LUXURY BEACH LIVING

Chances are if you blink, you’ll most likely be driving to the beach. As we approach the season of fun and sun, we reached out to interior designer, Cindy Meador, for an inside peak into one of her luxury beach condominium design projects to see the latest design trends and how our days off could look even brighter.  From the fresh air up there to the spacious floor plans that beckon clean coastal décor, why go far to get what’s right here? And the best part is, you can make it your own.

By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

Using the phrase “where modern luxury meets the Gulf, Cindy’s clients, the Payne’s, couldn’t have picked a better spot. “Portico at Perdido is an incredible, modern, boutique condominium that sits on its own private beach. Dripping in amenities, it includes an outdoor infinity- style pool, an indoor lounge and heated pool, a fitness center, and stunning views. “Since this building is for owners only, our clients wanted to tailor their condo to reflect their personal vacation style. They envisioned a modern costal feel, with a nod to palm beach design. Additionally, they wanted a place for family members to visit and enjoy the beach and have as much fun inside as they do outside,” Cindy tells us.

A mentor to many, Cindy’s all female team has mentioned their gratitude for her guidance and opportunities. “Brianna Key is such a talented designer, and she worked so hard to ensure everything was just perfect for our clients. One of my former designers, Allyn Cameron, also worked with us on this project and on five other Portico units. She has since gone out on her own to form Allyn Cameron Interiors and we couldn’t be more excited for her,” Cindy beams.

In agreement, Brianna shares, “I admire Cindy because she has built an incredible, successful business and an environment that is filled with a wonderful group of women. Cindy cares so much about her employees and I feel so blessed to be one of them. We clicked from the start and now she puts things on my plate and trusts me to handle them. It is great to be in an environment where your boss lets you be creative, empowers you, and makes work fun!” 

Since the condo was being outfitted while the building was being completed, Cindy and her team had to be organized. “When working in a new building, we are on their schedule and there are always hiccups. We worked together with the contractor, BL Harbert, to help knockout a punch list, and solve challenges as quickly as possible for our clients. Cindy’s long-term relationship with Kathy Justice and Team, the real estate agents of Portico at Perdido, helped ensure all the different contractors in the building were working together and helped us in any way,” Brianna tells us. 

But all that behind-the-scenes hustle and bustle aside, Cindy shares, “One of our favorite elements of this space is the foyer with the palm wallpaper. The contrast between the blue and white paper and the lacquered navy center table makes a huge impact when you open the front door.” 

From Brianna’s perspective, she adds, “I designed this entrance to prepare people for the fun they can look forward to throughout the entire space. With Cindy for two years, I love our clients! It’s always fun to work with people who pay attention to the details and want to push the design boundaries. Jennifer, the homeowner, was always so excited for the next steps or selection review. Her excitement made us excited, and she was truly a joy to work with.” 

A master of color and texture, Cindy shares, “The condo came pre-painted, and the finishes were also preselected. We wanted to take the base of the condo and elevate it through furnishings, textiles, art, and accessories. This meant that each selection needed to be intentionally chosen to play off the next. We used everything from grass cloth credenzas, and three-dimensional art to embroidered pillow trims and dramatic drapes to create interest in the space.”

As for a favorite design aspect, Brianna shares, “Lighting was an important part of this project. This client loves lighting, and every fixture was selected to enhance each individual room. The white lacquered coral chandelier in the primary bedroom is my favorite as it adds a touch of whimsey to the more sophisticated fabrics.”

With the belief that when a person buys a property, it should reflect themselves and the way they live or want to live, Brianna says, “When designing a home away from home, we love to help our clients create a space that depicts their style but doesn’t look like their primary residence. Condos and second homes can be so much fun because people like to go out of the box a bit.” 

Getting specific, Cindy shares, “When planning the design for a luxury beach condo, I always look for the opportunity to incorporate unique artwork like a vintage print. It adds a bit of fun to the space and starts a lot of conversations! Additionally, adding subtle coastal elements, not the shells and fish of the past, helps to bring the outside indoors without being too literal. From the palm leaf motifs used throughout to the sunny accent pieces and cool blue hues, it says beach in an elegant and sophisticated manner. The custom blend of textures and patterns adds just the right amount of contrast and gives the eye a place to land and focus in each room. Also, the use of high-end light fixtures and mirrors always make a space seem big and airy.” 

The final result included happy clients and many future condo projects for Cindy and her team. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Cindy and her team. From the very beginning, they understood our vision of creating a modern coastal getaway that captured the unique personality of our family. The team’s attention to detail and professionalism provided an incredibly smooth and rewarding experience which was also fun along the way! No detail was overlooked and we are thrilled with how everything turned out!” Jennifer Payne shares. 

Concluding, Cindy explains, “Condominiums take a special skill from a design standpoint. Every item in the space must have a purpose as clutter detracts from the functionality. With a keen eye, we question and edit accordingly, and we can be quite ruthless when need be! Afterall, these are typically spaces where families build memories — we just help them do it in style.”

Cindy Meador Interiors

25299 Canal Road Suite A-4 Orange Beach, AL 36561

251.974.1907

CindyMeador.com

@cindyminterior