Inside a Dreamy Palm Beach Retreat: A Nostalgic Tropical Haven Designed for Family Gatherings

“We worked very closely to conceptualize the color scheme, fabrics, and furniture choices throughout their home,” says designer Caitlin Kah, owner of Caitlin Kah Interiors, who had brilliantly executed the couple’s former Palm Beach pied-à-terre. “They are the sweetest people, and we have a lovely rapport. Since they spend most of their time in Palm Beach entertaining and hosting, we wanted to create a low-maintenance, functional family home with enough space and privacy for everyone.”

Encompassing nearly 5,000 square feet, the newly constructed residence displays a classic South Florida palette of pale blues, soft greens, and faded reds accented with crisp white walls and trim. “We used lots of performance fabrics, textured linens, sisal, and colors you would expect in Palm Beach to bring that sense of nostalgia and familiarity,” adds Kah. “The foyer, for instance, is clad in a Phillip Jeffries grasscloth that has texture but also a slight sheen. We loved the natural quality of this wallpaper, but it also felt elevated enough for the grand entrance, as it has a tiny bit of sparkle.”

The visually impactful powder room follows suit with a luxe Pierre Frey wallpaper and a Waterworks sink and fittings built into a fully mirrored niche that reflects light and makes it appear larger than it is. Gorgeous limestone flooring gives the small space an elegantly refined finish. Notable architectural accents define the public spaces, including the living area’s striking wall paneling designed by Fairfax & Sammons. Coffered ceilings cleverly incorporate a Madagascar raffia cloth treatment, creating interest and depth, before eyes quickly draw toward a spectacular covered loggia and pool patio just outside. A commissioned painting by Molly Trapani emanates a soothing, nearly subliminal vibe, and a jute rug anchors the room in natural texture, nodding again to the tropical climate and landscape.

“The den/bar area just off the living room has to be my favorite space,” notes Kah. “Covered in pecky cypress and printed grasscloth, it includes a comfy, faded Nantucket Red sofa and bar tucked into a vestibule with an antique mirrored backsplash for a bit of shine. The couple are very sentimental, so we created a family gallery wall with bamboo frames to create an Old Florida feel.”

The kitchen and breakfast nook form the home’s central hub, where luminous pendant lighting inspires the design aesthetic. Overlooking the pool and guest house, this inviting space has become the family’s main hang, “and there is always someone here posting Instagram videos, doing Zoom calls, or enjoying lunch from Buccan—a well-known Palm Beach eatery,” says Kah.

Outside, the pool and pergola compose a blissful space for alfresco entertaining. A cluster of Serena & Lily pendant lights lend a bohemian flair, along with whimsical waterline custom tile in the pool. “The pergola is perfect for a moonlit dinner party or sandwiches during a lunch break from frolicking in the pool,” Kah adds.

An expansive pool stretches across the back lawn, creating an idyllic paradise. The home’s classic architecture, designed by architects Fairfax & Sammons, makes a pristine statement against the lush tropical landscape design created by Nievera Williams.

A quaint guesthouse embellished with a pecky cypress vaulted ceiling makes a cozy private escape for family and guests, with a hidden mirrored closet that reflects the pool views. Three distinctive guest bedrooms, defined with color palettes of green, pink, and blue, infuse an unexpected touch of Bahamian island style into the home, bringing a playful element to the refined aesthetic. “This couple loves to travel and has curated a collection of meaningful pieces through the years,” notes Kah. “One of my favorites is an antique chair we placed in the pink palm guest room that instantly created an esteemed counterbalance to an otherwise playful space.”

In the primary suite, plush wall-to-wall carpeting generates a vintage Palm Beach vibe, and a Ro Sham Beaux lighting fixture introduces a subtle touch of glam without overpowering the serene ambience. “Working once again with these lovely homeowners was the most memorable aspect of this project,” notes Kah. “There is a certain kind of trust and love that goes into working with repeat clients—they get you, and you get them. It’s so easy and joyful.”