When I think of dream homes, this majestic home comes to my mind. Set on a one fourth acre lot in a coveted gated community called “Harborage,” this million-dollar home is an entertainer’s oasis. The Harborage is a waterfront, gulf access community in South Fort Myers, Florida. Each of the homes in the Harborage is situated right on the water, and many have their own private, mini-beach. This 167 acre gated community is comprised of 128 single-family homes. The Harborage is developed around two absolutely pristine, aquifer-fed freshwater lakes, covering 104-acres of this majestic community. The freshwater lakes are around 30 feet deep and are home to many largemouth bass and bluegill for yearlong fishing opportunities for residents and their guests. Each of the lakes have launch ramps for kayaks, rafts, jet skis, and is encompassed by a white sand beach area for relaxing in the Southwest Florida sun.
This 2005 custom-built home makes for the perfect family home. The interior features high ceilings, large windows, crown molding, and a cozy fireplace. The homeowners are able to embrace true indoor and outdoor living with massive patio doors that open up to a sparkling pool with a backdrop set to gorgeous Florida sunsets.
I had the opportunity to first meet Fred, the homeowner, when he was invited to tour Just Counters & other stuff, inc. showroom with a cabinet rep and one of the owners of Koch Cabinetry. Just Counters showroom is tucked away in the middle of Port Charlotte on Market Circle. These days, there are a seemingly limitless number of places where consumers can go for design inspiration. Given the vastness of the internet and captivating websites such as Houzz and Pinterest, combined with an abundance of TV shows dedicated to home renovation and new construction, one might question where kitchen and bath showrooms fit into the modern design world.
Just Counters has been a staple in the community since 2002. Their beautiful showroom is a premier destination because people can come and see everything related to kitchens and baths all in one place…everything from cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, hardware, tile, and lighting. From the moment you walk through the door, you know you’ve walked into someplace different than anywhere else in the city. At the entrance, visitors are welcomed at a reception desk. However, it quickly becomes apparent there is more beyond. There are many full size displays which highlight a variety of design styles. Each one is also staged to feel as if the client is walking into an actual residence. There’s nothing that beats the in-person experience, where the ability to touch and feel, is not only allowed, but encouraged. Just Counters pride themselves in being a one-stop shop for your next remodeling and restoration need.
Before Fred left the showroom, he booked an in-home consultation with me. We’ve all heard that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and I, agree. The kitchen is my favorite room to remodel. I’ve helped many of my clients reimagine their kitchens, making the spaces not only beautiful and functional, but also creating a special place for entertaining friends and family.
The following week, I met with Fred and Kem in their beautiful home. Our wonderful customers, who have a jet-setter lifestyle, also have another home in Ohio. They seem to be constantly away on a trip or on-the-go for work-related reasons. Nonetheless when they are in their Florida home, they love to entertain. But their existing kitchen just wasn’t up to the task.
Fred and Kem wanted to create an open floor plan by removing the “elephant in the room,” which was an archway with a closet pantry. They wanted a kitchen with dedicated “work zones” for prepping, cooking, cleaning, and another for beverages. Well-planned zones are equipped with the necessary appliances and allow multiple people to operate in the kitchen while chatting with guests. Kem also wanted a one level multifunctional island that would be the centerpiece of the new open floor plan.
Before long Fred and Kem returned to the showroom where I presented them with 3D designs of 3 different new kitchen layouts. After they decided on the layout that would best suit them, they selected beautiful Koch Cabinetry, proudly made in America, with a raised panel door style. They wanted maple wood, painted ivory with an additional upper row of wall cabinets. Double stacked cabinets are an option that involves adding a third row of cabinets above the hanging wall cabinets. Double stacked kitchen cabinets make use of previously disregarded space. So almost like a hack, the upper row of cabinets surprisingly provides lots of extra square feet of usable space. Kem wanted “euro-seedy” glass-front doors on the upper cabinets instead of solid wood to create a gallery in the kitchen. She planned to display anything from decorative to prized items.
I recommended using Cambria Brittanicca Gold for the countertop because it has a beautiful warm white background with streams, wisps, and ribbons of copper gold. Imex Stone located in Fort Myers did an outstanding job installing the quartz. Pucci Tile & Marble located in Port Charlotte installed the backsplash with matte biscuit subway tile and the wood-look floor planks. Another well done job by them!
The glass pendants were selected by Kem from Pottery Barn. Kem also selected a matte black faucet and hardware (that looks like fine jewelry) to compliment the black pendant lighting.
This job took persistence, commitment, and an immense amount of talent by the team at Just Counters. Tyler Mowatt, Ben Hanson, Jeff Reed, and Aaron Shaffer not only did you hit the mark, but you’ve also set a new standard of what can be accomplished through wise decisions mingled with dedication and know-how. Congratulations on a job well done.
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