A change of plans by the Snell Isle property’s developer did more than just open the door to a new home for two prominent St. Petersburg businessmen and philanthropists. The interested buyers became the catalyst for transforming part of the residence into a world-class venue for art.
Pieces collected by the couple are now displayed much as they would be in a museum. Diverse works by global talents such as Andy Warhol and an unidentified Brazilian artist are boldly and brightly showcased while sharing living space with designer furnishings, handcrafted light fixtures and eye-catching custom rugs. Far from institutional, the result is lively and livable.
Faced with large, light-filled spaces featuring ceiling heights of 24 feet and sunlight streaming in through 10-foot tall windows, interior designer Rob Bowen fashioned a significant amount of the floor plan into a white box. The all-white concept is commonly employed by galleries and museums to emphasize the art.
An original painting by acclaimed Tampa-based artist Ya La’Ford prominently installed in the salon spans two stories. An upper level wall lining a walkway comfortably exhibits a collection of “American Signs” screen prints by artist Robert Cottingham. Bowen adopted a less is more approach to the interior design, focusing on a few significant items arranged to allow each piece ample room to breath and accentuate its true beauty.
“The challenge of designing for a large space is to scale the furnishings and features to the room without overwhelming the space,” said Bowen, principal of the Rob Bowen Design Group. “Each piece offers a strong point of view that can stand on its own. There is no need for filler or fluff.”
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The waterfront residence was nearly complete when the builder opted not to occupy the 6,330-square-foot custom home. Trevor Burgess, Gary Hess and their daughter Logan were living downtown when the West Indies-style home became available. Now, they enjoy backyard views of that same St. Petersburg skyline.
Drawing inspiration from those very views, Bowen intentionally overlaps natural hues of blue with similar shades existing in indoor elements. A chandelier of welded metal dangling above the salon and staircase mirrors colors reflected in the art, the sky and the bay.
“I wanted the walk up the stairs to be visually striking, but not distracting, from the overall sexiness of the home,” Bowen said. Another light fixture recalls kites in flight. A chandelier above a marble-topped dining table moves like a mobile and features lights delicately encased in stretched silk. Created by various artists, each of these lights were made specifically for the spaces occupied.
Polished porcelain tile and grey, distressed white oak wood account for much of the first floor flooring, but Bowen needed to make a massive statement in the salon. So, he set about designing the 24-foot circular rug that radiates bands of blue from its center. It’s a powerful piece, reminiscent of a ship’s compass.
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The overall mood dramatically changes with the textured walls, plush carpeting and varying shades of grey defining private spaces like the guest bedrooms. The lighter, softer mood is even echoed in a light fixture evocative of candlesticks. “It creates an inviting cocoon,” Bowen explained. “The contrast with the starkness of the widespread use of white makes it warmer and more intimate.”
The biggest departure from the downstairs museum vibe is a sitting room connected to the primary bedroom. Vivid colors highlight the wool and silk blend carpet. A wood veneer in shades of grey creates a puzzle-like pattern on the walls. Even the desk is more than a mundane place to work. It’s also an interactive piece of art.
“We wanted this space to ignite emotion. It’s a sitting room where you can work or read but also detach from the world,” Bowen said. M
Writer: Mary Lou Janson
Interior Design: Rob Bowen – Rob Bowen Design Group – 727.822.8200
Photography: Seamus Payne – www.seamuspayne.com
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