Ponte Vedra Beach designer Kendall Dennis has made a name for herself in northeastern Florida for refined and sophisticated interiors that reflect those who live in them. That reputation is what attracted a couple of gregarious empty-nesters to call on her services after building a 10,900-square-foot house in Jacksonville.
“They envisioned a home that would be both formal and livable, a serene retreat for everyday life with a beautiful backdrop for entertaining,” says Dennis. “They wanted spaces where adult children and grandchildren could gather comfortably and where hosting wine dinners and intimate parties would feel natural and refined.”
Together with project manager Becky Skuse, Dennis set out to deliver an elegant, yet timeless residence thoughtfully tailored for modern living. “We drew from traditional forms and classic details, pairing them with soft, harmonious tones and textures that encourage relaxation and conversation,” says Dennis. “The goal was to create a home that felt lived-in and to curate spaces that would be celebrated and enjoyed.”
Among those spaces is the dining room, where the homeowners’ animated wine dinners take place. “We brought together unexpected elements like a high-gloss fluted ceiling paired with natural textures and warm white oak to create a look that feels both balanced and distinctive,” says Dennis. “Brass accents add a hint of polish, while the clients’ original artwork infuses the room with warmth and personality, grounding the design in something truly meaningful.”
Dennis’ reflect-the-clients approach is prevalent throughout the rest of the residence. Case in point: The palette of the home, a mix of blues and greens balanced by warm, neutral tones, was inspired by the golf course and water views the owners love so much, and it certainly strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort.
As this is a house for family, textures were carefully considered. “We layered soft linens, velvets, grass-cloths, and natural fibers to bring dimension and warmth,” says Dennis. “The mix elevates the palette and adds interest without compromising its clean, sophisticated feel.”
Throughout the residence, the furniture chosen complements traditional silhouettes and tailored comfort. The design team relied on trusted brands such as Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort, and Mr. Brown London. “Each piece was chosen for its craftsmanship, proportion, and ability to foster connection,” says Dennis. “The result is a collection that feels both refined and approachable.”
Reflecting the owners the most is the home’s ornamentation. “Accessories were edited with intention from thoughtful collections of books, ceramics, and antiques that nod to the homeowners’ tastes, experiences, and travels,” says Dennis. “Art was selected to complement the residence’s color story and emotional tone, so we blended contemporary works with traditional landscapes to create a dialogue between past and present.”
Of particular importance to Dennis and her team was the overall illumination: “Lighting was treated as both art and atmosphere,” she says. “From sculptural chandeliers to softly glowing sconces, each fixture contributes to the home’s inviting, elegant mood.”
In the end, all of Dennis’ blending, layering, customizing, and chance-taking paid off generously. “The result is a space that feels effortlessly warm and refined, where every detail is intentional,” she says. “The clients were genuinely moved and felt their new home was unmistakably theirs.”
Story Credits:
Interior Design by Kendall Dennis, Kendall Dennis Interiors, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Project Manager Becky Skuse, Kendall Dennis Interiors, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Text by Florian Jouin
Photography by Muriel Silva, Jacksonville, FL
Open to see Interior Design Sources:
Sources
Foyer
Console and mirror – Made Goods
Lamps – Visual Comfort & Co.
Bench – Hickory Chair
Pottery jar – Pottery Barn
Stairway sconces – The Urban Electric Co.
Living Room
Sofa, armchairs, and drink table – Highland House
Slipper armchairs – Palecek
Cocktail table – Treen Studios, Jacksonville, FL
Side table – Arteriors
Chandelier and table lamps – Visual Comfort & Co.
Powder Room
Floating sink – Mediterranean Designs, Jacksonville, FL
Mirror – Made Goods
Sconce – Visual Comfort & Co.
Wall tile – Hollingsworth, Jacksonville, FL
Kitchen and Dining Area
Cabinetry and hood – Johnson’s Custom Cabinetry, Jacksonville, FL
Backsplash – Mediterranean Designs, Jacksonville, FL
Table – South + English
Chairs – Mr. Brown London
Dining chandelier, island pendants, and sconces – Visual Comfort & Co.
Primary Bedroom
Bed and headboard – Wesley Hall
Bench – Sherrill Furniture
Club chairs – Lee Industries
Ottoman – Coley Home
Chandelier – Visual Comfort & Co.
Wallcovering – Phillip Jeffries
Drapery fabric – Marika Meyer, Hive, Palm Beach, FL
Guest Room
Bed, headboard, and stools – Liven UP Designs
Chest – Villa & House
Lamp – Visual Comfort & Co.
Throughout
Builder – The Cottage Home Company, St. Augustine, FL
Architecture – Esposito Design, Jacksonville, FL
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