Known for…
its lush vegetation, world-class golf courses and stunning beaches, the area that surrounds Palm Beach Gardens in Florida is an unspoiled paradise providing a sanctuary for those seeking seclusion and tranquility.
This sprawling property, situated just a mile away from the coast, hemmed in by shimmering rivers and creeks, is stylishly poised in an exotic garden planted with majestic palm trees. The renovation was led by award-winning interior designer Tamara Magel, whose projects regularly grace the pages of The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and international editions of Elle Decor and Vogue.
The renovation required the complete overhaul of all rooms that had been fustily decorated with old murals and ornate moldings which were subsequently stripped out giving the house a fresh and open feel. Believing that grand rooms deserve impactful furniture, Magel gravitated toward big and bold pieces, all chosen in a soothing cream palette to bring a vision of softness and refinement to the residence.
In a main family room, strong visual structures including a coffered ceiling, raised panelled doors and dark sash windows, create an immediate visual impact as well as a dance of light and shadow. The designer has accentuated this ever-evolving interplay between light and shade with sculptural statements such as a U-shaped sectional sofa, a pair of ‘Little Petra winged armchairs and two Liaigre light wood coffee tables that sit in the middle of the room like giant puzzle pieces. Art Deco-inspired contemporary lights by Mooielight illuminate the room come dusk, throwing a warm glow into the room’s mix of creamy lines and curves.
In the…
dining room, Magel puts a modern spin on Bauhaus living with an emphasis on simple geometric forms including a pair of blackened brass pendant lights by Apparatus Studio and a series of striking black Javanese teak chairs by Atelier Pendhapa, handcrafted in Indonesia. Here you’ll also find a museum- worthy collection of canvases by Richard Serra.
A lounge…
space has a pavilion-like feel thanks to its soaring white pillars and circular floor plan, framed by a trio of grand, garden-facing arched windows. Like a little theatre space, it is designed around a central ‘stage’ area, for social and family down time. Here sculptures come in all sorts of guises: of particular note is a hand-crafted plaster lamp by Pierre Augustin Rose and a striking pair of Tom Dixon ‘Bird’ chaises fashioned from wood and foam, upholstered in cream worsted wool.
A floating…
grey veined marble vanity steals the show in a main bathroom, its grey veined pattern complemented by matte and vintage brass accents in the form of a faucet, a pair of elliptical ‘Ezra’ sconces by Aerin, and a curvy Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Mirror from DSHOP.
The main…
lounge or “great room”, is a treat for discerning art lovers. Among the treasures is a modern iteration of Alvar Aalto’s ‘400 Tank’ armchair, characterized by cantilevered birch wood legs, as well as a specially commissioned art piece by American artist Ron Pruitt depicting blazing sunsets in shades of electric pink, orange, and yellow with strokes of sky blue and intense violet for an almost iridescent effect, bringing a unique glow to the serene space.
This is…
a project where every shape and texture has been expertly considered and curated, adding what Magel describes as ‘a sense of drama’ to the home’s atmosphere. This drama is on dispaly in how Magel transformed a breakfast area into a compelling focal point with just a few elements – namely a ‘Cloud’ pendant light by Vakker Light, a ‘Hector’ round dining table by Pure Salt Interiors and a pair of Scandi-style mid-century curved armchairs. Finally, a flourish of green leaves stretch out from a faience vase for a flash of theatrics.
A smattering…
of earth tones adds warmth to a cream-toned main bedroom. Here, Magel has integrated the concept of the “gathering space” thanks to sink-in armchairs and a rust-coloured sofa which surround a vintage stone coffee table. This lounge-like ‘nook’ suffuses the bedroom with an extra dose of comfort while maintaining a chic and well-measured aesthetic.
With their carefully composed interiors, Magel and her team have created a home where rare objects, sculptural furnishings and structural frameworks comunicate with light and shadow to create the perfect spatial experience for a family of art loving homeowners.
Interior Design & Architecture: Tamara Magel Design
Art Consultant: Hazen Art Advisory
Styling: Jenny O’Connor Studio
Photography: Douglas Friedman
