The drama of the movie, Key Largo, set in an earlier and far different time, has given way to a Key Largo with a tranquil, laid back lifestyle that has kept Miami-based designer Michael Wolk’s client – he is an avid sport fisherman – returning for many years to the same home that Wolk designed for him over a decade ago. The New York City couple use the home in a private gated community as a summer retreat. Recently they called upon Wolk and his team to spearhead a total contemporary renovation of the 25-year old, 3,500 square-foot home. The idea was to increase the living space and to update the overall look and style of the deliberately low-key décor. Built on stilts as a precaution against flooding from the adjacent waterway, the two-story house had an atrium that the clients had the designer close in, along with a porch that essentially added another room without increasing the square footage. A big part of the renovation was a much-needed redo of the master bath. Throughout Wolk used a combination of old and new furniture, much of it his own designs, keeping the mid-century modern look and the neutral color palette that his client favors intact.

As always the success of any renovation is measured by the happiness of the homeowners – who, in this case, plan to return to Key Largo and their greatly enhanced home for many years to come.