Discover the Hawthorne Residence, a distinguished modern home in Sarasota, Florida, created by Modis Architects in collaboration with Trade Mark Interiors. In a neighborhood known for its grand properties, this house stands out with a refined interpretation of French West Indies style blended seamlessly with contemporary, tropical sensibilities. A welcoming canopy of tropical trees frames the entrance, while textured exterior walls and thoughtful detailing announce the home’s sophisticated yet relaxed character.
Inside, the residence unfolds around a calm, neutral palette anchored in warm beiges and natural wood tones. Textured wall finishes and exposed wooden ceiling beams introduce an organic warmth that complements the home’s clean, modern lines. The great room and living areas prioritize comfort and light, creating spaces that feel both intimate and expansive. Custom millwork and understated furnishings maintain a cohesive aesthetic throughout, allowing the architecture and natural materials to remain the focal point.
A defining feature is the custom glass wall system that opens the great room to the outdoors. Nano-walls and large sliding doors create a continuous visual and spatial connection between interiors and exterior living areas: a secluded courtyard on one side and a long lap pool and generous deck on the other. This indoor-outdoor flow enhances the property’s tropical lifestyle, inviting fresh breezes and natural light into the central living spaces and creating effortless access between the kitchen, dining areas and outdoor entertaining zones.
The kitchen continues the home’s restrained elegance with crisp white surfaces balanced by warm wood accents and abundant natural light. A prominent wooden ceiling beam and open-plan layout enhance the kitchen’s sense of scale, while high-quality finishes and practical workspaces ensure the room functions as the social heart of the home. Bedrooms and bathrooms follow the same serene design language, using subtle textures and soft neutral tones to create restful private retreats.
Throughout the home, the designers emphasized fluid sophistication by using a cohesive, subtle color palette and a rich variety of textures. From cobblestone wall panels in the foyer to the plush sofa in the living room, and the wood-beaded light fixture and exposed beams in the dining area, these elements are thoughtfully combined to create a tranquil, layered interior.
The courtyard serves as an organic extension of the great room, providing an intimate outdoor living room and a direct connection to the outdoor kitchen and dining terrace. A planted step-garden and carefully arranged landscape elements reinforce the tropical atmosphere while offering privacy and a soothing backdrop for everyday life or entertaining guests.
Thoughtful lighting and carefully selected fixtures accentuate architectural features, from the grand staircase to intimate nooks. The master suite exemplifies the home’s calming approach with a layered mix of white and wood finishes, generous natural light and a design that emphasizes rest and privacy. Even smaller spaces, such as the powder room, make a memorable impact—here a bold chevron wall pattern adds a playful, graphic note that contrasts with the home’s otherwise quiet palette.
Overall, the Hawthorne Residence demonstrates how a restrained palette, layered textures and a strong connection to the outdoors can create a home that is both luxurious and inviting. The design balances contemporary comforts with a warm, tropical elegance—producing a serene retreat that celebrates Sarasota’s climate and lifestyle. Photography by Justin Labadie captures the home’s material richness and the seamless indoor-outdoor living that defines this exceptional project.