The Domino Effect

The kitchen’s custom island, with Calcutta marble countertop, comfortably seats nine while providing plenty of storage space beneath. Hand-blown Juliska light fixtures illuminate the open area, which includes a cobalt blue banquette and dining table for informal gathering in the far corner.

When John and Leslie Halsted decided it was time to buy a house in Florida, they began looking in Delray Beach, then moved up the coast to Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens. All were too crowded for their liking. Fortunately, they remembered how much John’s two aunts loved living in Vero Beach. The minute they drove into town they understood why. 

“We looked at houses everywhere on the island as being on the water was very important to me. When I moved away from it, I really missed it,” says Leslie.

When their realtor took them to a house in The Moorings overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, they knew their search was over. There were a few changes the Halsteds eventually planned to make, but Leslie wanted to expand the kitchen right away – a simple and straightforward undertaking. The couple from Columbus, Ohio figured the renovation would be completed in two-and-a-half months, just in time for Thanksgiving.