Cool Effortlessness Abounds in Siesta Key Home

1 of 10

When a northeast couple, who had grown up in Sarasota, began to dream about a Florida retreat, Siesta Key’s sugar-white beaches were never far from their minds. Just as appealing was the town’s sense of community and its proximity to restaurants, galleries, and cultural events. So, when the opportunity to build their dream vacation home on a site known for its euphoric sunsets came along, they didn’t hesitate.

“With visionary homeowners, a talented architectural team, and a builder committed to excellence from the ground up, this was the kind of project you dream about as a designer,” says Amanda Krueger Tomlinson, who was tapped to oversee the interiors. “As the couple’s second residence, this dreamy seaside getaway offers an emotional home base to gather with children and family. It’s a place where life slows down on purpose.”

Brought into the project early on in the process, Tomlinson helped shape the interior experience, ensuring the home’s finishes, furnishings, and flow felt as intentional and effortless as the surrounding beaches. “The inspiration was drawn directly from the environment—endless horizon lines, filtered sunlight, and natural materials that speak softly but confidently,” says the designer.

Architecturally designed by both Visbeen Architects and JTL Design Studios in Sarasota, the soaring residence comprises nearly 9,000 square feet of living space, including exterior decks and lanais. Throughout the process, the homeowners provided thoughtful input on finishes and personal touches, engaging actively. “It was a creative dialogue every step of the way,” says builder Will Bouziane of Bouziane Construction Company. “They described the property as their ‘slice of paradise,’ and we all shared that same vision—to create a home that felt both timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings.”

The outcome, inspired by the island itself, is crisp, clean, and open to the sea and sky. “Where an old, condemned house once stood, we aspired to create a coastal modern home that incorporated a swimming pool and patio on the upper living level,” says the homeowner. “We wanted to make sure our entire family could be together cooking and swimming on the same floor.” The applied design visually links the water to the Gulf beyond, and a custom ipe deck extends the elevated experience, creating an outdoor oasis that feels at once intimate and expansive.

Inside, artistry and craftsmanship define the home, with standout features including a sculptural white oak stairwell, slat wall designs with matching doors, and handcrafted barrel ceilings that add architectural drama to the space. From a furnishings perspective, Tomlinson’s team layered natural oak, textural fabrics, and a muted coastal palette to keep the interiors feeling grounded and livable. Elusive touches of blue and black appear throughout each level of the home, paying homage to the surrounding water while introducing subtle contrast. “Performance was non-negotiable,” notes the designer. “We wanted a home that could host a sunset cocktail party one night and withstand sandy feet the next morning.”

From the moment you step inside, the rhythm of the house reveals itself. Natural light shifts throughout the day, curated sightlines lead the eye to the horizon, and the floor plan moves with ease and purpose. “The result is a home that swings effortlessly between moods,” Bouziane notes, “ideal for hosting upscale events backdropped by spectacular views from the third-floor living room’s aquarium-glass windows and dual custom bars, yet equally suited to a cozy afternoon curled up with a book. Its versatility reflects the family who calls it home—warm, welcoming, and always ready to celebrate life by the water.”

Tomlinson couldn’t agree more: “This home feels like Siesta Key distilled—natural, elegant, and grounded in intention. It was an honor to bring it to life.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Amanda Krueger Tomlinson, Amanda Krueger & Company, Bradenton, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Tara Correa, Sarasota, FL

Open to see Interior Design Sources: