Transitional Design for a Family Home in South Florida
Architect: Affiniti Architecture
Builder: Turtle Beach Construction
Interior Design: The Decorators Unlimited; Senior Interior Designer: Lisa Lalaounis
Landscape Architect: DSBoca
At over 20,000 square feet, this private residence was custom-built on five waterfront acres in Stuart, Florida. Interior Designer Lisa Lalalounis brilliantly designed the space to be both super-stylish and comfortable. Collaborating with an exceptional team and a fantastic client, the goal was to create a retreat that the entire family can enjoy.
Designed in a transitional style, the home seamlessly blends classic and contemporary aesthetics to create an elegant and functional space. Key features include a neutral color palette, comfortable furniture, and a mix of textures and materials.
 Join us as we get the inside scoop from Lisa as she shares the details on this extensive project.
Q: When you first met with the client, what was on their wish list?
LL: Our client desired a transitional home that would be enjoyable for the entire family, with a style that wasn’t overly contemporary. Our selections and background finishes consisted of tone-on-tone warm neutrals. We wanted to ensure that our choices would be timeless and promote a calming and serene atmosphere, making the spaces feel more relaxing and comfortable.
Luxury finishes in a warm tone-on-tone palette
Rich monochromatic textures in one of the family rooms
Q: Which room or space in the project resonates with you the most?
LL: The great room is one of my favorite spaces in this home. As you enter this expansive room, you are mesmerized by the volume of the space and the amazing two-story window view. We designed the room with multiple seating arrangements to maximize entertaining. The space also features a very unique wet bar. It was designed to be not only functional but also sculptural, with storefront-sized windows that allow natural light to come in and backlight the unique collection of spirits, including bourbons, gins, and vodkas.
Multiple seating areas designed for effortless entertainingÂ
The luxe bar features a distinctive way to showcase bottles
Q: Tell us about working as a team with the architect, builder, and landscape architect.
LL: The team assembled for this project included Affiniti Architects, Turtle Beach Construction, and landscaping by Mark Jacobsen, with DSBoca. It was a very well-organized and extremely detailed team.
I was very fortunate to be paired with an amazing team of professionals. Everyone on the team had the same common goal to make the project incredibly successful and, most importantly, to have very happy clients in the end.
A super-talented team that collaborated from concept to completion
Q: This was one of the most significant residential projects in The Decorators Unlimited’s 40-year history. Can you explain the process from the first concept to the installation day?
LL: This project spanned three years or more, from the design phase to installation. I typically break down the project into construction phases, which include priorities for the builder to keep moving without any slowdown. Once we complete the construction selections, we then move into each interior room to focus on every space independently. The building process can be quite overwhelming for the client. Still, if we break it down into phases, our clients can focus on a single category and each space, making the best selection without having to make too many decisions all at once.
Meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design
The kitchen was designed for cooking and gathering
Q: The project incorporates some incredible details and luxurious natural materials. How important are they for the overall feel of the design?
LL: Luxe materials and finishes are essential as they enhance the visual richness of a space, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. When choosing these finishes, such as luxe details, they evoke feelings of comfort, indulgence, and relaxation, making spaces feel more inviting and enjoyable. As a result, when selecting high-quality elements, they often have a timeless quality, ensuring that the space remains stylish while also adding value to the home.
A mix of organic wood, natural stone, and metal sets a tone of understated elegance in the entry
Q: At over 20,000 square feet, this home is incredibly spacious, yet truly feels like a family home. Are there any design elements you carried throughout the house?
LL: The design element that I carried throughout the home was a consistent tone-on-tone color palette. When choosing the backgrounds, I used varying shades of the same color to help unify the design, making it feel harmonious and well coordinated.
Rich textures and a touch of glam in the dining roomÂ
The primary suite combines warm tones and layered lighting
Q: The home has endless outdoor spaces. How did you go about designing them? Any favorite spots?
LL: This architecture was designed by Affiniti Architects, and through the layout of this home, they maximized the panoramic view of the inlet.
Every room has a spectacular view of the water and outdoor living spaces. Due to the unique design of the architecture, the outdoor spaces consisted of over nine amazing patio spaces. With that in mind, we had to determine the best use for each covered patio and open deck space, taking into account both function and comfort. In doing so, we first considered selecting the best finishes to enhance the lifespan and longevity of the outdoor furniture. To achieve this, we made selections such as aluminum furniture and chose the best outdoor-rated performance fabrics to withstand the Florida sun and weather.
A private seating area off the primary suite
The outdoor kitchen allows for dining alfresco
Covered seating area perfect for gathering
Lounge options by the pool
Q: Lastly, where are you finding inspiration these days?
LL: Everywhere I go and every day, I seek inspiration in being outdoors with nature, in the textures of landscaping, and the brilliant, saturated colors of flowers. I enjoy visiting a local café or having a dining experience where I may notice a unique detail, and think, ‘How can I create a ceiling detail that combines materials, lighting, and architectural elements from commercial settings?’ I think inspiration is everywhere when you stand still to slow down and look for it.
Inspired by nature, the wallpaper is a focal point of the dining area
Wine storage that is as chic as it is functional
