Secret doors & magic wands: monique gibson’s palm beach dream home
A daughter’s whimsical wish list – a cabinet that opens with a jeweled baton, walls adorned with dancing cats – exploded into a vibrant, oceanfront sanctuary thanks to AD100 designer Monique Gibson and Ferguson & Shamamian Architects. Forget beige; this Palm Beach estate is a riot of color, playful surprises, and a distinctly youthful spirit.
A design driven by delight
Gibson’s approach, honed at CNN and refined at NYU, isn’t about replicating trends. It’s about uncovering the stories behind the design, a meticulous process that even coaxed a notoriously pragmatic builder into embracing the ‘sparkle’ of a magic wand. The initial request – simply “magic” for a bedroom – ignited a project of astonishing scope and joyful eccentricity.
Reimagining space, redefining family
The layout underwent a significant transformation, shedding its formal past for a more relaxed, family-centric flow. The former dining room now pulsates with murals by Humberto Ramirez, a whimsical landscape teeming with fantastical creatures. It’s a deliberate shift, Gibson explains, “a symbolic gesture of a new, youthful spirit entering the design of the project.”
Details that delight
Every corner of the house is meticulously considered, from the custom-woven rug evoking Christian Bérard’s designs to the strategically placed sconces and chests. The kitchen, split into a practical workspace and a concealed professional area, reflects a desire for both functionality and surprise. And the furniture? A carefully curated mix of vintage treasures and bespoke pieces, each contributing to the Home’s unique personality.
More than just a house
Gibson’s clients, who she’s designed for over a decade, have evolved from a preference for muted palettes to an embrace of bold color and playful textures. “They began shedding their winter coats – and their love of gray,” she notes, “They decided to celebrate color and fun.” This project, she observes, embodies that shift perfectly – a testament to the power of design to reflect and amplify a family’s evolving spirit. It's a remarkable demonstration that even the most ambitious brief can yield a Home that truly feels like a reflection of its inhabitants.