Top-Floor Panache in Naples Penthouse

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Gulf Shore Boulevard claims some of Naples’ most desirable residential high-rises, and Le Ciel is prime among them. Capturing vistas of the western coastal horizon and the vibrant urban setting, developer Kevin O’Brien’s 3,449-square-foot penthouse in the building epitomizes what so many glossy real estate brochures like to call “luxe seaside living in the heart of the city.”

Well-versed in matters of construction, architecture, and interior design, O’Brien knew he’d be more involved than the regular homeowner in the conceptualization of this residence—and for that, he wanted a star team at his side. In came the pros he calls “the best and most creative people in town: Stephanie Fraleigh at Freestyle Interiors, Kyle Vayda at Beck Architectural Group, and Phil Washell and John Gaddis at Parker Hudson Homes.”

Fueled by the views, the penthouse’s interiors celebrate upscale sky living. Every detail was meticulously planned and curated with intent, from space planning and renovation improvements to key built-in architectural features. “It was imperative that we capture and enhance the luxurious lifestyle you could see and feel when stepping inside,” says Fraleigh. “It is not every day you can turn your head and see beach, bay, and city all from one spot, and that alone makes this penthouse stand out.” From the inception phase, O’Brien urged the team to design the residence as if there was no budget and assured them that every innovative idea would get an automatic yes. “Of course, there was a budget, albeit a very liberal one,” he says, laughing, “but that statement put everyone in a fearless mindset to bring their best creative ideas forward and then find a way to value-engineer quality with exceptional design.”

The home’s modern aesthetic embodies a warm, earthy vibe with livable luxury in mind. Neutral finishes and fabrics play with light, reflection, and contrast, and textural touches are expressed through elements such as alabaster, rattan, stained wood finishes, natural stone, mohair, faux leather fabrics, landscape artwork, and wow-factor accessories. 

The design team selected high-gloss Venetian plaster for the main living space’s ceilings, walls, and spiral staircase. Chosen for its texture, reflection, and timelessness, the hand-applied finish generates a luminescent glow, creating a sense of spaciousness and height. Carrying it to the walls and staircase amplified the glossy texture and bounced light from the sweeping wall of windows. Throughout the home, each strategically selected detail enhances another. Custom dark-stained oak wood flooring grounds the space in contrast to the ethereal floor-to-ceiling glass exposures—a thoughtful pairing of architectural enhancements to create richness and warmth.

“The vertical grain and texture of rift-cut oak gives depth and dimension to the finish,” notes Fraleigh. “You can feel the craftsmanship around you without it being distracting; it’s a subtle yet impactful detail.”

Significant structural reconfigurations allowed the primary bathroom to gain form and function while emphasizing views and an ensuite guest room to house a study. Yet, the most impressive tweak was opening up a once-enclosed kitchen to the main living spaces and heightening the intrigue with a sinuous, glossy white spiral staircase. “Designed as a sculptural work of art, it produces a showstopping architectural statement,” says Fraleigh. “We also envisioned a waterfall kitchen island as an architectural showpiece, fabricated to look like one massive piece of stone with beveled sides and touch-latch Dekton-clad doors that speak to the importance of functional design.” Glass cabinetry wraps the corner of the kitchen, capitalizing on the sightlines straight through the front and out the back—again, a balancing act of form and function while preserving the views and light filtration. An adjacent sitting room with a built-in wet bar creates an interlude between the kitchen and the great room.

“Kevin encouraged over-the-top ideas and fueled the design by supporting our creativity,” notes Fraleigh. “What I enjoyed most about this project was the creative freedom, and the energy and motivation of collaborating with such a talented team.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Stephanie Fraleigh, Freestyle Interiors, Bonita Springs, FL

Architecture by Kyle Vayda, Beck Architecture, Naples, FL

Builders Phil Washell & John Gaddis, Parker Hudson, Naples, FL

Text by Jeanne Delathouder

Photography by Venjhamin Reyes, Miami, FL

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