Japandi Sensibilities Shine in Woodlake Home

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A former New Jersey couple landed a sure thing when they happened upon on a spec property in Bonita Bay’s dreamy Woodlake community. Jan and Brent Glading had vacationed in Southwest Florida since the 1990s and purchased a home in another neighborhood in 2008. But when the pandemic hit, they started searching for a more permanent residence where they could play golf and pickleball, and their adult kids could hang out with their friends. “Although Bonita Bay checked all our boxes, we prioritized finding the perfect house,” says Janet. “We knew we had found ‘the one’ after looking at it more than once on different websites. As it turned out, the project was in the early stages, and we purchased it when it was just a slab.”

A collaboration between Curtis Gunther of Imperial Homes of Naples and interior designer Sherie Weidner of Clive Daniel Home, the 5,076-square-foot estate sits on a pie-shaped lot 200 feet from a lake. This freshwater reserve provides a natural habitat for wildlife and an ample buffer between neighbors across the waterway. The original floor plan was conceptualized to take advantage of the lake frontage, offering exceptional views from every primary space. Mid-century modern and Japandi influences weighed heavily in the overall design from the start of the project. “With our design intent in full swing, including feature walls and ceiling treatments, Jan and Brent were thrilled with the direction of our aesthetic,” says Weidner. “Their vision and feel for the entire home harmonized seamlessly with the designs that had already taken shape, just as though the house was meant to be theirs.”  

Minor adjustments to meet the Gladings’ specific needs included converting the game room into a wine room with full entertainment capabilities, changing the layout of the primary bath, adding dual prep islands in the kitchen, increasing the pool patio’s footprint, and modifying the exterior landscaping. Weidner was pivotal in these architectural changes while overseeing custom lighting and smart-home features. Her expertise in ceiling and wall applications, interior and exterior hard surfaces, bath and kitchen designs, furniture selections, rugs, drapery fabrics, sunshades, artwork, and accessories was essential.

“Building a new home on our own would have been an overwhelming task if not for the partnership of Imperial Homes and Sherie Weidner,” notes Jan. “At our first meeting, we explained our vision: a contemporary, open-floor plan with a party lanai and a large TV/game room. I remember a commercial for the show Mad Men airing around this time featuring Jon Hamm sitting on a low, sleek couch that was the essence of California cool. That was exactly the vibe we wanted.”

Melding mid-century modern ideas and Japandi aesthetics (Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth), Weidner’s design is thoughtfully balanced. Simultaneously clean yet warm, rustic yet contemporary, and serene yet cozy, the interiors emit a timeless appeal with simple, uncluttered organization. “Eye-catching elements always elevate the aesthetics of any room,” says the designer. “We were successful in creating warm minimalism with maximum ambiance. Each room carries its own feature wall and specialties while maintaining an organic California-chic vibe.”

A hickory wood floor in a Tokaji finish flows throughout the house, generating the warmth and richness the homeowners desired. Mid-century modern–inspired case goods and upholstery pieces flaunt rich mahogany finishes, deep hues of emerald-green, soothing earth tones, and crisp black-and-white colorways. The kitchen cabinetry’s flat front-door profiles create a clean, minimalist feel.

“I envisioned creams and neutrals, but Sherie introduced black feature walls,” says Jan. “And although I wasn’t sure at first, we trusted her, and it is amazing. We also hesitated about the live wall on the lanai and the live-moss wall hangings flanking the front door. Now, we can’t imagine those spaces without them.”

No newbies to construction, Jan and Brent are both acquainted with the design/build process, including product delays and labor management. The couple’s involvement amped up the design scope and provided valuable insight, igniting the team to translate their vision into an organically inspired functional dream home. “From the beginning, working with them was always enjoyable and gratifying,” notes Weidner. “Every great project starts and ends with a great client—and Jan and Brent personify this.”

“What’s not to love about this house?” says Jan and laughs. “It is made for entertaining, and as we get to know our neighbors, we hope to share our space often. Oh, and our adult children have already visited more this year than in the last few years combined, so mission accomplished!”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Sherie Weidner, Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Michael Kaskel, Chicago, IL

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