Interview with Lorna Gross
Photography by Nick Mele

Interior designer Lorna Gross explains how she imbued a waterfront Tampa Bay home with comfort and class while crafting remarkable outdoor spaces that beckon its owners to enjoy the seaside scenery.

Would you tell us about your design experience?
I earned my interior design degree from Marymount University in Virginia. I worked for a couple of design firms, including one that styled large estates and palaces in the Middle East. There, I learned about project management, drafting, and virtually every area of the industry that you could touch.

I have had my own firm for about sixteen years now. We are based in the DC area—North Bethesda, Maryland—but we have served clients all over North America and in London.

What is your approach to design?
I feel that there’s a difference between chasing your own creative freedom and serving your clients the right way. Some designers have signature styles, and people go to them for that specific look, but our firm is known for personalization because no two clients are the same; that’s why you see a huge variety of styles in our portfolio. I get a kick out of peeling back the layers to understand who my clients are and enjoy designing in such a way that makes it difficult for people to copy and repeat my work. I don’t think that someone should leave their house, go next door, and see the same things—every home should totally express who each owner is as an individual.

What was your inspiration when designing this home?
This was actually the second of three projects I did for the clients. Their former residence was a Virginia estate home that was more woodsy and charming versus this waterfront Tampa Bay property, which has now become their permanent residence. They like the area because of the beautiful water, obviously, but also the local amenities.

They wanted this place to feel a little bit more Floridian, so I brought in brighter colors like sea green, aqua, salmon, and turquoise for a serene atmosphere. It was also critical for me to honor the location and the view. In every space, I either wanted to have furniture face the water or accent it or let the scenery speak for itself.

Because I designed for them before, the clients had full trust in me and I could make choices quickly since I was already aligned with their lifestyle and personalities. For example, the dining area and open living room are more fun, buoyant, and vibrant. But with them being introverts, I felt like they also needed quiet and private spaces they could retreat to, such as the primary bedroom. There, I paired the serene bed with soothing accent wallpaper and a seating area where they can put their feet up and have tea.

How did you craft a calming vibe that also feels engaging?
Color was so important to this home. I used warm shades versus sterile and cold ones, which make people not want to approach a room, and I made areas with neutral hues inviting by incorporating a lot of different materials and patterns. For instance, the upstairs loft has swivel chairs with a warm, natural texture, and in the primary bedroom, materials like rope and burlap and some patterned pillows add texture. Subtle touches of tropical colors, like ones in modern artwork, also give this home a unique feel compared to a typical beach house.

What was your strategy for designing the outdoor spaces?
The house has several exterior areas for hosting, which was exciting for me—I got to make each one feel a little different. Every spot has a distinct color scheme because the personality and intention of a space should come through subliminally as you move through it.

So the lanai, for example, is a little more formal; it’s structured a bit traditionally for a more classic aesthetic. And then the seating area around the pool is more contemporary and casual. I kind of see it as a “martini spot” where the clients can hang out with friends and look out at the gulf view and the pool’s infinity edge. In addition, the furniture has a nice combination of pieces with hosting and solitary purposes. If they want to lay out, there’s a stunning spot for that, or they can put their feet up and have a conversation. There’s even a sectional where the clients can entertain a larger group of people.

Which was the most challenging space to design?
I’d say the lanai since it’s very elongated. It’s sometimes difficult to design long and narrow spaces because you don’t want to overfurnish and crowd them, but you also don’t want to underfurnish them to the point that they’re sterile. So we incorporated different purposes into the lanai: there’s space for cooking, eating, and formal lounging and a spot way in the back where the clients can sit by themselves to read a book or just take in the view.

Another challenge was the exterior walls of the house, which had to be hurricane proof because it’s right on the waterfront. Such walls can make a home feel harsh like a fortress, so you’ll see that one of them in the backyard has drapery on it, which intentionally softens what would otherwise be a harder aesthetic.

What are some upcoming outdoor design trends that appeal to you?
I’m excited about where outdoor living is going because it really is living. This home is a good example of how far these features have come—you can do virtually everything outside that you can inside. Exterior kitchen appliances, TVs, and lighting are so much more advanced. Products have different curves and finishes instead of looking standard and practical. Up until maybe six years ago, outdoor textiles were still somewhat flat, but processes have improved so that you can have beautifully soft, colorful fabrics that are still weather resistant. As a designer, that gives me more flexibility to create a better, more interesting outdoor aesthetic that allows my clients to lounge.

For more info, visit lornagross.com