Bontemps Interiors

Angela Bontemps is living her lifelong dream as a business owner specializing in interior design. She started as a teenager in her hometown of Peoria IL, continued her professional career in Chicago, and found her way to the Emerald Coast where she founded her own full-service interior design firm, Bontemps Interiors. Her store is located in Miramar Beach FL, an idyllic town situated on a narrow peninsula between Choctawhatchee Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, just east of Destin. "Our specialty is classic, modern design with a global influence,” says Bontemps. “We believe that each environment should be unique – a reflection of the client’s personal style.”

After assisting many other clients, she recently completed a very special job – her own residence. “The home is located in the Churchill Oaks community, with breathtaking views of Hogtown Bayou. “The tranquility of the community really sold me on the location and this particular home, and the native southern magnolias and longleaf pines make for a strong connection with nature,” she says. Churchill Oaks is a gated community with a clubhouse with a pool, a gym, and a gourmet kitchen. There is a boardwalk along the bay, and a marina is in the works.

The four-bedroom, five-bath, 3200 square foot French Colonial home with unique southern charm was built in 2016. Bontemps worked on some cosmetic changes when she purchased the home in 2017, but no major alterations were necessary. The home, which won several awards in the 2016 Parade of Homes, features an expansive outdoor living area, with big-screen television area, an outdoor fireplace, and a louvered lanai. In addition, there is a second-floor sleeping porch designed to take full advantage of the balmy breezes that come off the water.

The Bontemps home features white oak floors throughout, and accent walls constructed of reclaimed Chicago brick. “I grew up in Illinois, and lived and studied in Chicago, so being able to have a piece of my history and heritage in my home here really warms my heart,” says Bontemps. The home’s interior finishes and furnishings were all designed or selected by Bontemps, and reflect her modern classic style. The furnishings and accessories accentuate the coastal vibe of Hogtown Bayou and draw heavily on Bontemps' personal style and her years of design experience. The original artwork throughout the home includes paintings by Destin artist Matt Staver, whose work reflects the beauty of the setting in a unique way.

Bontemps has traveled abroad extensively to observe, appreciate, and photograph the beauty of different cultures and life around the world. While she learned many of her photography skills from her father, a seasoned professional photographer, and continues to work closely with him, she has focused heavily on studying art and design in her travels. This has made it easy to amass a significant collection of art and artifacts from across the globe, allowing her to showcase the unique products, passion, and vision of some of the world’s renowned artisans. “I’ve been able to take advantage of many of the things we have on hand to accessorize my own home this way, and I’m happy to be able to provide the same resources to the clients of Bontemps Interiors,” she says.