When your client has a Passion for Purple
The renovation of a Beachside home.
A Passion for Purple
Our very first issue of Vero Home, Life & Design – the predecessor of the current Home Life and Design featured a home renovation project on the cover. I worked with Denise, the homeowner to create the purple paradise she was looking for.
This photo shoot was the first group project for all of us at VHL&D. It was the first of many to come, and I think if you look at all our work together, we got better with every new photo shoot. Still the first always holds a fond memory in my mind.
Interiors by Vero Beach Interior Designer Jill Shevlin.
We did a little Q&A with Denise about her newly renovated “dream home”
How long have you lived in Vero? What brought you here?
In March of this year – after almost 30 years with my company including six moves/six states and a lot of travel, I decided to retire to my “forever home” and plant roots in a community near the ocean and close to some very dear friends – and start “Chapter 2” of my life. For the previous three years, I lived in Nashville – close enough for frequent visits here to Vero where I grew to love the area.
Are you involved with any charities or volunteering you would like to tell us about?
I love dogs and am passionate about the cause of adoption. I remain on the Board of Directors of the Pedigree Foundation – which is all about supporting shelters and rescue organizations – and have started to get involved with the Humane Society of Vero Beach/Indian River County; I will Co-Chair this upcoming seasons’ Cause for Paws event.
When do you think you first fell in love with purple?
I remember as a little girl ogling over my Aunt Virginia’s “fancy” living room which had purple chairs and a big purple wooden flower in my Aunt Eleanor’s house. My own personal obsession began when I relocated to Las Vegas back in 1994 – I bought a dining room set with purple upholstered chairs which had to be special-ordered and decorated the living room with accent pieces in shades of purple. Most people thought I was nuts. Ironically, today the color is very popular.
What is a unique purple item in your house?
The first thing that pops to mind is my funky purple toaster – but I also love the purple-beaded chandelier in the dining room, and the lavender shag rug in the entrance way – a throwback to childhood when shag rugs were the thing.
What is the age of your home?
It was originally built in 1996.
How extensive was the renovation?
The original plan was kitchen and bathrooms only – but after consulting with George about a few other ideas to make the house “my own” – the renovation turned out to be substantial.
How painful or joyful was the renovation process? Would you do it again? What was the most difficult thing for you to decide on with regard to the home?
The work started several months before I decided to retire, so the biggest challenge was doing this remotely while trying to get here as much as possible while the work was progressing. I completely underestimated the magnitude of the work and all the details/decisions that had to be made. George and his guys and the sub-contractors were great – and thank goodness for modern technology and having close friends who live nearby.
What is your favorite room in the house?
That’s a tough one – there are things I love about every room – but I would say my favorites are the kitchen and family room – where I spend most of my time.
How was the process of working with your designer?
Not having worked with a designer before, I had no preconceived expectations. Working with Jill has been a pleasure – we bonded right away through our common love of dogs, and she immediately “got” what I was envisioning when I showed up with a binder full of ideas I had pulled from magazines over the years. She never blinked about my preference for the challenging color palette preference – and she was able to translate my vision into reality – my home has the feel that I envisioned – but the look is very unique.
Is your home what you envisioned when you started the process? Is there anything you would change?
This home is truly my dream home – it has exceeded all my expectations and I look forward to enjoying it with friends and family for years to come.
Would you rather be young and rich or old and wise?
Old and wise – hands down – there is nothing like life lessons.
Most fascinating place you’ve visited?
Was in Paris a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. A bicycle trip through Tuscany over 16 years ago still ranks as a highlight. And I played a couple of sensational golf courses in Hawaii many years ago.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Stay true to your values – and follow your passions – it’s never too late.
If I weren’t doing what I’m doing today…
I would still be working – and missing out on all this fun.
Happiness is…
Family and friends, dachshunds, a great bottle of wine, and a good round of golf with friends.
Photography by Aric Attas
Originally Published on Vero Home Life & Design
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