Estero Bay Retreat
Luxury Waterfront Residence
project
project Type: New Construction
location: Ritz Carlton Residences Estero Bay, Bonita Springs, FL
project scope: Full-Service Interior Design
vendors: Daisy Bennett Designs, Phillip Jeffries
collaborators: Gerardo Luna Photography, Hartfully Curated
Set high above Estero Bay within the fourteenth floor of the newly constructed
Ritz-Carlton Residences, this luxury waterfront home was designed as a place to slow down, gather, and reconnect. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the interiors balance refined coastal living with warmth, comfort, and personality. Through thoughtful space planning, custom details, and a layered mix of natural materials and curated furnishings, Slate Studios created a home that feels collected, comfortable, and unique, a place where every piece has a purpose and every visit feels like the start of vacation.
overview
living & dining
detail
Because the residence sits on the 14th floor overlooking Estero Bay, preserving the view became one of the project's guiding principles. Sculptural lighting was intentionally selected for the dining and living spaces to add visual interest while remaining unobtrusive, allowing the panoramic waterfront views to remain the focal point.
outdoor living
indoor
For years, the homeowners escaped Boston winters by returning to Florida's Gulf Coast, where days slowed down, sunsets became a daily ritual, and time with family and friends took center stage. When they finally decided to purchase a home of their own within the Ritz-Carlton Residences Estero Bay, they weren't simply looking for a beautiful waterfront residence; they wanted a place that captured everything they loved about life in Southwest Florida. Rather than relying on predictable coastal design, Slate Studios created a home layered with natural textures, meaningful artwork, and timeless furnishings that reflect the homeowners' personalities. Every selection was made with intention, resulting in a residence that feels relaxed, welcoming, and unmistakably personal.
backstory
The Homeowners
Passionate about entertaining, making memories, sharing meals and cocktails with family and friends, and ending each day with Gulf Coast sunsets, the homeowners envisioned a Florida home that encouraged connection. From our earliest conversations, we explored how this residence should feel different from their primary home in Boston. One thing became clear almost immediately: they weren't looking for a predictable coastal aesthetic or a pre-packaged design. Instead, they wanted a home that served as a refuge from their busy lives; a place where their growing children would always want to return, where friends and family could gather with ease, and where every space invited lingering conversations, shared meals, and the slower rhythm of Southwest Florida living. Every design decision was guided by that vision, creating a home that feels elevated without ever feeling precious, and where every arrival feels like the beginning of vacation.
the client
OUTDOOR TERRACE
detail
Florida living is about blurring the boundaries between indoors and out, and this residence embraces its extraordinary setting at every turn. Expansive entertaining spaces flow seamlessly onto waterfront terraces overlooking Estero Bay, where Southwest Florida's spectacular sunsets become part of the daily experience.
the direction
Rather than following a traditional coastal design formula, we looked to the landscape surrounding the home for inspiration. The ever-changing colors of Estero Bay, native Florida foliage, and the homeowners' appreciation for nature, art, and relaxed living became the foundation for every design decision. From the color palette and natural materials to the curated furnishings and commissioned artwork, every element was intentionally selected to tell the homeowners' story rather than simply fill a room. Throughout the residence, hummingbirds, butterflies, and botanical motifs are thoughtfully woven into the artwork and decorative details, creating subtle connections to the landscape beyond the windows. The result is a home that feels timeless, deeply personal, and unmistakably rooted in the beauty of Southwest Florida.
the vibe
mood board
Where vacation becomes
home
This mood board captures the essence of the home before a single furnishing was selected. The inspiration came not from a particular style, but from a way of living. Sunsets over Estero Bay, mornings by the water, effortless entertaining, natural textures, and the subtle colors found throughout Southwest Florida. These moments became the foundation for a home that feels sophisticated, welcoming, and unmistakably connected to its surroundings.
entry vestibule
detail
Every memorable home begins with an arrival, and for this residence, that experience starts the moment the private elevator doors open. We wanted the vestibule to serve as a transition between the public spaces of the building and the deeply personal retreat beyond. Creating a quiet pause before the rest of the home unfolds. The botanical wallpaper mural by Jaima Brown of Naples-based Daisy Bennett Designs welcomes guests with graceful vines, birds, and butterflies inspired by Southwest Florida's natural landscape, establishing the home's connection to nature before a single room is revealed.
after
before
kitchen & Bar
detail
Every home has its rituals, and for these homeowners, it's ending the day with a Hugo Spritz while watching the sun set over Estero Bay. Whether hosting family and friends or unwinding after a day on the water, it's the perfect place to prepare a drink before stepping onto the terrace to watch the sunset over Estero Bay. Like the rest of the residence, the space was designed around the moments they wanted to experience, not just the way they wanted it to look.
Primary Bedroom & Bath
detail
After days spent entertaining family and enjoying life on Estero Bay, the primary bedroom offers a quiet place to unwind. Designed as a peaceful escape, the primary bedroom embraces a soothing palette of soft neutrals, layered fabrics, and natural textures that create a sense of calm. Rather than relying on bold color, the design allows texture, craftsmanship, and the surrounding views to take center stage, creating a restful retreat that feels effortlessly luxurious.
project details
While the finished home feels effortless, bringing it to life required months of planning, coordination, and behind-the-scenes logistics. As out-of-state homeowners, our clients entrusted Slate Studios to manage every detail, from coordinating with the Ritz-Carlton Residences team, contractors, artisans, and vendors to scheduling deliveries, reserving freight elevators, and overseeing installations. The final furnishings installation alone took an entire week. Every piece was delivered, inspected, assembled, placed, and thoughtfully styled by our team. Packaging was removed, artwork was installed, accessories were layered, beds were made, and every cabinet and shelf was intentionally arranged so the home was completely move-in ready before the homeowners ever arrived. Throughout the process, we kept reminding our clients, "We've got this." Our only instruction was simple: Fly in from Boston, unlock the door, pour a Hugo Spritz, and start enjoying your new home.
behind the design
Guest Bedroom & Den
Providing Peace of
mind
Beautiful homes don't happen by accident. They are the result of hundreds of thoughtful decisions, countless moving parts, and a trusted team managing every detail behind the scenes. For these out-of-state homeowners, peace of mind was knowing someone is managing everything on their behalf. We orchestrated every step so they could simply arrive, unlock the door, and begin enjoying life at Estero Bay.
the look
presentation
Concept Development
Each project begins with a refined design presentation that establishes the architectural direction, material palette, and furnishings in full. Through renderings, drawings, and curated selections, we translate vision into a cohesive plan - ensuring every detail is considered before installation begins.
in conclusion
Every project begins with a vision, but the true measure of success is how a home makes its owners feel. For this family, that meant creating a place where Boston could be left behind, sunsets could be savored, and time with loved ones became the priority. More than a waterfront residence, this is a home designed to make every arrival feel like the beginning of vacation. At Slate Studios, we believe great design isn't just about creating beautiful spaces; it's about creating a life you can't wait to come home to.
the result
