+19 Beach Glam – The McConnell Home
Linzi and Kirk McConnell knew what they didn’t want when they planned their dream home in Old Seagrove Village. Instead of weathered wood and island casual, they opted for a more contemporary style. “Beach Glam” is what Linzi calls the sophisticated vibe of the home the two designed. “We drew it up ourselves,” she says. “Our builder, Jeremy Trantina of JAT Specialties, helped us immeasurably, putting our sketches and drawings into a finished form, but the ideas were all ours.”
The McConnells had purchased a vacation condo at Blue Mountain Beach when they were living and working in Nashville. “As our three children left the nest, we realized we wanted to live here, and we started looking for a lot. From start to finish, the project took two years, and we moved in last December,” Linzi says. “We wanted room for future grandchildren, and we know the beach will be a big draw. We wanted the pool at the center of the house. Every room on the first floor opens to the pool by Cox Pools, which features a great spa area and a dramatic linear fireplace.”
The kitchen is the heart of the home, with an oversize island with ample seating, high-end appliances, and custom tile work. Just beyond the kitchen is a floor to ceiling wall of glass cabinets providing dramatic display space for Linzi’s special glass and sculptural pieces. Dramatic deep blue tones contrast with gleaming whites and are accented with metallic and crystal light fixtures and sleek modern furnishings. The dining area is anchored by a custom three-dimensional wood wall, constructed onsite following a sketch Linzi made after seeing something similar online.
The master suite and another bedroom, built for Linzi’s mother, are also on the main floor. “The master bath is one of my favorite spaces,” Linzi says. “The unique black sinks I found inspired the patterned tile on the floor, and the gold faux-painted walls. Morgan Stimson, of 850 A Tile Studio, who is an amazing woman, designed the tilework here, in the kitchen, and throughout the house.” Linzi selected most furnishings and accessories herself, but she relied heavily on Michelle Brookins at Sugar Beach Interior to help source special “Beach Glam” items. Linzi chose upholstery, draperies, and textiles with assistance from Jeff Spradlin of Garden Street Fabrics of Pensacola and Miramar Beach. “Jeff and I really worked well together. We’d bounce ideas around, and he’d pull fabrics that were exactly what I wanted – he was extremely sensitive to texture and color, and he shared my love of the dramatic. He made the vision a reality.” Jeff agrees, “This entire project was a pleasure, with collaboration with Linzi and her bold [ “Beach Glam” ] vision providing a pleasant change with her modern finishes, her use of color. Definitely not the typical neutral coastal casual we have come to know so well in our area!”
The staircase is another work of art, created onsite using Linzi’s ideas. “The treads are wood,” Linzi explains. “The wall is all glass, with metal railings. It’s quite a conversation piece.” The staircase leads to the second floor, with three bedrooms and a bunk room, each with its own bath, and an office for Kirk.
The McConnells worked with landscape architect Adam Jones of Renovo Design Studio to create the landscape plan. “Working with Linzi was great,” Jones says. “She had a clear vision and was able to articulate it. All I did was gather up her ideas and translate them into a design plan. She wanted bright colors and lots of flowers, and we got maximum mileage out of flowering plants in containers around the pool. We succeeded in creating a landscape plan that complements the architecture but doesn’t compete with it.” Linzi recalls that Jones “really listened to what I had to say, and really sensed what I wanted.” The landscaping, from the succulents at the entry to the garden beyond the pool, looks meticulously groomed yet is quite low maintenance.
“I enjoyed every minute of this process,” says Linzi McConnell. “Not everyone can say that after building a house! When we moved, we sold almost everything we owned and started from scratch. Working with Jeremy and with Jeff, and the relationships and trust we built, made this all possible. Overall, I loved the process of creating a home for my family that we’ll enjoy for years to come.”
GARDEN STREET FABRICS
200 East Garden Street
Pensacola, FL
(850) 733-0204
12555 US 98 E
Miramar Beach, FL
(850) 279-4079
RENOVO DESIGN STUDIO
Landscape Architecture
PO Box 611211
Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
Office: (850) 534-3033Cell: (561) 385-0800
Adam@renovodesignstudio.com
