Modern Deco Pops in Fort Lauderdale Home

1 of 12

Sought out for her glamorous and alluring style, interior designer Perla Lichi was commissioned by owner Michael Jones to take his home to new levels. Steps away from the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, this modern house is one-of-a-kind with over 5,500 square feet of space with soothing scenarios inside and out. One such setting is the home’s third-level alfresco lounge. Here, chic outdoor furnishings styled with modern boxy metal frames and cushioned in crisp white shape a blissful space that overlooks the city and seascape beyond.

Inside, the illusion of reflection plays an integral part. An open floor plan emphasizes the flow of high-gloss surfaces from the kitchen to the family room, where a trio of mirrors framed in a striking gray metallic line the wall for a strategic back and forth. The philosophy of blending styles and elements is demonstrated with warm shades that interact with cool hues. Shades of gray wrap the furnishings, while pops of color tease the eye and the cocktail table’s bronze glass top plays with the area rug’s abstract striations of gray and copper beneath. White-on-white walls canvas the space to create a clean, modern and minimalistic palette.

Soaring ceilings define the sun-soaked living room, where bold colors and retro-style furnishings evoke happiness and a sense of comfort. The room’s height becomes a useful tool for drama as painted canvas discs stack up to be a wall of visual art. The magic of creativity takes on an unprecedented approach as an ordinary window above a custom, walnut-encased fireplace becomes a work of art. In effort to preserve privacy, a custom fitted picture of an agate stone lends itself to the earthy colors found in the muted silk and wool area rug. “I wanted a quiet rug to create amazing shadow play from the elements in the room,” Lichi says.

A vignette of art announces entry to the dining room. “I like to mix and match dining room pieces,” says Lichi of the walnut oval dining table and brushed metal dining chairs seated in white leather. Hovering over the table with grace, a very modern geometric glass and metal chandelier is the epitome of modernism. Coming full circle, a metallic-framed mirror takes notice in the hallway that leads the way to a powder room — an eclectic space that is a muse of unencumbered wall art.

In the spirit of luxury, the master bath promotes serenity while representing a space where no expense has been spared. Here, a feature wall of marble stands out with swirls of grays and whites that cast an expression of opulence to the space. “I call it spa heaven,” the designer says.

The master bedroom is punctuated with an organic vibe that draws in the colors of the tropical foliage. A gradated palette of yellows to greens colors the wall with a simple spectrum that generates a dramatic effect on the space. The use of yellow and gold throw pillows connects with the artwork while presenting a cheerful setting.

Though the verticals and horizontals of modern architecture could feel static, the use of plants, water and light brings an organic flexibility of design that creates a natural luminosity and a multitude of shade patterns reflected throughout the home. Outside is for relaxation and this oceanfront setup does not disappoint with a bevy of terraces that unify the open-air spaces. A stairway spirals to a rooftop terrace for the most fabulous views of skylines and waterways. Yet at the end of the day, there is nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool. Only a stone’s throw away from the beach, the patio is welcoming with scenery that resembles a five-star resort; fashioned with a waterfall and lined with tropical foliage that provides a much-needed respite from South Florida’s brilliant sunscape.

Story Credits: 

Interior Design by Perla Lichi, Perla Lichi Design, Pompano Beach, FL

Architecture by Gerald Belgrave, Gerald Belgrave Design, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Text by Regina Semeraro

Photography by Craig Denis, Miami, FL

Open to see Interior Design Sources: