Before buying a furnished estate in Talis Park, Monica and Chris sought one valued opinion. Though Monica was hesitant about the home’s red accents and its chrome, polished nickel and mirrored finishes, the foyer’s stark black-and-white geometric tile flooring truly gave her pause. To realize the vision and transform it into their dream home, Monica turned to Melissa Allen, senior interior designer at Romanza Interior Design, for expert guidance.

“Monica sent me the MLS listing prior to purchasing the home,” said Allen who has designed two other homes for Monica and Chris. “She wasn’t sure if the overall style of the home could be tailored to her preferences.”

Allen saw the potential and the opportunity of an evolved design aesthetic for the couple whose previous homes were very different styles. She knew a transformation was possible without a major renovation or changing the floors. Existing furnishings were seamlessly incorporated into the design, while the overtly shiny surfaces and dark woods were replaced with softer finishes and textures.

“It’s always more challenging when you come into a home that’s already complete and is not a blank slate,” Allen said. “Monica wanted to use what she could while creating a consistent look throughout the spaces, so we catered to what was already there. We did a lot of repurposing and spent several hours moving furniture and accessories.”

The project also included new light fixtures and new furnishings in the master suite, great room and outdoor areas. The reception area was transformed into a light, bright billiards room by eliminating the mirrors, repurposing part of the existing bar, painting the dark woodwork and red accents white, and adding millwork. Allen followed the same design approach in the master suite, making a dramatic difference by removing mirrors and drapery pockets and painting existing millwork white to complement the furniture’s various shades of gray – a sophisticated look she compares to a New York City penthouse. Per her clients’ wish list, she also created a true guestroom, a serene VIP space formerly occupied by built-ins and a large peninsula desk.

“Comfort is very big for them,” Allen said. “They are family oriented and love welcoming people into their home.”

With its transitional architecture and timeless interiors, classic white-on-white painted millwork and lightened finishes, the couple’s Talis Park home is a departure from their previous Southwest Florida residences and their Tudor-style home in Illinois, highlighting the evolution of the client-designer relationship over the past 13 years. “Monica and Chris love homes, they love real estate, and they love design – what it creates and what it can do,” said Allen who describes the couple as collaborative partners. “This home is completely opposite of what they are accustomed to for style.”

The couple serendipitously met Allen after purchasing a Spanish-influenced residence in Mediterra. They were already familiar with the designer’s work; an Allen-designed home resonated with Monica during the house-hunting process. “I thought whoever designed this house, it was like they did it for me,” Monica recalled. “When I discovered Melissa designed the other home, I didn’t need to interview anyone else. I was instantly at ease with her and comfortable with what I had seen she could do.”

It was Monica’s first time partnering with an interior designer, and Allen expertly directed the process, asking questions, introducing different color story ideas and whittling down the many choices. “What I think is really awesome was discovering what I truly loved through this process of narrowing down,” said Monica. “I found what I really liked by eliminating the things I didn’t care for, and this allowed Melissa to guide me without overwhelming me. I never felt the fear of a better option. It was like she knew me already.”

A complete update, the Mediterra home emphasized neutrality and textures with pops of chartreuse, white cabinetry, tongue-and-groove ceilings and new furniture to better match their tastes and lifestyle.  

After Monica and Chris found a furnished model home on Estero Bay, they again sought Allen’s expertise, this time leaning to a design reflecting its waterfront locale with shiplap, wood beams and strategically selected new furnishings. The designer also changed the orientation and scale of the main living space.

“Melissa just took it to the next level, and again it was so easy to work with her,” said Monica. “One of Melissa’s talents is being able to see a space and know what’s going to work there. Her sense of space and scale has a way of ensuring that the home never feels cluttered or overbearing. It’s comfortable and everything fits perfectly.”

Allen could also envision the possibilities of the Talis Park residence despite its “Zsa Zsa Gabor” style, as Monica described it. “I could not picture myself living there,” Monica said. “But I told Melissa, ‘If you can picture me living there, we’re going to buy this house.’”

The mirrors and draperies came down, and bulky built-ins were removed. The pool was resurfaced while new outdoor furniture significantly expanded seating options – and golf course views. The drama of the black-and-white chevron floors in the bar and wine room were tempered by refinishing the silver-leaf cabinetry. The study was personalized to Chris’ taste. “Just moving things around made such a difference,” said Allen.

“It is a grand house, but I think people can still walk in and feel comfortable,” added Monica. “You can put your feet up on the coffee table, you’re not afraid to put a drink down.”

The couple appreciates the individuality of each home, crediting Allen for evolving with them, listening and introducing a different design perspective that worked for their lifestyle rather than replicating the same look. “Melissa heard our desires and wants,” said Monica. “She also heard what we weren’t saying because we couldn’t express what we meant or didn’t know the right term. Melissa stretched us a little bit. With every project there was one thing I wasn’t sure of, that I trusted her on and was so glad I did.”

Since its inception, Romanza Interior Design has proudly served as a leading provider of top-tier design solutions. Based in Naples, Fla., an award-winning team of designers excels in upscale residential interior design with a focus on refining details, selecting fabrics, curating furnishings, artwork and accessories, as well as advising on unique architectural detailing and design. Romanza is a trusted partner in realizing luxury dream homes and evolving existing spaces.

To discover an inspired design that’s a true reflection of personalized style, contact 239-596-1613 or visit Romanza.com.