Rethinking Coastal Elegance in Bonita Beach

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Once a quaint fishing village, Bonita Beach has blossomed into a desired destination for homebuyers from all over the country in search of a slice of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It was in this area that a couple from Iowa found a spec property in the early stages of construction and decided it would make the ideal waterfront retreat.

“My husband and I got lucky,” says the wife. “The lot was being developed by Potter Homes and designed by Alex Thies of Adelyn Charles Interiors, and we could tell both teams had done this before many times. Plus, the property was in the beginning stages of construction, which meant we could make key design decisions. It felt like we’d won the lottery.”

Poised on a 50-foot lot on beach-facing Hickory Boulevard, the home’s ground floor houses a garage and storage space with a limited lower foyer, adhering to hurricane flood elevation specifications. Overhangs above the garage and the top window in front create depth, and wood tile cladding in light and natural tones gives the dwelling a traditional look with a modern edge. “We chose this area for its fabulous ocean views and minimal public beach access,” adds the wife. “We love the gulf side of Florida with the warm waters and low waves. We see dolphins almost every time we sit outside, and walking the beach in the morning is extremely peaceful.”

Comprising 5,200 square feet inside, the multi-level 9,500-square-foot property features main-level living spaces with a combined kitchen and great room opening onto a breathtaking lanai and infinity pool. A wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors invites a seamless indoor/outdoor lifestyle, with effortless access to snacks, drinks, and TV watching.

“When we first met with Alex and her team, we talked about what we liked and didn’t like in a typical beach house,” notes the wife. “We didn’t want bright colors, but we also didn’t want something ultra-modern. We wanted it to feel like home—comfortable and beautiful—with casual luxury and beach touches.”

To deliver the homeowners’ request, the design team stayed away from traditional coastal style and incorporated natural tones with subtle color accents, emanating a cozy contemporary vibe. “While we did not create the architecture for this house, we always take a very architectural approach in our work,” says Alex Thies, owner and lead designer at Adelyn Charles Interiors, who teamed up with colleague Morgan Swanson on the project. “Applying modern forms infused with natural elements allowed us to create a warm modern aesthetic with inviting sensibilities. Every feature was custom-tailored to this approach—from the mix of metals and wood tones to pops of color in otherwise neutral backgrounds. It creates an eclectic feel that also remains grounded and cohesive.”

Rich wood tones enhanced with soft hues lend a sense of comfort while tempering the sleek lines of the home. Ceiling details and lighting play a huge role, with many fixtures leaning toward a modern aesthetic while a mix of wood ceiling treatments softens these contemporary elements.

“The house is full of custom cabinetry, but I think the coolest feature is the kitchen island,” says Swanson. “It utilizes a mixture of painted and stained cabinetry with an elevated quartzite countertop, and the stain is a deeper tone than the floors and ceilings, allowing it to really pop and be noticed.” Composed of five flawless quartzite slabs, the kitchen countertops, backsplash, and bar area surfaces reiterate the sandy beach hues outside.

Calming shades of blue—the wife’s favorite color—infuse watery tones into the living area and the primary bedroom, nodding to the dreamy ocean seascape. “The owners’ design aesthetic enabled us to be a little more edgy with our choices,” says Swanson. “Their trust allowed us the creative freedom to craft a bespoke home while forming great relationships with them and the Potter Homes team.”

“This client was a dream to work with—organized, patient, and kind,” adds Thies. “We really got to push the boundaries geometrically to create a home they can enjoy for years to come.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Alex Thies & Morgan Swanson, Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL

Residential Designer R.G. Designs, Bonita Springs, FL

Builder Potter Homes, Bonita Springs, FL

Landscape Architecture by OPI, Naples, FL

Text by Jenee Destin

Photography by Blaine Johnathan, Naples, FL

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