A Palm Beach Residence

Inside a charming 1950s-style vacation home in Palm Beach, Florida, designer Monique Gibson has imagined a universe where whimsy and color reign supreme.

The story of this residence is, above all, one of metamorphosis. The clients have been loyal patrons of the designer for nearly a decade. For this new project, the New York-based homeowners wanted a radical shift in direction. Leaving behind the gray tones and wintry feel of the East Coast, this Florida project was designed as a celebration of joy, color, and family life.

To fulfill this desire for intimacy and togetherness, the layout of the period building was completely rethought. Formal reception spaces made way for a large, warm family room, and the furniture was rearranged to offer a breathtaking view of the ocean. Monique Gibson commissioned a custom floral rug, inspired by a Christian Bérard creation for Nelson Rockefeller, with patterns that extend as a mural onto the walls. The family room, the true challenge of the project, was entrusted to artist Humberto Ramirez. There, he painted a fantastical landscape teeming with playful details: a dancing iguana, a monkey riding a deer, and even a mischievous cat that seems to travel from one room to another.

To complement this quest for comfort and elegance, our ateliers were called upon to create several centerpiece elements for the house. Our contribution centered on the creation of custom furniture and the restoration of vintage treasures. Our artisans completely handcrafted three new bespoke sofas that furnish the main living spaces. Inspired by the shades of ocean sunsets, these sofas were meticulously upholstered in sumptuous fabrics from Maison Pierre Frey, offering the owners the perfect sanctuary for their reading evenings. We also created custom tufted cushions for elegant metal ottomans. Designed to be both beautiful and functional, the latter slide discreetly under the coffee table of the main room. As the layout blends contemporary pieces with historic design, our ateliers had the privilege of restoring several vintage armchairs—notably pieces signed by Gio Ponti—thereby restoring their former glory while integrating them perfectly into the home's new color palette.

When the final result was unveiled, the family's joy was palpable, almost contagious. Monique Gibson, who believes a home should be a reflection of its owners, perfectly captures the spirit of this project “I tell stories that are both practical and poetic. I consider my job well done when I succeed in telling theirs. And the joy of living that radiates from these people is beautiful.”