The People, Places and Pieces of Paradise Table Talk - Food & Wine Issue Savoring Sea-to-Table Traditions and Culinary Creativity ALFRESCO: San Carlos Bay's sculptural symphony gloriablack.com

DESIGN OVERHAUL DESIGNER GLORIA BLACK UNLEASHES HER TALENTS FOR TRANSFORMATION ON A 1930S-ERA HOME IN STUART Proof that change can be good is on display at an 11,000-square-foot home in Stuart that had once been a 1930s Dorothy Draper-inspired palace of bright pinks and deep greens. Over the years, the maximalist touches that had defined the residence as a classic beauty in its heyday became antiquated, and its closed-off interiors, outdated technology, and lack of connection with the outdoors made it unsuitable for modern living. Then, interior designer Gloria Black stepped into the picture. This home was very much a shrine to its time when you first visited it, wasn’t it? Yes. You could tell the house had been all the rage when it was built; it featured the bold design choices that you see in classic films. It had been lived and loved for many years by the previous owners. You had to admire that. Did you immediately know what design direction you were going to take with the renovation? When I entered the space, I knew it could be transitioned to French Moderne. The house has great bones, and there were beautiful millwork details I wanted to keep. With historic structures like this one, the classic architecture can create a beautiful backdrop for the latest furnishings, and that allows for a wonderful fusion of classic and modern. What did your client ask for? He wanted the house to be relatively neutral and to ensure the vast space would not feel bare or empty. And he wanted furnishings and finishes that would engage the eye. What was your approach to textures? Those were essential as without the right ones the space would feel cavernous. I opted for fabrics that were supple and comfortable to the touch, and because the space receives such gorgeous sun, I used fabrics that reflect light. There is so much furniture throughout this home. What guided your selections? Furnishings were very important because without the right ones, the space would have felt cluttered or out of proportion. Most of the items were cus

STRUCTURE AWAITS 7 Architects You Need to Know DESIGN CHAMPIONS A look at the Gulf coast Winners of Florida Design's 2024 Seaglass Awards GLORIA BLACK DESIGN • Interior Use of Stone or Tile • Interior Flooring • Condo Balcony or Terrace • Traditional/Transitional Study or Office • Use of Custom Furniture • Driveway Design Naples designer Gloria Black won the top honor in six of the Seaglass Awards categories. Here are her amended statements about each of the winning entries. On Interior Use of Stone or Tile: “Meticulous site measures were taken to make the entire room appear as if it was effortlessly draped in exotic marble.” On Interior Flooring: “Previously smothered in marble, this Stuart home now displays alluring oak floors in varying layouts to create special moments.” On Condo Balcony or Terrace: “Our careful use of color, texture, and plant life brought new life to this otherwise bare balcony in Bonita Springs.” On Traditional/Transitional Study or Office: “The design of this home library in Stuart features gorgeous original crown molding, creamy herringbone wood floors, and ambient lighting.” On Use of Custom Furniture: “We brought in modernized furnishings that would stand out against the residence’s classical architecture to craft a story of creativity.” On Driveway Design: “Before we became involved, the driveway of this Hutchinson Island home was tired. I wanted to infuse a modern French aesthetic, so we expanded the width and finished it with custom pavers in contrasting colors to add interesting shapes.” gloriablack.com

This summer, we are celebrating Florida's top design talents who were recently recognized at the second annual Seaglass Awards Traditional/Transitional Study or Office GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Working From Home "The design of this home library in Stuart features gorgeous original crown molding, creamy herringbone wood floors, and ambient lighting," says designer Gloria Black. "The sleek modern desk impresses with its high-gloss lacquered legs and the lounge chairs perfectly mimic the curvature of the desk and architecture throughout. The mobile light fixture above acts as its own art installation in the space, while the cove lighting softly complements it." gloriablack.com

This summer, we are celebrating Florida's top design talents who were recently recognized at the second annual Seaglass Awards Use of Custom Furniture GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Bespoke Best "Custom furniture makes all the difference in this Hutchinson Island home," says designer Gloria Black. "We brought in modernized furnishings that would stand out against the residence's classical architecture to craft a story of creativity. One example of this is the foyer, where a hand-carved table with a perused ebony base and a marble top give a preview of the furniture story to come. gloriablack.com

Winner: GLORIA BLACK DESIGN, Writer's Repose Check out these photos from Writer's Repose

This summer, we are celebrating Florida's top design talents who were recently recognized at the second annual Seaglass Awards Interior Use of Stone or Tile GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Marvel of Marble "I personally selected the slabs of stone that we used to wrap the surfaces of the bathroom to ensure they complemented the classical architecture of the house in Stuart," says designer Gloria Black. "Meticulous site measures were taken to make the entire room appear as if it was effortlessly draped in exotic marble." Interior Flooring GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Oak Transformation "Previously smothered in marble that was either white and green or a deep salmon pink, this Stuart home now displays alluring oak floors in varying layouts to create special moments throughout the expansive property," says designer Gloria Black. "Wherever we didn't use oak, we opted for stone or other surfaces in varying shades of white, charcoal and black." gloriablack.com

BATHROOM Living their dream in a modern Bonita Springs, Florida, penthouse, these owners enjoy 180-degree views of protected marshlands. Sleek furnishings in this power bath complement the breathtaking environment, while custom accents add comfort and soften the home's modern lines. JEWEL BOX SPACES Modern art shines bright in the gallery of a Bonita Springs, Florida, penthouse courtesy of dark walls and sleek lighting. Pieces like the abstract runner lend a whimsical edge to the moody ambience. gloriablack.com

BATHROOM Living their dream in a modern Bonita Springs, Florida, penthouse, these owners enjoy 180-degree views of protected marshlands. Sleek furnishings in this power bath complement the breathtaking environment, while custom accents add comfort and soften the home's modern lines. JEWEL BOX SPACES Modern art shines bright in the gallery of a Bonita Springs, Florida, penthouse courtesy of dark walls and sleek lighting. Pieces like the abstract runner lend a whimsical edge to the moody ambience. gloriablack.com

Summer Splendor | Over-the-top Style in Delray Beach, Sophisticated Seaside Charm in Boca Grande, Makeover Magic in Ponte Vedra Beach Interior Use of Stone or Tile GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Marvel of Marble “I personally selected the slabs of stone that we used to wrap the surfaces of the bathroom to ensure they complemented the classical architecture of this house in Stuart,” says designer Gloria Black. “Meticulous site measures were taken to make the entire room appear as if it was effortlessly draped in exotic marble.” Interior Flooring GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Oak Transformation “Previously smothered in marble that was either white and green or a deep salmon pink, this Stuart home now displays alluring oak floors in varying layouts to create special moments throughout the expansive property,” says designer Gloria Black. “Wherever we didn’t use oak, we opted for stone or other surfaces in varying shades of white, charcoal, and black.” Condo Balcony or Terrace GLORIA BLACK DESIGN New Heights “Perched on the penthouse floor and overlooking a protected wetland, this terrace in Bonita Springs dazzles with an out-of-this-world view,” says designer Gloria Black. “Our careful use of color, texture, and plant life brought new life to this otherwise bare space. The fabrics and rug were chosen to perfectly coordinate with the interior palette, and the outdoor furniture was kept minimalistic to keep the focus on the spectacular view.” Traditional/Transitional Study or Office GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Working From Home “The design of this home library in Stuart features gorgeous original crown molding, creamy herringbone wood floors, and ambient lighting,” says designer Gloria Black. “The sleek modern desk impresses with its high-gloss lacquered legs and the lounge chairs perfectly mimic the curvature of the desk and architecture throughout. The mobile light fixture above acts as its own art installation in the space, while the cove lighting softly complements it.” Use of Custom Furniture GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Bespoke Best “Custom furn

Vibrant Homes on the Gulf Coast Welcome the New Season Naples Home Tour Step inside the City's Chicest Rooms Material Connection AS NAPLES DESIGNER GLORIA BLACK SEES IT, WHEN IT COMES TO TEXTURES, THE MORE, THE BETTER Let’s dig right into it. What’s your approach when it comes to textures in interior design? Give me all of them. There’s so much variation that you could never exhaust the options. Not only that, but texture gives you the option of completely transforming something by changing only one element, the material chosen. Imagine a high-gloss, lacquered handcarved table. Then imagine that same exact table but make the texture a rough-hewn reclaimed hardwood with a matte finish. It’s night and day! What are some of the materials you like to work with and why? Wood is one of my absolute favorites. There’s so much you can do with it, from flooring to moldings, doors, cabinetry, furniture, beams, columns… You can stain it, paint it, leave it untreated, burn it, wire-brush it, the list goes on. It feels amazing under feet, and it absorbs sound and impact. I’m also obsessed with stone. You can have the most jagged of stones on the exterior of a magnificent building and that same stone could be cut and polished to be a gorgeous stone floor inside. Are there any rules you follow when it comes to textures? When it comes to floors, I’m adamant that what’s being used is going to be appropriate for the environment. It really irks me when I see a super smooth tile in an area that really should have some texture for safety. Some designers don’t think about those things when they’re making selections. They choose based on looks only, and once it’s been installed, they don’t realize they’re headed for disaster. What do you prefer in terms of fabrics? I love a fuzzy item, so whenever I can implement some bouclé, faux fur, or sheepskin I do it because it makes a space immediately cozy. Are there any you stay away from? If it’s scratchy, count me out. Some textiles, while beautiful, aren’t worth their unpleasant texture.

Autumn In Paradise Spectacular Residences in Old Naples, Marco Island & Sanibel. CULTURE BASH A Dive Into the Gulf Coast's Art Scene MATTERS OF STRUCTURE Category: Traditional/Transitional Architecture Above 4,000 Square Feet Winner: Gloria Black Design “With this Naples project, we endeavored to achieve classical architectural elements mixed with fresh, clean furnishings and finishes,” says designer Gloria Black. “What we have is a mix of old and new as a way to honor history while enhancing it for today’s lifestyle. As the homeowners are from New England, I wanted them to feel at home, so this new estate embodies classical features that make it feel as if it has been where it is for years.” gloriablack.com THE SHAPE OF WATER Category: Pool Design | Winner: Gloria Black Design “The lot for this Naples residence was chosen specifically to maximize the homeowners’ love of the outdoors and provide them with ample space to do most of their living outside with their ever-growing family and friends,” says designer Gloria Black. “As far as the pool goes, all parties involved agreed that an organic design with a curved edge was the way to go. We wanted a shape to complement the curvilinear design of the home and to make the pool deck feel like a beach club. The organic design accomplished all that.” gloriablack.com INSIDE STORY Category: Traditional/Transitional Living Room Winner: Gloria Black Design “For this Naples home, I wanted to present classical architectural elements mixed with fresh, clean furnishings and finishes,” says designer Gloria Black. “One of the directives from the homeowners that was not up for discussion was to create several spacious hubs for entertaining. The first of these is the formal living room, where we installed a 15-footwide fireplace that’s surrounded by book-matched blue calcite. Not only is it a showstopping focal point, but it’s also incredibly calming. Because the owners resonated with tones of cornflower and sky blue, we used as much exotic stone in these tranquil hues as possible

STAR QUALITY Florida Design held its first annual Seaglass Awards with a cocktail reception, dinner, and awards presentation at The Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach. The evening brought together dozens of Florida’s top interior designers and architects who were recognized by the magazine in a variety of categories. The program began with a Q&A moderated by Editor-in-Chief Luis R. Rigual with interior designer Thom Filicia (who also served as one of the awards’ six judges) and was followed by the presentation of the honors, which were handed out by Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos and Publisher Terry Duffy. Plans for next year’s gathering are already underway. Photo: Gloria Black and Jacob Lewis GLORIA BLACK DESIGN

Traditional/Transitional Architecture (above 4,000 square feet) GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Northern Appeal “With this Naples project, I endeavored to achieve classical architectural elements mixed with fresh, clean furnishings and finishes,” says designer Gloria Black. “What we have is a mix of old and new as a way to honor history while enhancing it for today’s lifestyle. As the homeowners are from New England, I wanted them to feel at home, so the new estate embodies classical features that make it feel as if it has been where it is for years.” gloriablack.com PHOTOS BY LORI HAMILTON Traditional/Transitional Bar GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Pull Up a Seat “One of the many centerpieces in this Naples residence is the bar, which is positioned off the dining room,” says designer Gloria Black. “Inspired by the opulent hotel bars in my native Chicago, I created a patterned wood ceiling and an antiqued mirrored wine display. The bar really sets the tone for the rest of the home. Not only does the design offer a sense of old meets new, but it also reflects the artwork and structural elements beyond the space, making it feel even more expansive and intriguing to visiting family and friends.” Traditional/Transitional Living Room GLORIA BLACK DESIGN Inside Story “For this Naples home, I wanted to present classical architectural elements mixed with fresh, clean furnishings and finishes,” says designer Gloria Black. “One of the directives from the homeowners that was not up for discussion was to create several spacious hubs for entertaining. The first of these is the formal living room, where we installed a 15-footwide fireplace that’s surrounded by book-matched blue calcite. Not only is it a showstopping focal point, but it’s also incredibly calming. Because the owners resonated with tones of cornflower and sky blue, we used as much exotic stone in these tranquil hues as possible. Other elements that bear mention here include the swiveling club chairs and plush sectional from RC Furniture, and the pair of cocktail ottomans that I desig

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The Home Edit Mood-boosting room redos gloriablack.com

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Grab your favorite beverage and get inspired to create a stylish and inviting drink station at home. This Trending Now story features the most-saved home bar photos uploaded to Houzz since Jan. 1, 2021. A home bar as swanky as this one designed for a house in Miami could make you forget about ever going out to a nightclub. GLORIA BLACK DESIGN gave it a dark marble countertop with a waterfall edge, a trio of chandeliers and a backlit wall for displaying bottles to provide tons of drama and glam. Other notable features include a pair of sinks (one in the back counter and one in the front) and four white leather bar stools that provide cozy and stylish seating. Design-Build by GLORIA BLACK DESIGN

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