Having vacationed with family on Longboat Key for over a decade, Wendy and Ross took a seasonal rental in the winter of 2006 to escape the northern winter. They loved the location directly on the beach, lush landscaping and fabulous sunsets. Curiosity led them to “just look” at an available unit, and before you know it, the wheels were turning and a deal was done- well, almost. While the location and view are spectacular, the condo unit itself left quite a bit to be desired.
Ross has a gift for being able to visualize possibilities. Ross shared his vision with Sally Trout and Jenn Grein of Sally Trout Interiors, who then enlisted David Gruber of Floors by Design and David Asher and Tracey Scalzo of EuroTech Cabinetry. The entire design team focused on achieving a fun, accessible aesthetic that utilized a variety of natural, organic shapes and colors to transform the unit from a boxy, garden-variety late 70’s condo to a welcoming and stylish seaside retreat.
Gone are the tired floor coverings and the teal and shell colored walls that once segregated the kitchen from the adjacent living areas. The Sarasota kitchen remodel was redesigned as an integral part of this major renovation overlooking the living room and the gulf-front beyond. The granite countertops and splash add visual texture and striking color contrast to the custom cabinetry by ArtCraft Kitchens which was selected for the unique “pillowed” door design in an appropriately named “Driftwood” finish on white oak veneers. The stainless appliances and dramatic pendant lighting add some contemporary sophistication.
As you might imagine, there were some construction constraints and mechanical challenges in opening up the Sarasota kitchen remodel. One of the custom columns in the kitchen, fabricated by EuroTech, camouflages a vent stack running through to units above and below. Another serves as a conduit for electric outlets and switches. The undulating, free-form soffits house necessary mechanical elements while adding visual interest and beautiful, but functional lighting..
Sally and Jenn conducted two Sarasota bathroom remodels as well. Ross and Wendy liked the figured English Sycamore in a natural finish that Sally chose for the vanities as well as the Avonite “Antique glass” counter tops. A variety of materials, textures and colors were utilized that visually expand the space while maintaining maximum functionality and fun!
While the design team and contractor Tony Girard of Anthony Girard Specialties deserve a lot of the credit, Wendy and Ross remained intimately involved in all stages of planning, selection of materials and the execution of the project right down to the selection of the curvaceous cabinet pulls for the Sarasota bathroom design. Aside from the kitchen, they are particularly pleased with the tile work specified by Sally and Jenn and installed by Floors by Design. (Note the insets in the tile used throughout the central living areas and the colorful palette employed in the master bath tile.) Best of all, now all rooms enjoy magnificent views of the Gulf making even a rainy day as fun as “a day at the beach”…
