Naples Residence

Gazing out the fifteenth floor window, the views of the Gulf Coast are stunning. But the view looking in? Not so inspiring. Built in 2000, the apartment in this Naples high-rise had never been remodeled, and looked it. It was all drab neutral tones, with no particular flow.

Designer Tom Bauer had a vision for a complete transformation, something that would make the space more livable, more exciting and relevant for decades to come. The kitchen would be the centerpiece of the renovation, but the composition of the entire apartment would change. Certain limitations would have to be overcome: the ceiling height was relatively low at nine feet, and existing plumbing lines, chases and exhaust locations had to remain in their original location.

Sub-Zero integrated refrigeration played a key role in Bauer’s plan, providing the genesis for the design of a floating appliance/pantry/storage wall that is the focal point of the kitchen. The reflective quality of the stainless steel reflects natural light into the kitchen from the window walls in the adjacent den and breakfast spaces. The tubular handles create a rhythm and continuity along the wall and within the work zone of the kitchen. A walnut wood trim provides dramatic contrast, and walnut wood panels also spill into the breakfast room and den.

To create the illusion of a higher ceiling, Bauer used a walnut-paneled light bridge that extends from the front entry through the dining room and over the appliance wall into the kitchen.

In addition to the double oven and microwave on the appliance wall, the kitchen also features a Wolf 36” induction cooktop, a superior alternative to the standard electric cooktop, since gas is not available in the building. The reflective glass top and classic stainless steel edge band ties the product into the overall design in a sleek, sophisticated way.

Perhaps the highest compliment that can be paid to Bauer’s transformative design is that now, the interior views are just as stunning as the exterior ones – even at sunset.