Beachside Bliss in Bonita Beach Home

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They say that the night is darkest just before dawn and that a sunny day always follows a tempestuous storm. Those optimistic expressions must then surely apply to the design process as well. To look at it now, this massive, four story, 9,065-square-foot Bonita Beach home is an ideal picture of beachside bliss, but getting it to this point was anything but. Contractor issues and post-hurricane delays made the design process a rocky one, yet the outcome was worth it. That’s the cheery way interior designer Maite Granda sees it anyway.

“There were some complications,” says the Key Biscayne-based designer, “but we managed.”

Even before any issues arose, Granda had her work cut out for her. “Prior to our involvement, the house lacked a defined design style,” she says. “Many of the main spaces were small and intricate, creating the impression of a much smaller structure despite its substantial size, and the way the rooms were arranged didn’t take advantage of the spectacular beach views just outside the walls.”

After several meetings with the homeowners and the builder, the team decided to completely reimage the floor plans on each of the four levels. This resulted in the addition of an additional bedroom, bringing the total count to seven. “Everyone involved agreed that it was paramount to maximize space and celebrate the Gulf views,” says Granda.

When it came to the look of the home, the Connecticut homeowners wanted a functional and elegant escape with cutting-edge flair. “The clients were very adamant about a modern beach house with clean lines,” says Granda. “They wanted nothing to do with the words ‘traditional,’ ‘beachy,’ or ‘coastal.’ We also agreed to embrace sustainability as much as possible.”

A neutral palette was agreed upon to allow the vibrant blue of the ocean, the lush greenery of the palm trees outside, and the striking colors of the owners’ art collection take precedent. This was complemented with natural textures such as jute, rattan, cotton, and hardwood planks for the flooring.

After entering the home and traveling up a flight of stairs, the main living room comes into view. This area is filled with a variety of interesting objects and furnishings, ranging from sinewy sculptural chairs to colorful artwork. Down the hallway is a sleek kitchen anchored by blueberry-colored cabinetry. Featuring large windows that flood the space with natural light and offer a full view of the beach, the room boasts several well-conceived features, including a pantry with a small desk, a television that tucks under the cabinets, a large appliance closet, a wine tower, and dual dishwashers. One floor up is a level dedicated to the office, the guest bedrooms, and the primary suite. The fourth and final floor houses a small kitchen and an entertainment room. Here, a large sofa overlooks the water, while a giant game table hints at the homeowners’ social nature. From room to room and floor to floor, Granda’s commitment to modern living is evident. There are no seashells, anchors, or any such cliché beach house trappings anywhere in sight.

“Aside from the delays, which couldn’t be helped, this is the type of project every designer dreams of,” says Granda. “Professionalism, creativity, and positive energy flowed seamlessly from start to finish. I’ll forever carry the memories of this experience with me.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Maite Granda, Interiors by Maite Granda, Key Biscayne, FL

Builder Tommy Houchin, Houchin Construction, Naples, FL

Text by Riki Altman-Yee

Photography by Bettinelli Mattia, Italy

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