Port Royal Home Harnesses Warm Modernity

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When they began envisioning the look of their second home in Port Royal, Naples, Vince and Joanne Galifi were adamant about one thing: They wanted a thoroughly modern residence, but not one that would leave them cold.

“Rather than a stark white home, they wanted a warm contemporary one,” says interior designer Flora Di Menna about the couple’s request.

The Galifis had other demands as well: seamless transitions from inside to outside and a relationship between the residence and its surroundings, which they made clear to architect John Cooney. “They were seeking an open floorplan with ample glass and natural light,” he explains. “The result is a modern interpretation of a tropical home with an abundance of views.”

The husband and wife had built several homes before this one, so they knew the lay of the land. What they couldn’t have imagined was how much more complicated the process would become when the Covid pandemic hit shortly after the design phase had begun. Fortunately, the team they tapped, which also included builder Kurtz Homes, were adept at using technology to ensure they were involved every step of the way. Particularly helpful were the animated videos and 3D renderings of the interiors Di Menna’s firm created to serve as virtual walkthroughs. “We liked her creativity and her attention to detail,” says Joanne. “Her communication skills were excellent.”

Cooney quickly earned their respect as well. “When we met John to discuss our dreams, we could see that he was listening attentively to our needs,” says Vince. “First impressions are important for a process as complex as this.”

The material story was consequential in this residence in order to temper the angular envelope with a mellow palette. “Glass, porcelain panels, aluminum louvers, and stucco are delicately meshed to create a sophisticated and contemporary backdrop,” explains Cooney. “Large-format flooring, extensive millwork, and reverse-cove ceilings create a dynamic interior that has an edgy appearance, but also a very inviting and comfortable experience at the same time.”

Comfortable it is. The home has proven this every Christmas holiday when some 17 members of the family gather here to celebrate. “The open expanses the design team gave us are perfect,” says Vince. “They work for entertaining and to capture the unobstructed views of the outdoors from the main floor.” To offer that same experience on the second-floor guest rooms in the back of the house, the couple requested the architecture team design expansive balconies for them.

In terms of ornamentation, Di Menna adhered to the warm modernity directive from the homeowners every step of the way. “As this home is right on the water, they asked us to ensure the beautiful vistas were mirrored indoors,” says the designer. “We brought in elements of nature to do this, such as wood, fire, stone, and metal.” The palette leans neutral with pops of color from art when needed. Furniture and accessories from top-tier brands such as Frigerio, Roche Bobois, Dorya, and Viso Lighting deliver either clean lines or intriguing silhouettes. As expected, finishes (from the ultra-soft sheens on cabinets and wood walls to the high luster on the large-format porcelain flooring) were carefully considered. Custom millwork and exotic stone applications impart the desired tone (upscale and contemporary) as backdrops.

“The house is special due to the commitment of all involved from a design and construction standpoint, and that includes the homeowners,” says Cooney. “The clients committed to a high-quality residence with incredible architectural detailing, the design team collaborated in a remarkable way, and the end result speaks for itself.”

 Story Credits:

Interior Design by Flora Di Menna, Flora Di Menna Designs, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Architecture by Randall Stofft & John Cooney, Stofft Cooney, Naples, FL

Builder Kurtz Homes, Naples, FL

Text by Saxon Henry

Photography by Venjhamin Reyes, Miami, FL

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