North Naples Home Enjoys a Glamorous Intervention

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Interior design is as much about starting from scratch as it is about working with what you’ve got. When a couple of returning clients recently called on Bethany O’Neil to take a look at their North Naples residence, the designer quickly deduced that her role would be to recast, revamp, and refresh.

“The 7,500-square-foot house from Big Island Builders was purchased furnished so there were many predetermined finishes and inherited furnishings to work with,” says O’Neil. “I was tasked with styling the main living areas of the first floor, so I opted for the look of a modern cottage, which felt aligned with the architecture of the home.”

More specifically, the clients wanted O’Neil to incorporate their existing pieces and art collection and deliver a “happy home that reflected their personalities” with a mix of comfortable, cozy spaces and areas designed for entertaining both large and small groups of friends and family.

After surveying the existing decor, O’Neil set about toning down the modern farmhouse feel of the property with a neutral beige palette. “The color we chose not only created a backdrop for their artworks, but it put the emphasis on the home’s view and the colors of the landscaping,” says the designer.

Next came “stepping up the glamour” by introducing new modern furnishings and accessories that would work well with the existing pieces. A few vintage touches were also incorporated, such as antiqued mirrors in the living room, which help to reflect natural light during the day and echo the glow of the fireplace at night. “I often introduce an occasional antique or weathered piece to give soul to my projects,” says O’Neil. “Not everything needs to be new, plus the mix of eras can make a room stand out.”

While many of O’Neil’s edits were rather straightforward, others required more work. When the homeowners revealed that the dining room didn’t work for them, the design team reworked its layout and lighting composition with two multi-tiered glass chandeliers centered with the room’s large window.

The final bow on the project was the layering of various textures and elements to ensure visual interest and sophistication. “We were sure to incorporate stone, marble, alabaster, cut crystal, stained and painted woods, textural wallcoverings, and a balanced selection of fabrics,” says O’Neil. “Together, they help tell the home’s story.”

In the end, the design team was able to deliver the style of home the clients wanted without starting from scratch. “We are honored to have provided them with the missing elements that made the home whole,” says O’Neil. “Making the clients happy is always the most important goal to fulfill.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Bethany O’Neil, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL

Builder Big Island Builders, Naples, FL

Landscape Architecture by AKD Design Landscape Architecture, Naples, FL

Text by Riki Altman-Yee

Photography by Lori Hamilton, Naples, FL

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