The homeowners of this Jupiter home bought it while it was still under construction. “Our goal was to take what was essentially a nearly finished shell and personalize it, bringing in custom finishes, custom millwork, architectural details, and design details that elevate the space and make it feel truly tailored to our clients,” says New Canaan-based designer Michelle Morgan Harrison. “One thing I hope people take away from this project is that a home can feel both refined and completely livable, that you never have to choose between beauty and comfort,” she says.
“The use of rattan and driftwood tones offers a refined nod to coastal living—an elevated alternative to the more expected palm motifs or vibrant shades of blue typically associated with a beach house,” designer Michelle Morgan Harrison says.
A double-height stairwell welcomes guests into the home.
The coco-shell artwork in the dining room is from Palecek. “Its form adds texture without disrupting the serene color story,” Morgan Harrison says.
The coco-shell artwork in the dining room is from Palecek. “Its form adds texture without disrupting the serene color story,” Morgan Harrison says.
“We focused on an organic mix of textures in a soft, neutral palette, layering materials like rattan, linen, boucle, light oak, and textural Moroccan-style rugs,” Morgan Harrison says.
“I love the tension of the industrial concrete paired with the delicate brass chain; it’s such an interesting textural mix,” the designer says of the Visual Comfort pendant hanging above the breakfast table.
“I love the tension of the industrial concrete paired with the delicate brass chain; it’s such an interesting textural mix,” the designer says of the Visual Comfort pendant hanging above the breakfast table.
A handmade pendant from Cuff Studio, crafted from natural string, hangs above the game table. The oil painting is by Heather Essian from Paloma & Co., while the plaster works are by Sally Threlkeld.
The designer says oak ceiling beams “bring natural texture and a sense of architectural grounding to the space without overwhelming its softness.” Meanwhile, custom built-ins provide storage and a desk area. The coco shell light is from Serena & Lily.
“The media room sconces from Visual Comfort act almost like jewelry, where marble and brass designs sit tight to the wall and give a refined, sculptural quality to the darker, more atmospheric space” Morgan Harrison says.
A guest room is coated in a pale blue.
The bunk room features custom millwork.
What was the overall objective for this home and how did you achieve those goals?
We set out to create a light-filled retreat that feels warm, livable, and connected to its surroundings. To do this, we developed a natural, airy palette layered with organic textures that evoke ease and relaxation.
Let’s talk about the palette. How did you enact it?
Our client gravitates towards neutrals. Her wardrobe is monochromatic and pattern-free, with black up north and shades of white in Florida, so we knew the home’s foundation needed to be tonal and understated. To create depth within that restraint, we layered a range of creams, greiges, and beiges throughout the main living spaces. In the bedrooms and secondary rooms, we introduced soft accents of blush, muted blues, seafoam greens, deeper charcoals, and warm beiges. Each space incorporates natural materials and subtle textures to keep the palette cohesive, serene, and sophisticated. The goal was to layer whites that feel creamy and warm without ever skewing yellow. By selecting colors with soft greige undertones, we created a serene backdrop that complements the home’s natural textures and custom millwork.
What went into the lighting choices throughout?
The lighting for this home was selected to feel sculptural, warm, and quietly coastal, with pieces that add texture and presence without overwhelming the serene palette. Each fixture was chosen not only for its form, but for how it interacts with the abundant natural light and the soft, layered materials throughout the home.
Do you have a favorite lighting fixture from this project?
My personal favorite is in the family room. The Palecek rattan pendants make a perfect statement in the large vaulted space. Because the room is viewed from both the loft above and the main level below, we layered three different shapes to create interest on multiple planes. Their deep, rich rattan brings warmth and grounding contrast against the soft whites of the room.
What effect does millwork have on interiors?
Millwork has the power to completely transform a home; it adds depth, character, and architectural presence in a way that paint alone can never achieve.
How did you use millwork in this project?
The foyer millwork was essential. We squared off the original arched openings and introduced a full grid of paneling that wraps around the curved stairwell, continues up to the second-floor landing, and flows seamlessly into the dining area. It was a complex detail that John McDonald Company executed beautifully, and it gives the entry a sense of structure and refinement from the moment you walk in.
How does your background as a fashion editor translate to your career as an interior designer?
My background in fashion has always shaped the way I approach interiors. Working as a Senior Fashion Editor at Elle and later as Fashion Director at Mirabella taught me how to build a story through texture, proportion, and detail. In many ways, each palette and room becomes its own narrative, every space a chapter in a larger story we’re crafting for the client. Editorial styling trained me to see balance and movement, to edit with intention, and to create compositions that feel both elevated and effortless. I also look closely at how my clients dress and their relationship to color, pattern, and texture; it always offers cues for how they want their home to feel.
What similarities do you see between fashion design and interior design?
In fashion, every element matters: silhouette, fabric, texture, and the smallest finishing touch. That same sensitivity informs my interiors.