Nestled along a serene waterway, framed by the quiet rhythms of a nature preserve, an extraordinary residence emerges—a striking yet soulful interpretation of modern living. This is the personal sanctuary of Laetitia Laurent, an internationally award-winning interior designer and founder of Laure Nell Interiors. A home where architecture and design harmonize effortlessly with its natural surroundings, where modernity is softened by texture, warmth, and narrative. It is, in every sense, a reflection of Laurent’s philosophy: modern design should never feel impersonal. Instead, it should evoke emotion, tell a story, and exist as a timeless composition of carefully curated elements.
A Vision Rooted in History, Crafted for Today
Raised in France and educated at the Sorbonne in Paris, Laurent’s deep connection to European art and culture informs every project she undertakes. “Growing up surrounded by the rich architectural and artistic history of France gave me an innate appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless elegance,” she explains. It’s an influence that permeates her work—an unwavering reverence for scale, proportion, and the interplay between old and new. For her own home, this philosophy translates into a meticulous balance between contemporary refinement and soulful storytelling.
The home itself is a distinctive blend of renovation and new construction. Laurent purchased the property in 2019, drawn to its unique site—a peaceful waterfront retreat that not only connects to the Intracoastal Waterway but also faces an aviary sanctuary. The existing structure, a modest 1,400-square-foot bungalow, served as a foundation upon which she built a vision both deeply personal and architecturally compelling. “I preserved the bedrooms and bathrooms, but I took the rest of the structure down to the studs,” she recalls. What emerged was a seamless fusion of past and present, with a north wing that retains its original framework and a newly constructed main living space designed for connection, comfort, and effortless sophistication.
The Language of Materials: A Study in Texture and Contrast
Throughout the home, Laurent speaks in the language of materials—wood, stone, and textiles layered in a way that evokes both luxury and intimacy. “The materials were chosen for their natural beauty and ability to age gracefully,” she says. “I wanted a timeless palette, so I used a mix of wood, stone, and tactile fabrics to create layers of texture and depth.” The result is a home that breathes—a space that feels refined yet inviting, minimalist yet rich with dimension.
Architectural detailing further amplifies the interplay between sleekness and warmth. Wood slats define the dining area, offering a moment of sculptural rhythm. Floating stairs ascend with quiet elegance, while vertical siding in the primary bedroom lends a sense of intimacy to the expansive space. Laurent’s refined approach ensures that even the most streamlined moments retain a tactile quality, each element contributing to the home’s layered narrative.
Illuminating the Space: Light as a Design Element
Laurent’s approach to lighting is as intentional as her selection of materials. “Lighting was key to creating a tranquil ambiance,” she explains. The home is bathed in natural light, with large windows framing lush views of the water and surrounding greenery. But beyond daylight, a carefully orchestrated interplay of fixtures transforms the home’s mood from morning to evening. Pendant lights, sconces, and recessed lighting work in concert, their warm glow enhancing the textures and architectural forms throughout the space. Every source of illumination is deliberate, designed not just to brighten, but to highlight, define, and soften in equal measure.
Curating a Home That Tells a Story
For Laurent, a home should be as much about storytelling as it is about aesthetics. Each piece within this residence is chosen with intention, its presence adding to the overall dialogue of the space. “Sourcing is one of my favorite aspects of design,” she says. “I prioritize quality and craftsmanship, often traveling to find under-the-radar artisans or vintage treasures.”
Among the home’s most personal design elements is a sculpture titled Big Foot, created by artist Idan Zareski. A deeply sentimental gift from Laurent’s husband, the piece holds profound meaning. “My husband and I discovered the artist during our first trip together to Cartagena, Colombia,” she recalls. “Years later, he surprised me with this sculpture when we moved into this home. It symbolizes being grounded, creating a space to live together—a place to call home.” Positioned in the dining room, a space dedicated to gathering and connection, it serves as a visual anchor, encapsulating the very essence of Laurent’s design philosophy: that modernism can still be soulful, layered, and profoundly personal.
An Artful Approach to Harmony and Individuality
One of the most remarkable achievements of Laurent’s design is the effortless connectivity across spaces, despite each room possessing its own distinct personality. “Consistency in materials and colors helped create flow, while unique elements in each room added individuality,” she explains. The first floor, designed for entertaining, unfolds with a sense of continuity—living and dining areas extending seamlessly into an outdoor lounge and pool patio. Yet within this cohesion, thoughtful moments of contrast emerge: curated artwork, unexpected textures, and architectural details that break the monotony without disrupting the harmony.
Upstairs, the family’s private quarters offer a more intimate interpretation of Laurent’s aesthetic. The primary bedroom is conceived as a boutique hotel suite, complete with integrated furniture and a steam shower ensuite. Her children’s rooms, while cohesive with the overall design, reflect their personalities—an approach that speaks to Laurent’s ability to balance refinement with livability.
A Home That Breathes, A Space That Lives
At its core, this home is an embodiment of Laurent’s belief that modern design should never feel cold or detached. It is a space of equilibrium—where clean lines meet organic warmth, where curated sophistication coexists with comfort. “I intentionally curated the house to be airy, clean, sophisticated, and new while bringing in some older, classic touches that are meaningful to my family,” she reflects. “I want it to exude my philosophy that modern doesn’t mean sterile or overly minimalistic. It is beaming with elegance while simultaneously being the grounded, lived-in heartbeat of my family.”
In a landscape where luxury homes often lean toward the formulaic, Laurent’s residence stands apart—a home that, while undeniably modern, hums with soul. It is a testament to the designer’s philosophy and a masterclass in balance: between past and present, structure and softness, grandeur and intimacy. Above all, it is a reminder that a well-designed home is not just a visual statement, but a deeply personal, ever-evolving sanctuary.
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