London Bay Renovation is a master of transformation, working with clients throughout Southwest Florida to refresh outdated residences by bringing homes back to life with modern design features and luxurious finishes. For the recent renovation and redesign of a Gulf Shore Boulevard condominium in Naples, the team opened the home to expansive Gulf of Mexico views, created storage options and lighter, more inviting spaces with updated finishes and enhanced livability.
“Homeowners’ interests and lifestyle evolve and sometimes their home just doesn’t keep up,” said Steve Miller, vice president of London Bay, an award-winning custom homebuilder and developer in Naples which offers complete in-house renovation services. “This condo building was built in the 1980s, back when every room was walled off and tended to obstruct views. Today, homeowners want the open concept of great room, kitchen and dining, and they want to see those beautiful Gulf views throughout their condos. Our goal is to create a timeless design that holds up 20 years from now and beyond.”
“The clients, a couple from the Northeast who use their long-time Florida condo as a retreat were excited to make a dramatic change,” said Connie Mathis, London Bay’s Client Development Manager, who worked closely with them during the selections process. “They wanted a renovation company who understood their vision. London Bay Renovation transformed their home into an airy oceanside getaway. Every decision was made with clean lines, light fresh materials, and soothing colors in mind.”
The two-bedroom, two-bath condo’s existing interiors consisted of popcorn textured ceilings and carpeting in main living areas and basic shades of beige and dark brown finishes. Walls closed off the kitchen, making it seem confined and cramped, while blocking the beautiful Gulf views from the kitchen area.
The renovation and selections process began with the homeowners sharing their inspiration for how they envisioned the interior to look and feel. The couple communicated their highest priorities, such as larger walk-in closets and storage. To help the London Bay team understand their desired aesthetic, they provided reference photos that guided the color, material and finish selections.
While reviewing the condo’s layout, London Bay Renovation identified opportunities to remove walls and create free-flowing space between the kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room and great room. The project design also expanded the views and new light white porcelain tile enhanced the feeling of spaciousness.
The new kitchen layout includes an oversized island, which provides ample storage, a relocated sink and dishwasher and is accented by a natural quartz countertop with waterfall edges. “The homeowner’s hand-selected the blue diamond countertop slab because of its distinctive motion and movement,” Mathis said.
Dark wood-tone cabinetry was updated with sleek, modern profile cabinets in a glossy white finish, mixed with a gray wired mercury finish.
In the expanded dining area, new built-in cabinetry offers the convenience of a coffee bar and room for small appliances, flanked by a tall wine refrigerator and pantry. A bar in the foyer was also updated with a sink and refrigerator drawer to enhance functionality. Carefully selected details such as black-lit blue diamond countertops and a mirrored backsplash convey charm and elegance.
The couple’s desire for more storage was accomplished by reconfiguring space from an adjacent bedroom for a new walk-in closet in the master. It also allowed London Bay to enlarge the guest room and add a closet. In the master bedroom, new satin white cabinetry is accented with a teal-toned recycled glass countertop.
The renovation team also created a new closet in a hallway off the foyer, which is embellished with frosted glass panel barn doors. In the great room, a second entry into the guest suite was eliminated, providing the opportunity for a custom TV built-in and open shelves along the great room wall.
The couple worked with Mathis in the London Bay Selection Studio, choosing modern coastal finishes in a beach-inspired color palette of soft blues, grays and whites.
The 3,500-square-foot London Bay Selection Studio simplifies the design process for renovation and new home projects by providing a one-stop destination showcasing the latest finishes and trends – from cabinetry and countertops to flooring. The Selection Studio has two functioning kitchens, an outdoor studio, a wall of cabinetry selection options in all styles and finishes, and full-size tile and wood flooring samples. The client development team walks each client through the selection process, helping to streamline an experience that can often be overwhelming.
“The beauty of the London Bay Selection Studio is that customers can look at cabinets, tile and flooring at the same time, during the selections process, which helps the client feel more comfortable about their selections because they can see how finishes blend together,” said Mathis. “Our goal is to provide a personalized experience and a smooth, stress-free renovation. By offering everything in one location, homeowners can efficiently complete selections and feel comfortable knowing materials have a cohesive look. Product inventory in the Selection Studio is updated continuously to reflect the latest trends and products on the market.”
London Bay Renovation offers a complete range of services, from interior remodeling and design to exterior architecture enhancement and revitalization, as well as outdoor living space redesigns including landscape and hardscape plus additions such as pool and spa, water and fire features, pool bath and outdoor kitchen.