Blending Old World charm with modern design to create a polished and welcoming living space requires both bold choices and subtle nuances.
Rob Bowen, principal of the St. Petersburg-based Rob Bowen Design Group, achieved that balance by mixing neutral furniture and fabrics, reflective surfaces like mirrors and metals and textured wall treatments featuring graphic designs to compose an interior well suited to its upscale, metropolitan setting, while also providing a comfortable and welcoming living environment.
“We needed a level of warmth and sophistication so we layered in textures to make it all look timeless, but to also spark a bit of emotion due to the unexpected touches that make this place special,” Bowen said about the design project at Bliss condominium in St. Pete.
Residences within this downtown development include open great rooms, walls of windows and balconies with sweeping views of the city’s skyline and coast. The three bedroom, two-and-a half bathroom space owned by Bowen’s clients is configured to showcase not only the city’s scenic waterfront, but also the bustling thoroughfare of Beach Drive that is lined with popular restaurants and shops.
“This condo is deep urban living with lots of city vibes,” Bowen said. “As people walk in the front door, the dining room is what they first see from the hallway. We wanted it to look beautiful, but also feel familiar when their eyes land on it. That’s what makes a home feel like home.”
From the moment the elevator doors open to the vestibule, the tone for what awaits across the threshold is set. A zebra hide patterned rug, statement chandelier, dramatic bowl sculpture and a sketch signed by noted artist Dale Chihuly make an indelible impression, and a powerful statement, within a modest space. Just inside, the foyer features a wall display of local artists’ works that the clients collected themselves. he dining area features four wall-mounted antique mirrors that frame the incredible urban, bayfront view from the opposite side of the flat. Aside from the view, the eye is drawn up to the chandelier crafted from delicate strands of bronze, brass, nickel and iron draped over a metal frame. Flanking the waxed oak table are statement chairs made from hammered nickel. Classic slipcover dining chairs surround the rest of the table, adding a familiar and soft layer to the room.
The level of meticulous detailing follows through to the walls which are wrapped in woven seagrass with a bronze leaf reveal beneath.
“It feels rich and organic, but from far away seems soft without screaming for attention,” Bowen noted.
The kitchen exudes a homey yet modern feel that features open shelves and a backsplash assembled from glazed reclaimed, ribbed brick.
“Each brick is colored a little differently due to the variance in the glazing, which tells a story,” said Bowen who compares the exposed shelves to the welcoming nature of an Italian kitchen. “There is a modern but homey feel to the kitchen, a mix of clean modern with a warm, inviting and sophisticated vibe.”
The primary bedroom accommodates a cerused wood finished, four poster king-sized bed frame with a woven cane head- and foot-board that allows ample room for a chaise lounge and side table. A backdrop of wall-to-wall sliding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views that extend above and beyond roofs and treetops.
“The bedroom emulates being in a treehouse — it’s light and airy during the day. At night, once the heavy, metallic drapes are drawn, it transforms to this cozy and protected oasis,” Bowen said. Earth tones layered on top of a plush rug add to the comfort factor, while the legs on the side table resemble tree limbs for an organic touch. M
Rob Bowen Design Group
300 Beach Dr NE #111
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727.822.8200
Author: Mary Lou Janson
Photography: Harvey Smith
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