The Martin’s Beach House

The Martin’s.

Where do I begin?

Guess it was about 4 years ago Donna and Ken approached me about renovating their older Ernie White home in Deer Brook.  They decided not to take action immediately but Donna and I remained in touch about once a year just to revisit the subject.

I was SUPER stoked when I received a call from her in summer of 2014 that they decided to buy a retirement condo at Bradenton Beach!  She was calling me to get on my books so she could have my full attention come the following February when they closed.  Needless to say, I was all over it and couldn’t wait to dive in.

When I say the Martin’s didn’t bring anything from their Deer Brook home, I mean they didn’t bring “anything”.  Not only was the condo brand new, but it was stunning and a perfect blank canvas.  From mattresses to bath towels, this home needed to be fully furnished, accessorized and homey….for everyday use and not just a show home (although it sure does look like one).

I chose a grown-up beach theme….not the traditional cheesy stuff.  Think British Isles meets causal sophistication.  Not overdone, there were classic pieces surrounded by whispers of sailboats and anchors.

The color palette was derived entirely by fabric which encompassed their entire great room and dining forming a drapery haven around the beautiful views.  The grayish teals, olive greens and rich corals were evenly sprinkled throughout causing the eye to dance all around at the unique balance.

Bronze and gilded gold were the main metal tones but copper was a perfect mix in, mainly for the coral color.

I, with lot’s of help from my dad, crafted a table from an old French door and completed it with a glass top.  A true “Kristina Kreation” hangs as the center focal point in the dining room.  A painted chic dresser serves as their media console and a desk mounted on a stone corbel completes the opposite side of the room.

Old bikes and timeless painted antiques formed a unique but ever-flowing theme for their master retreat.  A gallery ledge above the timeless iron bed felt romantic indeed but certainly not to feminine for Ken 😉  Custom drapes by Judy Madej, truly made this space complete with sheers to adjust the light and mood anytime of day.  I love the corner tufted-back chair with the roses and vintage magazine rack.  The dresser from Simple Vintage, had so much charm and was such a perfect fit that I choose to paint the chest just like it.

Lauren’s room was feminine as they come as she choose a French chic theme.  Surrounded with white ruffles, vintage blush/rose and mirrored silver/gold pieces, her room was the perfect mix of vintage glam.  The velvet gray headboard and soft gray walls acted as a nice backdrop for this cooler palette.  Lauren’s chandelier fan just topped it off and completed the space.

Contrary to Lauren’s room….of course, you had Matthew’s rustic beach retreat.  His palette style headboard and paisley tan bedding instantly brings a masculine but grungy sailor look.  Deep navy striped pillows and bronze/brass accents, this bedroom is super welcoming for Matthew and guests alike.

Speaking about guests, Donna and Ken have already told me I could stay their for a weekend and just relax and not work!  I have to say I could truly take you up on that offer although I may end up cleaning or shifting a few things around a bit!

This family is so stink’n sweet!  I’m telling you, they were the easiest and most fun to work with.  They were FULLY trusting in my abilities and direction in each room.  I cannot express how humbling it is to be the one that creates a dream come true for them.  What a gift to be chosen to give them a retirement space…a new chapter…a new lifestyle.

“It’s more than décor”.  It’s everyday life….a weekend getaway.  It’s seeing Donna cry and hug me in disbelief as she walked into her completed space for the first time.

People work hard their whole life and to see when reality hits them that this retreat is truly their home brings me a joy I cannot describe.

I have a gift.  The Martin’s received a gift.  I’m doing exactly what I was put here to do and I thank God that He keeps orchestrating little miracles and asked me to play a small role.

Martin’s- I can’t wait to tackle your Deer Brook home next!