Explore a Florida lakeside home that’s been remodeled with a ‘sense of whimsy’

Reimagining this lakeside home in Central Florida started with the aim of connecting the interiors to the beautiful setting.

The 1950s property was oriented to the lake but until recently the rooms on the lakefront had walls, small windows, and solid doors. The dramatic new house design has opened up the vista and rebalanced the home by making a more imposing entrance and approach from the driveway.

Nicole Roe, of R Nickson Interiors oversaw the transformation, and explains that throughout the redesign there was another guiding principle at play: a sense of whimsy.

‘The family was drawn to a sense of whimsy, which became the guiding inspiration for the home’s interior style,’ says interior designer Nicole. ‘While rooted in more traditional lines and details, we infused each space with unexpected elements of fun and playfulness.’

In the eat-in kitchen, that sense of fun comes with a series of quirky portraits of the British royals, and a custom bench complete with a family-friendly performance fabric cover. This previously dark corner of the house now enjoys full-length windows and a view, with easy access to the backyard and shore.

‘Another standout feature is the thoughtful use of gold accents, which the client adored,’ says Nicole. Gold plays a starring role in the kitchen ideas, where a polished brass extractor hood from Monogram echoes the chandelier from Hudson Valley and the hardware.

‘Gold was integrated into all the light fixtures and select accent furniture pieces, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to the whimsical design,’ adds Nicole. ‘These golden details provided a warm, luxurious glow that elevated the home’s overall aesthetic and tied the spaces together beautifully.’

But it’s the glamorous dining room ideas that really showcase that guiding principle of whimsy. Schumacher’s Madame De Pompadour mural wallcovering creates a stunning backdrop for formal entertaining, with a dining table from Alice Lane and chairs from Ballard Design.