Designing a home for someone who spends most of their time traveling between cities around the world is a unique challenge. Nina Williams Interiors accepted that challenge and transformed a modest two-story townhouse in West Palm Beach, Florida into a smart, modern-industrial retreat. The homeowner, originally from Britain, wanted a residence that combined modern functionality with aged, weathered finishes that feel authentic. The result is a space-conscious makeover that blends timeless character with contemporary style while keeping the project budget-minded.
At the heart of the home is a new open-plan kitchen and living area. The original, more enclosed kitchen was removed to create a brighter, more spacious layout. A reclaimed brick accent wall gives the kitchen a textured, industrial backdrop, while dark wood cabinetry, wood countertops and industrial-style lighting anchor the space with warmth and tactile contrast. A casual dining area sits adjacent to the kitchen, making the entire ground floor feel cohesive and practical for everyday living and entertaining.
The living room design is deliberately understated, allowing natural materials and architectural details to shine. Bedrooms were given visual treatments that amplify perceived space without structural alteration: one bedroom features a large bridge mural that creates depth and a sense of distance, while another uses a mural of brick and a sliding barn door to introduce character and a focal point. These mural treatments are a cost-effective way to add drama and scale, making compact rooms feel larger and more interesting.
Function and personality extend into the home office and utility areas. A chalkboard accent wall provides a practical surface for notes and planning, while a cowhide rug and custom wood-and-metal furniture add texture and industrial charm. Reclaimed materials and flea-market finds were woven into the design, delivering authenticity and a story-driven aesthetic without excessive cost.
Bathrooms and smaller spaces continue the theme of reclaimed and custom elements. Cog-style mirror frames, custom lighting and repurposed vanities bring an industrial-meets-refined look to the powder room and main bathroom. A vintage locker discovered at a local flea market provides practical storage and an authentic, lived-in texture. In the small powder room, a sliding barn-style door and a reclaimed-wood vanity make a compact space feel tailored and thoughtfully appointed. Carrera marble is used selectively to introduce a brighter, more refined counterpoint to the industrial finishes.
The client manages a large hunter-jumper barn and travels internationally with the horses. His work takes him between New York and West Palm Beach; he spends several months of the year in Wellington. This small two-story townhouse serves as his home base in Florida, and his main wish was to create a space he truly enjoys returning to.
Throughout the renovation, the design team prioritized individual character, functional improvements and cost-conscious choices. Reclaimed materials, flea-market finds and carefully chosen finishes deliver the industrial aesthetic while preserving warmth and livability. By mixing weathered textures with clean, modern lines, the townhouse now reads as a refined, space-savvy retreat: a welcoming home base that reflects the owner’s lifestyle and travels without sacrificing comfort or style.
