Interior Design: Melanie Turner, Melanie Turner Interiors, Atlanta, GA
Architecture: Darrell Russell and Jonathan Hampel, A Boheme Design, LLC., Inlet Beach, FL
Builder: Jared Smartt, Earthbuild, LLC., Inlet Beach, FL
Photography: Mali Azima
Inspired by the windswept palette of the Gulf Coast, Atlanta designer Melanie Turner knew exactly what to do to transform a couple’s seaside dream home into a reality. Nestled along Florida’s picturesque 30A—a coastal haven beloved for its crystalline blue-green waters and white sandy beaches—this breezy oceanside home embodies the bliss of beach living. Poised on an exclusive stretch of shoreline in a gated community, the dwelling boasts the best of Florida’s idyllic Emerald Coast.
“The clients loved blue and wanted their guests always to be reminded they were at the beach,” says Melanie. “However, they didn’t want a typical beach theme, but instead, a contemporary spin on a beachy look that does not fall into any cliches.”
The first-floor den captures the very essence of laid-back beach life with its serene blue-and-white palette and organic textural accents. A natural woven rug from Miami Circle Floor Coverings anchors the luxe oversize seating pieces dressed in beachy white. In addition, blue linen pillows pay homage to the stunning ocean hues on display.
70s Verve
Funky forms and whimsical lighting set the tone for the living room, emanating a groovy 70s vibe. An unexpected citrine rug sets off the bright white furnishings, as well as the conversation-worthy blue ombré lighting fixture from Currey & Company. “The homeowners are in their sixties, so we wanted to channel a 1970s verve to liven things up and reflect the beloved era they grew up in,” notes Melanie. “Even though this was a beach house, we were conscious of using the color blue sparingly, yet in each instance, with quite a punch.”
Blue Cocoon
Awash in a deep blue palette and tucked into a cozy cove just off the living room, the library offers a delightfully inviting spot to immerse yourself in a good book. One of the many intimate moments strategically designed throughout the home, this comforting yet captivating space is the perfect escape for daydreaming or a quiet read. The area also doubles as a TV viewing room ideal for movie nights.
A nubby white Surya rug and a crisp white ottoman from Lee Industries strikingly contrast the inky blue hues. A pair of snug chairs from Rove Concepts brings an element of cocooning comfort.
Dynamic Dining
Funky shapes and modern accents continue in the dining area just off the kitchen. Blue slipcovered chairs from Lee Industries surround a brilliant white table with a sculptural accordion-shaped base, and a pair of Currey & Company lighting fixtures echo those in the living room. A dynamic graphic artwork by George Williams takes the spotlight over the custom buffet cabinet. The console conceals a TV that can emerge when desired.
“There wasn’t anything we didn’t touch architecturally,” says the designer. “We placed wood flooring on the ceiling to create warmth and intimacy and used Venetian plaster throughout for a clean beachy vibe.”
Sleek Functionality
A lustrous white marble waterfall island gives the kitchen a sleek, contemporary edge. Orbed ceiling fixtures from Circa Lighting mirror a white orbed sconce from Design Within Reach. A blue La Cornue range connects visually to a custom blue glass Hood from Karpaty. “We created warmth by using a driftwood stain on the kitchen floors and cabinets along with billowing sheers to create texture and curved doorway arches that soften the edges,” notes Melanie. “We used color in totally unexpected ways—the range, glass hood, and custom cabinetry—yet the application feels comforting and familiar as ever.”
Misty Blue Oasis
In the primary bedroom, Melanie draped a custom canopy bed in Kravet’s diaphanous “Gaffey Mist” fabric. Luxurious white bedding from Peacock Alley gets a whisper of color from Thibaut’s patterned beige and teal Summer House pillow fabric and a minuscule artwork by America Martin from TEW Galleries. Matching table lamps from circa lighting befit the Mod bedside chests from Modern History.
Serene Seating
The spacious bedroom’s sitting area offers a quiet comfort zone with rounded furniture pieces from the owners’ personal collection surrounding an organically inspired cocktail table from Made Goods. A pair of sleek floor lamps from Visual Comfort flank a color-tinged figure drawing from Art and Frame Source.
Spa-Inspired Simplicity
Bathed in a muted seafoam hue, the primary bathroom emits quiet luxury with a custom Karpaty vanity, twin mirrors from Made Goods, and a quartet of sconces from Circa Lighting. Patterned tile floors from SOURCE provide a visual punch without disrupting the tranquil vibe of the space.
The Jewel Box
An intimate seating area adjacent to the dining room, this supreme space is referred to by the homeowners as “the jewel box.” Featuring windows on all sides, this dreamy spot creates a sense of floating on the water. Here, the blue ocean envelops you from every angle and provides a breathtaking backdrop for early morning coffee, cocktails at sunset, and star gazing after dark.
Anchored by a plush blue rug, cozy white swivel chairs from Interlude surround a blue cocktail ottoman from Lee Industries. An orbed chandelier from Circa Lighting provides the crowning jewel. “Using the client’s favorite color—blue—we implemented an ombré effect throughout the dwelling’s four stories,” says Melanie. “We used bright and bold blue shades on the first floor and gradually went softer as we went higher up in the house. The entire home encompasses 11,900 square feet over three floors and a rooftop deck. So, it was essential to make the most of the oceanfront view from every room as well as create intimacy in such a grand home.”
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