Talk about the right person for the job. Brooke Sabia, one of the principals of Phase 4 Design Group in Delray Beach, has made a career out of creating vacation homes that check all the boxes when it comes to both style and practicality. She recently put all that knowledge to the test at a Boca Grande retreat with big beach house energy.
What was the design directive for this residence?
The clients, who are dear friends, wanted a coastal vacation home that was equal parts sophistication and ease. They have a big, bustling multigenerational family with three grown boys and two large dogs, so livability was key, but they also wanted it to feel special and beautiful for entertaining and hosting friends who come from all over.
What was your main inspiration for the design?
At 3,300 square feet, this isn’t a huge house, and it sits up high above the water, so it sort of feels like it’s perched over Boca Bay. That’s why I wanted the end result to evoke the feeling of a very elegant adult treehouse by the sea.
You created all these lovely vignettes throughout the house. What was the idea behind that?
One of the core tenets of our design work is our belief that a house becomes a home in the layered details: the collection of meaningful books, the small statement pieces that add flourish, and the attention to detail in the linens and accessories. All those elements make the whole home feel curated over time.
Were you involved in the art selection?
Yes, that was an integral part of the design, and, in some cases, it led our selection of the furnishings and accessories for a space. We worked with a variety of artists and galleries, found some fun vintage works and commissioned a couple of others. We curated a collection of 38 pieces in total, and our team worked with a master framer to highlight each work and augment its surroundings.
What was your approach to palette?
We took our cue from Boca Grande itself, so the town’s iconic lighthouse, the pastel-colored houses of the neighborhood, and the incredible view of the bay all influenced our color selections.
What route did you take with textures and fabrics?
I wanted the home to invite you to lounge, to snuggle, to luxuriate, so we were careful to choose sumptuous materials.
The furniture selections feel so welcoming. How did you accomplish that?
We like for furnishings to feel collected, so we opted for a combination of vintage and new furniture sourced from some of our favorite showrooms in Palm Beach, as well as from our go-to vendors like Made Goods, Lee Industries, and Palecek.
What would you say was the project’s biggest challenge?
Well, during construction, this house was hit by not one but two hurricanes. Although it was devastating at the time, these storms resulted in us expanding the scope of the construction project.
What was the homeowners’ reaction to the finished residence?
The clients arrived together late at night and FaceTimed me as they opened the door. To be honest, there were some obscenities and a lot of tears. They were tickled and thrilled. It was one of the best days of my career!
Story Credits:
Text by Florian Jouin
Photography by Abigail Mair
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