“Stunning” is the only word that can describe the Palm Room’s transformation from dark and sedate to light and refreshingly chic. Stylized palm fronds dance along the walls; a trio of white-coral chandeliers and teal high back lattice chairs add panache.
Even though a few months have passed since the Sea Oaks Beach Club’s refreshing new look was officially unveiled, Lyn Stewart can’t help but bubble over with enthusiasm as she describes the transformation. “Before,” she says, “the décor was darker, more formal, a little less sophisticated. Now the design style is fresh and beachy, with a relaxed elegance. It’s like a breath of fresh air.” Stewart and Priscilla Engle co-chaired the Sea Oaks Decorating Committee that oversaw the revitalization project.
No quick facelift fix this time around for the two-story, Georgian-style structure built in 1983. Over the years there had been updates, but none as extensive or impressive as this one, and Stewart and Engle were involved every step of the way, working closely with designer Thom Filicia. That’s right – “the” Thom Filicia, from the Emmy award-winning television show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” the same Thom Filicia who owns a New York City-based design firm, authors books and has been featured in national and international publications.
So what was it that lured the world-renowned designer to Vero Beach? An enduring friendship formed during childhood. The parents of one of Filicia’s best buddies just happen to live in Sea Oaks; and when renovations to the Beach Club were being considered, they asked Filicia if he would be interested in getting involved. He was. In fact, he was thrilled. So, too, were residents of the river-to-ocean tennis community when they heard the news.
True Tails is a series written by Amy Robinson for Vero Beach’s dog lovers. Ask Amy about your dog’s behavior by clicking below.
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