Welcome to “At Home With Gary” Part 1

Welcome to “At Home With Gary.” This new series explores Fort Lauderdale living from a design and lifestyle perspective. Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s livability or prepare it for sale, we’ll lend tips and insights from design, construction and real estate professionals. In this video, we talk to designer Shawn Clark about the things he – and I – did during Covid to improve the quality of life and overall value of the homes Sean worked on, and the home I live in.

In a phrase, we were transforming homes into exceptional places to live and work – and a bit of both. With the work-from-home movement, people needed better spaces to work productively, especially in the solitude that many endured.

In my own home, elevating the space’s livability was critical to getting through the monotony of the pandemic. Working with Shawn, we rethought the interior. We installed a reflective velum, stretched ceiling. This high-gloss finish reflected light and visuals from outside, essentially helping brighten and enlighten the interior space.

It gives the nine-foot ceiling the appearance of a 12- or 14-foot ceiling.

“This ceiling explodes,” he says in the video.

We removed the ceramic tiles, jalousie windows, outdated bathrooms and turned the kitchen into an open concept. Outside, we replaced the roof that had outlived its lifespan.

Then we rethought the furnishings with an eye on quality living. The first project was to build a home entertainment center, then we brought in a new sofa. Even though many think the disruptions of COVID are behind us, we’re still awaiting some furnishings.

As Shawn and I discussed, the pandemic elicited a wide array of emotions from people. Like many people, the home became a retreat. So we turned sentimental pieces – my father’s rocking chair, wingchairs from my family’s home, even an old hope chest – into centerpieces in the home. A little restored, the wicker dresser with turquoise paint and new cushions. The result was a gallery effect.

Speaking of “gallery,” we showcased some of the artistic pieces I’ve collected throughout my life. I also incorporated several pieces from artist, filmmaker and Frost Museum friend Wendy White.

What I discovered with Shawn, both in the makeover of my home and our discussion, was that one’s home is a work of art. It’s a constant work in progress that should be renovated or improved to suit the resident’s needs today – and in the future.

So join us for future episodes of At Home With Gary, when we explore fresh new aspects of creating the perfect home for yourself – and possibly a future home buyer.