First impressions matter, and your guest room sets the tone for your visitors’ stay. By updating small details now, you can ensure your guests feel comfortable, cared for, and inspired by the beauty of your home. 

At Collins DuPont Design Group, we believe a thoughtfully designed guest space should feel as inviting and well-appointed as the rest of your home, and we are here to help! 

Here are five ways to update your guest room so it’s ready for a comfortable, memorable stay.

1. Upgrade Bedding & Linens

Fresh, high-quality bedding instantly elevates a guest room. Opt for crisp white sheets, plush pillows in varying firmness levels, and a cozy throw at the foot of the bed. By artfully mixing textures, patterns and color together, beautiful bedding selections can elevate the entire space. 

2. Add a Welcoming Touch with Accent Pillows & Throws

Accent pillows and throws bring in color, texture, and personality. We can help you choose fabrics that complement your home’s design style, from coastal-inspired patterns to luxurious velvets. This simple update can completely change the look and feel of the room.

3. Enhance Lighting for Comfort & Function

Ensure your guest room offers layered lighting. Bedside lamps are essential for reading, while an overhead fixture or ceiling fan light provides general illumination. Adding dimmers allows guests to adjust brightness to their preference. And functional, doesn’t mean the lighting shouldn’t be fun. 

4. Refresh Your Walls

This could range from a beautiful wall covering on an accent wall, a fresh paint selection, a bold new headboard or some new thoughtfully curated art. No heavy renovation needed to make the entire room feel brand new.

5. Create Thoughtful Amenities

Make guests feel like they are at a 5 star hotel with beautiful towels. Then include a luggage rack and an empty dresser drawer so guests can unpack and feel at home. To finish off the experience, consider a small tray with a carafe and glass, fresh flowers, a beautiful candle, and a few snacks can go a long way. 

At Collins DuPont Design Group, we specialize in creating luxurious, welcoming spaces for every room in the home. 

Contact us today to learn how we can transform your guest room into a five-star retreat before season arrives.

The post Ready for a Refresh? 5 Ways to get your Guest Room ready for season appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

Start with Inspiration, Not a Blank Slate

A custom rug doesn’t mean starting from scratch. In fact, one of the easiest ways to approach it is to begin with a rug design you already love. From there, we can make thoughtful adjustments. Perhaps changing one or two colors, altering the size, or adjusting the pattern to better fit your room and overall design concept. Small changes can make a big difference while keeping the design process streamlined and accessible.

Above: A rug sample that was the right pattern but was too dark for the fun, art studio being designed. Our design team replaced muted neutrals with bright, saturated tones and requested a rendering from the rug designer (See below).

Custom Rugs That Fit the Space Perfectly

One of the most common challenges in interior design is finding a rug that fits a room just right. With custom rugs, we have full control over size and proportion, which means no more settling for something too small or awkwardly placed. We tailor the rug to your room’s dimensions, creating a foundation that supports everything else in the space both visually and functionally.

Let the Rug Lead the Design

Sometimes, a rug is so perfect, it becomes the starting point for the entire room’s design. Whether it’s the color palette, the texture, or the pattern that speaks to you, a well-chosen rug can inspire furniture choices, wall treatments, and lighting. In these cases, we design around the rug, allowing it to anchor the room and tell a cohesive color story.

Custom Doesn’t Mean Complicated

Think of custom rugs as a way to fine-tune rather than reinvent. With expert guidance from our team, we simplify the process, presenting tailored options that help you visualize how your custom rug will come to life. It’s about making something yours, not overwhelming you with choices.

Let our experienced designers guide you through the process of designing your dream home with ease and confidence.

At Collins DuPont, custom is what we do best. 

The post Rethinking Custom: Why a Custom Rug Might Be Easier Than You Think appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

A Soaring Great Room

As you step into the home, you’re greeted by the grandeur of the great room, characterized by a soaring 27-foot vaulted ceiling. Stained beams and tongue-and-groove details frame this space, drawing the eye upward to a custom Jeremy Cole chandelier. The room’s design expertly balances the vastness of the space with thoughtful details, such as double beams that wrap around the room, creating a cozy, livable environment. These beams cleverly house ombre sheer drapery panels, adding softness to the room. A wall of triple pilasters replaces traditional built-in cabinetry, adorned with vine-shaped sconces, further enhancing the room’s organic aesthetic.

The Heart of the Home: A Chef’s Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of this home, designed with both style and functionality in mind. The matriarch of the family is an avid gourmet cook, so we needed to ensure it met her needs for hosting family gatherings and holiday celebrations. At its center are double 10-foot waterfall edge kitchen islands, each equipped with sinks, providing ample space for cooking and entertaining. The kitchen features a large Wolf professional gas range, framed by a stunning white hood with stainless steel accents. A mosaic water jet tile backsplash adds a touch of artistry to the space.

The kitchen’s design palette includes a mix of light and airy colors, complemented by stained cabinetry and flat sawn walnut at the wet bar. Cristallo quartz countertops line the kitchen’s perimeter, while the wet bar boasts backlit quartz for an added touch of luxury. The space is further enhanced by ambient lighting fixtures, including a custom dining chandelier designed to replicate diamond jewelry and glass pendant lights that provide soft illumination over the islands.

A Family-Oriented Theater Room

Off the main living area lies a family-oriented theater room, designed with comfort and style in mind. The soundproof room offers each family member their own seat and an optimal view, making it the perfect space for movie nights and gatherings. The design pays homage to traditional theaters with its use of textured wallpaper, a hand-tufted area rug, and impressive ambient wall sconces, all while incorporating modern materials for a fresh, updated look.

A Stunning Powder Bath

The powder bath in the Sea Glass Sanctuary is a work of art in itself, featuring a powerful and bold backsplash statement wall of custom colored Sicis mosaic tile. A crystal vessel sink and wall sconces enhance the tilework, offering both stunning beauty and functional lighting. This space exemplifies the home’s overall design ethos: combining artful details with practical elements to create a visually striking and comfortable living environment.

A Serene Master Suite

The master suite is a serene retreat, designed to evoke a sense of relaxation and tranquility. 

The bedroom is bathed in natural light, with large windows offering views of the lush landscaping and infinity spa. The color palette of sea glass blue, soft neutrals, and bright white creates a calming atmosphere, while wide plank, light European oak flooring and a silk, abstract patterned area rug add warmth and texture.

The bedroom is furnished with a king-sized bed featuring a light blue linen upholstered headboard, crisp white linens, and handcrafted case goods, including a two-tone distressed oak dresser and curved bedside tables.

The suite also includes a whimsical sitting room and study designed just for her, with pink and crisp white tones, custom curved built-in bookshelves, and a floating desk with acrylic legs, all contributing to a feminine and functional space.

The master bathroom is a continuation of the serene design, with tailored lines and luxurious finishes. A European-inspired shower and tub area is adorned with fleur-de-lis inspired mosaic tile, complemented by Thassos tile on the floors. Custom His and Her vanities and linen closets in soft blue hues echo the bedroom’s color scheme, creating a cohesive and tranquil space.

A Statement Staircase

The custom staircase in this home is a contemporary masterpiece. Modular Arts Bloom panels, reminiscent of frieze molding, adorn the lofty upper walls, while the homeowner’s art lines the ascent. In the evening, LED strip lighting concealed by the surrounding painted flat stock trim illuminates the intricate details of this unique feature.

The open, airy feel of the stairs is further achieved by the employment of light oak treads and wooden handrails stained to match the main flooring, with an unassuming New Zealand wool carpet runner in a neutral tone leading the way to the second story. A custom Hubbardton Forge nine light chandelier with clear glass pendants is framed beautifully by the long narrow window at the landing and completes the space.  

The home is a masterful blend of traditional elements and modern design, all inspired by the natural beauty of sea glass. From the grand great room to the upstairs guest rooms and the outdoor living space, every detail of this home has been thoughtfully crafted to provide a luxurious yet tranquil retreat.

The post A Coastal Oasis: The Sea Glass Sanctuary appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

Nearly 20 years after our team completed the interior design on this stunning Bonita Bay home, we were contacted to re envision the space after damage from hur

This 4,880-square-foot single-family residence may seem like just another typical Spanish-style home from the outside. However, once you pass through the impressive custom Mahogany front doors, you’ll quickly realize that “typical” is far from an accurate description of this beautifully designed interior and expansive outdoor living space.

A Dramatic Interior with Unconventional Flair

As you step into the home, you’re immediately greeted by a dramatic mix of contrasting materials and textures in the great room, setting the tone for the entire residence. The design is characterized by sleek, sharp lines and a focus on geometric shapes and angular structures. This, combined with a unique blend of modern, industrial, and eclectic elements, creates a visually striking atmosphere. Custom abstract painted mirrors flanking the fireplace are just one of the exquisite details that set this home apart.

The color story throughout the interior is moody, with hues of rich charcoal grays, deep safari-inspired browns, polished golds, and shimmering platinum. Black accents are liberally incorporated, further enhancing the edgy vibe that permeates the space.

Animal prints and sculptures reflect the personalities of the homeowners, adding a personalized touch to the interior. The brown and gold snakeskin wall covering in the custom powder bath vanity perfectly complements the African-themed study, which showcases wildlife photographs taken by the client during a luxury safari.

The furniture throughout the home is sleek and contemporary, often featuring clean lines and unconventional shapes. Upholstered pieces boast bold colors and unique patterns, such as the dining chairs with a rich brown leather seat and geometric textured back, complemented by a “Pick up Stix” inspired pendant light.

Luxurious Textures and Intriguing Details

Area rugs with large, abstract patterns and metallic accents bring a touch of opulence to the spaces. The master suite, with its more feminine touch, features a shimmering metallic cork headboard wall, a hand-blown glass chandelier, and plenty of texture, including faux shagreen nightstands and hand-woven rattan side chairs.

The custom vanities in the master bath are embellished with an abstract gold and grey wall covering, decorative mirrors with textured frames, and sumptuous crystal sconces, creating a luxurious retreat.

An Unconventional Outdoor Retreat

Moving outside, the large outdoor area is an extension of the home’s interior design. The space encompasses a guest terrace, formal dining area, a large angular pool, and two exterior living spaces, including a unique stepped-down seating spot with a wood-burning fireplace.

The guest terrace is home to a statement feature wall showcasing a pair of ornate Mongolian doors from Arte de Mexico, overlooking an intimate seating area.

The outdoor kitchen and bar are painted in a dark accent color, providing a stark contrast to the neutral concrete-hued stucco and a fun chandelier hovers over the bar, complementing the sconces flanking the hood wall, and offering a warm glow for al fresco dining.

On the opposite side of the pool, a stepped-down seating arrangement featuring a wood-burning fireplace. Clean lines and defined edges dominate the mix of materials here, which include woven textiles, raw concrete, rope details, and weathered metal. Creative lighting, like the black beaded chandelier, enhances the atmosphere, making this space both cozy and visually captivating.

Nearby, the formal outdoor dining area features a handmade poured resin and reclaimed wood table with a half-moon-shaped pedestal base. This material choice not only provides durability for Florida’s weather but also adds a sense of authenticity and ruggedness to the overall design.

Lastly, the main outdoor living area, a convenient extension of the interior Great Room, offers four roomy lounge chairs surrounding a geometric cocktail table with a custom hand-forged iron base. This space provides a premium view of the sunset, casting an ethereal glow over the entire space in the evening.

Overall, this home’s interior and outdoor spaces embrace unconventional elements, skillfully juxtaposing them with modern and industrial touches. The result is a daring, visually captivating environment that challenges traditional design norms and allows for bold self-expression.

The post An Unexpected Edge: Bold Interior and Outdoor Design in Bonita Bay appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

A Bright and Airy Open Concept

As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open concept layout that celebrates the essence of indoor-outdoor living. The remodel presents a departure from its former look, with fresh white walls, warm medium wood tones, and vibrant, tropical-colored accents replacing the green and yellow tones from the past. Large windows and glass doors flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that draws you in.

Living and Dining Areas with Tropical Flair

The living area is tastefully furnished with comfortable seating in light, natural tones, punctuated by fresh pops of greens and blues. Decorative elements, such as updated rattan and woven furniture, patterned throw pillows, and vibrant artwork, reflect the relaxed, tropical vibe of the West Indies. Throughout the space another standout change is the replacement of the old square tile flooring with rich, European wide plank oak. The flooring flows seamlessly into the dining area, where a large wooden table surrounded by high-back host and hostess chairs offers the perfect setting for gatherings. 

A Coastal Kitchen Transformation

The updated kitchen is a delightful blend of functionality and elegance, perfectly capturing the essence of coastal living. Designer, Colleen Wilson reimagined the space, incorporating white shaker cabinets, chrome hardware, and a blue-green tonal backsplash that evokes an updated beachy vibe. Stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops add a modern touch, while a spacious island with natural woven back counter stools serves as a functional focal point. The kitchen harmoniously connects with the breakfast nook and family room.

Elegant Family Room Updates

In the family room, the transformation continues with a new focal point that features an electric fireplace clad in stunning palm-textured porcelain tile, creating a cozy and elegant gathering area. Stained cabinetry flanks the TV wall, accented with natural blue seagrass wall covering, which lends an open, earthy feel to the room.

A Serene Master Suite

The master bedroom has been transformed into a serene retreat, boasting a woven headboard and hand-carved nightstands that enhance the room’s tropical charm. The space exudes tranquility, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

Meanwhile, the master bath was completely gutted and reimagined with luxurious finishes and natural elements such as woven cabinet fronts and tropical wallpaper. Porcelain tiles, sleek fixtures, and elegant lighting replaced the previous elements, creating a spa-like oasis. The finishing touch was a freestanding tub that took the place of the old built-in tub deck.

A Tranquil Guest Bath Update

The transformation extends to the guest bathroom, where the old tile, wallpaper, and vanity were replaced with textured geometric tile, custom cabinetry with a quartz countertop, chrome plumbing, and a conversation-starting wallpaper featuring white egrets in flight. This update brings a touch of whimsy and elegance to the guest space, making it as inviting as it is stylish

Working within the existing footprint of the home, the result of this transformation is a captivating coastal infused living space that invites relaxation and offers a true escape from the everyday. Showing just how powerful high-quality design can be. 

Whether enjoying the bright, airy interiors or the lush outdoor views, this home embodies the perfect blend of style, comfort, and the laid-back allure. 

The post Riverine Retreat: A Captivating West Indies Transformation appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

To navigate these restrictions successfully and ensure your remodel goes smoothly, it’s crucial to start planning your remodel as early as possible.

Why Early Planning is crucial:

1. Maximizing Time and Resources

When you meet with an interior designer early, you allow ample time for detailed planning, material selection, and contractor scheduling. This proactive approach ensures that all necessary work can be completed before the moratorium begins or is planned in phases that comply with the restrictions. Rushing the process to meet deadlines can lead to compromises in overall design due to the availability of materials and can increase the stress of the project.

2. Securing the Best Contractors & Appropriate Permits

High-quality contractors are often booked months in advance, especially in Southwest Florida because of the seasonal construction restrictions. By starting the planning process early, we can help you secure the best professionals for your project, ensuring that your remodel is executed to the highest standard while also allowing the appropriate amount of time needed to ensure all permits are applied for and granted in time to work within the moratorium restrictions.

3. Customizing the Design: Our designers can craft a design that not only reflects your personal style but also adheres to the unique challenges and requirements often faced during a condominium remodel. Early involvement allows us ample time to come up with the best solutions and overall designs to ensure your remodel is both beautiful and compliant.

While next summer may seem like a lifetime away, it is important to set-up a meeting right away for a successful condominium remodel. Proper planning can help avoid delays, reduce stress, and ensure that your remodel is all you have ever wanted. 

Don’t wait until the last minute—start planning now to create the home of your dreams.

The post The importance of early planning for condo remodels appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

Throughout the home, low-profile furniture emphasizes functionality, texture, and comfort, keeping the views unobstructed and the atmosphere uncluttered. A curated collection of light fixtures with soft, nature-inspired designs provides gentle illumination, creating a soothing ambiance both day and night.

Take a closer look at this stunning home designed by Kim Collins & Alina Dolan.

Kitchen: A Balance of Beauty and Functionality

The kitchen, a cornerstone of this tranquil home, features 60” x 120” polished Paramount Marmi Calacatta Statuario porcelain tile slabs that grace the backsplash and hood resulting in a continuous look and minimal grout lines. These surfaces are complemented by Skara Brae Cambria countertops, providing a luxurious yet understated focal point. To maintain the kitchen’s minimalist appeal, built-in cabinetry with hidden compartments ensures a clutter-free environment, promoting a sense of calm and order.

Master Suite: A Sanctuary of Calmness and Serenity

The master suite in this home was designed as a tranquil sanctuary, offering a soothing escape from the outside world. 

In the master bedroom, the blend of water and floral elements creates a peaceful atmosphere. A combination of wallcoverings forms a showstopping headboard wall, framed by custom designs and illuminated by Hubbardton Forge bronze and crystal sconces. The furniture is thoughtfully designed to be low to the ground, prioritizing functionality and comfort, low-profile seating arrangements add to the room’s tranquility.

Moving into the one-of-a-kind master bath, at the heart lies a stunning freestanding black stone Japanese soaking tub from Aquatica, complete with a walnut step. This deep, elongated tub allows for full immersion, providing the perfect retreat after a long day. The surrounding walls are clad in smooth, large-format porcelain tiles that mimic the texture of natural stone, beautifully complemented by bamboo-inspired textured tiles that introduce a touch of organic beauty.

The spa-like ambiance is further enhanced by custom cabinetry in rift-cut white oak, accented with frosted glass door inserts flanking “Her” vanity, to echo the linear nature of the tiles. A black granite Stone Forest vessel sink, paired with faucets in rose gold, enriches the vanity, adding an element of luxury. Overhead, a dramatic undulating steel chandelier connects all the elements.

Powder Bath: A Fusion of Art and Tranquility

The home’s powder bath is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that defines this project. The space features a custom cantilevered vanity with brass accents and a stunning foliage-inspired pendant. Euphoria Calacatta tile with brass insets in an abstract crocodile pattern adorns the vanity wall, while the other walls feature a unique complementary wall covering. A mirror accented with brass and the low profile sink complete this stunning room.

This home is more than just a living space; it is a haven of tranquility. Every design element, from the natural materials to the minimalist aesthetic, has been carefully chosen to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of gathering.

The post A Zeal for Zen appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

Here are a few ways our designers can elevate your ceilings:

1. Coffered Ceilings 

Coffered ceilings, with a grid pattern of recessed panels, adds architectural interest and a sense of grandeur to any room. These ceilings can be customized with various finishes, from rich wood stains to elegant faux or paint, enhancing both modern and traditional interiors.

2. Tray Ceilings

A tray ceiling features a central section that is either recessed or raised, creating a “tray-like” effect. This treatment is perfect for adding subtle elegance and can be accentuated with lighting or contrasting finish to draw the eye upwards. This custom floating slab has a curved slice through the center, allowing for the chandler chain to pass through and hides electrical elements.

3. Unique Finishes & Treatments

Unique finishes or treatments on ceilings bring a touch of luxury. Using metallics can reflect light beautifully. We’ve also added textures or pops of color that can create a striking focal point in living rooms, dining areas, or entryways.

4. Wood Beams

Exposed wood beams are timeless and add warmth and texture, making them ideal for creating a cozy feel in what otherwise can look like a vast space with too much ceiling. Custom staining and finishing options allow for a truly personalized look.

5. Custom Lighting Integration

Incorporating lighting within the ceiling design can dramatically change the mood of a room. Recessed lighting, pendant fixtures, or back-lit LED details within a coffered or tray ceiling can add layers of light and emphasize the architectural features. 

6. Decorative Moldings

Decorative moldings, from simple crown molding to intricate plaster details, can add a classic touch of elegance to ceilings. These can be paired with other treatments to further enhance the overall design and make connections look seamless. 

Ceilings are often an untapped resource in interior design. At Collins DuPont, our team is dedicated to creating ceiling designs that not only complement the room but become a standout feature to give you the truly custom look and feel your home deserves. 

The post Don’t overlook your ceilings appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

Florida’s pre-eminent design magazine created the Seaglass Awards to spotlight the finest interior design, architecture and landscape architecture. Hundreds of entries from across the state are submitted annually and judged by some of the most distinguished individuals in the industry.

At this year’s awards, Designer Lana Knapp won “Best Traditional/Transitional Primary Bath” for her French Provincial Chic project. Knapp’s recognized work transformed a functional but utilitarian space into a welcoming environment with a soft, inviting color palette and warm wood elements.

Designers Kim Collins and Alina Dolan earned the award for “Best Interior Use of Tile”. The winning Zeal for Zen project intrigued Collins and Dolan because of the home owners’ desire to put a bold, contemporary twist on the traditional bones of the home. To bring this dramatic transformation to life, the design duo found unconventional ways to utilize unique tile selections throughout.

The third Seaglass Award win went to Sherri DuPont for “Best Contemporary Guest Suite” for her work on a home in Bonita Bay. Located just off the pool and outdoor fire pit, this contemporary VIP suite is a sophisticated blend of geometric lines mixed with bold, organic multi-tonal patterns that create a wow experience.

Celebrating over 37 years in business, Collins DuPont Design Group has a long history of award-winning designs throughout Florida and across the world. Founded by Sherri DuPont and Kim Collins, the firm has been recognized for their high standards of personalized service, elegant interior designs for residential properties and the incredible accolades they have received from clients and partners alike.

For more information, visit Collins-Dupont.com or call the studio at (239) 948-2400.
Collins DuPont Design Group, located at 8911 Brighton Lane, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34135, is
open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The post 2024 Seaglass Award Wins appeared first on Collins Dupont Design Group.

The Open Kitchen: Where Elegance Meets Functionality

The journey into this home begins with the open floor plan. Centered above the island are artisan crafted, wire brushed alder planks in a custom stain, inset between existing ceiling beams. The custom cabinetry reveals mercury glass mirror backing that is illuminated by LED lighting. The backsplash, made from  handmade tiles, adds depth and symmetry, while a cleverly enlarged pantry, disguised with a rain glass-inset door, adds intrigue.

Pendants: Wildwood

Chandelier: Regina Andrew

Elegant Dining: French Countryside Meets Stately Manor

The dining area exudes French countryside living, with a reproduction table in oak driftwood finish and an antique gold chandelier draped in frosted, crystal beads. Host and hostess chairs, upholstered in a classic stripe and Louis XVI leather side chairs epitomize both beauty and comfort.

Great Room Harmony: Light and Dark Elements Unite

In the great room, espresso stained wood beams span the lofty ceiling, creating a balanced interplay of light and dark. French reproduction chandeliers dance with a brass and marble cocktail table. Bergere chairs in rich leather harmonize with weathered whites and soothing greige, anchored by a soft wool area rug in a raised trellis pattern.

Masterful Retreat: Understated French Country Charm

The master bedroom welcomes with a reproduction bed and bench, embodying the understated ambiance of a French country cottage. Demilune nightstands in a painted finish and antique gilded mirrors add color and depth, while a tucked-away French wingback chair beckons.

Master Bath Serenity: An Elegant Transformation

The master bath underwent an elegant transformation, shedding its outdated features for a more open, light-filled space. A freestanding iron tub and a shower clad in a mosaic of calacatta gold and white thassos marble bring a touch of opulence to this French Provincial retreat.

This Mediterra residence is now a symphony of French elegance—and an award winning project. 

To learn more about how Collins DuPont can transform your house into the home of your dreams, give us a call at 239-948-2400. 

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