Our wonderful colleague Alex Near Halbrooks worked with these clients on another project in Dallas. When they decided to move to Palm Beach, they called us and wanted to see what was possible. Alex and Zara went to the interview together and immediately saw much work needed to be done. It was a townhouse that would have to be completely redecorated with no small amount of construction. Nothing about it suited the style of the homeowners, who are quite glamorous with extremely high standards. Like many townhouses, this one needed a lot of character and layering. We knew we would have to do everything we could to make it feel complex and interesting. The clients were fans of the classic Palm Beach look.The entry was, as always, an important place to make a statement. The client loved the look of scenic wall coverings. In our search, we discovered this incredible tropical scene by Iksel, which is so playfully lush. It draws you into the space as if you’re entering an entirely new scene. The client was insistent that we make sure the image of the monkey climbing the palm tree remained unobstructed by furniture or the mirror. That’s when we knew we’d found the perfect fit. The vintage chandelier is so lovely and eye catching in that rare green that evokes the color of beach glass. I remember it was missing one piece, and I hoped it wouldn’t prevent the homeowners from moving forward with it. It didn’t, thank goodness. It’s so perfect in its imperfection.The sitting room was an interesting creation. We added the bamboo applique and painted the walls in a very high gloss green. Those changes alone turned the room from a simple box into a space that is quite rich and inviting. As in every room, our focus was on layering and creating an impression of a world of items that had been collected over a lifetime. The clients have a strong preference for light colors, so the chocolate chandelier was a bit outside their comfort zone, but when they saw it in the space, they fell in love with it. The siting room is also noteworthy for one very special find from a buying trip: the bar cabinet. It’s so rare and unusual. Made of coral mirror, a style particular to French 1940s furniture, I’ve never seen another like it. I sent them a picture of it when I was shopping in Paris. I knew it was perfect for them, and they immediately agreed.Looking back on this room, I’m reminded of what a good job Alex did selecting the fabrics. There are different patterns and colors on the sofa, the chairs, the bench, and the drapery, yet it all combines seamlessly. It doesn’t merely “match.” It all feels organic and exactly right. Those are the kinds of decorative instincts I sometimes doubt can be taught at all.As always, the things that stand out most are the boldest choices, like the bar we added in the dining room by removing a closet. We felt it was essential to arch the ceiling to give it softness, and I’m very glad we did. The effect is so powerful. The audaciousness of that curve and the high gloss blue sets it apart as something quite glamorous and attractive in a house with such a soft palette. It really has a special hard-to-define visual pull that lures and entices. In retrospect, that’s what this whole project felt like: always seeking and finding ways to create—in what might have been a rather conventional setting—touches of the unexpected that give the eye a place to travel and then travel again.