When the owners of a 4,567-square-foot house on Palm Beach proper enlisted designer Ali Frye for her design talents, they asked her for a youthful residence that would welcome the sun with crisp white walls and a “happy” ambiance. Frye delivered that and so much more.
What was your main inspiration for this project?
The lush green landscape around the house and the expansive windows. We curated a palette of blues, greens, and aquas to play off the exterior views, and grounded that with natural materials like sisal rugs throughout.
The home feels so fresh. What dictated the color palette?
We wanted the interior of the home to complement the greenery outside. From the moment you enter, floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the landscaping, so we utilized colors and natural materials that mirrored the environment seen through the glass.
And what was your approach to those materials?
We insisted they be natural to create a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. We used limestone flooring that transitions from the exterior to the interior and incorporated organic textures like sisal to maintain a breezy, coastal feel.
In terms of furniture, what brands and vendors did you rely on?
Since the clients’ primary residence near Washington, D.C. is formal and traditional, the homeowners wanted this Florida home to feel distinctly different. We opted for a transitional style with cleaner, more youthful lines, so we relied heavily on Mecox, Lee Industries, and Chaddock Furniture.
Did you do much ornamentation?
We focused on the clients’ personal passions. The wife has a deep love for Herend porcelain, and because the couple entertains frequently, we integrated items that were both beautiful and functional for hosting.
What was the most challenging aspect of this project?
Marrying the original dark window casings with the light, airy, and sun-drenched aesthetic the clients desired.
What was the homeowners’ reaction to the finished residence?
They were ecstatic! They specifically loved how bright and joyful the home felt.
And how do you feel about the project now that it’s behind you?
We were thrilled with the outcome. When we first viewed the property, it was in dire need of serious care—the walls were dark red, and the floors were covered in shattered tiles. Seeing the house undergo such a complete makeover for such appreciative clients was incredibly rewarding.
Story Credits:
Text by Florian Jouin
Residential Photography by Carmel Brantley
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