After purchasing a French West Indies-style residence by the water in Port Royal, its homeowners were certain they did not want the coastal look that’s so prevalent in these parts. The young couple envisioned bright rooms layered with rich fabrics and furnishings that told a story, and they knew that they could count on interior designer Bethany O’Neil to deliver that classic style without making it feel stodgy or old-fashioned.
“The secret to a house with soul and meaning is the introduction of something special,” says O’Neil. “As I see it, you achieve that through the use of antiques in the right place and with the right finish. Then, wonderful things happen.”
Overlooking Champney Bay and surrounded by trees, the 8,000-square-foot house (with six bedrooms and seven-and-a-half baths) boasts resort-style exteriors with multiple terraces, a koi pond, a pool, an outdoor kitchen, and even its own secluded beach. But before O’Neil could work her magic inside, there were some restoration issues to address with the help of builder Nick Radick of Knauf-Koenig Group. A breakfast bar was installed in the primary bedroom. Walls were moved and a new floor plan emerged boasting two large bedrooms with new connecting bathrooms. The interior and exterior were repainted a soft white. Dark walnut flooring was installed. The roof was replaced, and a walkway connecting the main home to a guest house (where the first floor was remodeled) was covered.
As the renovation was in process, O’Neil set out to deliver the modern French flair her clients wanted by sourcing rich fabrics, gilded mirrors, dark wood furnishings, and other pieces to infuse the various rooms with Old World depth and warmth. As she sourced, she decided what would be antique and what would be new, and then ensured the vintage pieces would become focal points.
Along the way, buffets were lined with velvet and then “waxed, buffed, and touched up.” Draperies were chosen for the windows and doors. A glass-topped table and aged mirrored cabinet were incorporated to soften and reflect the abundant light that pours in during the day. And black iron doors were selected to separate the lounge from the family room. Antique chandeliers were initially considered, but when they couldn’t arrive in time, new ones did the job quite well.
O’Neil also had flow to consider. Inspired by the existing wrought-iron chandeliers in the
living room, she tied together the rooms by weaving additional wrought iron throughout the home, whether it was on lighting fixtures or window hardware.
The designer also incorporated the homeowners’ musts along the way. The kitchen was made more functional with additional storage and other modern amenities. The formal dining room was converted into a club room, complete with a fireplace. A gym was turned into a guest bedroom. And the imposing living room was reconfigured to feel more intimate.
“I had incredible freedom with this project,” says O’Neil, “but my favorite part was working with the clients and making their vision come true.”
Story Credits:
Interior Design by Bethany O’Neil, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Architecture by Jeff Harrell, Harrell & Co. Architects, Naples, FL
Builder Nick Radick, Knauf-Koenig Group, Naples, FL
Text by Paige Bowers
Photography by Lori Hamilton, Naples, FL
Open to see Interior Design Sources:
Sources
Living Room
Sofa – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Club chairs – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Side chairs near fireplace – Antiques circa 1920s, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Cocktail table – EJ Victor, MP Interiors, Miramar Design Center, Estero, FL
Sofa table – Niermann Weeks, Michael Taylor, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL
Table lamps – Visual Comfort, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Paul Ferrante Inc., Los Angeles, CA
Fireplace designed by Harrell & Co. Architects, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Classic Stone Naples, FL
Mirror above fireplace – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Area rug – Custom, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Living Room
Sofa – Highland House, MP Interiors, Estero FL
Antiqued doors with gold grill – Busby Cabinetry, Bonita Springs, FL
Stump table – Baker Furniture, Chicago, IL
End table with marble top – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Pharmacy lamp – Visual Comfort, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Kitchen
Cabinetry designed and fabricated by Busby Cabinets, Naples, FL
Island design fabricated by Busby Cabinets, Naples, FL
Stools – Vanguard, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Pendant lighting – Julie Neill, New Orleans, LA
Breakfast Area
Table – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Banquette custom designed Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL, and fabricated by Donata’s Workroom, Naples, FL
Chair – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Niermann Weeks, Michael Taylor, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL
Entry Hall
Buffet – Antique, James Jeffrey, Palm Beach, FL
Mirror – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Lamp – Visual Comfort, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Flower sculptures – John Richard Collection, Greenwood, MS
Primary Bathroom
Vanity – Antique, Fox Glove Antiques, Atlanta, GA
Ottoman – A. Tyner, Atlanta, GA
Side table – Foxglove, Atlanta GA
Chandelier and tub – Owners’ collection
Primary Bedroom
Bed – Lillian August, Hickory White, International Design Source, Naples FL
Bench – Hickory White, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Side table – Antique, A.Tyner, Atlanta, GA
Lamp – John Richard Collection, Greenwood, MS
Mirror above bed – Antique, Bethany O’Neil Interior Design, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Currey & Company, Atlanta, GA
Club chairs – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Table – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Drapery fabric – Cowtan & Tout, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL
Club Room
Club chairs – Hickory Chair, International Design Source, Naples, FL
Fabric – Cowtan & Tout, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL
Cocktail table – Baker Furniture, Chicago, IL
Buffet – Jean–Marc Frey French Antiques, Austin, TX
Cabinetry bar – Busby Cabinets, Naples, FL
Chandelier – Julie Neill, New Orleans, LA
Area rug – Clive Daniel Home, Naples, FL
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