Text by Eleanor Lynn Nesmith
In a world that heavily relies on technology to communicate, chance meetings in person seem to be a rarity—except in the vacation town of Seaside, Florida. There’s no telling who you might run into at Modica Market, the community’s local gourmet grocery. That’s exactly what happened one morning when designer Kyle Palmer ran into architect Leo Casas while standing in line to order coffee. The two had worked together early in their careers for Houston architecture firm Curtis & Windham. “We hadn’t seen each other in more than 10 years, but we immediately reconnected,” recalls Palmer. “I was finishing up a house in Seaside and was starting a renovation project in Watercolor that needed an architect. The timing was perfect.”
Palmer promptly recommended his former colleague to his clients, Beth and Curtis Harrell, who were looking to renovate their beach house. The Houston couple purchased the home in 2007 and loved its prime location near the ocean and a community park, but they were eager to update its interiors. “I met with the Harrells one afternoon, and I was on board the following day,” says Casas. “From the start, the goal of the project was to use authentic materials, add architectural interest, and create a classical feel in an understated Southern way.”
The renovation began with the front porch, where railings were removed and bulky pillars were replaced with properly scaled columns for a more welcoming first impression. Three sets of French doors offer a pleasing interchange between indoors and outdoors. Inside, Casas created a more livable floorplan by borrowing space from certain rooms in order to increase the size of the main gathering areas.
In the large front room, articulated beams and purlins replace the massive rough-hewn joists, while paneled walls with ornate trim bring a bit of elegance to the space. A deep framed opening connects to the kitchen, where updates include furniture-like custom cabinets and a central island crowned with a finely honed antique walnut top. Casas also reconfigured an office and a stairway to carve out the perfect spot for a coffee bar crafted of polished antique oak and marble. An elliptical archway marked with a keystone gives the relatively small space a sense of grandeur.
Beyond the kitchen, a lounging area and an office make up the more relaxed family space. Custom-designed built-ins and a sleek handcrafted bar add character, while continuous tall windows flood the space with natural light.
For the décor, Palmer filled spaces with a comfortable and practical array of furnishings, fabrics, art, and accessories to fit the laid-back coastal locale. Using a quiet palette of neutral hues, the designer managed to both hush and highlight the mix of natural materials and the details of the architecture. “I wanted the colors and feel of the fabrics to be soft, cool, and tranquil, creating a calming respite for the family after a day of sunning and swimming on the beach,” says Palmer. He also brought in textures mixed with patterns and tones that subtly reference the sand, sea, and sun.
Now that the renovations are complete, the Harrells spend as much time as possible in their coastal escape. “Everything about it is perfect for family gatherings and entertaining friends,” says Curtis. Thanks to the fortuitous meeting of architect and designer, this vacation home now conveys an open invitation to unwind and enjoy all the beach has to offer.
