P
ositioned in a sub-tropical climate, where days average around
seventy-degrees, most Florida coastal homes are designed around
the lush out-of-doors, a major part of our living space. Courtyards
and patios become true extensions of interiors, presenting multiple seating
vignettes, dining and entertaining areas.
Sarasota landscape architect, Michael A. Gilkey, whose firm specializes in
modern, sustainable garden design, speaks to his approach for designing
outdoor living spaces, "The art of transforming a home by making its existing
landscape more functional and aesthetically pleasing encompasses creating
the emotion of a landscape, on even the smallest scale. Due to our sub-tropical
climate, many homeowners are looking for hardscape features that reflect
their natural surroundings. Water elements are now very popular as is garden
sculpture. The key to developing a great outdoor living space is
to first to establish a solid design concept and, if possible, work in
concert with what's already there."
With the charm of a well-defined landscape and the merriment
happening outside, no one wants to remain inside to prepare meals.
Thankfully, the convenience of an outside kitchen provides the ideal
additional gathering place for food, fun and conversation. Family and guests
easily transition from gathering around the hub of the indoor kitchen island,
to an outside fully-equipped and personalized built-in barbecue and bar,
Page 17: Golf course home at The
Oaks Club. Represented by Nicole
Hammons-Dovgopolyi, Realtor,
Michael Saunders & Company
MichaelSaudners.com
Top: Exquisite Old Naples Seaside
Estate Represented by:
Bill Earls, Realtor, BillEarls.com
John R Wood Realtors
Right: Lagoon pool on Siesta Key
Represented by Karen Greco and
Kelly Turner, Realtors,
Michael Saunders & Company
MichaelSaudners.com
FloridaHomesMag.com | 19
