deClare Interiors – Seafoam Cottage

Designed for a luxury builder as a speculative home, this project was envisioned to evoke the charm and familiarity of Olde Naples cottage-style living while incorporating modern luxury and a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The design strategy centered on blending timeless architectural details with layered coastal elements to appeal to discerning buyers seeking a home with character, comfort, and enduring value.
The primary objective was to target upscale buyers drawn to the historic appeal of Olde Naples—those seeking turnkey homes with charm, modern functionality, and resort-style amenities. The design intent was to merge nostalgic cottage architecture with present-day coastal elegance, highlighted by steep metal roofs, white siding and relaxed yet refined outdoor living spaces. A thoughtful palette of layered whites and coastal blues—ranging from crisp linen and soft sky to rich navy and deep ocean tones—carries through textiles, water features, and furnishings. This cohesive scheme evokes the serenity of seaside living while reinforcing the connection between home and the environment.
Unique features throughout the project bring this vision to life. Integrated water and fire elements—including a raised spa, a tiled water wall with triple spouts, and an illuminated pool—create a sense of movement and reflection, while a fire pit adds warmth and ambiance. The narrow lot was maximized with zoned outdoor areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining, each designed to feel distinct yet connected. Inside, a coastal palette of driftwood, woven textures, and “shades of the sea” supports a unified, beach-inspired narrative.
The architectural character was carefully considered, with traditional elements like a covered patio, exposed rafters, and copper lanterns referencing classic Naples cottages. The patio ceiling, stained in a soft coastal blue, nods to Southern porch traditions and reinforces the home’s light, breezy aesthetic. Additional details, such as natural stone on the fireplace and shell-stone deck tile, enhance the tactile connection to the coastal environment, grounding the design in place and showcasing craftsmanship.
Constraints such as lot size and zoning regulations required efficient space planning to maintain openness and establish meaningful indoor-outdoor connections. Existing mature trees and landscaping were preserved and enhanced, adding privacy and a sense of establishment.
This project demonstrates that a speculative home can be both marketable and memorable through strong design thinking and close collaboration with the builder.