Villa Belmonte provides a glimpse of living the good life in Palm Beach with its exuberant colors, playful patterns and lavish details.
Having a full work schedule is the goal, but it leaves little time for pause and inspiration. A few days ago I took a day to do just that. Two friends and I hopped in the car and drove down to Palm Beach. Kips Bay decided to branch out this year by holding a show house there. Thank you, thank you to whomever made this decision. Orlando used to have a show house, but it ended long ago leaving design lovers in central Florida bereft.
The Kips Bay house is located in the El Cid neighborhood, developed in the 1920’s. I had visited there earlier this year taking my mother to see a friend who was renting for the winter. What a charming neighborhood! Full of many old Spanish-style homes loaded with charm and character. My idea of heaven. Sadly Winter Park has not cared for its old houses such as these so therefore most have been razed.
Villa Belmonte was designed and built in a time where the architect combined thought of location with family needs while emphasizing beautiful design details.
The showhouse is very unassuming from the curb. In fact, you can see very little of the house because of the large foliage for privacy. Mexican tile risers of a few low steps entice one onto the property. There are several large patios on either side of the house allowing for outdoor living in this temperate climate. A small foyer welcomes you into the Mediterranean revival-style house. The architecture exemplifies what I love about older homes by its many rooms of intimate scale that allow one to weave in and around the house. I would have wanted a house just like this for raising my family. In fact I would still love to live in a house such as this. The scale allows for close-knit interaction but also privacy with the many individual rooms.
A pretty house across the street from the show house located in El Cid.
Palm Beach pink umbrellas by Santa Barbara Designs on both outdoor terraces.
Almost all of the show house designers referenced Palm Beach in their designs incorporating palms, flowers, and bright colors.
The foyer was decoupaged with blown up palm fronds and orchids.
I love how Ellen Kavanaugh treated the groin-vaulted ceiling with the blue outline. The mirrored pendant reflects light and the design.
A curvy banquette welcomes one to linger before entering the dining room.
The overall feel of the house was perfectly Palm Beach combining luxe details in an elegantly casual way.
Amanda Lindroth sells wonderful woven baskets and chargers on her website that are featured on the round table in her dining room.
The breakfast room seen beyond was also given the lattice treatment.
Nicely detailed wood and nickel shelves in the kitchen.
The “soggiorno” by Philip Gorrigan featured a fabric covered ceiling and a light mimicking palm fronds.
Soothing taupe wallpaper with white foliage envelops this room.
The cozy study was the one room that didn’t feel obviously Palm Beach.
A bedroom the color of Florida sunshine.
The long balcony off one of the bedrooms was one of my favorite features of the home.
I love this stairwell with the old iron railing and the open arches of the upstairs hallway.
Pattern everywhere.
I think I need these white palm trees in Susan Zises Green‘s living room.
Painting the pecky beams white provides a feeling of coolness.
If you would like to see a bit of palm trees in this season of fir trees treat yourself to a trip to Villa Belmonte.
Casa V Interiors can bring a touch of Palm Beach luxe to your home wherever it may be.