As the founder of At Faro, a Naples showroom centered around reconnecting with nature, Fadia Bechara is an expert in biophilic design and its positive effects. And that’s exactly the reason why Bonita Springs designer Carleen Young asked her to collaborate on a recent project, the design of a Naples residence that puts wellness and holistic living first.
What were each of your roles in this project?
Fadia Bechara: Carleen served as both the architect and interior designer for the residence, and she invited me in as a custom manufacturing partner to create bespoke furniture and accessories that would support and follow her design vision.
And what was that vision?
Carleen Young: To create a serene, elegant, and highly livable home rooted in wellness and connection to nature. That’s what the homeowners wanted.
This home’s wellness bona fides are quite impressive. Can you speak to that?
FB: Yes, wellness was an integral layer of the project. April Raque of the Wellness Design Group, a Mayo Clinic and National Board-certified health and wellness coach, worked as a consultant to ensure the home supported well-being.
How was that achieved?
FB: Through the use of non-toxic materials, healthy finishes, clean air quality, thoughtful lighting, and spaces designed to promote serenity and restoration.
What was the inspiration for the design?
CY: It came from the architectural language and natural surroundings of Naples—soft tones, organic textures, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
What was the approach to palette?
CY: We chose a range of soft, nature-inspired neutrals, sandy tones, wood hues, and subtle greens to establish a calm, cohesive, and timeless atmosphere.
What did you employ in terms of textures and materials?
FB: At Faro focused on layering natural materials, such as solid woods, stone, linen, rattan, and organic fibers, to bring warmth and depth to the space.
Is all the furniture custom?
FB: Yes, and every one of those pieces was handmade specifically to align with the architecture, scale, and aesthetic that Carleen and her team established.
What was the most challenging aspect of the project?
FB: Coordinating a fully custom home with so many handmade elements while staying true to the architectural intent required careful collaboration, but it was also the most rewarding aspect of the job.
What was the homeowners’ reaction when they saw the finished residence?
CY: They were thrilled. Their feedback was that the home feels peaceful, personal, and exactly like the sanctuary they imagined.
Story Credits:
Text by Florian Jouin
Residential Photography by Carlos Escobar
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