The Love Nest
Longboat Key, Florida
Less than 150 steps from the Gulf of Mexico, this 1974 condominium had been in the same family's hands since the day it was built. When this elusive property came on the market for the first time in over 50 years, the choice was easy. We called it The Love Nest from the start, and that set the tone for everything.
They were looking for something fun. A place to step away from full, demanding lives and simply enjoy being here — morning walks on the beach, cocktails with friends, cozy dinners for two. We wanted to honor the architecture and era of the building, but not take it too seriously. It needed to feel collected, relaxed, and just a little unexpected. A space that could hold both a lively evening and a slow morning without missing a beat.
What followed was a complete renovation, interrupted more than once by hurricanes, which only made us more committed to getting it right.
The lofted layout meant the main level functioned as one continuous space, so every decision had to work harder. We created distinct areas for cooking, dining, lounging, and working, while still allowing the home to feel open and easy to move through. Storage was thoughtfully integrated wherever possible, often in ways that feel invisible at first glance.
Throughout the condo, the material palette quietly references the building’s 1970s roots. Floor tile imported from Italy offers a fresh interpretation of classic parquet flooring and runs throughout nearly the entire home. In the lounge area, a dramatic floor-to-ceiling terrazzo fireplace wall from Artistic Tile became the focal point of the space, grounding the room with texture and scale. A curved Roche-Bobois sofa upholstered in slate scuba fabric provides flexible seating for both intimate evenings and larger gatherings, paired with vintage Baker brass chairs reupholstered in plush velvet.
The kitchen was carefully designed to feel open and functional for two enthusiastic cooks without overwhelming the relatively compact footprint. High-gloss cabinetry subtly reflects both the Gulf and surrounding greenery, helping the space feel brighter and more expansive throughout the day. The backsplash tile was one of the boldest decisions in the project and ultimately became one of its defining features. Inspired by the colors and movement of the Gulf, the mosaic combines sandy neutrals, deep browns, and watery blues in a way that feels playful, layered, and sophisticated. The builder fought the selection tooth and nail, convinced it was too risky, but by the end of the project, even he admitted it completely made the space! Paired with the warm wood shelving and reflective cabinetry, it brings personality and energy into the kitchen.
Nearby, a tucked-away sexy mirrored bar with open shelving, a beverage fridge, and even a lava lamp invites casual cocktail mixing without interrupting activity in the kitchen. It’s easily become everyone's favorite spot in the house.
Upstairs, the transformation was even more significant. What had once been several closed-off rooms became an airy lofted retreat with a raised ceiling and carefully integrated storage throughout. The primary bath combines warm copper-toned vertical tile, soft neutral stone, patterned flooring, and custom illuminated medicine cabinets that conceal charging stations and everyday necessities behind the scenes. Nearby, the open closet and shelving were thoughtfully designed around travel habits and storage needs.
The loft bedroom itself balances openness with intimacy through a canopy bed layered with rich textiles, sculptural lighting, and warm wood slat detailing. Throughout the home, original artwork sourced from auctions and vintage dealers adds another layer of personality and history to the space.
There is not a single part of this home that was not reconsidered. But what matters most is how it feels now. It is not a condo anymore. It is a place that reflects them — how they live, how they relax, and how they want to spend their time when they are here.
