Condo features contemporary coastal design, with splashes of glitz and glamour.

Overlooking the shimmering Caribbean Sea, the condo owned and designed by Eric and Tracey Kline has almost as much sparkle as the glistening aqua water.

The kitchen.
The kitchen. Photos by Stephen Clarke.

Three dazzling pendant chandeliers take center stage above the island in the kitchen area and create a “wow” factor from the moment of entering this stylish residence.

“Most lights are pretty unremarkable when they are turned off, but these have a strong sculptural presence even when they aren’t switched on, which I love,” says Tracey. “Sure enough, everyone gasps when they walk into our home as they are one of the first items that catches their eye.”

These lights, which are formed by hand, are complemented by a corresponding chandelier that runs along the length of the rectangular dining table.

“I knew I wanted statement pieces and not just the typical skinny linear LED pendant lights that are so prevalent,” says Tracey, who sourced the chandeliers from the Maxim Lighting line.

Indeed, the lights set the stage for the coastal contemporary design that the Klines have chosen for the apartment they recently remodeled before moving in to live there.

“We love the airy, clean, bright style of coastal contemporary, which allows us to weave a soft, ocean palette throughout, with a nice clean base of white and driftwood grays,” explains Tracey.

The kitchen in the five-bed, three-bath residence exudes this style, featuring tall, white, contemporary shaker cabinetry and glass subway tiles supplied by Pooley Cabinets.

The varied mottled blues of the tiles give a nod to the sea without being too literal as is sometimes the case in a more-common aqua palette scheme.

“It provided us with an opportunity to work with a richer, more refined design that played well with the bright-white cabinetry and gray-wash, driftwood-esque flooring,” Tracey points out.

Black stainless appliances, which the Klines chose as an alternative to regular stainless steel, also add up-to-the minute appeal.

“We love the contrast that the black stainless provides as it isn’t too dark, like black would be, and isn’t the typical silver stainless, either,” says Tracey. “It has a special flair that is all its own, and it looks stunning in conjunction with the stark white cabinetry. It’s just beginning to gain popularity, which makes it fresh and new.”

And although the kitchen is small, it is compact, and still features a large-scale island with a full slab countertop and lots of drawer storage.

“I can see perfectly into the drawers for whatever it is that I am looking for; it’s an organizer’s dream,” says Tracey.

The dining table is another statement item of furnishing that Tracey sourced from an unassuming back-street store in Miami. It’s crafted from reclaimed railroad timbers with deep texture and color contrasting with the sparkly glass top.

“It’s a stunning and unique centerpiece to our dining area that helps to anchor the space with a depth of color that is the ideal contrast to the white-and-gray tones, and provides a pop of shine with the bright, shiny, silver legs,” she says.

Also adding a major punch of pizzazz is a full-size studio upright piano painted in a bright, glossy white, and played by the Kline’s son Cameron.

The focal point for the room is, of course, the stunning view framed by the hurricane-rated glass windows and sliding doors leading to the balcony, which Tracey refers to as a lanai.

“We also removed the screens to additionally highlight the stunning sea views, and keep anything from detracting from the pure, unobstructed view of the myriad tones of Caribbean blues in the distance,” explains Tracey.

The living area.
The living area.

The couple’s decision to install mottled-blue, sea-tone glass tiles played a pivotal role in the choice of area rugs, accent pieces, throw pillows and decorative sea creatures scattered with a light touch throughout the entire main living areas.

In keeping with this theme, a fresh silvery porcelain wood-look tile from Edie’s Décor was selected to lighten and brighten, while gray-wash cedar planking was added as a ceiling detail both outside and inside the condo.

“A full set of outdoor furniture in a durable, hand-woven commercial grade two-tone gray resin wicker really sets off the 300-square-foot lanai,” says Tracey. “It transforms it into a true outdoor living and dining space with comfortable, low maintenance weatherproof Sunbrella fabric foam cushions.”

Master bedroom.
Master bedroom.

The master bedroom also opens onto the balcony, allowing the couple to wake up to the stunning view every morning.

“It’s just a gorgeous display of blues and aquas, that lights up the whole space and instantly has a mood-uplifting effect,” says Tracey.

With storage space at premium, both the master and downstairs guest room have Murphy Door Closets with full length mirrored doors, show racks, a laundry hamper and shelves, which effectively help to double the amount of room.

Originally, a spiral staircase had provided access to the upper floor of the condo. However, the Klines decided to replace it with a mono-stringer glass stairway to improve the aesthetics.

“We love how it blends seamlessly into our design and adds a striking piece of sculpture to our space, yet it doesn’t take up as much room as one would think,” says Tracey.

The upper level houses Cameron’s insulated music room, where he can practice the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, the piano and the drums. There is also a gathering space with a sleeper-sofa, a third guest bedroom and a laundry area.

Master bathroom.
Master bathroom.

As Eric and Tracey own and run the design/build company Encompass, the challenge of creating their own home was helped by the fact they have similar tastes.

“It’s crazy how in tune we are with our preferences and selections, so that definitely helped to keep the marital aspect of the renovation on an even keel,” says Tracey. “We are incredibly happy and proud of the way it ultimately turned out.”