Mid-Century Oceanfront in the Florida Keys Showcased on SoFlo Home
Kevin took this 1950’s beachfront home compound in Tavernier Key, Key Largo, which was heavily altered-in the ’80s and completely gutted and restored the home to its original Mid-Century glory. The home features two boat docks and a private beach.
The team at Kevin Gray Design was honored and thrilled that SoFlo Home Project selected our Florida Keys oceanfront gut and rebuild on Key Largo to profile on the TV show. Airing July 20 at 11 am on Chanel 10 (WPLG), the program features design expert Martin Amado who transforms homes and lives throughout South Florida.
Main House
Photography by Robin Hill
Oceanfront beach house in Key Largo, Florida, restored by Kevin Gray Design
KGD wanted to save iconic parts of the house and preserve the original pitched cedar ceilings and restore them to their original state.
Original Pitched ceiling with cedar shingles.
We added a “Florida Room” to the ocean-side of the main house which added a gracious living room to the main house. Above the Florida Room, we created a private roof terrace off the upper master bedroom suite and private TV room overlooking the beach and keys.
“Mid-Century design should be a mix of styles to achieve a good customized feel. By all means, avoid copies. They don’t last. Pick furniture that works for the house, the flow, the view, the light.”
– Kevin Gray
Kevin extended the roof by cantilevering over the terrace, providing shelter from the Florida sun. The roof to the master bedroom suite overlooking the pool roof was pitched to 18-foot angle to align with the main house with exposed oak ceilings.
Private Covered deck added off the Master Bedroom
New hurricane impact windows and sliding doors were installed throughout as well as solar shades to protect the home from the Florida weather. A new pool and deck were designed in black granite finish to offset the colors of the ocean.
The main stairway and catwalks were stripped of all their decorative colonial wood. KGD left the cantilevered exposed concrete steps and custom-designed a steel and tension cable balustrade with wood cap rail to add a unique element reflecting a mid-century ocean liner element throughout the Main House and Guest House addition.
Catwalk with custom-designed steel and tension cable railing.
The 1980’s arch addition to the front door of the house was removed and a large square picture window was installed to capture views of sunsets and palm trees.
The kitchen and all bathrooms were gutted and redesigned with all-new material and appliances. Porcelain sandstone floors were reinstalled throughout the main house.
Restored kitchen and dining room at Tavernier Key
Master bedroom with angle roof looking out to the pool
The bathrooms were designed to mimic the colors of the ocean, with stacked light blue and green glass tile, creating an underwater effect.
The main house was furnished with vintage mid-century masters from Gio Ponti, Pace, Breuton, Paul Evan, and a Murano chandelier. For the two-story entrance hall, Kevin commissioned David Weeks in NYC custom-build a mobile light fixture alongside a vintage 80’s large scale bronze Soleil.
The restored oceanfront home was decorated with vintage and mid-century furnishings.
Guest House
Photography by Robin Hill
KGD and team custom-designed the new guest house in Modern Style, which won approval 5-0 from the landmark commission for the Preservation of the Florida Keys.
Guesthouse custom-designed by Kevin Gray
Kevin and his team took over the roof area of the existing 2 car garage and designed a two-bedroom guesthouse with a bathroom, living room, kitchen, and dining area. The entire ceiling of the guest house was pitched to a soaring 18 feet to align with the main house master bedroom and used oak planks which were left exposed and coated with flat sealer. Each of the two bedrooms has private terraces with large sliding doors overlooking the garden courtyard and out to the ocean and breezes.
Guesthouse with mid-century furnishings
The existing 2 car garage underneath the guesthouse was reconfigured to align with the terraces above and KGD added new horizontal Reysta recycled wood doors, reconfigured to align with the upper balconies.
Guesthouse bedroom with private balcony
Each of the guesthouse bedrooms has a private balcony
All new impact windows and doors were installed throughout and central air conditioning was installed. Concrete porcelain floors and motorized solar shades were installed in the guest house Ceiling fans with lights were added to all rooms.
The guest house has Mid-Century furnishings from Fontana D’Arte, Max Ingrand, Milou Bauman and Paul Frankle.
Before & After
The Before & After photos demonstrate the extent of the transformation to this now beautiful and welcoming home.
BEFORE & AFTER: Tavernier Key Home Restored by Kevin Gray Design Featured on SoFlo Home
BEFORE & AFTER: Kitchen of Tavernier Key Home Restored by Kevin Gray Design Featured on SoFlo Home
BEFORE & AFTER: Staircase of Tavernier Key Home Restored by Kevin Gray Design Featured on SoFlo Home
See more: Key Harbor, Florida Keys Gut Rehab by Kevin Gray Design
Watch Kevin Gray Design on SoFlo Home project July 20 at 11 am on WPLG Channel 10 in South Florida.
