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Spring 2021
FRESH TAKE A bayfront home receives an elegant makeover with designer finishes
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Seven years after building this custom home, Jay Anderson, owner and president of Edgewater Contractors, was contacted by the new owners who wanted to remodel it. Located on the north end of Longboat Key in Emerald Harbor, the exceptional property offers direct access to Sarasota Bay and has stunning water views from nearly every room. “This is the first time I’ve ever built and remodeled the same house,” says Anderson. “It was great to see it stand the test of time over the years. It was an interesting and fun project.” u
Front Entry: To lighten up the entryway, Anderson revamped and removed the heavier handrails and bases around the columns. He also installed soft external lighting, brought in lush, low-maintenance landscaping, and refinished the front doors. The doors are made of hand-carved impact glass and reclaimed cypress wood — the same material used to build the curved arbors that frame the garage doors.
As Featured in Home & Design
As Featured in Home & Design
Staircase: The custom freestanding staircase is original to the house and was specifically engineered without support underneath to create an open space. A faux finisher redid the white oak handrails and stringers in a darker metallic finish, leaving the stair treads untouched for heightened contrast and definition. An eye-catching light fixture adds the perfect finishing touch to the space. “The chandelier is made from a single strand of wood that is interwoven, creating a unique shape,” says Anderson.
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Both the interior and exterior were updated with elegant designer details throughout. Anderson changed all the decorative light fixtures — sourced through Light Up Your Life — for a fresh look, designed a custom kitchen hood with hammered metal detailing, and added new window treatments and automated shades. All the rooms were painted lighter colors to create a greater sense of connection and openness. “Before, each room had its own color and it felt like everything was divided,” he shares. “Now all the rooms have similar wall colors, which ties the interior together.” Anderson used the highest quality materials when he originally built the home, so elements such as the curved ceiling with exposed wood beams in the game room maintained their pristine condition. The French oak floors were rebuffed and oiled to restore their natural grandeur. “When we built the house, the homeowner wanted to have as close to a net-zero energy home as possible,” Anderson shares. “A lot of time and energy was put into the materials we selected, which enabled us to put
out a better product that stood the test of time.” n
The owner’s contributions to the décor and design were vital say the builder and architect. And she knew her mind. She wanted a “timeless” home—one in which accessories could be interchangeable. “I chose grays and white and relied on a variety of textures for interest and definition,” she says. From the 12 ft chandelier in the foyer to each of the furnishings, the home bears her imprint.
As Featured in Home & Design
This exceptional property offers direct access to Sarasota Bay and has stunning water views from nearly every room. As Featured in Home & Design
As Featured in Home & Design
As Featured in Home & Design
Rear Elevation: To make the area around the swimming pool feel less enclosed, Anderson removed the pool cage and installed a new welded aluminum handrailing. Exterior lighting was added and all of the railing and decks were replaced, including the observation deck above the master bedroom — the perfect spot for catching a Sarasota sunset. The exterior of the home was repainted the same color, which provided an instant refresh. “It was more of a facelift on the outside to bring everything back to 100 percent,” says Anderson.
Written by Kamala Kirk Photography by One Studio Productions | Anthony Tran Remodeling Contractor Edgewater Contractors 1777 Northgate Boulevard, Suite A7 Sarasota, FL 34234 941.366.1525 edgewatercontractors.com
Resources: Design Works 4500 Carmichael Avenue Sarasota, FL 34234 800.226.9434 floridadesignworks.com
Light Up Your Life 1620 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.330.0422 lights-sarasota.com
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