The local design scene continues to shine on the global stage, blending coastal charm with cosmopolitan polish. This month, we turn to interior designer Catharine Willmer—celebrated for her work on The Colony Hotel’s Chairish Villa—for her top picks for the modern Gulf Coast home.
From Old World treasures to contemporary accents with a playful edge, Catharine's selections highlight the craft, elegance and flair shaping Southwest Florida style today.
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catharine willmer global home finds Curved Cabinet Uccelli by Fornasetti
Curved Cabinet Uccelli by Fornasetti
Founded in post–World War II Milan by Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti, the atelier turns functional objects into finely crafted canvases. Today, every piece is still handmade under the direction of the founder’s son, who preserves the brand’s artisanal ethos. The Uccelli cabinet showcases the brand’s bold motifs with a zoomorphic pattern that lends stylized whimsy. fornasetti.com
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catharine willmer global home finds Earring by Fendi Casa
Earring by Fendi Casa
With its sculptural gold base and jewel-toned, inlaid marble top, Fendi Casa’s Earring coffee table is a study in graphic glamour. “It’s a double entendre,” Catharine says, referencing how the piece resembles an earring and accessorizes a room like statement jewelry. Available in two heights (ideal for nesting), the table comes with either a matte finish or an etched chevron inlay for added texture. fendicasa.com
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catharine willmer global home finds Chinoiserie Armchair by Liz O’Brien Editions
Chinoiserie Armchair by Liz O’Brien Editions
Imbued with the elegance of Hollywood Regency design, this low-profile, painted wood chair brings a delicate, feminine energy to any space. “It’s a statement piece, but a quiet statement piece,” Catharine says. She likes to use the chair to lighten up a space, its tidy base and open back, let light travel through, visually lifting the whole room. Designed by celebrated furniture curator and dealer Liz O’Brien, the made-to-order piece allows for complete customization of finish and upholstery, lending flexibility without sacrificing character. lizobrien.com
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catharine willmer global home finds Spina B5.1 Bench by Portego
Spina B5.1 Bench by Portego
“The bench has a rhythm to it that is really beautiful,” Catharine says. “I love the undulation.” Defined by its dramatic silhouette and softened shine, the lacquered bench balances structure and fluidity. The vertical forms nod to classical colonnades, but the repetition makes it feel modern—more sculptural than architectural. The high-gloss finish adds warmth and a sense of polish, with colorways that range from dusty red to creamy off-white. portego.it