Stephanie and David Keeley weren’t even considering the purchase of a vacation home in Sarasota when they visited here from Toronto, but both the city and The Oaks development in Osprey captivated them.
When Stephanie went to an open house in that gated community (David was not in town that weekend), she fell in love with a house that had been designed by famed architect Harry “Bo” MacEwen (1911-2002). His Georgian design signature is found on homes throughout The Oaks, as well as the stately clubhouse.
“The proportions were so beautiful inside and out,” remembered Stephanie, “and the neighborhood so lovely that I knew we could be happy here. The rooms were large, and the way the floor plan incorporated outside spaces made it ideal for our winter-getaway-home.
“It was classic in styling, but had a relaxed Florida feel and so much natural light,” she added. “The size of the place, over 4,000 square feet, didn’t bother me because we have three married sons and six grandchildren and we love to entertain them.”
Stephanie proclaimed the house absolutely perfect. The couple moved in, and, of course, started to renovate.
With views to the swimming pool, this light-filled living room is gracious with its Georgian style elements. The architect of the home, Harry “Bo” MacEwan, was known for his classical residential design which characterizes The Oaks neighborhoods. The homeowners wanted soft greens and blues for the upholstered furniture. (January 13, 2016; STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER)
“Not the bones of the house, or the flow,” said Stephanie. “We weren’t into tearing down a lot walls or anything like that. But, the house was built in 1991, and the bathrooms and some of the other rooms needed updating. Also, I wanted my own color scheme, and since we were bringing some furniture with us, certain pieces needed to be reupholstered to fit the new color palette.
“I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted in the end, but I also knew I did not want to deal with it alone. Through friends at The Oaks, we met Bonnie Lancaster and then we got started.”
While the national trend favors modern and contemporary interiors, the Keeleys decided instead to celebrate the classical nature of the house with traditional pieces that are French-inspired.
“David and I travel to France a lot, and we both speak the language,” said Stephanie. “And, I very much like French furniture and design, so that’s what we decided to do here.
“But we also chose some Florida wall colors, such as coral for the rooms and bright fabrics that are right for this part of the country.”
Artistic renditions of birds are found in just about every room of Stephanie and David Keeley’s home at The Oaks. (January 13, 2016; STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER)
Additionally, Stephanie collects bird and butterfly art and sculpture, and she wanted that aspect of her design personality expressed in almost every room of the home, from wallpaper in a guest bathroom to the hand-painted, custom-fabric seat cushions on the dining room chairs, done in a butterfly and floral motif.
Designer Lancaster was able to source the fabric for the Keeleys, and then she ordered the fabrication of a collection of iron dove sconces, which she placed on the walls of the octagonal formal dining room.
The dining room is a showpiece in the residence because of its gracious, unusual configuration, polished finishes and custom detailing. A white chandelier that is a perch for several white doves is the centerpiece; it is suspended over an oval dining table that the designer had painted white to contrast with the dark wood floors.
The painted French-inflected dining room sideboard (from Wisteria) looks like it was inspired by a Paris flower market. Homeowner Stephanie Keeley collects white porcelain. (January 13, 2016; STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER)
An ornate iron and marble buffet table from the Wisteria company is paired with a large antique French mirror that is the backdrop for an arrangement of white porcelain containers of massed flowers. It looks like a Paris flower market. The white plantation shutters were already in the dining room; the Keeleys kept them but replaced the red walls with palest green. Wainscoting is another classical feature that the Keeleys admire about their room.
The living room, which has generous built-ins on either side of a fireplace, was done all in yellows when the Keeleys bought the house.
“We redid everything in soothing shades of beach-glass greens and blues — some pieces with a floral pattern and others with just a texture, ” said the homeowner. “Bonnie took care of all of that and selected an area carpet. Our sofa, end tables, drapes and lamps are all new, and since they were custom, we had to wait patiently for their arrival.”
A large fan light over the French doors is another nod to classical styling.
A colorful Chinese temple dog guards a stack of books. The homeowner collects porcelain figurines of animals. (January 13, 2016; STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER)
The inside of the built-in display units are painted a different color than the walls (a designer customization technique); and the Keeleys use the space to showcase a collection of Asian artifacts. Traditional brass wall sconces with black shades reinforce the classical feel of the room. The house has three wood-burning fireplaces, four bedrooms and four baths, plus a powder room.
The extra large master bedroom expresses its classical attitude in the symmetrical arrangement of all the elements, including the four-poster rice bed and dark wood furniture with brass pulls. One end of the room is a seating area for watching television or reading. French doors open to a terrace and the swimming pool.
The home gracefully integrates indoor and outdoor spaces for casual entertaining and relaxing family meals. (January 13, 2016; STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER)
The couple and their designer completely redid the master bathroom using white marble and creamy white cabinetry. A glamorous crystal chandelier hangs over a free-standing tub. The room is restrained, but as luxurious as a fine French hotel suite. Inside the glass-front painted linen armoire are stacks of monogrammed towels, a final touch that Bonnie Lancaster couldn’t resist for her clients.
Everywhere throughout the home, the style is consistent — gracious, recognizable and a bit Old World. And yet it’s fresh and lively because of the color palette, vibrant art and the homeowners’ whimsical collections. Even homeowners who believe that clean, modern lines and a minimum of accessories are the only way to design in today’s high-tech world might be compelled to reconsider traditional options after spending time in the Keeley home.