This residential project was for a younger couple from Greenwich, Connecticut, who wanted a house that blended into the Palm Beach climate and culture but displayed a Caribbean flair. Starting in April 2021, the project took two years to complete. In order to get the green light from Palm Beach’s powerful Architectural Commission (ARCOM), Wadia Associates had to plan strategically and to reach out to individual commissioners for advice. Their formal presentation was submitted following three months of consultation. This background work was the key to success and resulted in proposal that the commission felt was appropriate in style and size for the surrounding area. “You’re really judged against the neighboring properties,” explains Wadia’s Senior Design Associate, Paul Masino.
The new build began with just sodded and irrigated land and was the work of general contractor, Island Construction. A lot of just over a third of an acre, which is a desirable size in Palm Beach, provided access behind the house allowing for a rear-facing garage—a detail strongly preferred by ARCOM. Masino points out “an interesting detail to notice is that the front door is recessed into the structure, providing shelter from rainfall and creating a shadow line.” Two lower roofs, he explains, are intended to make the house appear less forbidding from the street.
The foyer’s bold flooring is Perma Link Pattern in porcelain by Marc Thee from Audrey Lane. The chandelier is a custom design by Shakuff, and the sofa is by Jessica Charles with fabric by Jacques Bouvet et Cie. Side lamps are by Visual Comfort, the cloverleaf chair is by Hickory Chair, and an amethyst trimmed mirror by John Richard.
The La Cornue stove and hood is in a bold shade of Lavender Blue. The barstools are by Hickory Chair, with seat fabric by Kravet and the back by Schumacher. The light fixture is by Urban Electric Company.
The fireplace with book-matched marble slab is from Marble of the World. Club Chairs are by Baker-McGuire with fabric by Brentano. The coffee table is also Baker-McGuire. A vintage alabaster side table sits atop a rug by Carpet Source, beneath a chandelier by Arteriors.
The cabinetry and millwork in the owner’s office is Sherwin Williams Bunglehouse Blue. The light fixture is by Hudson Valley Lighting. A wooden desk with lucite legs is the work of Hickory White Furniture. A blue swivel chair by Hancock & Moore is covered with Brentano fabric. Interlude Home’s sofa is covered in fabric from Nessen Group, and Interlude Home’s velvet ottoman comes with fabric by Kravet.
Visual Comfort’s chandelier and sconces in the primary bath, add a modern touch. A vanity chair by Hickory Chair features a fabric back by Nessen Group, and a seat by Townsend Leather. Cabinets are inlaid with polished nickel, next to a freestanding bath by MT. The graphic flooring is again a mélange of porcelains from Audrey Lane.
The bed is by Baker, with DEA Fine Linens, and Romo fabric for the headboard. The floral branch wallpaper is by Phillip Jeffries and is echoed in the metal and crystal twig chandelier by Currey & Company. Artwork is by Amy Duke at Stellers Gallery.
The barbecue grill is by Lynx, with accent tile by Trinity Surfaces. Rattan lounge chairs come from Century Furniture, with fabric by Perennials. The sconces are from Visual Comfort.
The interior design of the six-bedroom house was realized by Michael Cohen and Lauren Alspaugh of Marc-Michaels Interior Design and features a Jamestown blue paint by Benjamin Moore, which contributes a tropical feel. The color became a leitmotif throughout the interior and exterior of the house. “You see it on the shutters, the front door and the pool tile, and there’s also a stunning Moroccan-style tile above the outdoor kitchen, in similar hues,” says Cohen.
In part, the design was inspired by a John Volk house from the 1930s, resulting in historic details that ARCOM likes to see in new proposals. However, the architects created modern “through lines,” so that when you enter the house, there are clear views into the living room and out to the loggia and the pool beyond. This contemporary configuration also brings in abundant natural light.
Other details of note include book-end marble slabs above a working fireplace in the living room, and a reading nook on the landing. A geometric Chippendale pattern on railing at both the front of the house and on the rear loggia “is a classic characteristic of West Indian colonial homes,” Masino says. “This is how the house can be characterized and it’s exactly what the owners wanted.”
