Design house: A modern classic masterpiece in Lakeland, Florida, designed by Ashley Martin Home

The homeowners wanted a classic and timeless design that was built to last.

We talk to Ashley Martin about the design project.

The design of this home was largely centered around the floor-to-ceiling windows featured in nearly every room of the house. The windows allowed a significant amount of natural light into the home, providing the perfect foundation for the light and airy atmosphere we wanted to achieve with our design. Additionally, we wanted to incorporate the homeowners’ eclectic style into the home.

The goal for this project was to make each room feel as if it had been filled with a wide array of collected items, while simultaneously creating a purposeful, cohesive design throughout the home.

LIVING ROOM

For the living room we used a custom area rug, colorful Wendover artwork, and a variety of upholsteries to create a space that is cozy, colorful, and collected. We selected Rowe sofas paired with Bernhardt accent chairs to soften the space and added the Restoration Hardware end tables and chandelier to create balance. We also used other elements like the Palecek accent table and woven nail head console paired with the Restoration Hardware ottoman table to create the eclectic look the homeowners’ desired.

The wood ceiling beams and floors create warmth in the space that is perfectly balanced by the cool-toned rug and upholstery. We used the Flora pattern tile by Botteganove to create a truly unique fireplace to serve as the focal point of the room.

KITCHEN

As the main gathering area of the home, we really wanted to use the kitchen to bring the homeowners’ eclectic style to life. With its two-toned cabinetry, waterfall island countertop, open shelving, and counter-to-ceiling backsplash, this kitchen truly has a little bit of everything. We incorporated dimension using various wood tones in the Vanguard dining table and Palecek chairs & barstools. The kitchen desk area is dual-purposed, featuring a concealed coffee bar on the left and a home office to the right.

All top-level cabinetry opens upward rather than sideways, creating a unique way to access additional storage space. We used gold hardware throughout the kitchen, paired with two gold-brushed Visual Comfort pendants to add warmth to the space.

DINING ROOM

For the dining room we chose to utilize a custom-made circular oak table paired with Palecek dining chairs and a visual comfort chandelier to create a design that is not only visually striking but also spatially effective. We paired a stunning Tritter Feffer console with a grand Restoration Hardware mirror to offset the opposing wall of windows and make the space feel even larger. We combined both old and new by integrating the homeowners’ personal artwork in our design.

FOYER

For this space we used a Vanguard custom color console paired with Visual Comfort table lamps and a John Richards art piece to create an elegant entryway. We wanted to soften the space and balance out the formal elements with the addition of two woven Palecek stools and a subtle floor inlay.

LAUNDRY ROOM

We wanted the laundry room to be practical as well as beautiful, so we incorporated plenty of storage in addition to a custom folding area over the washer and dryer, to eliminate clutter and give the space a crisp, clean atmosphere. The custom barn doors, Annie Selkie floor tile, and Restoration Hardware pendants give the space the perfect touch of individuality.

MAIN BEDROOM

The bump-out window seating area was the kicking-off point for this master bedroom design. We chose these cozy, yet unique Vanguard accent chairs paired with an eye-catching Restoration Hardware pendant to create an inviting seating area. Our goal for this space was to create a balance between the formal and informal elements.

The large windows and grand ceiling give formality to the space while the slip-covered Bernhardt bed and cozy furniture create a more casual, relaxed atmosphere. We added visual dimension to the space with specific elements, like the three-dimensional Palechek artwork, Vanguard custom nightstands, and Restoration Hardware table lamps.

VESTIBULE

We designed the master vestibule to pack a large visual punch using John Richards’ stunning his & her pin artwork, and Phillip Jefferies’ beautiful blue wallpaper. The unique paneled double doors hint at the bold design waiting in the next room.

MAIN BATHROOM

The challenge here was designing a classic marble bathroom that also fit with the more contemporary style of the home. In order to create this balance, we incorporated a stained-glass mosaic tile on the wall behind the freestanding tub and continued it to the shower ceiling. We also incorporated shape and dimension using several different Visual Comfort light fixtures including the chandelier above the bathtub, linear sconces beside the mirrors, and tapered sconces in the makeup area.

We chose stained oak cabinetry with gold hardware to bring the perfect touch of warmth to the space. The result was a classic marble bathroom with a modern twist.

BUNK ROOM

This room was designed for the homeowners’ 7-year-old daughter. Our main objective was to create a whimsical, age-appropriate space that any child would love. We used a combination of design elements like the Serena & Lily hanging swing and play table, beaded Restoration Hardware chandelier, and John Richard’s paper butterfly artwork to capture the quintessential child-like imagination within the space. The Worlds Away woven console elevates the space, adding warmth and further visual interest.

HALL / LANDING

For this area of the home, we transformed a particularly wide hallway into a usable homework space for the kids. We used visual comfort’s Morris lanterns and Phillip Jefferies’ patterned navy-blue wallpaper to create the perfect study niche.

UPSTAIRS BEDROOM

We designed this bedroom for the homeowners’ teenage daughter. We used a floral print Phillip Jefferies wallpaper to create an eye-catching accent wall. We also used a combination of hard and soft elements, bringing in structure with the Restoration Hardware canopy bed, studded ottomans, and dimensional desk, while softening the space with feminine curtains, textured upholsteries, and an extremely soft Feizy rug. Our goal was to create a bold, individualistic space that still flowed with the rest of the home.

GUEST BEDROOM

For the guest bedroom, we wanted to create a design that complimented the contemporary casement windows. We used a combination of burnt oranges and calming blues to achieve a space that was both cozy and refreshing. We chose a densely patterned Phillip Jefferies wallpaper to create a stunning accent wall and utilized an assortment of old and new accessories to incorporate the owners’ eclectic style. We selected a custom Vanguard bed with channeled upholstery to soften the space. The Visual comfort alabaster ring lamps, intricate Lololi rug, and geometric Vanguard bench all contribute to the visual interest of the space.

POOL BATH

The pool bath features a floating oak countertop with a custom designed concrete sink. We wanted to keep this space clean and simple with a few unique twists, like the wall mounted Kohler faucets and unconventional towel bar placement. We chose matte black fixtures and finishes to keep the space fresh and cohesive.

GARDEN / PATIO

EXTERIOR

Photography/ Amy Lamb

Interior design/ Ashley Martin Home