Uncover the Design Secrets of this Modern Home
Architect: Affiniti Architects,
Builder: Tester Construction Group
Interior Design: The Decorators Unlimited, Designer: Jack Lonetto
Photography: Hayley Ellen Day
In the realm of contemporary architecture, the pursuit of luxury often conjures images of gleaming surfaces and minimalist austerity. Yet, one extraordinary home is rewriting this narrative by embracing a more tactile, nuanced approach. Step inside this private residence nestled on the Intracoastal Waterway in exclusive Highland Beach, Florida. Designed by Affiniti Architects and meticulously built by Tester Construction Group, the home features inspired interiors by Jack Lonetto of The Decorators Unlimited. Rising three stories with features including a dramatic central staircase, rooftop putting green, hotel-worthy bar, and private dock.
The home offers multiple spots for outdoor living
This residence is more than a showplace; it’s the gathering spot for a growing family. Designed as a sanctuary of sensory experience, a testament to how the artful interplay of natural stone, smoked glass, luxury textiles, and organic wood can elevate a space from merely sleek to truly luxurious. The inviting palette with hints of olive green and warm neutrals creates a deep, resonant sense of comfort and sophisticated calm that redefines modern luxury. Join us as we uncover the secrets of designing a modern home from our most trusted source, the designer Jack Lonetto.
Q & A with Interior Designer, Jack Lonetto
Meet Jack Lonetto, a Senior Interior Designer at The Decorators Unlimited. With a background in architecture (and as a classically trained pastry chef!) Jack brings a quiet sophistication to every interior design project he helms. Learn how Jack transforms this modern residence into a family home that is both breathtakingly chic and highly functional.
A stunning mix of textures in the living room
Q: Describe the overall vibe of the interiors.
JL: The interior embraces a lush, tropical modern aesthetic—an elevated blend of warmth, sophistication, and contemporary restraint. The goal was to create a modern space that feels both transportive and deeply inviting.
Brass detailing on the natural stone kitchen island
Bronze glass railings on the staircase
Q: The floating staircase is striking. How did it affect the interior design?
JL: The staircase rises through all three levels of the home, giving it a constant and commanding presence. As the architectural spine, it needed to feel modern but not predictable. Instead of the ubiquitous single-spine stair, we introduced dual stringers, floating treads, and bronze glass railings—elements that appear deceptively simple at first glance. Depending on the angle, the stair becomes a sculptural moment with an almost Escher-like complexity, reinforcing its role as both a means of circulation and an art form.
Vertical bronze & gunmetal fins add a bespoke design element to the entry
A custom sliding glass and metal door to the bar offers privacy
Q: Texture plays an essential role in your design. Can you share a few examples?
JL: Texture is essential in modern interiors to prevent minimalism from drifting into sterility. For this residence, we layered texture through architectural detailing, materiality, and pattern. A key example is the entry feature wall and ceiling, designed as an offset grid punctuated with vertical bronze and gunmetal fins that create shadow, rhythm, and visual interest. Additional textural elements—such as fluted stone in the primary bath, wood-look tiles in guest suites, and strategic use of textured wallcoverings—give the home a sense of dimension and a tactile richness.
An organic modern wallpaper creates a special moment
A: What is the inspiration for the color story?
JL: Florida’s natural environment often dictates two primary palettes: the ocean and the landscape. For this home, we drew inspiration from the foliage. Greens, browns, and sun-kissed neutrals anchor the interiors, infusing the home with a grounded, organic, tropical sensibility.
A comfortable, yet chic living space near the luxe at-home bar
A: How do you design a modern home that feels super chic–yet welcoming and comfortable for a family?
JL: Modern architecture can sometimes read as austere. We wanted to challenge that perception by introducing warmth, luxury, and softness. Organic materials such as stone and wood anchor the palette, while layered metals add a refined glow. The interplay of texture, contrasting finishes, and subtle pattern ensures the home feels modern yet inviting—never sterile or flat.
An outdoor living & entertaining space- a must in South Florida
Q: This home is designed for entertaining. How did you collaborate with the architect & client to achieve this?
JL: Affiniti Architecture designed the home with a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces. Facing the Intracoastal Waterway, the rear elevation unfolds with expansive movable glass walls, allowing the indoors and outdoors to feel like one continuous space. To reinforce this seamlessness, we extended the interior’s colors and materials outward, ensuring a unified and harmonious visual experience when the spaces open to one another.
A dining table in textured wood with a modern twist
Q: Which design trends are you excited about for 2026?
JL: Design is in a fascinating moment. After years dominated by modern minimalism—especially in Florida—we’re seeing a renewed appreciation for traditional forms and details. The result is a hybrid aesthetic, a kind of “new traditionalism,” where classical sensibilities coexist with contemporary architecture. This shift highlights the value of authentic materials—real stones, fine woods, honest metals—and places craftsmanship and quality back at the forefront. It’s a refreshing and more nuanced direction for the industry.
A custom-shaped rug adds interest– and a layer of comfort– to the primary suite
Primary Suite Goals
Layers of luxe warm neutral textures in the primary bedroom suite
A Quiet Retreat
Thoughtfully designed to maximize the breathtaking waterviews and natural light, the primary suite offers our client the luxury of a hotel suite with the comfort of home. A bespoke rug with a distinctive graphic shape and soft, tactile feel adds a layer of interest to the room. A seating area framed by stylish furniture functions as a quiet spot for reading and relaxing, while the custom-designed night table and writing desk allow for a seamless use of space. Dramatic hanging fixtures frame the headboard and provide an additional light source. Warm neutral tones and layers of texture, including an organic wallpaper, set the stage for this breathtaking primary suite retreat.
Fluted stone walls and textured wood cabinets are highlighted by brass accents in the primary bath
Exterior architectural details frame the primary shower
Spa at Home
The primary bath is designed to feel like a luxury spa – at home. The walls are covered in creamy white fluted natural stone, which is highlighted by brass fittings and a textured natural-wood vanity. The exterior architecture and waterfront view are striking features in the expansive walk-in shower.
With a primary suite this luxe, why leave home?
A custom-designed closet by Schematic Designs featuring a stunning light fixture
Brass detailing and natural stone countertops in her closet, designed by Schematic Designs.
Her Closet
“Her” closet is a true testament to exceptional design and is customized to our client’s specific needs. Working closely with the design team at Schematic Designs, the closet has equal parts maximum storage and high-end glamour. Luxurious details, including a chic hanging light fixture, brass hardware, natural light, and an upholstered bench, evoke an upscale boutique.
Ultimately, the modern interior design of this breathtaking home is defined by intention—every luxurious material, unexpected finish, and spatial choice working together to create clarity and balance. Thoughtful layering of textures, restrained color palettes, and purposeful furnishings bring warmth to the minimalist spaces without compromising their clean aesthetic. Rather than overwhelming, the design invites pause, emphasizing comfort, functionality, and visual harmony. At its best, this breed of modern design feels timeless and livable, proving that simplicity, when executed with care, can be both striking and deeply inviting.
Join Us!
At The Decorators Unlimited, we specialize in designing interiors that balance timeless elegance with modern refinement. Every project is approached with uncompromising attention to detail—resulting in spaces that feel effortlessly luxurious and deeply personal.
If you are considering a new residence or a thoughtful reimagining of your space, we would be delighted to begin a private conversation and explore how we might bring your vision to life.
We look forward to the possibility of working with you.
To inquire about our services or schedule a consultation, please contact Jason Lynn at 561.215.7615 or jlynn@decoratorsunlimited.com.
