Written by: Lyla Haggard/Photos by: Johan Roetz
When anyone envisions a home in Cheval, the beautiful neighborhood north of Tampa, the vision of huge mansions comes to mind. In fact, the area is home to many such residences. But the neighborhood is also dotted with charming condominiums and cozy homes that beckon families to put down roots. This is where retired Naval Officer Stephen Tibbitts and wife Darlene selected an inviting 1,500 square-foot condo to call home.
A well-traveled design
Due to their military lifestyle during their 35-year marriage, the Tibbitts have moved many times, living throughout the US, Europe and Asia. After residing in a variety of cities across the globe—from Charleston, South Carolina and San Diego, California to Sasebo, Japan and Holy Loch, Scotland, the couple chose a comfortable home in a gated Cheval community so they would have no worries when traveling out of town.
Since the couple was downsizing, Darlene decided to start from scratch to create the romantic, old world design of a comfortable and quiet space, similar to their favorite tourist spot—Savannah, Georgia. She contacted Trudy Waterworth, interior designer at Annabelle’s Fine Home Furnishings, to assist her in finding exactly the furniture and fabric styles she had in mind. Waterworth, one of Annabelle’s top designers for 10 years, is committed to helping homeowners express their vision, not her own. “Darlene walked into our store with her concepts etched in stone. She knew exactly what she wanted, which makes it so much easier for a designer to find just the right vendors, carpets, drapes and accessories,” she notes. “I try to get into my client’s mind and then help find the perfect pieces.”
Quaint and comfy are the words to describe the two-bedroom condo. Darlene prefers to keep the interior lights dim, curtains drawn with air conditioning very low, and the living room fireplace constantly glowing year-round. Every morning she enjoys the flickering fire while taking her coffee and reading the paper—it’s the epitome of peaceful.
She also loves flowers. Gorgeous floral arrangements can be found everywhere throughout the residence—even in the bathrooms. “Darlene was so easy to work with because she knew exactly what she wanted,” says Waterworth. “It’s been a while since I was called upon to adorn a home in old world décor, so I enjoyed the challenge of searching for just the right vendors that carry the color palette and furniture designs Darlene wanted.”
In addition to the pieces from Annabelle’s, Darlene herself added Castilian lamps and a few other accent pieces from their many travels during Stephen’s military career.
A warm color palette
Waterworth assisted Darlene in finding fabric and designing the underlying structure for the various draperies throughout the home including in the living room window, above both bathtubs, and an eye-catching faux Magnolia-covered archway leading from the entryway into the main room.
“I think the best characteristic of the Tibbitts décor is the warm, rich palette. The earth-tone colors Darlene chose give a cozy feel throughout the residence,” says Waterworth. “And the cherry red sofas in the living room really ‘pop’ up against the neutrals surrounding them.”
Casually placed small, cherry red pillows on the banquette in the foyer lead the eye right to those sofas in the next room.
Together, Darlene and Waterworth selected truly interesting antique-style accessories. Every room is filled with fascinating art, wall hangings, mirrors and figurines strategically placed to complement the furniture, drapery, bed linens and carpets.
Even the compact galley kitchen with breakfast nook at the end features a variety of lovely plants, dark granite countertops, deep cherry cabinetry and an Oriental rug running the length of the room.
“I love coming home,” says Stephen. “I know I’m going to relax and feel extremely comfortable.”
Resources: Interior designer: Trudy Waterworth, Annabelle’s Fine Home Furnishings; Window treatments: Annabelle’s Fine Home Furnishings; Nicole Brioni, Designer’s Confeccion’s; Furniture and accessories: John Richard; Theodore Alexander; Jonathan Charles; Century; Fine Art chandeliers; Eastern Accents, Annabelle’s Fine Home Furnishings; Florals: Robyn Story Designs, Classic Florals, Annabelle’s Fine Home Furnishings