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LIMITLESS LUXURY Elyse Mayer’s fresh, inclusive approach to interior design brings clients’ most ambitious dreams to life EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
I nterior designer Elyse Mayer grew up inspired by her Master Carpenter father’s boundless creativity. “He built everything,” she recalls. “Design has always been second nature to me.” Mayer embraced her innate passion and skills, founding Elyse Mayer Designs in 2015. “I chose luxury residential design so I’d have fewer limits,” she explains. “I’m always asking, ‘Can we do better?’” Today, hers is one of Orlando’s most in-demand design firms. Her youth, she says, fuels her aesthetic, energy, and out-of-the- box thinking as she and her team of five work with clients to create stunning interiors at nearly every budget. “We are full-service-plus: luxury design without the excessive pricing,” she adds. Mayer recently began working on an $8 million home in Orlando’s Winter Park neighborhood. “We jumped in at the framing stage, working closely with clients who had great ideas,” she says. In considering the finished home—with Mayer’s choices from finishings to furnishings to artwork blending effortlessly with the clients’
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Rustic wood flooring, white paneling, and nature- inspired artwork bring a coastal aesthetic to this entrance. Soft white furnishings and warm light make this nook perfect for reading. Elyse Mayer, Lead Designer and Owner. Navy throw pillows match navy fern walls while a fish wall accent brings an additional jungle-inspired touch. style—the final design, she notes, will be a tailored reflection of the home’s inhabitants. Growth is on the horizon, with a new brick-and-mortar showroom as well as the firm’s recent transformation into a collective in which each member of the design team is encouraged to elevate her own brand. Mayer aims to promote each designer’s creative individuality to serve the myriad design styles clients have. “If I could have everything white, I would,” she laughs, “but others on my team are passionate about black accents, or midcentury modern with pops of color, or desert tones with a Boho vibe. We’re all about creative freedom.”
409-771-1526 | elysemayerdesigns.com
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HIGH-END VERSATILITY With personalized attention and expert craftmanship, Farina & Sons, Inc. builds on a family tradition of excellence and integrity EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
F amily owned since 1950, homebuilding and remodeling firm Farina & Sons, Inc. knows that no two homes are the same. With high-quality materials and in-depth knowledge of myriad architectural styles, the firm integrates 21st-century technology into the character of each residence. “We work with great architects and designers,” says Victor Farina, president of the firm and son of founder Mario. “We consider the period and style of the home, the neighborhood, and the preferences of the homeowner to create the best possible outcome. We see the big picture.” With 40-plus recognitions and awards from entities including the Master Custom Builder Council, Parade of Homes, SEBC Aurora Awards, Southern Living magazine, International Builders Show New American Remodel , and more, the firm is recognized throughout central Florida as experts in the building community. “What makes the company strong is collaboration,” Farina says. “The Farina team works from the beginning with suppliers, subcontractors, the design team, and the homeowner to make sure everyone is on the same page.” The Majestic Modern is just one example of Farina & Sons’ approach. Accentuating lakefront views and featuring new landscape and hardscape, an outdoor living space, and stunning interior details, the new custom home beautifully illustrates just what can be accomplished when a team strives for excellence. Fostering effective communication and organization, Farina & Sons prioritizes longevity and internal promotion. By building long-lasting relationships with both team members and clients, a consistent thread of quality is woven throughout the firm’s wide-ranging portfolio.
FROM THE TOP: A lakefront property, the Majestic Modern home offers a distinctly modern design with plenty of windows to capture natural vistas. Inside, an open-concept floor plan encourages light to move freely, while a two-story great room enhances the grandeur of the home.
407-849-1731 | farinaandsons.com
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LET THE SUNSHINE IN For three generations, Garner Window & Door has stood strong as Central Florida’s premier window and door supplier EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Symmetrical sliding doors provide multiple entrances to a poolside deck from this kitchen and living area. A near- invisible picture window provides a breathtaking view from this bathroom. The unique placement of the sliding doors in this living room allows for outdoor dining and hints at further views. This sunlight-filled dining room features expansive windows that highlight an extraordinary courtyard view. Homes by Goehring & Morgan Custom Homes.
U ncompromising integrity continues to meet unparalleled service at Garner Window & Door, which has served the Central Florida area for nearly 40 years. Founded by her father and grandfather in 1983, the firm is now led by Jenny Garner Homayouni. On board since 2006 and at the helm since 2011, she continues to stand proudly behind her family’s legacy of relationship building, service, and quality products. “Understanding the market well and how it differs from the rest of the country is important,” says Garner Homayouni of the unique requirements for windows and doors in the Orlando area. “That knowledge is one of our strong suits.” Alongside Garner Homayouni is the company’s experienced sales team, who share extensive product
knowledge and testing information with homeowners, architects, and builders. This detail-driven process ensures clients’ customized orders match their needs and desires. It is natural that such personalized service would attract the attention of reputable organizations. Among the firm’s finest achievements is its position as one of the exclusive window and door providers for Disney’s luxurious Golden Oak community. “We have the team and the resources to provide the highest level of support to luxury builders and homeowners, from first bid through years of home ownership,” says Garner Homayouni. “We’re proud of our staying power and the level of service and integrity we bring. Everyone here at Garner Window genuinely cares about what we do.”
407-291-6241 | garnerwindow.com
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SHOW STOPPER Karla Urbizo combines business sense with aesthetic expertise to elevate homes and lives EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
W ith boundless creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit, Honduras- born Karla Urbizo is a designer on the move. Early on, her foray into myriad business ventures laid the foundation for her growing success. It was an unlikely project, however, that revealed her inherent skill for design. “When I was working as the vice consul for the Consulate General of Honduras in Atlanta, they asked me to renovate the consulate,” Urbizo recalls. “I loved it! It ignited
a passion within me that grows stronger with every project.” She continued to immerse herself in design, furthered her education, and became a certified interior decorator and home stager. In 2018, she merged her business know-how and design sensibility by founding Decorate to Show—a one-stop shop for everything decorating and home staging. “Staging directly impacts the purchase offer and days on market,” Urbizo says. “We want to create a lifestyle image and highlight the home’s uniqueness so potential buyers can envision themselves living there.” In designing homes to sell, she has seen tremendous returns on investments for both her clients and her personal properties— breaking sales records in Atlanta, Orlando, and abroad. Urbizo’s latest endeavor, a partnership with her two sisters, is another manifestation of her technical-meets-creative approach. By acquiring an N-Hance Wood Refinishing franchise, they help homeowners sustainably and economically update their existing cabinetry. The N-Hance method instantly cures the product through patented UV light technology. Environmental benefits and unparalleled quality, along with Urbizo’s
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Layered textures accentuate the hexagonal room’s curves and illustrate the conversations to be had in the space. Stacked white cabinets add a luxe air to an open kitchen. Blue tones connect the living room and kitchen while encouraging a calming feel. Thoughtful furniture placement shows how to create intimate moments in an open floor plan. Designer Karla Urbizo. role as design and color consultant, provide exceptional value. “At day’s end, my goal is to achieve a timeless, stylish, fresh look,” she says. “The gratification of seeing the beautiful transformation and our clients’ excitement brings me joy. I’m very blessed to do what I love.”
504-252-8616 | decoratetoshow.com
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REMODELING REIMAGINED With talent and expertise, KBF Design Gallery transforms homes into custom-tailored havens EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
LEFT: Stacked cabinets emphasize the height of this open kitchen while a subtle geometric backsplash adds movement and depth; the creamy palette is balanced with a gray island and warm floors. BELOW, FROM LEFT: Dual vanities accented with brass hardware fulfill functional and aesthetic needs; the shower’s glass doors frame the oversized space and allow light to illuminate the room. KBF Design Gallery principals and siblings Ashley Sheaffer and Adam Vellequette.
“W hen you remodel, you get the opportunity to take a home you’ve lived in and know and tailor it to something that is perfectly suited to you,” says Adam Vellequette, principal at KBF Design Gallery. A family affair, KBF has been remodeling homes in the Orlando area for over 30 years. Today, Vellequette and sister/principal Ashley Sheaffer—who took over for their father and KBF founder, Keith, in 2020— are continuing the firm’s storied legacy by building upon foundational tenets of a curated culture and top-tier service.
“We’ve evolved our approach over the years to focus the unique talents of each of our designers on the facets of design where they excel most,” explains Sheaffer, noting KBF’s designated specialists in space planning, engineering, and more. “That allows us to collaborate as a team on everything.” Through this collaboration among design and installation team members, the firm has cultivated a streamlined process that leads to cohesive, thoughtfully crafted, custom spaces. Walking with clients through every step of the journey and forging lasting relationships that reveal the unique needs of each family are integral to KBF’s personalized process. “Using our clients’ inspiration while stretching the traditional boundaries of design, we’re able to achieve a balanced aesthetic that is beyond what they could have imagined in their homes,” says Sheaffer. “Our passion,” adds Vellequette, “is reinforced when we see clients’ reactions to how we’ve taken something that they’re going to live in every single day and reminagined it into something that is uniquely theirs.”
407-830-7703 | kbfdesigngallery.com
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NEVER BE ORDINARY For Luxe Real Estate Co., luxury is defined by meaningful memories made at home EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Allison Hunter, CEO and visionary. Luxe Real Estate Co.’s custom-branded collateral and merchandise by the in-house Creative Department always tell a unique narrative throughout the seasons. A view of the headquarters stays true to the brand’s artistic side. Allison begins the journey of telling a family’s unique story. Photos by Lifestyle Director: Courtney Dias. session that families get to keep as part of their journey—Luxe Real Estate Co. reconnects with clients in their new home and captures their new narrative. There is never a dull day, as Luxe Real Estate Co. strives to provide clients with an unending, extraordinary experience. “For 27 years I’ve been able to walk in this light and do what I love every day,” Allison concludes. “To me, that’s luxury.” I t is rare to say one has found their dream job, and even more so to say that one lives out their dreams every day. Allison Hunter, CEO and broker owner of Luxe Real Estate Co., is an exception. “We’re not here to sell statistics,” she says. “We want to help our clients live their best lives using Real Estate as a vehicle. When I learned to marry my skills with my passion for creativity, my job became a career.” Backed by 27 years in the business, Allison spearheads her Central Florida- based, lifestyle-driven team under the promise that they will always be truly present for each other and their clients. This heart for genuine service rests at the core of Luxe Real Estate Co. and remains a driving force behind the team’s mission and evolution into an upcoming lifestyle division! “The reason I came up with ‘Luxe Real Estate Co.,’” she adds, “is because I believe that everybody deserves an opportunity to experience luxury, and that means something different for everyone.” She believes that home should serve as the backdrop of the greatest milestones and seasons of life. Through a social media segment called “The Sold Series”—a creative photo
407-982-7355 | luxereco.com
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LUXURY BY DESIGN Generation Royal brings classic quality and craftsmanship to a contemporary take on today’s luxury fabrics EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
Striking accent pillows and a matching bed runner perfectly juxtapose the clean lines of this living space.
PHOTO BY KRISTEN HECHLER
W ith lower-quality, mass-produced textile options often flooding the market at top-tier prices, consumers and designers can struggle to find beautifully crafted, high-end goods that meet both their needs and expectations. Enter Generation Royal, a luxury textile home goods company launched by owner Andrew McGowen in 2021. “As a consumer, I noticed that not only were finely crafted fabrics hard to come by, but finding something unique was equally difficult,” McGowen says. “I started Generation Royal to fill that void.” In just one year, the company has grown quickly from its flagship direct-to-consumer online marketplace into a bustling custom and bespoke destination. With House of GR, its storefront in Winter Park, Generation Royal is a mecca for discerning custom-order clients and designers alike.
“If a client needs a few custom pieces for a room or project, we work with them to design what they are envisioning,” McGowen explains. “Designers come to us because they know we can produce exactly what they are looking for—from drapery to bedding to accent pillows—and we execute their designs at an exceptional level of quality and craftsmanship.” Relying solely on a network of expert artisans and seamstresses throughout the U.S. to craft every Generation Royal textile is foundational to the company’s ethos, as are the strict production limits placed on the collections and designs offered via the online marketplace. It is a decidedly old-world approach to contemporary design, and one McGowen cherishes. “Mass production is here to stay, but craftsmanship and artistry will always be synonymous with luxury,” McGowen says. “Let’s keep that tradition thriving.”
689-465-9317 | generationroyal.com
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F or more than 20 years, design-savvy Central Floridians in the market for an elevated take on landscape and outdoor living have turned to Florida Landscape Living for its creative prowess and start-to-finish design-build process. It’s a combination that has drawn Orlando-area celebrities, sports luminaries, and discerning homeowners onto the company’s impressive roster of clients. Creative designers Alexander Gregory and Gregory Hamilton see their success as the result of the company’s dedication to impeccable customer service, the inspired, creative passion of their team, and their more than 35 years of collective experience in the business. “The diversity of our clients’ individual budgets, styles, and visions keeps us always evolving,” says Gregory H. “Every project is a new opportunity.” The firm’s bespoke process begins with a consultation and detailed conversations that define the client’s budget and goals, and continues through design, build, and completion.
CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP: Thoughtfully placed around a home’s exterior, palm trees highlight focal points. Perfect for parties, a patio grill overlooks native Floridian foliage. Outdoor seating is both tropical and relaxing. Carefully crafted shrubbery creates privacy for backyard entertainment.
Florida Landscape Living’s remarkable portfolio of projects both large and small stand testament to the enduring appeal of Alexander G’s and Gregory H’s work. Hallmarks of those projects include custom pergolas and an array of striking paving and fencing options setting the stage for jaw-dropping outdoor living spaces, lounges, kitchens, and dining areas set amid stunning landscapes. Each of these backyard paradises is as unique as the clients who commission them. “Every detail is essential, and that’s true from the first meeting until the day we deliver the completed project,” Alexander G says. “We want every time a client pulls into the driveway or steps out their backdoor to be thrilling.”
407-222-0015 | floridalandscapeliving.com | floridalandscapeliving@gmail.com
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WORKING IN HARMONY In the midst of Orlando’s famed Winter Park, a lakeside retreat reflects the inspired collaboration of an elite team EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | CENTRAL FLORIDA
W hen longtime clients and friends came to Tony Hanson and Katie Kennerknecht to design a new home in Winter Park, Florida, it was an opportunity the duo couldn’t pass up. Having recently completed the couple’s Bahamas getaway, Hanson, president of Hanson Custom Homes, Inc., and Kennerknecht, creative director and founder of Kate Voss Interiors, drew inspiration from the l aid-back yet luxe aesthetic the clients embody. With Scott Webb of Hanson Custom Homes, Inc. as well as architectural designer Chris Gooden of Gooden Design, the team created a lakeside haven that boasts intentional and thoughtful design. “We always strive to exceed new and recurring clients’ expectations with every project,” says Kennerknecht. Maximizing water views was a top priority, as was ensuring all who enter the home are enveloped in a relaxed air typical of island life. “Correctly interpreting what the clients wanted was imperative,” says Webb, “as was looking at small details to make the home function well.” To deliver, Gooden worked within the
plot’s irregular shape to create sightlines from front to back. “Lots of natural light spills into the entryway and adds visual interest,” he notes. “And we created some unique angles to capitalize on the lake view in the primary bedroom.” Hanson and Webb’s use of the tallest glass and longest beams allow for unobstructed views, while Kennerknecht’s open floor plan and incorporation of light, breezy tones solidify the connection between indoors and out. The home typifies the high-end island aesthetic the clients sought and the team’s deft partnership. “We took each other’s ideas and built off of them,” Kennerknecht says. “That’s what made the collaboration successful in achieving our client’s goal.” TOP: The home’s exterior nods to Bahamian architecture with a laid-back feel. MIDDLE, FROM LEFT: The open floor plan encourages unobstructed sightlines. A combination of warm wood tones, white, and brass elevate the kitchen while maintaining a comfortable air. A black-and-white color palette provides classic elegance. LEFT: Tony Hanson, builder; Katie Kennerknecht, designer; Chris Gooden, architectural designer; and Scott Webb, builder.
Kate Voss Interiors 407-802-6058 katevossinteriors.com
Hanson Custom Homes, Inc. 407-951-8223 hansoncustomhomes.com
Chris Gooden, Architectural Designer 407-701-6029
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