A TROPICAL PARADISE Sophisticated Clients And Their Design Team Collaborate To Create A Beautiful JohnвЂ™s Island Vacation Home With A Fresh Take On Tropical Design ARCHITECTURE Clemens Bruns Schaub, Clemens Bruns Schaub Architect and Associates, P. A., Vero Beach, FL DESIGN James K. Gauthier and Susan Stacy, Gauthier-Stacy, Inc., Boston, MA BUILDER John Huryn Construction, Inc., Vero Beach, FL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Neil Sickterman, Clemens Bruns Schaub Architect and Associates, P.A., Vero Beach, FL TEXT De Schofield PHOTOGRAPHY Francis Gray, Boston, MA In the courtyard, the clean-lined faГ§ade features a simple stucco finish with exposed rafter tails and Alaskan Cedar trim. The entire footprint is only one room deep, which adds to the openness and flow centered by a shimmering lap pool. ABOVE AND RIGHT: In the hallway, Paul MarraвЂ™s antique gold-leafed lamp poses on an eclectic console table beside a raffia-cushioned-carved chair by Erika Brunson. Nearby in the living room, graceful silk taupe draperies by F. Schumacher lend a classic and timeless touch. WHEN OWNERS OF THIS COMPLETELY NEW, CUSTOM-BUILT 6,500-square-foot home decided to return to JohnвЂ™s Island in Vero Beach, Fla., an idyllic barrier island that offers well-appointed residences with stunning ocean and river front views, they enlisted the help of interior design experts and their long-term friends of nearly two decades, Jim Gauthier and Susan Stacy. Gauthier and Stacy first met the homeowners in the 1990s when the couple maintained a full-time residence on JohnвЂ™s Island. When they decided to return as seasonal residents, they invited the designers to search for potential homesites. As fate would have it, all of 152 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 1 their selections were the work of Vero Beach-based architect Clemens Bruns Schaub. вЂњWe were well aware of ClemвЂ™s work throughout the Island, but had not yet had the pleasure of working with him,вЂќ Gauthier says. вЂњOnce we met, we all agreed that he was the perfect architect for the project.вЂќ After narrowing the search to a handful of possibilities, Schaub and his clients were of one mind about a desirable site that overlooked the Intracoastal Waterway from a mangrove cove. They loved the privacy and solitude, and envisioned a residence that took maximum advantage of its unique, natural beauty,вЂќ the architect says. вЂњWe like to create something that is unexpected for our clients вЂ” a juxtaposition that will delight with surprise and excitement,вЂќ designer Jim Gauthier says. Aptly named вЂњTropical ModernвЂќ by Schaub, the homeвЂ™s style is a blend of features designed specifically to maximize the benefits of a hot, sultry climate. вЂњTropical homes are a passion of mine,вЂќ Schaub says. вЂњThe key is its orientation вЂ” a sensitivity to the environment and an awareness of climate, light and shade.вЂќ Centering a courtyard and lap pool, a two-story area is composed of one sprawling master suite and balcony that serves to block the wind in winter, yet affords welcome breezes off the Intracoastal in the summer. вЂњClem has a really great understanding of how design flow works, and always knows the best location for breezes, views, sunlight and how to take advantage of them all,вЂќ Gauthier says. Tall ceilings convey a greenhouse effect in the living room, while the upper clerestory adds lightness and verticality. A signature palette of neutrals that focus more on texture than color are defined in shades of white, cream and taupe with splashes of bright fuchsia and turquoise. Pale ABOVE: In the dining room, a rock crystal chandelier lends an opulent feel, while a centerpiece of porcelain votives evoke the look and feel of coral in homage to the seaside locale. 154 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 1 Cut out of a wall, the custom-designed fireplace in the outdoor-living pavilion features a mantel shelf that lends itself to added seating. The louvered doors are specially crafted for tropical climates, inspired by ones found in Jamaica and reinvented by Schaub. 156 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 1 IN THE BUNK ROOM, PLAYFUL COLORED HUES ABOUND IN A YELLOW ARMCHAIR FROM WEST ELM AND A PASTEL BLUE BEANBAG CHAIR THAT ADDS TO THE FUN. beige travertine flooring initiates in the elegant entryway, and continues throughout the main living areas and covered outdoor spaces. вЂњWe were going for colors and materials that were sophisticated, casual and appropriate to the area,вЂќ Gauthier says. A centerpiece conversation grouping in the light-filled living space signifies the homeвЂ™s eclectic, personalized decor. A pair of deep-seated, white linen-clad sofas by Holly Hunt borders an antique-mirror-finished cocktail table, while the clean lines of the custom-built fireplace counter the ornate Venetian mirror displayed above. The eclectic theme continues in the dining room. Subtle architectural detailing adds a relaxed edge to a modernized version of classic millwork with pale taupe-painted walls bordered with a white, distressed finish. Gauthier-StacyвЂ™s custom limed-oak dining table and Klismos-style chairs by Michael Taylor center the space. Close by, a buffet beneath an ebony and gold leaf-framed mirror by Ralph Lauren lends extra storage. The spacious outdoor living pavilion expresses the homeвЂ™s indoor-outdoor versatility with furnishings designed to withstand the elements. A social grouping of two teak sofas and a pair of armchairs imported from Bali are in perfect complement to the two iron-based 158 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 1 Noir FurnitureвЂ™s rustic, yet feminine four-poster bed in the guest room is dressed with accent pillows by John Robshaw and complemented by a clean-lined bedside table from West Elm. A casual teak table from Stoneyard is paired with directorвЂ™s chairs from Summit to offer a relaxing venue for patio dining. An oversized rustic iron lantern by Paul Ferrante adds simple elegance to the space. tables with aged teak tabletops. The roomвЂ™s focal point, a nod to nature itself, is a four-paneled painting entitled Ubiquity, custom designed by Schaub, to represent the four elements of earth, wind, water and fire. The homeownersвЂ™ wish for relaxed, informal living prevails in a user-friendly environment and with two charming childrenвЂ™s guest rooms designed with their grandchildren in mind. In the bunk room, custom-built beds with center drawers that serve as a ladder lines one wall, while patterned fish artwork cleverly derived from fence pickets adorns the other. The guest bedroom вЂ” fresh in white with pops of Tiffany blue and bright pink вЂ“ highlights a rustic-finished four-poster bed with whimsical bedposts nearby a clean-lined bedside chest. With team members that all shared the same vision, the process was harmonious from the start to completion. вЂњIn order to create a great house you need a great client, and that was certainly the case here,вЂќ Schaub says. вЂњThe designers did a wonderful job to create a real sense of indoor-outdoor casual elegance that is reinforced throughout the home with furnishings.вЂќ The final result вЂ” a home that is truly beyond expectation. ABOVE: The sculptural hammock base that is positioned at the far end of the pool, entitled Trunk Monks, is a unique, specially made piece that architect Clemens Bruns Schaub commissioned. Made of cast bronze, the piece is designed to be viewed as stand-alone art without the hammock in place. SUBSCRIBE NOW! SAVE 50%* OFF THE COVER PRICE Magnificent Waterfront Mansions World-class Art Shows 1 Year $19.99 (4 issues) 2 Years $27.99 (8 issues) BEST BUY - SAVE 50% 1-800-523-3327 or for faster service go to www.floridadesign.com Save 50% off the cover price on a 2-year subscription. OUTSIDE U.S.A. (Canada, all foreign countries) add $29.99 per year. Payable only in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Payment must accompany all foreign orders. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. *For U.S. subscriptions only. Photography by Michael Stavaridis, Fort Lauderdale, FL 162 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 1 SOURCES Exterior patio Pool - Custom designed by Clemens Bruns Schaub Architect & Assoc., Vero Beach, FL, and Aquatic Consultants, Inc., Miami, FL Fabricated by Aquatic Consultants, Inc., Miami, FL Chaise lounges - Warisan, Bali, Indonesia Cushions - Miracle Upholstery, Vero Beach, FL Dining table - Stoneyard, Inc., Walters Wicker Showroom, D&D Building, New York, NY Chairs - Summit Furniture, Inc., Monterey, CA Taborettes - Wisteria, Dallas, TX Hallway/Sitting Area Chair - John Rosselli & Assoc., DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL Table - David Sutherland Showroom, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL Lamp - Paul Marra Design, Los Angeles, CA Artwork - OwnersвЂ™ Collection Living Room Sofas - Holly Hunt, Webster & Company, BDC, Boston, MA Armchair - Donghia, Inc., BDC, Boston, MA Cushion and armchair fabric - Zimmer & Rohde, Studio 534, BDC, Boston, MA Accent pillow fabrics - ScalamandrГ©, New York, NY Fabricated by CioccoвЂ™s Upholstery, Peabody, MA Fabric - Zimmer & Rodhe, Studio 534, Boston Design Center, Boston, MA Table - Mecox Gardens, New York, NY Round occasional tables - Tucker Robbins, New York, NY Fireplace - Custom designed by Clemens Bruns Schaub Architect & Assoc., Vero Beach, FL Fabricated by Country Tile, Vero Beach, FL Mirror - Michael Taylor Designs, New York, NY Drapery fabric - F. Schumacher & Co., BDC, Boston, MA Window treatment - Custom designed by Gauthier-Stacy, Inc., Boston, MA Fabricated by Finelines Drapery, Peabody, MA Sculpture on cocktail table - Studio A, A Global Views Company, High Point, NC Vintage arrows - Andrew Martin, D&D Building, New York, NY Floral arrangement - William Steele, Vero Beach, FL Floor lamp - Pottery Barn, New York, NY Chandelier - Webster & Company, BDC, Boston, MA Area rug - Steven King, BDC, Boston, MA Dining Room Dining table and buffet - Custom designed by Gauthier-Stacy, Inc., Boston, MA Fabricated by Robert Lamboy, New England Center For Antiques, Medford, MA Dining chairs - Michael Taylor Designs, New York, NY . . . continued on page 164 . . . continued from page 162 Chair fabric, lamp and chandelier - Webster & Company, BDC, Boston, MA Votives and accessories - Atlantic ACK, Easy Street Fine Art & Antiques, Nantucket, MA Mirror - Ralph Lauren Home, New York, NY Floral arrangement - William Bainbridge Steele Floral Designs, Vero Beach, FL Console table - John Himmel Decorative Arts, Webster & Company, BDC, Boston, MA White box on console - John Rosselli & Assoc., DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL Candleholders - Pottery Barn, San Francisco, CA Window treatment - Custom designed by Gauthier-Stacy, Inc., Boston, MA, Fabricated by Finelines Drapery, Peabody, MA Drapery fabric - Jerry Pair & Assoc., D&D Building, New York, NY Area rug - Stark Carpet Corp., Boston Design Center, Boston, MA SUBSCRIBE NOW! SAVE 50%* OFF THE COVER PRICE www.floridadesign.com THE MAGAZINE FOR FINE INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHINGS VOLUME 20#4 A Magnificent Palm Beach Estate Homes Designed for Entertaining 1 Year $19.99 (4 issues) 2 Years $27.99 (8 issues) BEST BUY - SAVE 50% 1-800-523-3327 or for faster service go to www.floridadesign.com Save 50% off the cover price on a 2-year subscription. OUTSIDE U.S.A. (Canada, all foreign countries) add $29.99 per year. Payable only in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Payment must accompany all foreign orders. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. For U.S. subscriptions only. Photography by Kim Sargent, Palm Beach Gardens, FL FD231 164 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 1 Artwork - OwnerвЂ™s Collection Outdoor Living Pavilion Sofas - Warisan, Bali, Indonesia Cushions - Miracle Upholstery, Vero Beach, FL Fabric - Henry Calvin Fabrics, BDC, Boston, MA Accent pillow fabrics - F. Schumacher & Co., BDC, Boston, MA Fabricated by CioccoвЂ™s Upholstery, Peabody, MA Black and green accent pillow fabric - Rod Mickely, Vero Beach, FL Chair - Warisan, Bali, Indonesia Cushion fabric - Miracle Upholstery, Vero Beach, FL Cocktail tables - Bobo Intriguing Objects, Atlanta, GA Accessories on table - Hamptons Antique Galleries, Stamford, CT Tray - West Elm, New York, NY Fireplace - Custom designed by Clemens Bruns Schaub Architects & Assoc., Vero Beach, FL Fabricated by Country Tile, Vero Beach, FL Artwork - OwnersвЂ™ Collection Bunk Room Bunk beds - Custom designed by Clemens Bruns Schaub Architects & Assoc., Vero Beach, FL Fabricated by LaCorte Enterprises, Inc., Vero Beach, FL Bedding, accent pillow fabric and beanbag chair - Pottery Barn, San Francisco, CA Artwork - M. Maison, Vero Beach, FL Yellow chair - West Elm, New York, NY Guest Room Bed - Noir Furniture, Gardena, CA Bed coverings - Very Fitting, Vero Beach, FL Accent pillow fabrics - John Robshaw Textiles, Rod Mickley Interiors, Vero Beach, FL Mirror - Made Goods, Baldwin Park, CA Table - West Elm, New York, NY Lamp - Rod Mickley Interiors, Vero Beach, FL Floral - New England Silks & Accessories, Needham, MA Carpet - Stark Carpet Corp., BDC, Boston, MA Patio Table - Stoneyard, Inc., Walters Wicker, D&D Building, New York, NY Chairs - Summit, Monterey, CA Floral - OwnersвЂ™ Collection Chandelier - John Rosselli & Assoc., D&D Building, New York, NY Hammock base - Custom designed by Clemens Bruns Schaub Architect & Assoc., Vero Beach, FL Fabricated by Shadetree Studios, Fort Pierce, FL Throughout Doors - HBS, Inc., Vero Beach, FL Windows - Weather Shield Windows and Doors, Medford, WI Flooring - Country Tile, Vero Beach, FL