Architecture trends in Ponte Vedra

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Ponte Vedra has seen a building boom happening with regard to single family residential projects. It seems the entire town of Ponte Vedra is moving from renovations of beach cottages to new larger homes. Entire city blocks that had original homes on them in Old Ponte Vedra are disappearing and turning into entirely new neighborhoods. But what is the new face of these neighborhoods? To explore this question, we have to look at a few drivers. 

Long gone are the over-fussy, large “McMansions.”  Though still on average large custom homes, overall square footages have reduced. Some residents after the erosion on Ponte Vedra Boulevard, for example, have decided to move a few blocks inland and create a smaller version of what they had before.

The overall square footages have decreased, as well as the trend of cleaner, simpler lines.  The “bones” of the home have to be designed well and purposeful because they are not hidden with a lot of ornament as in decades past. The beach contemporary home style has really become mainstream. We see these modern homes once only seen in places like Miami, pop up here on the First Coast.

Another popular trend is the cedar shake “Hamptons” look. This has become so prevalent in Ponte Vedra, it’s starting to resemble the “Hamptons south.” Bermuda shades, architecturally interesting brackets and standing seam metal roofs have become very popular elements as well.  While you don’t see too much of the Mediterranean look anymore, done correctly with proper attention to purposely placed corbels and stone accents, this style can remain timeless.

Along with the “cleaner, simpler lines” comes the need to design around art. The art becomes the focus and a hallway becomes a gallery space with proper lighting and thoughtful design. Self-contained foyers with feature walls offer privacy for the resident. Whatever the design vernacular, art is a critical piece of the design puzzle early on. Good design does not have to cost a lot, it just needs to be well considered.

Another trend is that homes are designed around the pool, where the pool becomes an integral piece of the design, not an afterthought.  Proceeding through the space and having the architecture engage the pool area is a common trend.

While trends may come and go, they are born from the economy, local circumstances and the general public being able to embrace the trend. Just a few years ago contemporary homes were a special client. Now these modern showpieces have become mainstream.