The MiraBay House
Full Home Renovation
project
project Type: Renovation
location: Apollo Beach, FL
project scope: Full-Service Interior Design
vendors: Classic Stone Gallery, Fourth Generation Flooring, S&W Designs
collaborators: Quality Restoration & Renovations, Gerardo Luna Photography
This waterfront retreat is nestled within the community of MiraBay in Apollo Beach, Florida. After relocating from a larger family residence, our clients sought to create a home that reflected both where they've been and where they are headed in this next chapter of life. They envisioned waterfront sunsets, holiday gatherings, time spent with growing grandchildren, and putting down roots in a place that feels like home. When they enlisted Slate Studios to lead the renovation of their newly purchased builder-grade residence, our goal was to transform it into a home that felt personal, timeless, and uniquely their own.
overview
kitchen
detail
Thoughtfully designed for everyday living and effortless entertaining, the kitchen blends timeless craftsmanship with modern function. We reworked an inefficient layout by removing a bulky drywall pantry, improving circulation, and introducing an architectural column to create balance and symmetry throughout the space. Semi-custom cabinetry was enhanced with custom crown molding and a bespoke range hood. Bosch luxury appliances and kitchen cabinetry inserts add function. The focal point of natural stone dolomite countertops elevates the kitchen into a one-of-a-kind space designed for everything from quiet mornings to family celebrations.
after
before
While this waterfront home offered beautiful views, and strong architectural bones, the interiors felt dated and lacked the functionality our clients desired for their lifestyle. As newcomers to Florida, they entrusted Slate Studios to transform their builder-grade residence. The renovation encompassed nearly every surface and space, from replacing existing LVP flooring with wide-plank hardwoods, and elevating wall finishes, trim, and millwork throughout, to redesigning the living room focal point, reimagining the kitchen layout, and fully renovating each bathroom. We brought new life to the home with thoughtful space planning, architectural detailing, and carefully curated finishes, all resulting in a timeless waterfront retreat that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal.
backstory
The Couple
After years of balancing demanding careers and raising a family, this husband-and-wife duo was ready to embrace a slower pace of life on Florida's Gulf Coast. With retirement on the horizon for the husband, an Air Force veteran and longtime commercial airline pilot, they envisioned a home where they could enjoy waterfront living, host family gatherings, welcome grandchildren, and create lasting memories together. Their move to Apollo Beach represented more than a change of address, it marked the beginning of a new chapter centered around family, connection, and the lifestyle they had worked so hard to achieve
the client
eat-in dining & Kitchen
detail
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and this kitchen is designed to bring people together. A substantial island provides generous seating, and this beautiful dining area nearby offers a more intimate setting. Soft antique white cabinetry, warm putty-colored walls, organic wood tones, and a coral-inspired chandelier introduce a refined coastal character, creating a light and airy atmosphere that feels distinctly Floridian without relying on traditional coastal clichés.
the direction
Inspired by the home's waterfront setting, the design embraces a fresh, airy aesthetic rooted in coastal living. A palette of soft blues, sandy neutrals, creamy whites, and soothing greens creates a light-filled atmosphere that feels connected to the outdoors without relying on traditional coastal clichés. With an abundance of natural light throughout the home, we leaned into the indoor-outdoor connection by layering soothing colors, organic materials, and tactile textures that evoke a sense of ease and relaxation. One of the project's unique challenges was thoughtfully integrating the homeowners' existing traditional furnishings into the new design. Rather than starting from scratch, we carefully blended these cherished pieces with updated finishes, architectural details, and coastal influences, creating interiors that feel collected over time, deeply personal, and uniquely reflective of the homeowners' story.
the vibe
mood board
Endless summer living
project
Inspired by the homeowners' love of destinations like St. Croix and Grand Cayman, the design direction embraces a relaxed yet refined interpretation of coastal living. Soft blues, sandy neutrals, natural textures, and collected furnishings establish a sense of warmth and authenticity, while meaningful pieces gathered throughout their travels ensure the home feels deeply personal. The overall mood is light, inviting, and timeless, creating a sophisticated retreat designed for life on the water.
after
before
Living & piano Room
detail
The living room was thoughtfully reimagined to feel both elevated and welcoming. The existing fireplace was transformed with a new stone surround crafted from the same material used in the kitchen countertops, creating continuity throughout the home. Architectural molding, integrated storage, and soft green accents introduce character and depth without overpowering the space. The adjacent staircase also received a dramatic update, with the original harsh black railings refinished in a warm taupe that instantly softened and elevated the home's interior.
detail
Designed to celebrate one of the homeowners' most cherished possessions, the piano room centers around a family heirloom that was gifted to him by his childhood church in Ohio and has traveled with the family throughout the years. Custom stained oak built-ins were designed to frame the piano, adding warmth, character, and much-needed storage for the homeowner's extensive book collection. Rich in both function and meaning, the space serves as a personal library, music room, and tribute to the memories carried from one home to the next.
after
before
master bathroom
detail
The primary bathroom was completely transformed into a serene retreat. A curbless shower and frameless glass enclosure lend a clean, modern feel, while handcrafted subway tile, elegant pencil trim detailing, and marble-look porcelain introduce texture, movement, and subtle veining throughout the space. The palette thoughtfully balances warm and cool tones, creating a layered aesthetic that feels both fresh and enduring. Adding a touch of softness and romance, an arched shower niche provides beautiful storage while serving as a custom architectural feature that elevates the overall design.
renovation details
While the overall footprint of the primary bathroom remained largely unchanged to maximize the renovation budget, the space was completely reimagined to improve both function and aesthetics. To create a greater sense of openness, we removed an existing soffit, increasing the ceiling height. The shower was rebuilt as a curbless design with a Schluter waterproofing system, offering both a seamless appearance and long-term durability. Thoughtful upgrades, including strategically positioned shower controls that allow the water to be turned on before entering, a built-in bench, and a freestanding soaking tub with an integrated hand shower, provide practical functionality. A reworked lighting plan featuring recessed ceiling fixtures, decorative sconces, and a statement chandelier creates layers of light that enhance both everyday tasks and the spa-like ambiance of the space.
behind the design
Managing every
detail
As a busy family navigating a relocation to Florida, and an upcoming retirement, the homeowners needed a trusted team to manage the countless details involved in a whole-home renovation. From design and selections to contractor coordination and installation oversight, Slate Studios oversaw every aspect of the project. Following completion, the homeowner shared that she had no idea how much work went into making a renovation successful. We love providing a seamless experience for our clients.
the look
pool bathroom
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
The MiraBay House is more than a renovation—it is a reflection of a life well-lived and an exciting new chapter ahead. By honoring meaningful pieces from the homeowners' past while thoughtfully reimagining the home for the future, Slate Studios created a residence that feels collected, personal, and deeply connected to its waterfront setting. The result is a timeless Florida retreat designed for slowing down, gathering often, and making memories with the people who matter most.
the result