giving the living room ceiling interest without making it feel heavy.”
Urban Electric & Co. pendants take their blue cues from the vibrant island in the kitchen, painted in a high-gloss indigo from Sherwin-Williams Photographed by Wittefini
The inviting layout can be felt immediately. The elevator opens directly onto the entry foyer and reception area of this unit, with a catchall table that welcomes the owners home from the beach. And since the kitchen sits right off the entry, the design team wanted it to be dramatic. “The bold lacquer blue island sets the stage as you enter the apartment,” Cialone says. That blue travels through the kitchen pendants, topping the bar and buffet via a blue Macaubas natural stone countertop in the living room, and to the furnishings and fabrics throughout, which were kept cozy yet strong so the owners would have a comfortable and long-lasting place to land. “Most of the materials and fabrics were selected as they had great texture, were natural (cottons and linens primarily) but were very soft,” Cialone says. “We were also conscious that all surfaces and materials be highly durable or cleanable as the clients have a growing family and a dog.”
Upholstered headboards in the bedrooms, optimized storage for guests including the owners’ grown sons, a custom-embroidered game table, grass-cloth walls in the den, and light and dark woods mixed with rattan and bamboo make for a textured and layered experience that is at once casual and sophisticated, with elements of surprise that give this home away from home permanent vacation vibes. “Working with Bill Wietsma and team to create a crisp, tailored residence was a highlight for me. Our clients are warm and fun people who allowed us to create a unique home for family and friends.”
The den features an Avery Boardman sofa, Bunny Williams stools from Lee Jofa topped with Edelman leather, a rattan chair by McGuire and an accent table from Bolier. Kerry Joyce window treatments contrast Thibaut’s Adriatic grass cloth. Photographed by Wittefini
TYPE
Condo
LOCATION
Ocean Ridge
DESIGN
Tom Stringer Design Partners
tomstringer.com
ARCHITECTURE & BUILDER
Wietsma Lippolis
wlhouses.com
RESOURCES
ANN SACKS
Backsplash in kitchen
annsacks.com
BENJAMIN MOORE
Paint throughout condo
benjaminmoore.com
BEST
Cirrus ceiling-mounted range hood in kitchen
bestrangehoods.com
CLEARVIEW CABINETRY SERVICES
Cabinetry fabrication in kitchen
clearviewcabinetry.com
OPUSTONE
Countertops in kitchen and bar
opustone.com
WOLF
Induction cooktop in kitchen
subzero-wolf.com
Tangerine accents the primary bedroom, thanks to a Salgado Saucier table lamp from The Bright Group and pillow fabric from Stroheim. Tom Stringer Design Partners custom designed the upholstered bed, and the bedside table is from Iatesta Studio. Photographed by Wittefini
The coastal scheme continues out to the terrace overlooking the ocean. Photographed by Wittefini
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