Golden Hour: A Condo Where Transitional Meets Traditional

When you enter this condominium in Bonita Bay’s Altaira, you are immediately struck by a sense of subtle sophistication that is cohesive and fresh as you move from room to room. This inspired sense of style comes from former Principal of Cinnabar Design, Diana Hall and senior designer, Elizabeth Manchego who are now pleased to announce their latest venture, Diana Hall Design. Built as a spec unit for WCI and Lennar, a lot of features were already in the unit when Hall and Manchego were brought into the project. “It quickly became about finding ways to integrate what we do, which is lighter and more transitional, with the finishes that were already in place, like the traditional dark wood floors and granite countertops. We decided on a palette that enhanced the warm, golden tones already there, while bringing in a touch of glamour people have come to expect in these beautiful beach and bay front high rises,” says Hall. 

Warm and Welcoming

The decision to use gold, champagne, and oiled bronze throughout the home softens the dark wood floors and continues Hall’s signature theme of understated elegance. A challenge she faced was finding a way to utilize the three large niches added by the builder. In the dining area, she decided to create a beautiful bank of seating nestled into the first of the three niches. This comfortable bench with faux bois fabric makes an impressive statement piece as well as functional seating area. Above, the architectural ceiling detail not only delineates the space, it also serves a function, hiding an awkwardly placed j-box which allowed Hall to center the beautiful chandelier. The table is surrounded by chairs finished in a Chanel-like quilted pattern and the champagne colored table base mimics the “X” pattern found in the lighting details. Accent pillows with marble swirls finish the bench.

Creative Outlet

In the living area, the second niche wall, originally designed for an entertainment center, has been given and fabulous upgrade. Hall had a solution to the less than ideal placement of the niche saying “If we were to use the whole space for a media stand or built-ins for an entertainment center, it put the TV too close to the sliding doors. By placing this wonderful media piece to one side and the filling in the open space with floating shelves, we were able to create an area that is modern, balanced, and now functions as a great entertainment area.” Tone on tone applied molding accents create the perfect finishing touch behind the Century media stand with soft grey doors, architectural gold hardware, and a cement top.

Elegant Comfort

From a different angle, the expansive bend seat sectional provides a comfortable place to relax. The cut velvet pillows and panel drapes soften the mixed media cocktail table by Vanguard. Hall brought in interesting lighting like the asymmetrical chandelier and the lamp with crystal-like base from Flo Decor. Across the room, the breakfast nook and kitchen have been given the same level of sophisticated design through artwork which features cut geodes and the soft gold of the trey ceiling.

Relaxing Design

The bed is a modern take on a familiar four poster frame and is the perfect transitional option for this calming master bedroom. A pair of Stanley night stands with chocolate shagreen finish and industrial style handles and drawer pulls frame either side of the bed. Near the window, the Pearson chaise is an ideal spot to read a favorite book. Natural linen drapes are given a fun twist thanks to the thin gold threads woven throughout. Hall finished the space with lamps containing floating orb details in the center, and bedding by Eastern Accents.

Color Study

The den features a great desk space and a sleeper sofa, making it the perfect multi-purpose room. Hall used a natural sisal area rug which contrasts with the more luxurious touches like the faux stump finished in gold leaf. In fact, the whole room is awash in subtle gold and oil rubbed bronze tones, creating a space to relax or work with a backdrop of glamorous undertones. Sheer drapes with a horizontal pattern complement the greek key-patterned throw pillows. The whole room is tied together with the abstract gold painted rope art from the Phillips Collection.

Thinking Cap

A versatile desk area was created from the third niche. “Since we had already filled the other two niches with furniture, I wanted to design something different here. The chocolate colored floating shelf can act as a storage or desk area and balances the other two niche spaces in the home,” Hall explains. She added extra seating options via the three ottomans below the shelf which can be pulled into the room for more seating when guests visit. The wall covering in the niche is a natural mica which adds sparkle and dimension. Three faux turtle shells framed in shadow boxes with mirrored frames add a whimsical, seaside touch.