Sun-kissed days, cool ocean breezes and swaying palms — living in South Florida feels like being on an island year-round. That’s why it’s so easy to forget that the Sun­shine State harbors some of its very own islands — on the east and west coasts — that blur the line between living and vacationing. In this issue of Florida Design, we explore sprawling estates that assume the characteristics of their island locales through rich woods, tropical fabrics and furnishings, and a waterside palette inspired by sand and sea.
A barrier island off the west coast of Florida sets the scene for an 8,000-square-foot home whose interior design complements its seaside setting. Coral-stone flooring flows underfoot in this maritime-inspired home that pays homage to early English plantation estates. Interior designer Robert Shields touched every room with a bit of Old Florida and painted a tromp l’oeil and mural that wraps the interior with a little enchantment from the sea.

Sharing the sunny sands of the Gulf Coast is a tri-level estate on Captiva Island that Janet Bilotti designed using bright, Caribbean-inspired artwork, vibrant colors and comfortable furnishings. Grand arch­i­tectural details, mahogany and cherry woods, and influences from the owners’ travels round out the classic yet casual interior.
Heading east to?Orchid Island, we find another plantation estate, this one imbued with tropical artwork and timeless West Indies-style furnishings — a signature look for this part of Florida. Interior de­signer K.C. Barkley filled her Vero Beach home with deep woods, paddle fans and other traditional elements to create a British-Colonial ambiance set on the Indian River.
As we wave goodbye to the sunshine of summer and prepare to welcome the coming winter months, we invite you to revel in the warmth of the tropics with these inviting island estates. u

Barbara Lichtenstein