Southern Living ,  Mar 1998  by Thomason, Julia H

We went all over Tampa looking at old mediterranean homes, inside and out," designer Marty Sears says, "because we wanted this house to look lived in for years." Careful choice of materials and attention to construction details creates a feeling of age and authenticity at the new Tampa home of Erika and Don Wallace. Architect Sol Fleischmann, Jr., drew the plans for the bayfront house.

Wide arches and tall stone columns in the living and dining rooms are keynotes of the mediterranean styling. Wooden ceiling beams warm both spaces, and the foyer features a coffered ceiling. "A lot of the mediterranean homes built in Florida during the twenties are very dark because of the stained woodwork and floors," Marty says. "Bleached floors keep this house from looking too drab and make the beams stand out as architectural elements. We kept the house light and airy yet still gave it that old-world feeling."

The use of rustic materials is important to a relaxed style. The fireplace is constructed of stone brought from South America, and handcarved capitals form the base of the glass topped dining table. "A man from France happened to be one of the painters on the job," Marty recalls. "When he saw what we were doing, he said, `You know, I carve stone,' and so he did the capitals for the table." Antique iron doors were installed at the wet bar.

Tile covers some of the floor and wall surfaces. Marty says, "It was amazing how many people would come by and say, 'Doesn't this old house you're renovating look splendid.' " Julia H. Thomason
Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 1998
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