Coastal Dreams Realized: A Family Retreat on Ono Island

When Bo and Tammy Cross had the opportunity to build a vacation home on Ono Island, Alabama, their first instinct was to contact Cindy Meador Interiors in nearby Orange Beach. The Crosses had worked with Cindy on several other homes, and they were all comfortable with working together and knew each other’s tastes. Cindy has worked in Dallas and Houston, Park City, Nashville, and Atlanta, as well as along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida and the Alabama Gulf Coast. In addition, Cindy also had a fashion career in New York and Los Angeles. No matter where the project is, Cindy’s approach draws from the clients’ character and from the physical setting and its surroundings.

For design and construction of the Ono Island home, the Crosses selected Limitless Homes, a custom home designer and builder located in Daphne, Alabama. Limitless Homes is uniquely familiar with the intricacies of waterfront construction along the Gulf Coast. Their team works closely with the clients to provide unparalleled service, attention to detail, and design knowledge to the project. “From initial plan development and budgeting to design and construction details, we are committed to creating a dream home to meet or even exceed the owners’ expectations,” says Gina Cox of Limitless Homes.

With the construction expertise of the Limitless team and the artistic and aesthetic sense provided by Cindy and her team, the Crosses knew they were in expert hands as they began the process. Working with Cindy was made simple by her great design center and retail showroom, filled with furniture, artwork, rugs, fabrics and more. “My entire team is focused on realizing the clients’ dreams,” she says. “We offer excellent service and attention to detail, no matter the size and scope of the project.” She accepts projects both large and small, both new homes and homes that need a complete makeover or a fresh new look.

The Cross home project was a whole-house, new construction undertaking, and Cindy was thrilled to be involved. “These people were a joy to work with,” she remembers. They knew what they wanted, what they liked, and they were open to new ideas and suggestions. We worked extremely well together.” This is very much a family home, a beach retreat. Tammy Cross says she loves having her three grandchildren, and their parents, of course, spend time at the beach. “There is just nothing better than being at the beach, on this beautiful island, with our family,” Tammy notes. “It gets better and better.” Construction took about two and a half years in total, with covid slowing procurement of materials down.

The furnishings throughout the home are both practical and beautiful, geared to lots of heavy use - for example, there are performance fabrics that stand up to active children, a leather sectional sofa in the living area, a soft palette with lots of sand and oatmeal shades.

There are also lots of family photos and plenty of spaces for the grandchildren to play, both inside and outdoors. “The house is just so pretty,” says Tammy. “We used lots of blue tones, of course, because blue just goes so well with the beach setting.” Tammy notes that she LOVES the kitchen. “This is my dream space - it’s all in white, with gold accents. It has plenty of space, wonderful natural light, and plenty of counter seating. It’s perfect!” According to Pam Spillyards, business development coordinator for Coastal Stone & Cabinetry, they cut, fabricated, and installed the vanities and countertops in the kitchen and master bath. The selected finish is Rhino White, a timeless and elegant marble.

The home is spacious, with about 4,000 square feet of living space, a beautiful expansive covered porch overlooking the water, four bedrooms and 4.5 baths, and a bright, light-filled kitchen with a long welcoming counter with ample seating. There is also a swimming pool, on the canal side -the quiet side - of the island. The boat dock has just been completed, and a boat will be the next addition. The family is thrilled with their vacation home and they look forward to many years and many adventures on Ono Island.

Accolades

Cindy Meador Interiors
251-974-1907 - Cindymeador.com

Coastal Stone & Cabinetry
251-929-3475 - Coastalstonefairhope.com

Gene’s Floor Covering II
251-968-6456 - Genesfloorcovering.net