According to Mansion Global, tearing everything down is one way to get a transformative renovation, but some projects can get the same effect by elevating what’s already there through craftsmanship and thoughtful design choices.
Such was the hope when Lindsey Koch, a former executive at New Era Caps, embarked on renovating her North Palm Beach, Florida, vacation home: She didn’t just want a luxury home—she wanted artistry. “You don’t always get this opportunity with houses of this level because so often, they’re torn down or rebuilt,” said Stephanie Mahaney of Stephanie Rae Interiors, who helmed the 18-month project.
The renovation, which cost between $2 million and $3 million, stands out for its couture-level attention to detail. From custom-appliquéd Holland & Sherry drapery to hand-painted murals by Joseph Steiert and metallic-threaded silk rugs, every detail was carefully considered.
“I equate the curtain maker, Paul Maybaum, to a couture dressmaker. The way he bends curtains is unbelievable,” Mahaney said.
Luxury design is often about the subtle, almost invisible choices that create a cohesive whole. The living room’s centerpiece is a black Fortuny chandelier, suspended through a glass tube that cleverly conceals its wiring. Above, she added architectural molding and painted alternating strips in whisper-soft blue and gold.
