Driftwood Garden Center: Chair by Micheal Alfonso and Olivia Angle
Gulfshore Life’s Chairs for Charity highlights Driftwood Garden Center’s Naples-inspired piece by designers Michael and Olivia, who set out to create a chair that reflected their sense of home. Blending coastal and tropical elements, they incorporated ocean blues, sand-toned whites and subtle gold accents to nod to the Sunshine State. The result is a fresh, spirited design that channels the textures and colors of Naples’ shoreline while supporting a community-driven cause.
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Where did you find the chair?
This vintage chair belonged to Renee Hazelett, who, along with her husband, opened Driftwood Garden Center in 1984. We thought using one of her pieces would be a lovely way to represent Driftwood.
What materials were used?
The chair, mixed silk florals from Driftwood, foam, Christmas ornaments, paint, and glue.
Where did you get inspiration?
When deciding how we wanted to design the chair, we wanted to do something that represented our home. Because we wanted to do something Naples inspired, we incorporated coastal and tropical styles, along with blue and white colors and touches of gold. We felt these colors and designs represented our beautiful home very well. Blues inspired by the Ocean, whites inspired by the sand and gold represent the sunshine state.
What was the process of designing?
We started out by painting our chair and laying out where we would want the silks to sit. Using foam, glue, and wire, we incorporated the pieces into sections throughout the chair.
How would you incorporate the chair into a space?
Being such a unique piece, keeping it in an area where it can be displayed and enjoyed by others. An office space, or any area needing some personality, this is the perfect addition to a classic Naples home.
Photography by Anastasia Walborn
driftwood garden center chairs for charity preview
micheal and olive driftwood garden chairs for charity
DESIGNER BIOGRAPHY: Micheal Alfonso and Olivia Angle
The design is a collaboration done by Micheal Alfonso, an employee at Driftwood for over 20 years. He is the store designer and a buyer, who also excels in plant, silk and floral design. Olivia Angle is a floral designer and does marketing for Driftwood. Together, they designed this chair but also collaborate on projects throughout the store. The two were happy to get creative on a project for a great cause and that represents their home and the place they love to work.