Story Time: Unique Shapes and Mixed Metals Weave a Beautiful Design Tale

When people move to Naples, they often bring with them a clear vision of their new home. A home that is light and bright is what many envision, but that can be interpreted in countless ways. For the clients of Lisa Guild and Amanda Bugar of LMG Design Consulting, light and bright means white on white with dark wood accents that pop against a clean and neutral palette. These homeowners from upstate New York and their family spend half the year in Naples and half up north, so their Naples home needed to be a functional space that would accommodate their lifestyle and provide their college-age son a place to bring friends to when they need a break. Guild and Bugar created a fantastic Naples retreat with a modern twist through metals, a curated color scheme, and thoughtful design. At the end of the project, the owners were ecstatic with the results and are staunch advocates of professional interior designers.

Cool Contrasts

The modern fireplace is the focal point of the bright, elegant living room. “The homeowners wanted a design that was modern and clean but still welcoming since this is where they spend half the year. The home also has a somewhat minimalist feel to it as isn’t overly accessorized and the design story really comes through in the different shapes of each unique piece,” explains Guild. The tone on tone palette is enhanced by subtle inserts of icy blue brought in through the art and some of the fabrics used in the room. Guild and Bugar also chose to use metals as color sources, bringing in platinum throughout the living room and then continuing the story with mixed metals in the other main living spaces. Barrel chairs offer functional beauty and swivel to allow conversation between the indoor and outdoor spaces. A sofa in crisp white is backed by a table of metal and glass which is in keeping with the minimalistic theme.

Functional Forms

Platinum sparkles throughout the kitchen. “We were brought in to finish the home so some of the design choices were already made and installed by the time we joined the project. We really wanted to create more visual interest for the kitchen, and other rooms, through the lighting and furniture choices,” explains Bugar. Their selections also had to be functional as well as beautiful. As the true heart of the home, this kitchen is used frequently, so any upholstery fabrics had to be very durable. Bar stools are covered in vinyl that mimics leather which makes the seats easy to clean and long lasting. The pendant lights over the island also feature a cohesive platinum finish.

Shimmer and Shine

In the dining room, Phillip Jeffries wallpaper is used to create a muted mirror effect. Silver leaf adds depth and color while the wallpaper’s platinum coating adds shimmer. In the niche, the mirrored back of the china cabinet helps reflect light back into the room and matches the sheen of the unique wallpaper. The table, with an elegant silver inlay, features wood that matches the chocolate-colored floors. The silver and charcoal geometric pattern found on the chairs is the perfect tie in for the rest of the room.

Surprising Shapes

Off of the kitchen, the breakfast nook and family room are comfortable gathering spaces that continue the serene feeling neutral colors offer, paired with hints of metal and interesting shapes. Here, the space is warmer with more taupe fabrics and finishes. Guild and Bugar chose to use performance fabric with interesting patterns to strike a balance between form and function. Mirrors, art, and special shapes, like the platinum sunburst cocktail table, create a statement. Guild explains the design process, “We established the palette early on, and then played with those colors in different dosages throughout the home. While the colors stay consistent, fabrics and finishes are interchangeable so there is variety in each room while still having a polished and cohesive feel.”

Office Duo

The home office also acts as a guest bedroom thanks to the comfortable sleeper sofa. Creams, taupes, and platinum create a peaceful workspace. The desk and credenza sport a modern, linear grain pattern and, like the dining room table, both have silver inlay which adds some shine to the dark wood.

Expansive Exterior

The outdoor living area’s features are the highlight of this Naples home. The lanai and pool are visible the moment you walk through the front doors and are seen from every main living space, so Guild and Bugar knew they needed to curate a layout and design cohesive with the interior but also one that functions independently. Using the same palette, they found furniture that was just as fantastic as the pieces inside. Black strapping accentuates the modern outdoor furniture and is a beautiful contrast to the white and taupe fabric found on the cushions. The square lines of the mantle detail pairs well with the softer curves in the area rug. Beyond the covered lanai, Guild and Bugar added multiple seating areas including a one around the built-in fire pit, a bench by the spa, a dining area, and a place to lounge close to the pool.

“I love that we were able to create different gathering areas on the lanai, it now feels like a party-ready space for the homeowners,” says Guild. She and Bugar particularly love the chit chat area around the fire pit. The chairs are covered in a large scale graphic pattern that is understated by the use of neutrals. It is interesting while not overwhelming, and perfectly incorporates the home’s interior and exterior colors together. Adjacent to the fire pit, is an the perfect place for al fresco dining.

Photography by Randall Perry Photography

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