Endless Summer(3)

Endless Summer

An existing fireplace, which became the focal point of an intimate kitchen/dining area, was refaced with reflective silver ceiling tins, and shiny glass doors were used on the upper cabinets—all to make the most of the light entering the space. Beadboard and beams were integrated into the design of the room. A large island with lots of storage anchors the kitchen, which has three chandeliers to illuminate the room at night. The space is almost all white, with spots of color showing up on the kitchen stools, the reversible slipcovers on the dining furniture, and inside the glass-fronted cabinets, which Tofanelli-Gordon cleverly lined with blue, green, and pink plaid taffeta.

Tofanelli-Gordon works her palette of summery colors throughout the house using playful plaid and floral patterns. To keep the house from becoming too serious, she also brought in touches of vintage bamboo, tropical fabrics, and seaside accessories such as seashells, coral, and a few other nautical touches.

Where she departs from the overall design is in the master bedroom. The brown-and-white room is a quiet, serene getaway from the rambunctious household. The room is designed with casual seating, perfect for watching the ocean—or just watching television. In the modestly sized master bath, Diane says she was going for “the look of a fine hotel.” This included white-and-brown marble countertops and—a classic Tofanelli-Gordon touch—vintage glass doorknobs on the shower door.

Actually, the idea of re-creating the look of a fine old hotel seems perfect for Diane and Frank’s new beach front home, given the relaxed and casual resort-like lifestyle they get to enjoy every single day of the year.

URL: Endless Summer(3) http://decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-1240_3.html