Kurtz Homes: Chair by Carolyn Kurtz Gordon and Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell
Gulfshore Life’s Chairs for Charity features Kurtz Home’s timeless creation by Carolyn Kurtz Gordon and Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell. Inspired by the family’s three-generation legacy in luxury building, the designers sought a chair that balances tradition, function and enduring style. Their piece celebrates the beauty of objects that stand the test of time, creating a space that feels like home while honoring the memories and moments that make a house a refuge.
Photography by Anastasia Walborn
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Where did you find the vintage chair?
This vintage oak valet hall chair was procured by a woman on Facebook marketplace who fondly recounted her own memories of this chair and how it was passed down in her family. The design concept came from Elizabeth Isbell and Carolyn Gordon, both sisters and members of their family’s building business. In hopes of preserving yet refining this hall tree chair, skilled team members of Kurtz Homes refurbished and brought it back to life, with a few additions.
What were the materials used to redesign the chair?
With the desire to remain true to its original purpose and material, the chair was stabilized, sanded, and refinished using wood filler and stain. A new backing was added, the bronze hooks were restored and polished, and a new marble seat was added to ground the piece. This chair was refurbished with the intention of it once again being used and cherished through generations.
Where did you find the inspiration for your chair design? What was the process of designing and putting together the chair?
The inspiration for this chair came from our desire to find a chair that represented the ideal of timeless function and tradition. As part of the third generation of our family’s luxury building company, we understand and appreciate the beauty in things that stand the test of time, hold value, and represent the things which tie generations together. We value form and function in the home. We know that a house is not a home without the memories made inside of it and the ease of use within its walls. As builders, we have seen trends come and go, but the things people value the most are those that allow a space to feel like a refuge.
How would you incorporate your chair into a space?
This chair has carried the quiet strength of generations — a steadfast witness to the lives and people that found a resting place here. Now, restored and reimagined, it continues its legacy as a symbol of home - where the pace slows and peace gently settles in. A reminder that some things, like function, tradition, and comfort, never go out of style. It’s the chair that’s always been there, the one that greets you when walk in the door. It marks the transition between out there and in here, where you can exhale the worries of the outside world. It offers up a resting place to hang up all the many hats you wear out there. Take a seat. Take off your hat. You’re home.
elizabeth and carolyn kurtz home chairs for charity
DESIGNER BIOGRAPHY: Carolyn Kurtz Gordon and Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell
Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell and Carolyn Kurtz Gordon are third generation at Kurtz Homes, a custom home building company that has been in business in Naples for 43 years.
Elizabeth has served two terms as the Naples Design District’s president and is very involved in The Collective, a design center developed with the help of their father, Randy Kurtz. Elizabeth is currently in charge of Business Operations and marketing for Kurtz Homes. Carolyn is married to David Gordon, president of Kurtz Homes. When she is not occupied with school functions and sporting events with their four children, she is in the office helping with events and supporting David’s day-to-day responsibilities.
Together, Elizabeth and Carolyn bring a unique set of talents and perspectives to their family business and enjoy being involved in the community.