It’s no surprise that the residents of Sarasota have a deep appreciation for art and culture. The city’s history has been influenced by true artisans, from the minimalist styles of Chelsea Dunbar to the sharp aesthetics of Sarasota Modern that was forged by the likes of Castner & Castner. Sarasota has evolved to be somewhat of a destination for creatives in interior design of all styles and schools. Three, in particular, stand out on Sarasota’s social scene for their impact on the area’s design, both past and present.
Chelsea Dunbar
The first thing that stands out when you view one of the layouts from Dunbar’s designers is how she applies minimalist aesthetics to her floor plans. Utilizing pops of darker colors in a light room is one of her favorite tricks – it grants depth to an area, allowing them to make a room seem even bigger. Another is utilizing the color scheme of the area outside of the residence. The work that her interior design group, Blu Interiors, has recently done brings in the blues, taupes, and creams of the waterfront, the land, and the sky outside. Dunbar and her designs have even appeared on HGTV’s Property Brothers on multiple occasions.
Castner & Castner
Founded in 1979, this father and son duo have been taking on the Manatee County area by storm with both their unique furniture offerings and their luxurious approach to style and design. Flipping through their look book, you’ll find a combination of everything from mod to French countryside, with a touch of British Isles-type design. Their secret lies in being a local staple for years. This has allowed them to really learn about their customer, their likes and dislikes, their approach to color and design, and what their principal aesthetics. When your buyer is your neighbor, it’s easier to create something beautiful for them!
Kurt Lucas
Known for his incorporation of pops of color into bold contemporary designs, Lucas has cut a prominent figure in Sarasota’s interior design scene. As the president of JKL Design Group, he certainly should. Many of Sarasota’s finest keep an eye on what Lucas takes interest in regarding aesthetics, as it’s sure to take on Sarasota’s scene in a few months. His pioneering approach to shape and color is what makes him perfect for some of Sarasota’s most daring new projects.
You can find Lucas’ mark on some of Sarasota’s most prominent buildings, from the industrial-meets-contemporary style of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill to the coastal design that dominates Summer House Steak & Seafood. One place that exhibits Lucas’ tastes like nowhere else is the new luxury residence center on the edge of Sarasota’s trendy downtown: BLVD Sarasota. A clean white exterior shells an interior that’s crafted with natural color palettes and designer details. Those attuned to the intricacies of interior design would notice features such as marble, quartz, and granite countertop options for the bathrooms, and expansive windows that reach from floor to ceiling in the living rooms.
BLVD Sarasota, a 49-residence luxury condominium project, is currently under construction in the heart of the New Downtown Sarasota, located on the southeast corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail. It has brought an exciting energy to the city’s vibrant downtown arts district that Sarasota has never seen before, with the new Bay and Quay projects right around the corner.
BLVD Sarasota exhibits stunning architecture with panoramic views. Residents are accommodated with a select set of amenities, ranging from a zero-horizon pool that overlooks the city and the bay to a large temperature-controlled wine vaults with private lockable showcases on the fifth floor. Located within walking distance of the diverse Rosemary District, and the new bayside projects – The Bay and The Quay. Right around the corner, residents can enjoy Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries and restaurants it is no wonder why residences nearly halfway sold out.
Our new sales studio is now open at 1266 1st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota FL, 34236. Come visit us to experience our models, our floor plans, to see the view, and to experience first hand our in-person virtual reality experience. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today, visit our website at BLVDsarasota.com, or download our Digital Brochure to learn more about what life on the BLVD is like.