For many years, the coastal allure of Naples has enticed frequent vacation stays for New Jersey couple Danielle and Mark Leonardis. They repeatedly booked the Inn on Fifth and loved the downtown vibe. But the more they ventured away from the pulse of the area, the more they began to realize what other enviable neighborhoods had to offer. When they decided to build a permanent residence, they set their sights on Park Shore for its lush green gardens and intrinsic natural beauty. “Now we have the best of both worlds,” says Danielle, “a peaceful retreat that offers every amenity we could ask for and the luxury of going downtown any time we like.”
As luck would have it, another New Jersey couple living just a few doors down referred them to Carrie Brigham and Morgan Chapman, the creative team who had brought their interior vision to life. “It was a dream to be referred by our fabulous client,” says Brigham. “When they said they gave us permission to copy anything they had in their home, I was surprised. But I also considered it a challenge to ensure Mark and Danielle’s home came out completely different, yet with the same warm, welcoming, and personalized feel.”
Shortly after the 4,000-square-foot floor-plan was developed, Danielle and Mark brought in the interior designers, who immediately embraced the project. Their overall approach was a thoughtful, timeless, and elegant aesthetic that would also be highly functional for the couple and their family. They leaned toward traditional but with a fresh and updated spin that nods to transitional style. “The design evolved with Danielle’s input and our expertise,” says Chapman. “She knew she wanted a classic palette that hinted coastal but was not favoring the typical blue tones. The sage green and neutral colorway started progressing with the fabrics, and it naturally made its way into some of the other materials.”
Minimal yet significant changes included switching the kitchen’s range wall to generate a high-impact focal point, altering a bathroom layout to create a wet room, and adjusting trusses in the primary bedroom to accommodate a hipped ceiling with a classic tongue-and-groove design. Danielle is an avid cook who enjoys the new kitchen floorplan with its stunning marble mosaic feature wall behind the range. A bleached walnut island and a white-washed poplar tongue-and-groove ceiling bring soft warmth to the design. The couple also loves wine and wine culture, so Brigham designed a custom wine bar in the great room for effortless entertaining. “We had two different visions, so Carrie morphed them together,” says Mark. “We couldn’t be happier. Everything in this house is enjoyable—even the garage.”
Borelli Construction of Naples went above and beyond to execute the design team’s concepts with custom finishes for the built-ins and an outdoor fireplace. All the furnishings were made to order with applied trims and specialty fabrics. “The synergy between our clients, Borelli Construction, and our team ensured a phenomenal result and a friendship I will cherish,” adds Brigham.
The design aesthetic reflects a harmonious blend of the owners’ distinct personal styles, and the layout is intimate and casual yet large enough to host several guests comfortably. “This home feels like a warm hug,” says Brigham. “From the moment you walk in the door, a humongous antique mirror reflects the warm light, and the great room is as cozy as ever. The immediate view to the pool and backyard oasis pulls you in, and the connection between the cooking space and dining room feels like you’re sitting at the best table in a chef’s kitchen.”
Because they were living in New Jersey throughout most of the construction, the couple didn’t experience the grand reveal until their home installation. “The pure joy, excitement, and appreciation they expressed to us when they saw their home completed was priceless,” says Chapman.
“We aren’t there full-time just yet,” says Danielle. “But the minute we arrive, we feel totally at peace. We open those doors, hear the birds, and see the pool, and we’re immediately in our happy place.”
Story Credits:
Interior Design by Carrie Brigham & Morgan Chapman, Carrie Brigham Design, Naples, FL
Text by Jeanne de Lathouder
Photography by Venjhamin Reyes, Miami, FL
Open to see Interior Design Sources:
Sources
Foyer
Console table – Bernhardt, High Point, NC
Round mirror – Cisco, High Point, NC
Circle sculptures – Currey & Company, High Point, NC
Great Room
Sofa – Hickory Chair, High Point, NC
Side chairs – Hickory Chair, High Point, NC
Cocktail table – Highland House, High Point, NC
Ottomans – Vanguard Furniture, High Point, NC
Wall cabinetry designed by Carrie Brigham Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Borelli Construction of Naples, Naples, FL
Bar cabinetry designed by Carrie Brigham Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Borelli Construction of Naples, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Currey & Company, High Point, NC
Area rug – Surya, High Point, NC
Dining Room
Pedestal table – Highland House, High Point, NC
Club chairs – Highland House, High Point, NC
Vase on table – Global Views, High Point, NC
Chandelier – Visual Comfort & Co., High Point, NC
Kitchen
Cabinetry and island designed by Carrie Brigham Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Borelli Construction of Naples, Naples, FL
Island chairs – Hickory Chair, High Point, NC
Backsplash – Marble Systems, Fairfax, VA
Pendant lighting – Visual Comfort & Co., High Point, NC
Powder Room
Round mirror – Uttermost, High Point, NC
Sconces – Visual Comfort & Co., High Point, NC
Tile – Artistic Tile, Ceramic Matrix, Naples, FL
Primary Bathroom
Cabinetry – Borelli Construction of Naples, Naples, FL
Tub – Ferguson, Naples, FL
Stool – Vintage, High Point, NC
Chandelier – Visual Comfort & Co., High Point, NC
Wall sconces – Visual Comfort & Co., High Point, NC
Primary Bedroom
Poster bed – Bernhardt, High Point, NC
Bedside chest – Noir, High Point, NC
Lamps – Made Goods, High Point, NC
Bench – Hickory Chair, High Point, NC
Club chair – Kravet Furniture, Naples, FL
Side table – Antique, High Point, NC
Area rug – Abbey Carpet, Naples, FL
Patio Area
Seating – Essentials for Living, High Point, NC
Cocktail table – Summer Classics, High Point, NC
Dining table – RH, rh.com
Chairs – Essentials for Living, High Point, NC
Sconces – Visual Comfort & Co., High Point, NC
Throughout
Exterior architect – WDG Architectural Planning + Interiors, Naples, FL
Builder – Borelli Construction of Naples, Naples, FL
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