…For the interiors of the U-shaped home and its central courtyard, the couple turned to interior designer Georgia Carlee of Santa Rosa Beach. "Alys Beach is one of the most challenging developments I've ever worked in because of the bold architecture," says Carlee. "It exudes a strong simplicity, and if you fight that, it just doesn't work."
The owners wanted light colors indoors to complement the exterior's visual drama. So Carlee replaced dark countertops and bronze ceiling fans with versions that would work with a new look. She also painted the cherrywood cabinets in the kitchen. To create an airy, open environment, she selected a palette of white, sand and pale blue tones for the cabinetry, fabrics and furnishings throughout.
She dressed the sofas and chairs in cotton then dotted rooms with accents of color. Her fondness for vintage pieces dovetails with local interest in sustainability. "The dining room chandelier is made of antique French wine barrels - recycled materials turned into something beautiful."I like things that grab people's attention - not only the chandelier, but also the Capiz shell hanging in the master bedroom and the driftwood coffee table in the living room."
The owners also wanted the interiors to have an "ethereal" feeling, adds Carlee. "We used simple designs, and the highly textural, gauzy lien is sheer enough to let in natural light while still providing privacy."