Welcoming on the Waterfront
Great Room
project
project Type: Renovation
location: Davis Islands, FL
project scope: full service interior design
vendors: Vanguard, Palecek
collaborators: Quality Restoration & Renovation, Gerardo Luna Photography
Nestled on the waterfront of Davis Islands, the Kelly Residence renovation was designed to bring warmth, clarity, and livable luxury back into a well-loved family home. After 17 years of memories, milestones, and collected treasures, the great room had slowly evolved into a space that no longer reflected the family’s lifestyle. Our goal was to reimagine the heart of their home honoring their story while simplifying what no longer served them.
overview
after
before
The Kellys wanted an inviting sanctuary where mornings on the water, family downtime, and lively gatherings could all coexist effortlessly. With plans to eventually downsize once their children leave for college, every selection was made to feel perfect for the space, but can also translate into their next home. The result is a restorative, coastal space that embraces Tampa Bay’s natural beauty and the family's deep love for entertaining.
backstory
living room
detail
The Kellys entertain often, holidays, seafood boils, family gatherings, so the great room needed to shift effortlessly from peaceful weekday evenings to bustling celebrations. It was important for the room to be flexible enough to be dressed up for entertaining, and yet laid back enough for relaxing. Every choice was made with comfort in mind, and space to curl up after a day on the boat, or to gather with family. We created a layout that encourages conversation, comfort, and flow. The space now feels bright, open, and our favorite trait, livable luxury.
The Kellys
After nearly two decades of living in the home, the Kellys, as many families do, had accumulated furnishings, gifts, inherited items, and décor from different chapters of life. Various designers had helped with bits and pieces over the years, leaving the room feeling disjointed and visually heavy.
What they craved was: A place to be together. A place that felt peaceful, intentional, and worthy of these final “kids-at-home” years. A place that brought their family into the room, rather than away from it.
Our first step was to edit with care. We worked closely with the family to understand which pieces carried emotional weight, and which were simply filling space. This transformation began long before the furnishings arrived so we could seamlessly integrate these items into the design.
the client
FIREPLACE
detail
The original cast fireplace was charming but lost among visual clutter and oversized cabinetry. We gave it the presence it deserved by flanking it with the homeowners’ sculptural wood artwork (relocated from elsewhere in the home), retrofitting the TV wall to remove heavy upper cabinets, adding a stunning wood veneer wallpaper backdrop, and introducing sophisticated sconces. What was once overlooked is now a striking focal point that grounds the room and is beautifully balanced.
mood board
Livable Luxury on Davis Islands
project
The design aesthetic mirrors the homeowner’s personal style, effortless, breezy, and elevated. Think: beachy dresses, sculptural jewelry, and a love for organic textures. We layered soft Gulf Coast neutral colors, warm wood tones, airy fabrics, and sculptural statement pieces that honor both Florida’s waterfront lifestyle and the home’s Mediterranean architecture. Existing sentimental pieces, including sculptural wood art and blown glass collected over the years, were thoughtfully reintroduced, this time as intentional moments rather than competing elements.
after
before
DINING & KITCHEN
detail
With a large extended family and a love for hosting, the dining nook needed to feel both functional and celebratory. New counter stools in a bold statement fabric, comfortable dining chairs, and improved layout and flow create a fluid connection between cooking, gathering, and lounging. This is where pre-dinner cocktails happen, holiday mornings begin, and everyday moments feel elevated.
after
before
FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT
detail
At our very first meeting, the husband made one thing clear: “My recliner stays. It’s non-negotiable.” As designers, we love a challenge. We selected two battery-powered recliners in a gorgeous gray boucle, so chic and sculptural you’d never guess they recline. A win for style and comfort.
the direction
Weekends for the Kellys almost always begin on the water. They spend their free time exploring Tampa Bay by boat, and many mornings start with breakfast on the dock as the sun rises over the canal. That connection to nature and waterfront living became the heartbeat of our design. Florida offers true indoor-outdoor living, which is something locals often take for granted. For the spirit of this home, we wanted to celebrate it. We drew inspiration from the water with a palette of gentle neutrals, layered textiles, and natural materials.
the vibe
Welcoming on the
waterfront
We carefully balanced modern elements with the home’s ornate details, opting for clean-lined
furniture, subtle textures, and contemporary accents to soften the formality. Warm tones and
classic details ensured the space felt cohesive and grounded. The result? A home that feels approachable yet refined, perfect for both unwinding after a long day and entertaining.
the look
blending styles
At Slate Studios, we believe that blending styles isn’t just about compromise—it’s about creating a design that feels authentic, inviting, and effortlessly timeless. For this project, we embraced the challenge of balancing our client’s laid-back personality with their home’s more formal architectural style. The result? A space where timeless design and casual comfort coexist beautifully, proving that mixing styles is often the best way to achieve a truly timeless outcome.
coexisting
THE HOME
detail
We wanted the interior transformation to honor the home’s timeless Spanish Mediterranean exterior rather than compete with it. The lush greenery, arched details, and serene courtyard set the tone for a life rooted in true Florida indoor–outdoor living. By embracing organic materials, airy neutrals, and soft coastal textures inside, the design flows effortlessly from exterior to interior.
presentation
Design
Presentation
gallery
The design presentation is our way to provide clients with everything they need to visualize our design ideas for their space. We provide virtual renderings, design drawings, and images of all selections so you can fall in love with the design with each turn of the page.
in conclusion
The Kelly Residence is a testament to what thoughtful editing and intentional design can do for a home, and for a family. By layering comfort, clarity, and coastal sophistication, we transformed a once-overlooked room into the most beloved space in the house. Now, the Kellys gather here daily. They host more often. They linger longer. The room finally feels like it represents who they are today, and who they are becoming. To us, that is the greatest success of all.
the result