PONTE VEDRA, Florida - Sisler Johnston Interior Design has completed the Riverwood Welcome Center at Nocatee in Ponte Vedra. The company worked closely with Pulte Homes' executive and marketing team to develop an interior design that is inviting and reflects the coastal lifestyle offered at Riverwood.

Inspired by European villages that dominate the coastlines of Italy, France, and Spain, the Riverwood Welcome Center has a classic Mediterranean-style exterior elevation with a clay tile roof, rough troweled stucco and natural quarry stone. The welcome center was designed by Basham and Lucas architects.

Inside, the center features displays depicting the Riverwood lifestyle and a large pictorial map of the community. Authentic coastal photography from the 1930s to the present reinforces Northeast Florida's historical significance as a winter destination. The photography is featured within accent-painted recessed niches.

The entry area is designed with an expansive two-story ceiling and clerestory windows clad with honey-stained wood. The open reception desk has a large wall-mounted water feature as a backdrop. The center has warm honey maple flooring and is equipped with tables and chairs in a complementary colored wood.

"It is challenging to take a room with enormous proportions and emerge with a design that is warm and welcoming." said Judith Sisler Johnston, president, Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member. "To evoke a family room feeling, I used a technique where I divided the large room into smaller zones."

Sisler Johnston selected three geometric patterned Turkish area rugs with sage, celery and wheat borders and patterns on paprika-colored backgrounds. All of the furnishings have clean California coastal lines and light textured neutral fabric upholstery accompanied by bold accent pillows.

To reinforce the relaxed elegance of the three furniture groupings, Sisler Johnston selected round leather cocktail ottomans instead of traditional coffee tables. Iron lamp tables with inlaid slate tops add contrast to the leather and honey woods. Drapery panels in alternating layers of paprika and wheat fabric flow from large diameter, honey-stained wooden rods and complement the center's 15-foot Palladian windows.

Pulte Homes' executive team conceived the idea of transforming the center's refreshment area into an authentic looking European bistro. The setting has large chiseled-edge tile floors, iron gates, bistro tables with mosaic tops and chairs, a wall fountain and a baker's rack. Guests can enjoy refreshments while reviewing Riverwood's opportunities.

The welcome center has large screened televisions showing videos of the amenities offered at Riverwood. There is also a lifestyle room for residents to use for leisure activities, including cards, games and exercise classes, as well as a business center. Outside, a putting green and bocce court grace the lawn surrounding the covered verandah, which has cushioned outdoor furnishings for parties and social gatherings. Residents will enjoy this area until the community recreation center is complete.

Sisler Johnston also designed seven sales offices inside the center. To reinforce the relaxed atmosphere, each has a table desk and storage credenza in light brown cherry wood with soft contemporary styling. Northeast Florida coastal living photography is featured as framed art throughout the business area. A professionally equipped selection center demonstrates the many features and finishes available to homebuyers.

Riverwood is an active adult community by Del Webb, a division of Pulte Homes, at Nocatee, a new master-planned community in St. Johns County. Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients, specializing in luxurious living spaces for exceptional homes. The company designs residential and model homes as well as community centers, hotel and office suites.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with timeless elegance and classic style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville's leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients' personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston's design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs. Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with nearly 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

Photography:

Sisler Johnston Interior Design says natural hardwood flooring can add warmth and beauty to any décor.

RWWC 1 Entry - The drapery panels have alternating layers of paprika and wheat fabric on large diameter, honey-stained wooden rods.

RWWC 2 Bistro - Visitors and guests can enjoy refreshments at the Bistro while reviewing the many lifestyle choices offered at Riverwood at Nocatee.