By Antoinette Prisco, ASID
When it comes to renovating and redesigning a condominium unit, there are many inherited obstacles that the designer and contractors must overcome.
Not only does the crew need a depth of experience, but they need to understand physical restrictions that will dictate most of the bones of the project, such as maximum ceiling heights, plumbing locations, dropped soffits to conceal lighting, AC ducts and the like. Not to mention, the crew must consider how the project affects adjoining neighbors and the condominium’s daily schedule, as well.
I, along with my team at Antoinette Unique Interiors, Inc., recently faced and overcame these obstacles when remodeling a Cocoa Beach condo.
SMALL KITCHEN SOLUTIONS
In the kitchen, the space was opened by eliminating the dropped kitchen ceiling and soffit over the breakfast bar. A minimal drop in ceiling elevation was installed to house electrical boxes, which then allowed dropped alabaster pendants and contemporary track lighting to be placed.
The space was further expanded visually by scraping the popcorn texture off the ceiling, applying “skip troweling” texture to the walls and adding crown molding. With all the appliances being built in and precise planning of work areas, the same square footage that previously existed actually became more perceived space.
BEACH-LIKE SERENITY
Beyond the kitchen, I worked to fulfill the condo owner’s wishes in utilizing a soft color palette throughout the 1,200 square-foot unit, which induces a beach-like serenity without even looking through the ocean facing sliding glass doors. The use of painted cabinetry, neutral quartz countertops and accent colors of blues, teals and beiges are a staple for the desired coastal feel.
The casual, yet refined style was then punctuated by various textures, including reclaimed wood furniture, half-inch mosaic travertine backsplash tiles, stainless steel accents, painted three-quarter-inch high beadboard wainscoting, smooth laminate floors and the careful placement of mirrors that help expand the space, as well as add light.
Then, there’s the bar area. Here, the old fashioned bi-fold concealed wet bar was completely redesigned by removing the surrounding walls and doors. Custom fitted coastal cabinetry in a soft white paint finish, which houses a wine cooler, was then installed.
The checkered travertine vessel sink stands proud as a perfect accent to the adjacent living room. The depth of this area is undefined by the use of the mirrored backsplash. The right type of accent lighting works to create an entertainment station — just what the condo owner needs to feel like she is on vacation.
BATHROOMS BURSTING WITH DETAILS
The condo’s two bathrooms are bursting with details. Both spaces were expanded visually through a successful re-design.
In the guest bath, the existing cast iron tub was retained and capped by custom fitted travertine sills, and further enhanced by a travertine tiled skirt with glass mosaic tile accents. The same marble was used as a wainscot behind the toilet and open vanity, which is then capped by a large mirror that makes the tiny five-foot by eight-foot bath appear large. The ceiling could not be raised due to the ducting, but recessed lights were fitted in to help with that compromise. The wall-mounted contemporary faucet, frosted glass vessel sink, traditional subway wall tile and splash of hand painted glass mosaic tile all mesh well and create a harmonized spa-like space.
The crown jewel to this condo renovation, however, is the master bath. Here, I used Ming green marble as the condo owner’s “jump off point” for the inspiration of all other elements in the design. The shower walls are clad with the Ming green marble, with the floor, niche and mirror adorned by Ming green and thassos mosaic tiles.
The floor spills to all corners and is also accented by a band of the snow white thassos with the white marble again jumping up onto the built-in linen pantry. This pantry area replaces the linen closet. The use of glass-front stacked cabinets lends a nice detail to the upscale bath.
On the vanity, the use of a custom cut three-quarter- inch-thick beveled glass top is a delight. The true craftsmanship and attention to detail is seen in the way this unforgiving material accommodates the drop in pillowed sink and tall faucet, along with concealing the cabinet structure below.
In the end, when one enters this condominium unit, there is an overall feeling of freshness, clarity of space and a sense of serenity. a job well done and the neighbors undisturbed, which is a true measure of success in this type of renovation project.
Antoinette Prisco, ASID is the president and owner of Antoinette Unique Interiors, Inc. in Downtown Melbourne. She is a Florida state licensed interior dsigner and associate member of the Homebuilders and Contractors Association (HBCA) of Brevard. Her work has been featured in various publications. For more information, call (321) 821-4988 or visit Unique-Interiors.com.
