Chic Nautical Vibe Abounds in Anna Maria Island Home

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For 40 years, dreamy Anna Maria Island has manifested a precious cache of memories for homeowners Alex and Danny Curry. It all began with their first home in the area, where the couple raised their sons and welcomed hundreds of guests through the years. As their boys grew and the couple’s love of boating and familiar coastal scenery deepened, they decided the timing was right to build a new 4,000-square-foot forever home on the same land site that had made them so happy.

“We love canal life and easy access to the bay,” says Alex. “Our street sits on a dead end without any traffic, and we enjoy being within walking distance of the island’s most popular bars and restaurants. And we have a 360-degree view from our rooftop deck that looks out to the bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge connecting St. Petersburg and Sarasota.”

Headlining their must-have list, the Currys envisioned a new build embodying their strong connection to the island and their love for sharing it with others. Hence, enlisting a professional design firm with local ties proved to be the best choice. “They entrusted our design team to craft a spacious custom home with an open floor plan, thoughtful architectural details, and expansive outdoor spaces designed for gatherings,” says Emily Moss, an Anna Maria Island resident herself and founder of Emily Moss Designs. “From the rooftop deck’s panoramic vistas to the warm, inviting interiors, this home offers the perfect balance of coastal luxury and family-friendly comfort.”

From the initial architectural plans to the final interior details, Moss and her crew directed every aspect of the project, ensuring the clients’ vision materialized with precision. The fabrics, furniture, and overall interior scheme evoke relaxation and a playful attitude through the thoughtful use of color. “We sought a coastal feel, and our favorite color is blue,” says Alex. “We have a large extended family and wanted to ensure our furnishings were comfortable and easy to clean.”

Ceiling treatments and pops of personality via wallpaper and colorful tiles further contribute to the aesthetic, striking a balance between comfort and island style that aligns with the homeowners’ lifestyle. Custom-designed elements like millwork and built-in cabinetry lend character and personalization throughout. “We collaborated closely with them to fashion a design that reflected the gulf’s beauty and the vibrant spirit of island life,” says Moss. “The hallmarks of the design are a blend of calming blues, lively patterns, and a perpetual five-o’clock atmosphere.”

When visitors first step inside, they are noticeably charmed by the intentional, serene applications enveloping every corner, including the blue tile–wrapped fireplace and lofty eight-foot ceilings. When ascending the staircase, eyes are drawn to a trio of jumbo pendants above and an unexpected handcrafted terrazzo bar on the second floor. The Currys, forever the consummate hosts, welcome more than 60 guests every Fourth of July, 50-plus partygoers on New Year’s Eve, and 10 to 15 friends and family members on random weekends. “Our pool is ideal for entertaining—it always seems to be the perfect temperature and never feels crowded,” notes Danny. “Emily made this process enjoyable with her wit and charm. Every meeting was full of laughter and she was able to turn most of our half-brained ideas into perfection.”

For Moss and her team, this project wasn’t just about designing a beautiful space: “It was about creating a home where our clients can make lasting memories with family and loved ones,” says the designer. “We couldn’t be more honored to have been part of it.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Emily Moss, Emily Moss Designs, Bradenton, FL

Architecture by Beacon Home Design, Bradenton, FL

Landscape Architecture by Terryscapes, Bradenton, FL

Builder Moss Builders, Holmes Beach, FL

Text by Jeanne Delathouder

Photography by Amy Lamb, Nativehouse Photography, Nashville, TN

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