Coastal Living- Wallace Residence
Like a flying fish taking a graceful leap, a small boat launches from rowdy Key West, ferrying Sunset Key residents and guests to their exclusive, quiet enclave in Key West harbor. Developed six years ago, this coastal paradise is now home to around 60 homes, including Don and Erika Wallace's weekend getaway. "We were looking for a waterfront property, and we loved the island and its magnificent sunsets," Erika says.

Seduced by both the setting and the panoramic views, the Wallaces modified the existing structure, creating a home that takes advantage of these delights. The result is unequivocally Key West in its spirits and stance. The open first floor includes the kitchen and the dining and living areas, with French doors opening onto the generous back deck, pool, garden, and view of the sea. Consistent with the area's historic style, the home takes its architectural cues from Conch houses, wooden cottages particular to the Florida Keys.

Along with its dreamy locale, the house lures with its decorating scheme, the brainchild of The Taylor & Taylor Partnership, a husband-and-wife team based in Miami. After hiring Bill and Phyllis Taylor to design their full-time Tampa residence, Don and Erika were delighted by the transformation and asked the couple to decorate their new vacation home as well. "Although the house was already built, Bill was able to draw on his architect skills to enhance many of the exterior and interior features, such as the picket fence and the balcony's pierced pineapple motif," says Phyllis. "My goal was to maximize the sense of relaxation and ease Don and Erika were looking for." With that in mind, she and Bill set out to create an inviting interior of unbuttoned comfort.

A cool blue provides the background for the romantic island look, inviting a mix of elegantly casual furnishings. "I found this beautiful antique American cabinet painted indigo blue and lime green. It instantly set the tone for the colors scheme," Phyllis recalls. The beach house's light, breezy rooms feature forms, furnishings, and artifacts that echo the qualities of the island. "I adore Phyllis' eclectic mix of old and new," Erika says.