Photography by Brantley Photography
When interior designer Susan Lachance received a commission to remodel a home in the St. Andrews Country Club neighborhood in Boca Raton, the goal was to transform the tired, dated décor into a bright, welcoming, modern look. The client, a single empty-nester, also wanted the design to incorporate timeless, lasting elements.
The redesign of the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home with approximately 4,400 square feet of living space began with gutting most of the interior. Walls were removed, and the dated, vaulted ceilings were dropped for a modern feel. Flooring in the main living areas and master bedroom is creamy porcelain tile in a satin finish, providing a warm, neutral backdrop for furnishings.
A fresh, neutral color palette with aqua, orange, fuchsia and yellow to brighten the living spaces. Large-scale artwork throughout the home create stunning visual focal points, while a mix of metals used in light fixtures, furnishings and
accessories add another
layer of color.
Early Beginnings
Lachance began her career working with her father, a builder, and had planned to become an architect. When she was offered a job with a major design firm in Miami, however, she took it and never looked back. Later, she opened her design firm in Boca Raton and continues to love her work. “I like being able to be artistic,” she says. “I love using my talent to make other people happy.”
A Dramatic Entry
Dramatic, 10-foot double entry doors with stepped glass panes framed in walnut lead into the spacious foyer. Suspended from the ceiling are three Sputnik-style metal chandeliers—one gold, one black and one nickel—creating immediate visual interest. “Instead of a single fixture, I wanted to have three in different finishes at different heights to fill the space,” Lachance says.
Two pedestals, one oil-rubbed bronze and the other black, support a marble-topped console table holding gold candlesticks and a globe-shaped metal sculpture that complements the chandeliers. A large, vibrantly colored painting invites conversation; and is one of several that Lachance procured for the home.
The Dining Room
A short hallway leads to the dining room, where a stunning, floor-to-ceiling millwork constructed from rosewood, coupled with bronze and clear mirrors, gives a startling illusion of 3D diamonds. “It’s a transition between the front door and the great room, so it needed to be outstanding,” Lachance says. Mirrors open the space visually and reflect colors and objects in the room, while the wood adds warmth.
The designer chose a graceful horizontal chandelier with bronze-colored glass globes because it doesn’t compete with the feature wall behind it. Beneath the chandelier is an oval-shaped walnut dining table that easily seats eight. Backs and seats of the matching walnut-framed chairs are upholstered in taupe velvet.
On the opposite wall hangs a large, brightly colored abstract painting, which Lachance had created by Juan Carlos Collada to depict an interpretive version of a Manhattan skyline, the owner’s former home. “It’s to remind her of Manhattan without the dreariness,” Lachance says. Beneath the painting, a walnut bench with a stainless accent ribbon is topped with a white leather cushion. A pedestal beside the bench holds a whimsical bust finished with blue automotive paint.
The Great Room
Beyond the dining room is the great room, where sheer panels frame floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. Remote-controlled solar panels provide privacy and UV protection when they are desired. The centerpiece of the space is a sleek, linear electric fireplace framed by a marble hearth, mantle and side panels. Medium-toned oak pilasters on both sides add architectural interest. The wall between them is clad from the fireplace mantle to the ceiling with polished slabs of taupe porcelain. When flickering flames in the fireplace aren’t enough to watch, there’s a large TV screen above.
Facing the fireplace is a low-backed, U-shaped sectional upholstered in taupe velvet. “She wanted something really cozy,” Lachance says. A European-style swivel side chair has a high-gloss wood base and beige leather upholstery. “It’s very rich looking,” Lachance says. A cutout base adds aesthetic to a small table beside the chair, perfect for placing a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Beneath the seating group, a taupe area rug defines the space and adds texture.
On the opposite side of the room, a bar topped with marble that matches the fireplace surround provides a gathering place for friends and visiting family. The oak sides of the base match the fireplace pilasters, while the softly illuminated center is made of light-colored walnut. Swiveling stools have clean, contemporary stainless frames; seats and backs are upholstered in bone-white leather.
A walnut table with a leather inset that matches the bar stools serves as a place for casual dining or a game of cards. Low-backed swivel chairs have stainless steel frames and tan leather seats and backs.
The Kitchen
In the kitchen, large-scale stainless hardware adds interest to simple white cabinetry, and a dramatic mosaic glass tile backsplash in earth tones creates a visual focal point. Above the stove is a clean-lined stainless hood; countertops are Caesarstone. “All the countertops we do now are a form of quartz, because of durability and maintenance,” Lachance says.
A couple of steps across from the white perimeter cabinetry is a walnut island. It holds a prep sink with a graceful, U-shaped polished chrome faucet, as well as additional counter space, creating an efficient work area. A whimsically glamorous painting is meant to conjure thoughts of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
On the other side of the kitchen is a peninsula breakfast bar with a walnut base, Caesarstone top and a sink with a faucet that matches the one on the prep sink. Stools with simple stainless frames and bone leather upholstery complement the bar stools in the great room. Three pendant lights with white, egg-shaped glass globes are suspended from stainless cables, and the breakfast bar’s support wall holds a small TV screen.
The Media Room
Dark, slate blue walls create the feeling of a hideaway in the media room, which also serves as a family room. “It’s not just for watching movies; it’s for everything,” Lachance says.
Nonetheless, a sectional is comprised of motorized reclining theater seats upholstered in taupe leather. Above the sectional is an eye-catching painting of a swimmer. A dramatic cocktail table features a cracked glass top supported by wide, polished, curved stainless pillars; beige carpeting adds softness and texture.
The Master Suite
The master bedroom combines elegance with comfort. Lachance added visual interest to the wide ceiling by creating architectural tiers. Floor-to-ceiling window treatments are sheers paired with blackout shades hidden in cornices. An ice blue, wool shag area rug offers softness for bare feet.
Custom-screened, textured wallpaper in tones of soft silver and white is a focal point behind the bed. The headboard and frame are a single piece, upholstered in off-white fabric. Ice blue satin and velvet pillows and a foot warmer dress the bed, while nightstands finished in bone lacquer hold crystal and chrome lamps crowned with white linen shades.
Across from the bed is a white lacquer console table with a TV screen above it. Near the window is a gold-framed accent chair upholstered in pale gray chenille with a matching oval ottoman.
The master bath has the look and feel of a luxury spa with white and gray slabs of Calacatta porcelain that cover the walls and feature Calacatta marble countertops. Polished nickel hardware accents white lacquer vanities. Behind them are mirrors with lighted frames, and a polished nickel and crystal chandelier with white linen shades hangs from the ceiling. An oval, free-standing tub invites relaxing soaks, and a frameless glass shower with a linear drain adds a glamorous touch.
The Guest Room
Gray walls, gray and beige carpeting and sheer draperies with a 30-inch gray hem create a soothing yet stylish feel in the guest bedroom. The bed frame and nightstands are washed gray oak; bone-colored linen shades crown glass bedside lamps. At the foot of the bed is a washed oak bench; its ensuite bath is done in complementary tones of gray.
The Patio
Inlaid strips of green artificial turf separate and add color to the large patio covered in white porcelain tile. Fuchsia chairs flanking a dining table provide another bright pop.
A seating area furnished with a washed gray, synthetic wicker sofa, glass-topped coffee table and chairs topped with white Sunbrella cushions and colorful accent pillows create the feel of an outdoor living room. A gray and white woven rug completes the look.
What was once a dreary, dated décor has become a modern design with timeless elements that will last for many years to come. “I gave her a brand new house,” Lachance says. “She’s very proud of it.”
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