Hand-woven pendant lights from Palecek illuminate the kitchen island, while a custom range hood by Ron Francis complements the WOW tile backsplash from Crossville Studios.
Builder: Bill Kunkle, Kunkle Contracting Interior Designers:Studio M – Meredith Hill, Lizzie Kawelland Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Principal Designer/Owner Photographer:Bos Images
Studio M Interior Design transformed this striking three-story renovation on St. Pete Beach for a longtime client—one of more than 25 projects completed for them across multiple states. The client, who had this home in their real estate portfolio for more than 20 years, sought a major transformation to modernize the space while embracing a sophisticated, tropical aesthetic beyond the typical blue-and-white coastal palette.
Inspired by the black sand beaches of Kauai, the Studio M design team curated a rich color scheme of black, greens, neutrals and splashes of navy. Contemporary yet inviting, the home reflects the client’s love for travel and their desire for a resort-like feel, blending high-end materials with a functional, open layout ideal for family beach vacations.
Notable design elements include Nubo Verde tile on the fireplacecomplemented by a custom vertical fluted plaster surround. The kitchen and living areas were reimagined for better flow, with custom dining-height island chairs and a neutral sectional designed for longevity. A commissioned artwork by Judith Kohin adds a personal touch above the buffet.
With breathtaking water views from the living room and primary bedroom, this renovation successfully delivers high design, balancing modern elegance with organic, natural elements.
The island chairs, custom from Bradley, sit beneath floating cantilevered Dekton countertops in the color Grigio, while the island itself features the shade Marmorio. Designed for a beach condo where sand, guests and frequent entertaining demand durability, Duchateau Vinyl Deluxe flooring in Hyde was the perfect choice. A custom Roman shade adds a refined touch to the window, blending style and function seamlessly.Studio M transformed the living room by opening up the kitchen, removing a partition wall to create a more connected space. The fireplace features Ann Sacks’ Nubo Verde Marble, complemented by a custom vertical fluted plaster surround crafted by artisan Ron Francis. A swivel chair from Interlude Home sits in the corner while a cocktail table from Noir anchors the seating area. The sectional is by Vanguard and two dark teal stools from Highland House tuck neatly behind the sofa table. Overhead, a striking ring light fixture from Eichholtz completes the look.This living room angle highlights decorative details, including white and navy Bradley fabric pillows and a tropical print pillow from Casamance. The custom-designed artwork is from Trowbridge, while the totems in the corner are from Global Views.The dining buffet beneath two Judith Kohin artworks is from Arteriors.This staircase leading to the living room features Phillip Jeffries’ Cobblestone Cloth in Racing Green on the right wall, while a white plaster artwork by John Richard adorns the left. Wall sconces from Visual Comfort provide ambient lighting for the decorated space.This powder bathroom includes a metal and concrete sink and vanity by Bradley and is accented with emerald glaze subway tile.A reupholstered Theodore Alexander chair and Cowtan & Tout curtains enhance the master bedroom along with a Jonathan Charles dresser that has a cast metal texture with a fossilized coral pattern.The master bathroom displays a textured tile backsplash, mirroring the striped detail running down the shower.In the guest suite, a Sunpan bench and Century bed with Parachute bedding complement Four Hands nightstands and Theodore Alexander artwork.Like the kitchen, the guest bathroom uses a Dekton porcelain countertop.
