JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Sisler Johnston Interior Design has completed the installation of Summerland Hall, the amenities center for Sweetwater, an active-adult community by Del Webb that was designed by Basham and Lucas Design Group and built by Auld and White Constructors.

Situated on the banks of an impressive lake with flowing fountains, the amenities center at Sweetwater features beautiful Spanish Mediterranean-inspired architecture.  Enhanced by a steep retaining wall, the building’s design includes natural stone pavers, giving the amenities center the appearance of a European castle surrounded by a medieval moat. 
                                                                       
“When the Pulte team approached our firm about providing the interior design expertise, we entered into their vision of bringing the residents of Sweetwater a world-class amenity center consistent with the Del Webb reputation,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president, Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member. 

The amenities and facilities at Sweetwater rival those of a fine resort or private club.  The design process included special attention to many elements in the 22,000-square-foot facility, including lighting, millwork, hardware, fixtures, flooring, paints, and wall elevations.

The Sisler Johnston team created a series of arched openings along the main corridors to add interest and illumination.  They painted the inside of each arch a vibrant pesto and added antique bronze wall sconces with alabaster glass globes.  Applied millwork beams and bold color accents on the ceilings add Mediterranean rustic appeal.

For the grand hall, where the ceiling soars to three-story height, Sisler Johnston selected 24” Italian chiseled-edge walnut limestone flooring and a chandelier that is 72” in diameter and 85” in height. “In a room with such a grand scale, the furniture, lighting and architectural details had to be properly proportioned to achieve the most pleasing results,” Sisler Johnston said.  “That is why I chose the chandelier.  It gives dramatic illumination to the room.”
Two large hand-knotted wool carpets from India define mirror image seating areas.  To complement the room’s octagon shape, Sisler Johnston used angled opposing sofas that back to an estate-sized console and are centered under the massive chandelier.  The sofas are upholstered in imported cherry-colored brushed velvet, which adds strong primary color to the room.  The oversized Bergere lounge chairs are covered in a woven tapestry fabric featuring black, pesto and cherry contrasts against a gold field.  A cocktail table measuring 48” in size has an onyx granite top and sits on a leafy patterned iron base.  The grand hall walls have a hand-applied Venetian plaster in shades of ochre covered with a topaz glaze.  Sisler Johnston engaged the services of a decorative finishes artist to achieve the look.

The media room offers a place for residents to read the morning newspaper or catch up on the latest broadcast from the large plasma television that has been mounted over the two-sided fireplace wall.  Sisler Johnston designed the wall to have custom cabinetry and recessed arched niches that are painted pesto green   The large sofa, lounge chairs and ottomans are black cherry leather.  The wing chairs have turned wood bases and colorful woven tapestry fabric upholstery.  The media room furnishings include several items from the Bob Timberlake and Tommy Bahama collections.

Sharing the two-sided fireplace is a billiards room with Spanish colonial-style billiards tables, sculpted iron lighting and numerous game tables.  A tournament-quality dartboard is available for resident enjoyment.

The multi-purpose room serves as a banquet facility with a dance floor or a seminar room for resident educational programs.  Sisler Johnston designed it with room darkening ochre-colored draperies, crimson valances, and pesto and gold patterned plush carpeting against a crimson background.  The center’s arts and crafts area has built-in glass front curio cabinets to display art projects.  For practical applications, Sisler Johnston chose composite tile flooring.

“To complement the room’s size, I designed a large geometric pattern and then colored it in honey and bisque,” Sisler Johnston said.  “Since the room overlooks the lake, fountains and lush landscaping, I kept the cabinetry and window designs in neutrals to keep the room bright and to frame the expansive outdoors views.”

The recreation center has a state-of-the art fitness facility with locker rooms for men and women.  Its crowning jewel is its Olympic-sized indoor lap pool.  Sisler Johnston chose a pesto and chestnut decorative water line tile and added the pesto color to the ceiling recesses.  She selected 24” scored tile pattern flooring and a faux-stone medallion as an art element in the room.  The window dressings throughout the amenities center are especially interesting because of their unique shapes, sizes, colors and patterns.

The outdoor recreation area at Sweetwater has a second pool and a large patio and deck area for residents to enjoy leisure activities or social gatherings.  The arched niche on the cabana features a special tile mosaic.

“I enjoyed working with Pulte’s professional team because they know how to get the job done and are a pleasure to work with in the process,” Sisler Johnston said.  “It is easy to see why they have won the J.D. Powers award for excellence on numerous occasions.”

Sweetwater by Del Webb, a division of the Pulte Homes family, is located on R. G. Skinner Parkway near Baymeadows Road and Florida 9A in Jacksonville. Sisler Johnston Interior Design of Jacksonville creates award-winning interior designs with timeless elegance and classic style.  The company offers comprehensive services for residential and commercial clients.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design specializes in luxurious living spaces for exceptional homes.  The company also designs model homes and commercial spaces, including condominiums, hotels, community amenity centers and office suites Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, highly trained and gifted designers combine experience, knowledge and professionalism to help clients develop their vision while analyzing their design requirements.  The company celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with more than 75 industry awards, including Aurora, Laurel, Excel and the National Association of Home Builders Senior Housing awards.

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

Photography:   
Grand Hall Entry:  Sisler Johnston selected large chandeliers and wall sconces to accommodate the grand scale room proportions.

Library:  Leather and tapestry furnishings compliment the stained ceiling details and patterned carpet.

Additional photography is available upon request.