Homeowners John Krpan, an Ontario developer, and his wife Andrée Jean had already settled on a property in a gated golf course community when, on a whim, they stopped by an open house and fell in love with this 5,000-square-foot home on a secluded lake in Bonita Springs. “It was designed 25 years ago and it was 25 years ahead of its time back then,” says Krpan of the home he refers to as “the James Bond house,” an analogy that implies ultra modern and cutting edge. With walls, glass doors and tiles all in white, it was perfect for a couple that always wanted a “white” home. “With all-white elements as the bones, we just changed the lipstick and added some modern amenities,” Krpan says.
To help with the extensive renovation, the couple called on designer Wilfredo Emanuel, original architect Dan Sater II, original landscape architect Scott Windham and lighting designer Mary Andalia. “Lighting is so important to the interior and exterior,” Krpan says. “I don’t take it for granted — soft LED lighting, background lighting, step lighting — it creates the whole mood.”
That welcoming mood begins outdoors in the front entry, where warm light from sconces and a large spherical chandelier embraces guests. Inside, the home is a white canvas imbued with splashes of color. “The owners wanted something bright, very citrusy,” Emanuel says. To create the dining room, he designed an upholstered wall with a lively raspberry fabric. Side chairs finished in the same hue seem to disappear into the wall when moved aside for parties. The dining table can be elevated and moved aside to function as a buffet. “John is a ‘Hollywood’ guy,” the designer says, referring to Krpan’s other career — that of an international celebrity poker player that landed him a part in the film, Molly’s Game. “He and his wife like to entertain when they are here,” Emanuel says.
For hosting smaller gatherings, the couple enjoys preparing meals in the kitchen on the all-white island fashioned with Lucite-backed barstools accented with yellow pillows to add a pop of color. Opposite, a custom wine room with glass doors and illuminated quartzite flooring spotlights zebrawood cabinetry that adds warmth.
In the great room, an eclectic arrangement begins with a curved white sofa upholstered in leather and accent chairs that surround a Lucite cocktail table. Anchored by a silk Loloi area rug that mimics the blue shades in the pool, color pops from Andy Warhol’s limited edition Absolut print and gold accent pillows to create a prism-like tableau.
The palette is softer in the master bedroom, where whites are warmed by neutral carpeting and earth tones accented by touches of sparkle. Emanuel designed the ceiling with recessed lighting that bathes the room in soft light, while silvery pendants shimmer above two-tone bedside tables. Flanked by drapes in Scalamandré silk, a stunning commissioned portrait of Andrée’s eyes lines a wall. In the adjacent master bath, a large picture window surrounds a freeform tub, while fashion artwork and shimmery tufted stools lend a Hollywood feel.
With sunlight streaming through the screened roof of the pool and spa area, guests are invited to sun and swim. Bursting with color in striped cushions and bold accent pillows, the loggia is arranged with modular pieces that can be grouped together or separated for more intimate gatherings. “Our house is like a showpiece,” Krpan says. “It functions great for parties — it’s our lifestyle and a reflection of who we are.”
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