Beauty at the Beach

A newly built cottage's design flows as naturally as the waves in the ocean.

- By Meryl Schoenbaum

MASTER PLAN. This view faces the walkway to the front of the house. The building at the right, attached to the main part of house, is the primary suite.

When you live near the water, the inspiration for your décor is right outside your door.

That was the case for homeowners Nika and Mark Ciarfella, who contacted local interior designer Kara Miller, principal at Kara Miller Interiors (kara-miller.com), to design and decorate the beach cottage they were having built-in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida. They brought Kara into the project at the beginning stages of the home's construction, which made for a cohesive and creative outcome.

It was a new build, which is so exciting. It's a huge advantage to have critical input from the very beginning, Kara says. I think the most important aspect was being involved in the floor plan and how it would function for the clients. It was a collaborative effort and, ultimately, I think the final version of the first level works very well for their day-to-day life. The style is an interpretation of Bermudian architecture. The Thomas Melhorn architectural team (Christian Thomas and John Melhorn), of Jupiter, Florida, did an amazing job, and we all had a wonderful team dynamic. Input was appreciated and respected from all parties.