My Houzz: Refined Comfort on a Florida Island

Brooke and Greg Kadet were drawn to the high ceilings, updated kitchen and spacious layout of their two-story Florida home. “Greg and I both love white cabinetry and granite, and the original owners had just recently put in a brand-new kitchen that we loved,” says Brooke, a former teacher.

When the couple moved in, they refinished the home’s wood floors in a walnut brown, only to have a leak develop into a flood throughout the main level. “The floors were ripped out, and the drying process began,” says Brooke. “The new wood was installed, and we were ready to move back in, when a plumber broke a water line and destroyed the brand-new flooring. The entire process started over. All this time, we were living in a hotel while our furniture sat in a storage unit.”

After this initial hiccup, the family was finally able to move in. They gave their home a beach-inspired palette and other touches to fit the coastal location.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Brooke and Greg Kadet; their children, Jake (age 11) and Anna (9); their yellow Lab, Macy; and pug Sweet Pea
Location: Davis Islands, Florida
Size: 4,258 square feet (396 square meters); 4 bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms
Year built: 1995

“A blue and white color palette is fresh, clean, happy and calming all at the same time,” Brooke says. The couple added new drapes, grass cloth wallpaper, an ivory marble-topped coffee table and some new accessories to bring the room together.

Sofa: Bernhardt; coffee table: Marketplace Interiors; wall paint: Floral White, Benjamin Moore


Brooke initially painted the first floor a soft yellow. “I love yellow, and I had lived with it in our former house for over eight years,” she says.

With guidance from interior decorator Melanee Friscia of van Ling Design, Brooke repainted the walls a soft white to allow the blue and white in the family room to stand out. “We also decided to add baby-blue grass cloth to the large niches above the bookshelves,” she says. “It became such a focal point of the family room and one of my favorite elements.”

Chair: Thomasville; grass cloth wallpaper: Philip Jeffries; wall paint: Floral White, Benjamin Moore


“I can be a sort of homebody and look forward to coming home in the evenings and relaxing,” says Brooke, shown here with the family’s pug and yellow Lab.

Blue chairs: Thomasville; drapes: van Ling Design


The family gathers at this breakfast nook each morning. It’s decorated in a cheerful color palette of whites, pinks and blues.

Table, chairs: Ethan Allen; iron table: Ballard Designs; painting: K.D. Bays, Marketplace Interiors; wall paint: Floral White, Benjamin Moore


The kitchen had been renovated by the former owners. “They were meticulous in the way they cared for the home, and it showed in how well maintained it was,” Brooke says.

The island features a built-in wine refrigerator that comes in handy for entertaining.

Bar stools: Ballard Designs; wall paint: Floral White, Benjamin Moore


The family’s former dining room set was once a very dark wood, but that didn’t deter their decorator. “Melanee had the six chairs painted ivory with silver accents,” says Brooke. “The seat cushions were re-covered in a linen coral-hued fabric, and the window treatments were changed to silk drapes with an inside trim of Brunschwig & Fils chinoiserie fabric.”

Dining room set: Thomasville; chandelier: Restoration Hardware; drapes: van Ling Design; wall paint: Silver Crest, Benjamin Moore


Sconces: Visual Comfort


Brooke worked with Friscia to select a desk, window treatments and wallpaper for the home office. “The result is a pretty but comfortable, happy office that the whole family enjoys,” says Brooke. “Greg and I love feeling more organized, finally having an office space. We also love having this space be right off the kitchen.”

Desk: van Ling Design; desk chair: Horchow; bamboo chair: Regent in Nutmeg; light fixture: Palm Beach Lantern, Currey & Company; grass cloth wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries; wall paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore


A traditional four-poster bed and an upholstered storage bench anchor the spacious master bedroom. Brooke says, “I love having the master bedroom downstairs and being able to walk right into the kitchen and living room in the morning.”

Bed: Kincaid; wall paint: Gray Screen, Sherwin-Williams


Nightstand: Kincaid


The previous homeowners had also renovated the master bathroom. The serene color palette and large windows keep the look light.


Brooke swapped the existing vanity cabinet knobs with ones from Anthropologie.


Both Brooke’s and Greg’s mothers come to stay with the family on occasion, and the guest bedroom is decorated in a welcoming palette of pinks and taupe.

Settee: The Red Herring; wall paint: Sundew, Sherwin-Williams


The couple’s daughter, Anna, played a major role in the decorating choices for her bedroom. A traditional four-poster bed is paired with modern, fresh colors and patterns to create a vibrant space for the 9-year-old. Brooke’s mother, RuthAnn Sailors, is an artist and art teacher, and created the cupcake art above the bed.

Bedding, area rug: Pottery Barn Kids; wall paint: Verbena, Sherwin-Williams


Anna’s bedroom boasts a cozy reading nook.

Wall paint: Verbena, Sherwin-Williams


The children frequent local art workshops; Anna’s original paintings are displayed on open shelves.


Jake’s bedroom is decorated in a nautical theme.

Bed: Eddie Bauer (discontinued); wall paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore


Brooke’s mother painted this picture of the family’s home when they lived in Denver. “I love the bright blue in it and the vivid color. It reminds me of our time there and of how special our first home was to us,” says Brooke. “The blue and white color scheme probably characterizes Greg and I the most. We just love it!”

Wall paint: Floral White, Benjamin Moore


The backyard has what Brooke calls a wall of greenery that instantly caught her attention when they first saw the home. The tall shrub provides privacy for the pool area. “Although we do need to consistently clean the pool out for leaves,” she says.


The spacious front porch is framed by neatly symmetrical landscaping. “We love our neighborhood and enjoy walking our dogs and taking bike rides,” says Brooke.


“Our home is bright and cheerful — a comfortable place where we can relax and be a family,” says Brooke, shown here with Sweet Pea. “I feel a sense of peace and happiness here.”

Patio furniture: Thomasville; throw pillows: Pottery Barn

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