Quiet mornings for two and lively evenings with many as wine flows and pans of paella sizzle—so goes life for Chicagoans Julie and Doug Laux when they’re in residence at their Naples retreat. Located in Seagate, where banyan trees line the streets and the houses back up to canals with access to the Gulf, their Florida home sits just steps from the beach and a world away from the Midwest’s bitter winters.
“This home was technically a renovation, but the demolition took it down to the perimeter walls,” says builder and homeowner Julie Laux, founder and creative director of J. Jordan Homes South in Naples. “I designed the home with the Chicago architectural firm Moment Design because they grasped our desire for a contemporary aesthetic with a functional layout.”
Fellow Chicagoans Lauren Warnock of NavyBlack Studio and Laura O’Brien, a cabinetry and millwork specialist at O’Brien Harris, were also tapped to be part of the project. “I have a longstanding relationship with both of these firms and knew they would bring their best work forward,” says Julie. “Lauren oversaw the design and fabrication of all the custom furnishings, and Laura absolutely nailed the perfect sandy-neutral color for the millwork.”
The 3,220-square-foot home’s interior layout flows like the tide—blending indoors and out with 512 square feet of covered alfresco spaces merging into the open air.
“To reiterate Julie’s approach, this home’s design was all about collaboration,” says Warnock, NavyBlack Studio’s principal designer. “From the start, the goal was to keep things calm, balanced, and light—letting serenity guide every decision without overthinking it. Based on her request for an all-white home, we intentionally edited the palette down to soft, tonal neutrals so the textures, materials, and forms could really shine.”
Instead of bold contrasts, the design team focused on subtle texture shifts—pale woods, honed stone, plastered surfaces, and layered textiles—that added warmth and depth without stealing the spotlight. Natural light was a major part of the story as well, with the architectural team treating it as a key design element—shaping how each space flowed and influencing everything from finishes to furniture placement. As a result, the rooms move effortlessly into one another, making the house feel connected and perfect for entertaining. Sculptural, custom-designed pieces—like the pink onyx dining table and the double-sided sofas—bring in softness through gentle curves. “The end result is chic without trying too hard, with a sense of ease that feels completely intentional,” says Warnock. “That absolutely summarizes the Laux family.”
Thoughtfully conceptualized, the kitchen’s design was also a collaborative effort, this time with O’Brien, who perfected a custom neutral-stained wood finish for the space that subtly enhances the home’s ethereal atmosphere. “It was meant to feel as un-kitchen-like as possible,” she says. “We kept elements sleek and minimal while housing key appliances within a curved pantry.” NavyBlack selected durable stools designed to withstand wet swimsuits, Ann Sacks tile inspired by the movement of ocean waves for the buffet, and a multi-orb lighting fixture that immediately catches the eye.
The exquisite millwork delivered beautifully throughout, giving the house its quiet strength and architectural clarity, while custom pieces introduce sculptural moments that elevate the overall experience.
“When a home intentionally steps away from color and contrast, the success of the design depends entirely on materials and craftsmanship,” says Warnock. “In this case, the architecture led the foundation for a house built for entertaining, and against this refined backdrop, the art and collected accessories were able to shine, landing effortlessly in all the right places and bringing personality to every space. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Story Credits:
Interior Design by Lauren Warnock & Sanja Kerr, Navyblack Studio, Chicago, IL
Architecture by Moment Design Architecture + Interiors, Hinsdale, IL
Cabinetry & Millwork Specialist Laura O’Brien, O’Brien Harris, Chicago, IL & Naples, FL
Construction by J. Jordan Homes South, Naples, FL
Landscape Architecture by Architectural Land Design, Naples, FL
Text by Jeanne de Lathouder
Photography by Ryan Hainey, Cudahy, WI
Open to see Interior Design Sources:
Sources
Pool Area
Lounge and dining table – Nvrnmt Concrete Artisans, Naples, FL
Chairs – Design Within Reach
Lighting – Homeowners’ collection
Pool – Designed and fabricated by Refined Builders & Construction, Naples, FL
Living Room
Sofa – Carlos Cisneros
Love seats – Eichholtz, Miami, FL
Cocktail table – Modern Industry Design
Dining Room
Table base – Modern Industry Design
Buffet/desk – O’Brien Harris, Naples, FL
Chair – Four Hands
Lighting – A-N-D Lighting
Sconce – Sklo Studio
Kitchen
Cabinetry and island – O’Brien Harris, Naples, FL
Stools – Design Within Reach
Pendant lighting – Hennepin Made
Powder Room
Cabinetry – O’Brien Harris, Naples, FL
Mirror – Homeowners’ collection
Pendant lighting – Allied Maker
Wallcovering – Solid + Pattern
Guest Bedroom
Bed – CB2
Wall design – Modern Industry Design
Lighting – Visual Comfort & Co.
Area rug – The Citizenry
Bunk Room
Bunk beds – Designed and fabricated by O’Brien Harris, Naples, FL
Lighting – A-N-D Lighting
Primary Bedroom
Bed, headboard, nightstands, desk, and millwork – Modern Industry Design
Pendants on nightstands and desk – Vibia
Back Exterior
Dock lounge seating – Nvrnmt Concrete Artisans, Naples, FL
Throughout
Architecture – Moment Design, Hinsdale, IL
Developer – Refined Builders & Construction, Estero, FL
Landscape architecture – Architectural Land Design, Naples, FL
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