Grayton Beach has been a coastal resort in one form or another for more than a century. Decades before Seaside existed—when 30A was a less-traveled county road, not a world-class destination—the gleaming emerald waters and sugar-white sand lured adventurous travelers to this unique stretch of the Florida Panhandle. Over the years, the laid-back, romantic appeal of Grayton Beach never wavered.
That’s exactly what prompted clients of interior designer Georgia Carlee to purchase property in 30A’s first beach town.The couple’s original plan was to build a spec house, but while construction was underway, they fell in love with the property’s sheltering oaks, as well as its location just steps from Western Lake and the Gulf. Their mindset shifted as they began customizing the project for themselves.
“The overall floor plan was well-thought-out, particularly with the inclusion of separate guest suites for each grown son, along with a generous pool and deck area. But it needed the attention to detail typically seen in a true custom home design.” – Georgia Carlee
Ten years earlier, Georgia had designed the couple’s WaterColor home, so they were confident the designer could capitalize their investment. “The shell of the building was in place,” recalls Georgia. She got to work upgrading finishes, fixtures, materials, and details throughout.
The designer also added some drama as she balanced a mix of modern verve, collected art and antiques, and coastal sensibilities. The main spaces are located on the second floor, so Georgia created a gracious first impression in the foyer with a welcoming procession up through the house. An open stairway bathed in natural light ascends to the generous loft like living area that happily accommodates cooking, dining, and living.
“A sleek, black Venetian plaster range hood and oversized gold-and-black cabinet hardware offer visual counterpoints to the white cabinets that were already specified,”
– Georgia Carlee
Living areas flow one to another, organically designated by layered details and furniture placement. A black accent wall with a built-in buffet echoing the mood and manners of the kitchen defines the inviting dining area. A large window with sheer curtains and floating shelves for storage and display enliven the space.
The soothing palette of neutral hues mixed with blacks and whites manages to both hush and highlight the natural materials and other details. A monolithic Venetian plaster fireplace and a charcoal gray rug anchor the main living area. Linen-and cotton-upholstered seating in textured neutrals offers both practicality and beauty. Fostering a seamless interchange between indoors and out, expansive windows and French doors open to an elevated pool deck and covered lounge area.
“A space truly comes alive when you layer in textures, creating visual interest and a comforting, tactile richness.”
– Georgia Carlee
The same vocabulary of textures, layered finishes, and confident strokes of black and white continues in the primary suite, creating a serene mood. Tall windows, a favorite photograph of Western Lake above the bed, and matching end tables with an ornate bone- inlaid pattern complement another black accent wall.
Georgia emphasizes that finding a balance between comfort and creativity is important in any home. In this case, modern flourishes meld with refined finishes for a laid-back spirit with coastal overtures—a style that nods to both its setting and the desires of its owners.
Resources
Interior design: Georgia Carlee, Georgia Carlee Interiors Primary bedroom art: Carmody Baker (Western Lake photograph), IG: @carmodybaker
