Home Design: Timeless Meets Modern

The following article is written by Leah Ching and is from Tampa Magazine. To view the original article click here.

Greg and Nicole “Nikki” Zolkos are a couple on the go. Parents to a blended family of five teenage daughters between the ages of 10 and 13, they are active in local business, networking and philanthropy. The duo wanted a serene reprieve from the self-described ‘beautiful chaos’ of their daily lives. As such, they enlisted Elizabeth Riggs at Elizabeth Ashley Interiors to bring the lakefront oasis of their dreams to life.

With a large lot on Lake Carroll’s waterfront, the priority for the new build was creating a warm and inviting home for all seven family members, plus their regular guests – extended family, friends, and work colleagues. To do so, Riggs went with a modern transitional style, beginning with a timeless, traditional foundation. Detailed custom millwork features prominently throughout the home.

“We added detailed trim and molding to create texture and depth,” she describes. “There’s nothing like the timeless elegance of fine craftsmanship.”

For colors, Riggs employed earthy, neutrals, with pops of black and moody blues, playing off the home’s gorgeous backyard and lake views–visible from the living room, primary bedroom, pool lounge, and gym.

To bring out the couple’s personality and style, she incorporated modern elements and statement pieces through eye-catching lighting, custom art, and decor.

“Nicole was my first ever client. We connected on Facebook, and now, years later I got to design a forever home for her new family,” Riggs says. “The entire process was so meaningful and special.”

This modern transitional five-bedroom, five-bathroom new build is 7,500 square feet and sits on half an acre of lakefront property (Courtesy of Industry Partners)

“We used a beautiful trim up the entire staircase that continues into the upstairs hallway,” she says. “The addition of trim and molding give the home so much texture and depth.”

The living room provides exquisite views of the lake. With five kids in the home, investing in quality performance fabric for the oversized sectional was a must.

Riggs wanted to emphasize visual cohesion and smooth transitions from room to room. “With a background in psychology, I want to understand and get into the ‘design brain’ of my clients,” she says.

“I focused on selecting timeless, neutral options for the main pieces of furniture and then going bold for decor, lighting and accessories.”

The stunning Arteriors chandelier in the dining room is one of my favorite elements,” says Riggs. “It immediately catches your eye.”

Throughout the 7,500-square-foot, two-story, five-bedroom home, Riggs employed a color scheme of earthy neutrals with pops of darker hues. Soft white was used for walls, trim and molding. “

Hollywood Pools created the gorgeous backyard pool overlooking Lake Carroll. A modern minimalist backyard creates a bright open airy space for family time and backyard entertaining. (Courtesy of Industry Partners)

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