WHEN DESIGNER CAITLIN ESKAMANI FOUND A QUIET neighborhood just outside the city, the vision of a modern luxe–style home for her family bloomed in her mind instantly. Surrounded on both sides by federally protected land, the lot and neighborhood would see no further development interrupting the setting or their lifestyle. And with downtown just a few minutes away, the area was more than idyllic.
“South Florida contemporary was my inspiration,” explains Eskamani of the home’s design. “I wanted to bring something unique to the area, introducing some tropical charm while still maintaining the overall integrity of the neighborhood.” With a scarcity of open land available for true customization, Eskamani and her family seized the opportunity to create the home of their architectural reams. They hired Tony Frazier of Frazier Home Design to head up the blueprints and Dream House Custom Builders to bring them to life.
Designing the home itself took nearly two years, with the build only taking another eighteen months to complete; but the time spent was critical in creating the space that lived in Eskamani’s mind. “The design of the home was of the utmost importance,” says Eskamani. “I wanted to seamlessly integrate clean, modern lines in a traditional North Carolina setting, all while creating a true oasis.” She adds that the original plan included a courtyard with a four-car garage, but ultimately it felt a little like overkill. “There was just way more visual interest than was really needed.” With the assistance of Frazier, the design was altered to add a porte cochere and soffits for a sleek yet approachable look. Large format tiles adorn the facade of the home for contrasting texture.
Eskamani knows that the architecture of a structure is just as important as the interior design. As principal of commercial office interior design firm Capitol Design Group, many of the buildings she’s worked on have been grand in scale or interesting in their construction. Building a home is no different. “Architectural detail is proven added value to a home,” she explains. “I love creating wow moments in my designs. Whether it’s custom woodwork or a floating staircase, these details add to the overall personality and aesthetic of a home. Creating impact and drawing the eye up with oversized windows or a fireplace surround can take a space to the next level.”
When it came time to design the interiors of the home, Eskamani drew inspiration from her design work as well as her travels to boutique hotels, tropical destinations, and, of course, South Florida. “I believe design should provide an emotional connection and engage the senses, transcending time and place.”
Eskamani explains the genius behind the design, saying that the interior of the home was designed to reflect a calming and refreshing atmosphere with an emphasis on openness. “My goal was luxurious but livable,” she says. “As you walk through the front door, you are first greeted by picture windows that reach twenty-two-feet high with an unobstructed view of the raised infinity pool in the backyard.” This feature is one of the true highlights of the home, one of the wow moments that Eskamani is so fond of creating in her commercial designs.
Just beyond, there are some softer moments that are just as impactful as the sightline, like the two-story fireplace cladd with a custom hand-cast resin called Kinon, a commercial grade surface used in luxury applications around the world. Stunning floating stairs stand like sculptures just beside the entry, their black outline contrasting vividly against the large format white-tiled wall. Flanking the entry, a luxurious edge-to-edge glass wine cellar just inside the dining room offers a touch of elegance and a wallop of entertaining power to the home.
It’s clear at every turn that each detail of the home was crafted with intention, from the sunken outdoor tennis court and outdoor area designed and installed by Sears Design Group to the spacious walk-in closets and the full smart home technology. “I believe a beautiful home starts with one-of-a-kind design, tailored for each homeowner’s lifestyle,” says Eskamani. “I think great design reflects an experience. It’s my role as a designer to consider different emotional objectives that encourage users to feel heightened levels of enjoyment. Naturally, I apply that in my own life and personal home, as well.”
When asked what was front of mind when applying her motives to the inside of her home, Eskamani says it was clean lines with tranquil and sophisticated color palettes like white, cream, and gray. “I didn’t want to over-complicate any space with too many vibrant patterns; I added bold colors sparingly, but intentionally.” Paired with sleek finishes that provide visual interest, like acrylic accent pieces, stone, and oversized glass, the result is a study in restrained contemporary design. “I didn’t feel a need to cover every surface, but incorporated statement pieces instead. Plants and flowers provide drama, while a few larger pieces of artwork keep things from feeling cluttered.”
Where there is clear and decisive design, it’s paired almost equally with warmth, thoughtfulness, and even a little playfulness. The rec room, for example, is one of the family’s favorite spots. “It’s designed with a laid-back, elegant vibe; it’s a place we always end up gathering with friends and family,” admits Eskamani. “With a comfy, oversized couch, fully stocked bar, and full-height sliding doors that walk out onto the pool deck, it’s not a bad spot to hang!” Then, perhaps, modernity with heart is the best of both worlds.