The Alina beach house project became a very special one for our interior design team. Our clients never thought they would live anywhere but the Washington, DC, area. On a trip to Florida, they fell in love with the Alina and rightfully so. They purchased one of the Villa units. These are unique residences on the ground floor overlooking the gorgeous Boca Resort grounds and golf course. Completely private, it was the perfect transition for a couple who had lived in private homes and townhouses their entire lives.
We knew we had to bring the outside into the design, as the client always had gardens and backyards at their homes. Our goal was to create a retreat in Florida that would be the antithesis of the mid-Atlantic. We all know the scene from the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy opens the door to see a new technicolor world. Minus the Hollywood glam, we wanted our clients to have this very experience each time they came “home.”
The challenge was the open plan design of the unit — a wonderful blank canvas, but a square box, nonetheless. The clients were clear they wanted a dining area separate from the living area and had a special request for a fireplace.
Our team knew that we wanted to bring a sophisticated European island feel to the space. Most of the materials chosen were matte, chalky, sun-bleached, and organic. The floors were clad with care-free porcelain tiles of textured concrete. We strategically added touches of high-gloss lacquer and a warm area rug to keep the look elevated.
Instead of designing a grand fireplace, we lowered its volume by cladding it in a refined smooth concrete offset with bleached oak and matte lacquer slat work. Two minimal sconces in hand-rubbed blackened steel balanced the feature.
The dining room was anchored by a feature wall of bleached oak paneling with four equal columns of offset geometric mouldings — sculptural, yet quiet. There are two customized table bases, each a twisted block of hand-laid eggshell lacquer, stained a deep iron ore.
We continued our textural journey into the master bedroom by installing handmade papier-mâché wallpaper that gave the feeling of an oceanside stucco wall on a Greek Isle. The fabrics and millwork finishes were varying tones of white plaster, accented with Mediterranean marine blues.
Through the process, our clients were involved, inquisitive, and gracious. They have now become part of our Oliver Cloutier family.
