High above the mangroves and the tallest palm trees on the west coast of Florida, a soul was set ablaze. In life sometimes a dream or a desire is so apparent it actually pulsates through your veins. This unmistakable feeling happened when the homeowner first visited this magnificent new construction property and took in the views. 

Designing for a wise well-traveled lover of the natural world who is fearless in her pursuit of joy embraced with great faith Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang’s vision for the homeowners unique, collected over decades, eclectic style. Be it displaying the Iranian copper and enamel plate collection, the curation of fine hand-knotted rugs from around the world, designing custom cabinetry for the hundreds of books, to choosing crystals from the enviable mineral collection that began back in the 80’s these treasures and memories gained new life with Kelli’s eye for stylistic and well-edited layers. ‘’We started with a white box in the sky. We added warmth to the entry and hallway ceilings by adding both a stained and bleached walnut wood treatment. The homeowner loves wallpaper so we created a wallpaper story beginning with gold silk in the foyer, two wallpapers from my KFV collection in the guest bedroom suites as well as two sensational Missoni papers for both the luxe lady study and the butler’s pantry. We finished with a dynamic Phillip Jeffries canvas mural on the master headboard wall, but we took the liberty of extending this breathtaking canvas mural by conceptualizing a hand-painted sunset atrium mural with local artist Marti Kohler. The homeowner will fall asleep and awaken in this coral cloud experience and for me, that was the driving force for this project. Will this bring the homeowner joy? Will this enhance her daily routines? Will this make her smile? Fabric panels were made to enhance the separation between the foyer entry and the great room environments. ‘’I have always been most intrigued by residences that reveal themselves over time,” says KFV. ‘’So although we were given a standard floor plan the fabric walls help to set the scene.” Custom built-in cabinetry was designed for the great room, study, master closet, and laundry room. Lightning fixtures both old and new were incorporated into the spaces. 

Note from Kelli: I have been so immersed in the development and construction of truly custom homes for the past 6 years, it was so delightful to get back to my roots. Decorating. Decorating alone can transport our homes to another place, another time even. A mood enhancer, decorating alone is like coming home to me. It’s so familiar and second nature. 

“Certainly not a white box in the sky anymore! The vast energy of the views is swept inside creating a light almost floating, an unapologetically feminine oasis for one remarkable lady.” ~ Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang

Designer | WEST BAY HOMES Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang

Photography | Spacecrafting