Intro:
Doniphan Moore, a Dallas-based interior designer, was tasked with transforming a 70s-era country club vacation home in Vero Beach, Florida, into a contemporary yet classic retreat for three generations of his family. He drew inspiration from his grandmother’s sophisticated and comfortable style, resulting in a design that channelled a “coastal grandmother” aesthetic.
Expanding Natural Light:
Moore wanted to maximise the natural light flowing into the space, so he moved interior walls and expanded doorways. The house faces southeast, allowing for beautiful sunsets viewed from the library and the back patio overlooking the golf course. Additionally, he used a pool-blue Farrow & Ball shade in the library to make the most of the natural light from four to seven pm.
Architectural Integrity:
Rather than starting from scratch, Moore wanted to build on the home’s existing character, which felt like a “single-story Georgian”. He stripped down the “70s-era country club” decor, which included coloured carpet, wallpaper, and mirrored walls, and installed custom Fromental wallpapers and a Jamb chimneypiece to create a classic and elegant aesthetic. He also incorporated hand-painted tiles into the kitchen and palm-tree focal points into the foyer.
A Feminine but Not Too Fussy Design:
Moore wanted to create a design that was “feminine but not too fussy, elegant, comfortable, and joyful”. To achieve this, he used a custom blue-and-white wallpaper in the dining room and a riot of lush patterns in the kids’ bunk room. He also added shagreen dressers, a malachite game table, and aqua handmade tiles to the kitchen to create a playful yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Related Facts:
The home spans over 4,700 square feet and was initially built in 1976. Moore’s family, including his parents and five nieces and nephews, gather in the home. He used his grandmother’s style as inspiration for the design. The home overlooks a golf course, which provided the backdrop for the colour scheme and design direction.
Key Takeaway:
When renovating a vacation home, it’s essential to retain its character while updating it to suit contemporary lifestyles. By maximising natural light, building on the existing architecture, and incorporating playful yet sophisticated touches, Moore created a classic and elegant retreat perfect for multiple generations.
Conclusion:
Moore’s design for this Vero Beach vacation home channels a “coastal grandmother” aesthetic with playful and sophisticated touches. Taking inspiration from his grandmother’s style, Moore maximised natural light, built on the home’s existing architecture, and incorporated custom wallpapers and playful elements to create a timeless yet contemporary space.
