Vicki and dave Drown thought finding an ideal second home on the Suncoast was difficult enough, but the couple discovered the true meaning of the word when they began the interior design process in the midst of the COVID pandemic from miles away in Iowa.
New empty-nesters, the Drowns encountered their dream perch in Siesta Key: a 2,200-square-foot condominium at the Terra East tower on Ocean Boulevard that they wasted no time in acquiring. With optimal views of the Gulf of Mexico, the residence was a rare find on the key, one of only two such units in the building. The husband and wife were ecstatic.
“The Sarasota community offers so many amenities that are important to us and our family,” says Vicki. “We all love the live music scene, the restaurants, and pristine beaches. It’s our relaxing ‘happy place,’ where family and friends can enjoy vacations and make memories together for years.”
When they decided to renovate the apartment down to the studs, the couple had the opportunity to go in any design direction but quickly landed on mid-century modern, a style reflected on the building’s architecture and one their entire family appreciates. They initially hired a local Sarasota team, including J.B. Kent Construction, Billue Guignard of Metro Cabinet Company, and architect Leonardo Lunardi, who drew up the floor and electrical plans and agreed to be the eyes on the project. “Our remodel kicked off in 2020, but the onset of COVID brought real challenges and delays to our project,” says Dave. “We flew home to Iowa with only a small sample of floor tile in hand.”
Even with local talent involved, the project stalled, and challenges such as sourcing products and making final decisions arose. That’s when the couple decided to reach out to interior designer (and overall problem solver) Janna McCalley in Marion, Iowa, to take charge of the residence’s aesthetics and come up with solutions for selecting and ordering cabinetry, furnishings, textiles, and window treatments.
“Our inspiration for this project was both the oceanfront location and the architecture of Terrace East,” says McCalley. “Due to its concrete structure, the building has limitations, so we embraced the lower ceilings and smaller footprint in some spaces, making sure our selections were intentional and special.”
The tropical surroundings influenced a palette of neutral tones, soft colors, and natural materials. These elements, along with the couple’s taste for artisan and handmade pieces, established the design direction. Avid entertainers who enjoy hosting neighbors and family get-togethers with their grandkids, the homeowners wanted their spaces to feel uncluttered, relaxing, and inviting, while ensuring the furnishings were durable and livable.
“Dave enjoys cooking, and we love hosting gatherings,” says Vicki. “The friends we’ve made here have become such an important part of our lives, and the bar area has become one of our favorite spots for casual conversation and cocktails. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, the room creates a treehouse feel, with palm trees on one side and panoramic gulf views on the other.”
Throughout the home, McCalley incorporated an impeccable blend of classic furniture pieces, textured fabrics, organic shapes, and natural materials to amplify the mid-century modern aesthetic. “Installing this project was a rewarding experience, and the project location was an added bonus,” she says. Due to delays with large items, including flooring and hurricane windows, many materials had to be accepted by a receiver and sit in storage for several months. Once the project was nearly complete, McCalley and her assistant traveled to Siesta Key to accept final deliveries and set up the condo before the homeowners arrived.
“Janna went above and beyond with our Florida home,” says Vicki. “Despite the unusual circumstances, she helped us create a space that is cohesive, ultimately bringing our vision to amazing reality.”
Story Credits:
Interior Design by Janna McCalley, Janna McCalley Interiors, Marion, IA
Text by Jeanne de Lathouder
Photography by Molly Rose, Charleston, SC
Open to see Interior Design Sources:
Sources
Living Area
Sofa – Thayer Coggin, Francis King, Minneapolis, MN
Armchairs – Hans Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son, Design Within Reach, Chicago, IL
Chair and ottoman – West Out East, New York, NY
Cocktail table – Isamu Noguchi, Herman Miller, Design Within Reach, Chicago, IL
Side table – Mr. Brown London, High Point, NC
Floor lamp – Visual Comfort, Dallas, TX
Cabinetry – North American Cabinets, Metro Cabinet Company, Sarasota, FL
Area rug – Lee Jofa Carpet, Kravet, Minneapolis, MN
Dining Area
Table – Jacob Plejdrup, dk3, Design Within Reach, Chicago, IL
Chairs – Hans Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son, Design Within Reach, Chicago, IL
Chandelier – Lindsey Adelman Studio, New York, NY
Conversational Seating
Swivel chairs – Hlynur Atlason, Design Within Reach, Chicago, IL
Cocktail table – Lawson-Fenning, Los Angeles, CA
Bar cabinetry – North American Cabinets, Metro Cabinet Company, Sarasota, FL
Kitchen
Cabinetry and island – North American Cabinets, Metro Cabinet Company, Sarasota, FL
Stools – Hee Welling, HAY, Design Within Reach, Chicago, IL
Lighting – Cedar and Moss, Clackamas, OR
Primary Bedroom
Bed and headboard – Lawson-Fenning, Los Angeles, CA
Side table – Lawson-Fenning, Los Angeles, CA
Wall lamps – Hector Finch, Michael Cleary, Chicago, IL
Chandelier – Lawson-Fenning, Los Angeles, CA
Area rug – Armadillo, New York, NY
Primary Bathroom
Cabinetry – North American Cabinets, Metro Cabinet Company, Sarasota, FL
Mirror – Regina Andrew, Wyandotte, MI
Throughout
Architecture – Leonardo Lunardi, Lunardi Architects, Sarasota, FL
Contractor – J.B. Kent Construnction, Sarasota, FL
Cabinetry supplier – Billue Guignard, Metro Cabinet Company, Sarasota, FL
Millwork – J.B. Kent Construction, Sarasota, FL
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