For this remodel in Naples, Florida, functionality and flexibility were key priorities. The home needed to accommodate family gatherings and overnight guests while offering personal sanctuaries for the homeowners. Thoughtful zoning, indoor-outdoor connectivity and practical durability were essential.
In parallel, there was a strong desire to balance smart investment with visual impact. Splurges needed to be justified by their ability to transform the space, while savings had to maintain aesthetic cohesion and performance. Lastly, the home had to reflect a distinct point of view – timeless but unexpected, minimal yet layered with personal touches.
“This home was technically a renovation, but the demolition took it down to the perimeter walls,” says builder and homeowner Julie Laux, founder and creative director of J. Jordan Homes South in Naples. “I designed the home with the Chicago architectural firm Moment Design because they grasped our desire for a contemporary aesthetic with a functional layout.”
“From the start, the goal was to keep things calm, balanced and light – letting serenity guide every decision without overthinking it,” said Lauren Warnock, principal designer at NAVYBLACK Studio. “Based on Julie’s request for an all-white home, we intentionally edited the palette down to soft, tonal neutrals so the textures, materials and forms could really shine.”
Turning a Florida Kitchen Into an Un-Kitchen
The team prioritized making the kitchen as un-kitchenlike as possible. Cabinetry specialist O’Brien Harris helped anchor this atmosphere with a custom white-stained wood kitchen.
“We wanted the kitchen to feel like an integral part of the architecture rather than a traditional kitchen dropped into the room,” said Laura O’Brien of O’Brien Harris. The custom white-stained wood cabinetry has a quiet, sculptural quality that allows the craftsmanship to speak without demanding attention. It gives the space all the function of a kitchen while supporting the “un-kitchen” philosophy – refined and beautifully integrated into the overall design.
Achieving this discreet design for the Florida kitchen was not a one-and-done process; O’Brien Harris developed 20 stain samples before settling on the right shade. “We strive for perfection in everything we do and worked very hard to find the perfect sandy-neutral color for the millwork,” said O’Brien.
Sources
Design: NAVYBLACK Studio Photography: Ryan Hainey Builder: J. Jordan Homes South Architecture: Moment Architecture KITCHEN Cabinets, Cabinet Inserts: O’Brien Harris Cooktop, Range, Wall Ovens: Wolf Countertops: Terra Stone Dishwasher: Cove Faucets: Brizo Lighting: Hennepin Made Refrigerator, Wine Cooler: Sub-Zero Seating: Design Within Reach Sinks: Julien Tile: Ann Sacks Vent Hood: Best
