Create a new beach retreat by remodeling

Photo by Lori Hamilton

Lori Hamilton Photography The grand salon in the Bay Colony condominium remodeled by BCB Homes now offers a casual elegance perfectly suited to a luxurious beachfront lifestyle.

For homebuyers intent on having Southwest Floridas renowned beaches just outside their door, two realities may be cause for pause. First, available prime beachfront properties are in short supply. Second, because the overwhelming majority of the areas true beachfront communities were built-out 15 years ago or more, that dream home on the beach may require serious updating that can in some cases involve stripping things down, moving walls, and essentially starting over.

When the areas most desirable beach-front residences were originally built, they reflected the luxury architectural and interior design styles of the time, said Greg Brisson, vice president of BCB Homes Renovations, Alterations & Service Maintenance Division. Obviously, those styles have evolved tremendously over the past 15-20 years. Todays homebuyer wants an open, flexible floor plan rather than the smaller rooms of the past that were limited to specific functions. They also want the finishes and conveniences that reflect their personal vision of what beach-front living can be like. Remodeling a dated residence can bring that vision to life and create an environment that better reflects the homeowners lifestyle.

BCB Homes recently completed the total remodeling of a condominium in a beach-front high-rise in Pelican Bays Bay Colony neighborhood. Working in tandem with Collins & DuPont Interior Design, BCBs remodeling specialists transformed the 3,645-square-foot, three bedroom, three-and-a-half bath residence into an elegantly appointed, flowing environment that is suited to the casual, beach-front lifestyle preferred by the owners and their children.

The condominium was built 15-18 years ago and had not been updated, said Brisson. The existing finishes were 80s vanilla and included whitewashed oak flooring that dated to 1984. We started the transformation by literally removing almost everything the flooring, the bathrooms, the kitchen, over half of the walls and ceilings. We worked with Collins & DuPont to create an entirely new floor plan. Once the demolition work was completed, we started to put the interior structure back together per the new plan. We touched every room in the home. The air conditioning, electrical and lighting systems were also completely replaced.

The impact of the remodeling is evident the moment one enters the residence. The old flooring has been replaced by marble flooring in the foyer and medium-toned walnut hardwood in the living areas. The new color palette mixes neutral creams and light sea foam green. Custom, multicolored LED lightening panels flank the entry to a grand salon that features a teardrop shaped full wet bar in a dark cherry tone. A ceiling detail directly above the bar matches the teardrop shape and is presented with the same dark cherry finish. The bar and back-bar counter tops are finished with granite. A large rectangular mirror on the back-bar wall is accented with glass tiles and surrounded by a tall cherry built-in with shelves for displaying sculptures and glass art pieces.

The built-in cabinetry extends into the living area of the grand salon and incorporates a flush-mounted large screen television. Dark wood moldings are used to create niches on the television wall for displaying large art pieces. Below the niches, inset panels offer a bit of contrast to the dark wood. Per the newly designed floor plan, the wall covers what had been an entrance to an outdoor terrace, thereby creating a private terrace off the master bedroom. The salon and breakfast area open to a separate outdoor terrace overlooking the Gulf.

Dark-toned cherry island, peninsula, and perimeter cabinetry contrasts beautifully with the kitchens new light-colored marble flooring and white granite counter tops. The peninsulas counter top features a deep waterfall edge. New lighting has been installed in the ceiling, over the island, over the perimeter counter tops, and around the cook tops glass tile backsplash. The appliances are fully built-in and faced with wood matching the cabinetry. A newly designed recessed coffered ceiling was re-proportioned to suit the new kitchen plan. Storage is provided by a large hidden pantry that includes an ice machine.

A formal dining space incorporated into the grand salon features a tall wraparound banquette, an oval glass dining table, and three arm chairs in a neutral fabric with nail head trim. A mirrored ceiling detail with a decorative lighting fixture is positioned above the table. The sea foam wall tones of the dining space are accented by a glass art piece.

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Create a new beach retreat by remodeling