A palette of greens and oranges was the color scheme for a home in West Palm Beach’s SoSo neighborhood, but selecting the stone was the design’s starting point. The Mediterranean-style house was built in 2006 and recently purchased by the homeowner, who had renovations done to the interior. “The client and I took a unique approach by selecting the stone for each room before moving on to any other design elements,” explains Lauren Hooks McCauley, designer with the celebrated firm of Kemble Interiors. “Our design process was very much rooted in collaboration and decisiveness from the start.”
The centerpiece of the living room is the vibrant Arcobaleno onyx which was used to create the ceiling-height fireplace surround. Once that was chosen, Juliet Mayhew was commissioned to design a rug for the foyer with the same organic feel and rich tones as the onyx. McCauley feels this important piece adds comfort and style and works to guide guests seamlessly from the front door to the living room.
A custom rug by Juliet Mayhew of Juliet Mayhew Carpets, London, softens the entry way.
The Arcobaleno onyx fireplace surround in the living room is from Stone Gallery in West Plam Beach. The custom sofa is from Associated Interior Design Services covered in a Perennials indoor/outdoor fabric. The chairs set around the Made Goods coffee table are from Design Within Reach, and the side tables by Wendy Concannon add to the green and orange color theme. The Kelly Wearstler chandelier is from Visual Comfort.
The custom Juliet Mayhew rug in the foyer points the way to the living room’s stunning fireplace. The console table is from Avenue Road and window treatments are by Gonsman Custom Draperies in a Schumacher fabric.
The built-in cabinetry by Lucia International of West Palm Beach in Benjamin Moore’s Brazilian Rainforest 651. The bar’s countertop and backsplash is made with emerald agate from Stone Gallery.
The dramatic wall covering is Geo from Aqualille, and the table and chairs are from RH.
The custom bed was made by Gonsman Custom Draperies, and also the window treatments in a Kravet fabric. A Raoul Textiles bolster pillow tops the bed. The bench is from Room and Board, and the chair from Design Within Reach. The bedside tables, lamps and the chandelier are all from Made Goods. The side table is from Blu Dot.
The built-in vanity and display shelves were made by Lucia International and the Gonsman Custom Draperies window treatment are in a fabric from Kravet.
Sofa, chairs and chaise lounges from Lane Venture provide comfortable seating by the pool. The coffee table is from Serena and Lily.
The homeowner wanted a space that provided comfort and warmth for her, but also a fun and inviting atmosphere for entertaining. The choice of modern furniture in the living room, including a gathering of chairs around the coffee table in front of the fireplace, with shades of green and orange throughout, is a reflection of her style. Bold colors from pieces in her personal art collection add to the room’s sophistication and timeless appeal. “From the start, we knew the artwork would be a central element,” says McCauley, “so the challenge was to weave those bright hues into the furniture and fabric selections without overwhelming the space.”
Perhaps the boldest choices were made in the dining room. A stunning slab of emerald agate was used for the backlit bar—with built-in cabinetry by Lucia International in Benjamin Moore’s Brazilian Rainforest 651—creating an atmosphere for gathering and socializing. A neutral tone dining table and chairs anchor the room, but the wallpaper is akin to another piece of art. McCauley explained that as she was driving, she knew she had to have something from Aqualille because their unique designs would work with the intensity of the stone. The large swirling pattern of Geo, in a custom shade of green, stands on its own with a dramatic sense of movement and texture, “a perfect blend of luxury and modernity.”
The lighting in the home had to complement the strong color palette and materials that the designers—McCauley, along with Kemble’s Peyton Urbanek—had chosen. “These lighting choices helped to enhance the lively, social vibe in rooms like the dining and living areas,” says McCauley, “adding drama and excitement while illuminating the beautiful design elements.”
The bedrooms show a softer, more intimate side of the home. “Each room was thoughtfully designed to ensure a peaceful environment,” says McCauley, “with warm textures and soothing colors that promote relaxation and restful sleep.” Adjacent to the primary bedroom, the homeowner has a unique retreat that McCauley refers to as “The Ladies Lounge.” This room is awash in natural light and gives the homeowner a quiet space for creating her own personal glamour. Custom-built display shelves and a vanity with a large mirror are perfect for getting ready for the day or for an evening out.
Another retreat is the family room, which leads out from the loggia to the pool. An arrangement of lounge chairs, chaise lounges and a rattan coffee table around the sofa provide plenty of room for a gathering with friends. “I am so happy with the bright and colorful oasis that was created,” says the homeowner. “It’s an ideal Palm Beach area home that blends the traditional exterior style with modern design. It’s perfect for entertaining and is the best welcome when I come home.”