Color Meets Cosmopolitan in West Palm Beach

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the challenge of using bold color and creating pure sophistication in a diverse array of rooms isn’t always easy to accomplish, but this project turned out to be a memorable experience for interior designer Steven La Fonte. When homeowner Cathy J. Solomon commissioned him, she had her own vision for her condominium on the Intracoastal in West Palm Beach, Fla. “Cathy gave me specific directions,” the designer says. “She loves vibrant color and Roche Bobois, and I love vibrant color and Fendi Casa, so we went shopping in the Miami Design District to select furnishings from both resources.”

After a major renovation of this 6,000-square-foot residence, La Fonte designed a colorful, cosmopolitan and chic apartment for Solomon, a former opera singer, who also spent years in the cosmetics industry. “I wanted comfortable elegance, a home that was not stiff,” Solomon says. “Steven designed spaces that are unique … there is nothing else like it.”
Step inside the foyer, where a commissioned canvas by Argentinian artist Lautaro Cataldo dresses the wall above an exotic macassar console custom designed by La Fonte with champagne leafing. “I love the shimmer of the rose gold,” he says. Bold blue — a personal favorite of the homeowner — dominates the dining room. Here, Fendi Casa’s “Audrey” chairs covered in cobalt blue velvet graciously pull up to Roche Bobois’ oval dining table with its ebony hued top and sculptural statuary marble base.

Nearby, the spacious living room is an operatic aria of color, passion and perfection with panoramic water views. A wild pink-and-white animal print area rug instantly astounds, while the whimsical custom art (epoxy resin with gold leaf) by Italian painter Alex Turco pays homage to the owner’s time in the cosmetic industry. “The delicious lips are painted in a red that Cathy supplied from her favorite Tom Ford lipstick,” the designer says.

A chic combination of smoked oak wood and cobalt blue matte lacquer wraps the kitchen, where “elite black” polished marble countertops add drama. The transition to the charming waterfront breakfast area is seamless with a continuation of the home’s colorful palette. “We took advantage of the size and shape of the area to have a banquette and table that seats large and small gatherings,” La Fonte says. In the adjacent family room, a fireplace with its white pearl finish and azul Bahia stone surround adds charm and warmth. The deep-violet sofa feels right at home with a smattering of brightly patterned accent pillows and an oversized ottoman positioned perfectly to invite the feet to rest.

Yet, when it comes to the ultimate in relaxation, Solomon’s favorite space is her dramatic master bedroom. The velvet bed is seductive in shades of Rosa, vino and burgundy with cognac colored leather and polished brass inserts.

Unafraid to experiment, La Fonte admits this residence became one of his favorite projects because the homeowner allowed him to be adventurous with so much color. “I created a glamorous yet comfortable home which is very sexy and fitting with the sophistication of the owner,” he says.

Story Credits: 

Interior Design

Steven La Fonte, Steven La Fonte Design, Miami, FL

Builder

Brian Arrandale, ITG Construction, Inc., Jupiter, FL

Photography

Kim Sargent, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Text By

Linda Marx

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