+12 Killough’s Interior Design Studio
When Destin interior designer Gary Killough was offered the opportunity to work with a homeowner who was downsizing and wanted to make use of her beautiful antiques, art, and artifacts, he welcomed the challenge. “I was thrilled to work with this longtime client, and to provide a setting worthy of her special items, things that reflect her personality and artistic taste,” says Killough. “We spent over a year transforming this three-bedroom home into a backdrop for her original art, her collections of Lalique crystal and antique rugs, and we ended up with a home that’s comfortable and extremely polished. The house had good bones to start with, and the owner has great taste, a great eye, and was a pleasure to work with. We made a good team!
Killough’s scope of work focused on bringing color, texture, and the proper backdrops for the owner’s collections while maximizing the indoor-outdoor feel of the home. He began with the entry courtyard, which has a slate floor and a cool Mediterranean vibe. He added a large antique terra cotta tile with a dolphin motif to the half-wall that screens the courtyard, providing a focal point to balance the immense clay planters. Inside the gate, he capitalized on an existing fountain and jasmine-covered grille and the faux bois concrete outdoor furniture.
The foyer features a stunning Barbara Gallagher painting and a blue ceiling, along with a faux-finished purple powder room with hatbox toilet, vessel sink, and original artwork by renowned Gulf Coast artist Frantic (Ann Roberts Morley), whose work appears in other places in the home as well. From the foyer, the eye is drawn to the living room and its Tree of Life painting by Ronald F. Yrabedra that is perfectly framed by the arched opening into the room. The floor-to-ceiling windows are topped with shades crafted from beautiful linen Ikat fabric in blues echoing the colors of the owner’s beloved blue and white porcelains. The living area flows into the dining space, which is anchored by an antique French pine breakfront with shelves that feature individual lighting for her Lalique collection.
“We gave the kitchen a new look with all new countertops,” Killough notes. “We used ice-blue quartzite that continues the blue throughout the space in a subtle but effective manner.” The custom copper-accented range hood draws the eye to the recessed arch that continues the pattern of Mediterranean-style arched doors and windows throughout the home. “It’s a functional and beautiful room,” he says. “There is good storage and good workflow, and there’s comfortable, casual seating at the very large island counter.”
The master suite features soft tones of lavender and cream. It includes a spacious bedroom, sitting room, and bath, with lavender silk duvet and matching mirrored bedside chests and Tibetan rug. The first-floor guest room has a French feeling, with its iron canopy bed and two matching French commodes with cut glass lamps. The aqua ceiling mirrors the color in the floral duvet. Another Barbara Gallagher painting hangs over the bed, and Key West paintings adorn the walls. The study has a cool, calm aura, with a new sofa and recliner blending seamlessly with twin Indonesian tables, and new shutters working with the existing built-in bookcases and the dramatic painting by Robert Rector
The living spaces open onto a walled loggia with bluestone floor and casual outdoor seating. “We created the loggia itself,” says Killough. “We needed some shade, something to diffuse the afternoon sunlight and yet leave the space open and breezy. On the opposite side of the house is the lanai, which leads to the sparkling pool and beyond to the lushly landscaped yard. “The owner is an avid gardener,” says Killough. “She was involved in every aspect of planning the outdoor spaces.” There are walking paths and intimate seating areas throughout, with birdhouses and sculptures providing visual interest. “We were able to build upon what was already in place,” says Killough, “but the owner added the palm trees, which certainly add to the feeling of lushness.”
KILLOUGH’S INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO
501 HARBOR BLVD. SUITE A
DESTIN FL 32541
(850) 654-5006
www.killoughsinteriordesign.com
