Ethereal Elegance Along the Lake Worth Lagoon

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Two North Carolina entrepreneurs have gleaned a thing or two from the frenetic hospitality biz, including the chaos that comes with renovating and building two homes nearly back-to-back. Their latest undertaking—a 9,190-square-foot renovation—encountered multiple nightmares once the walls started to come down. Lucky for them, they purchased the vacation dwelling for its exceptional views—with 320 feet of waterfront on two sides, the place showcases the vast tidal estuary known as the Lake Worth Lagoon, which merges with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Even luckier still was having designers Allison Paladino and Zita Rudd as part of their renovation team.

The project was complex and involved. Diving into this extensive remodel, the crew removed all the drywall and redesigned and reframed certain areas to make the house more current and practical. The double doors in the foyer were replaced with large pivot doors to create more space for a collection of art curated by Chuck Marksberry and Seth Marksberry of Charles Harold Company and CHC Art. Paladino Rudd also created a custom staircase that incorporates an existing column that was too costly to remove. Crafted from gray-stained white oak and accented with glass panels, the design introduces a statement architectural feature defining the entrance and the soaring great room beyond. The existing vertical column, now clad in wood, extends out to the right to become the first step of the staircase.

For the massive great room, the design goal was to temper the proportions by integrating a cozy, intimate seating area where two people can get comfortable. “We subtly divided the space with a beautiful low-profile cabinet,” says Rudd. “Now, the area can accommodate more guests, spotlighting the newly refurbished pool and the amazing water views.”

With a palette inspired by blue skies, blue water hues, and ethereal white clouds, the design team approached every detail with the scenery in mind. Their results reveal a fresh new home with an impeccable layout that amplifies the views. “We love to conceptualize interior architecture, and this was the perfect renovation to do just that,” says Paladino. “We implemented bespoke ceiling details throughout, and designed the fireplace mantel, a great room bar, a modern kitchen with custom cabinetry, all the bathrooms, and a covered loggia with a grilling station.”

The couple’s two daughters love visiting, so the outdoor spaces and pool have become favorite spots in the residence. With a first grandchild now part of the family, the homeowners are looking forward to making enduring memories in their new waterfront retreat.

“The clients were incredible collaborators, and they appreciated all of the preparation and work that goes into a renovation,” says Paladino. “Like us, they are out-of-the-box thinkers, and because of that, this project was a true pleasure.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Allison Paladino & Zita Rudd, Paladino Rudd Interior Design, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Construction by Caldwell Construction Group, Riviera Beach, FL

Landscape Architecture by Environment Design Group, Palm Beach, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Ken Hayden, Miami, FL

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