Out of an overwhelming number of submissions from talented designers, decorators and builders across South Florida, this home stood out as the ultimate winner of The Boca Raton Observer’s Home of the Year title. Following a meticulous review process, our editorial team selected this extraordinary project for its visionary design, impeccable craftsmanship and seamless blend of luxury and functionality.
Husband-and-wife team Drew and Katya Thompson, owners of Artistic Elements in Boca Raton, took on the challenge of a full-scale remodel of this 8,000-square-foot home on the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach — with stellar results. The showstopping transformation reimagined every aspect of the home with a modern, updated aesthetic.
The four-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath home is not only a place of beauty and tranquility, but it's also a functional, comfortable space for easy, South Florida family living. The luxurious remodel opens onto the redesigned backyard, featuring an expansive, custom-designed pool and a boat dock. With spectacular views of the Intracoastal beyond, unwinding at home was never more appealing or relaxing.
The Vision Behind The Design
Katya, principal and director of design, spearheaded the project. Born and raised in Eastern Europe, she earned a degree in interior design from the University of Oklahoma, then launched her career with several iconic fashion brands, designing retail storefronts around the world before working with a Los Angeles-based designer focusing on high-end residential design. While enjoying many aspects of architecture and engineering, her true passion is interior design.
The homeowners, a couple with college-age children, approached Artistic Elements in 2020 to remodel their primary home.
“This was a highly complex remodel that spanned several years due to architectural and engineering challenges. The project required meticulous planning and coordination to address structural modifications, custom design elements and advanced material integration,” Katya says. The project was completed in 2024.
Structural And Aesthetic Enhancements
Careful consideration of the existing structure was key. With an architect’s initial plan in hand, the designers made many changes to truly drive the project, Katya says. They worked closely with the builder, Firstwater Custom Builders, in Boca Raton. The facade was modernized, but the roof and some main walls remained. The builder was able to raise the ceilings and modify the trusses.
“The homeowner was very involved in the project,” adds Katya. “She was very knowledgeable, very involved in the details. We were very much on the same page as far as design. It also made the process easy and smooth.”
The couple wanted clean lines and a cozy, livable yet elevated space. “They spend a lot of time hanging out at the house and wanted a space that was comfortable for everybody; something that’s a showpiece but very usable.”
They also envisioned a neutral palette with tone-on-tone hues, featuring rich shades of beige and brown and layered with luxurious details.
A Reimagined Layout
To create a more open concept and harmonious flow, relocating the staircase was necessary. This allowed for a large open kitchen that seamlessly connects with the dining and family rooms. Moving the staircase from the left side to the right side of the entry posed a major challenge, but it also created space for new upstairs bedroom in what had been a soaring entry hall.
The home’s double-height entryway creates an immediate sense of grandeur, Katya says, complemented by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow natural light to flood the space. LED-integrated architectural detailing in the foyer adds a sophisticated touch, guiding the eye toward the open-plan layout.
Kitchen Elegance
A total revamp rejuvenated the outdated kitchen, introducing a more open and airy layout. The custom cabinetry is a mix of white lacquer and warm Australian walnut veneer, creating a sophisticated contrast, Katya notes.
Porcelain countertops “are a preferred choice for its durability, depth, clarity and luxe appearance,” she adds. The island incorporates a backlit acrylic panel on the side facing the dining area, providing a soft, ambient glow that enhances the luxurious feel. The acrylic panel, designed as an alternative to backlit stone, offers the advantage of being lighter in weight and fully customizable in design and color. The panels are by Miami artist Alex Turco.
The pendant lights above the island are modern and sculptural, complementing the contemporary aesthetic.
For two steel columns that couldn’t be moved, the solution was to integrate them into the design. One column is concealed, while the other is wrapped in a decorative material, giving the appearance of supporting the cabinets.
Seamless Living Spaces
“The kitchen, dining and family rooms have a seamless flow that makes family gatherings and parties enjoyable and easy,” Katya says. “Our goal was to create a great social and dining experience for our clients and their guests.”
To unify the open concept, an off-white, 36-by‑36‑inch porcelain tile was used throughout the first floor, while wood flooring was installed upstairs. The walnut veneer is incorporated throughout the home for added warmth and texture.
For the living room, the homeowners sought to make the most of the stunning water views, which the designers achieved with large custom windows. Minimal yet refined, the window treadments were chosen to complement the architecture without distracting from it.
Serving as a focal point in the living room, the fireplace features a natural stone surround, while wood paneling adds warmth and contrast. The plush, neutral area rug grounds the space, and four curved chairs upholstered in soft neutral fabric enhance comfort and elegance. The Cityscape Circular LED Pendant by Hubbardton Forge of Vermont ties in with the contemporary luxury theme.
In the dining room, the table is a custom bronze glass top with a sleek metal base, selected to maintain an airy feel in the open-concept space. The overhead geometric pendant lights provide excellent illumination while preserving sightlines to the kitchen. “Their modern, sculptural design enhances the contemporary aesthetic without overwhelming the space,” Katya says.
The family room, open to the kitchen and dining area, is designed for comfortable lounging, featuring custom sofas, textured wall panels and integrated media storage.
A home workspace can be as stylish as it is functional. Here, the designers created a streamlined dual-office space that inspires creativity and efficiency with his-and-her marble slab statement desks. Wood and metal bookshelves backed by a handcrafted wallcovering add texture and refinement. Wall art adds personality, while ambient lighting and a sculptural light fixture create an inviting work environment.
When it’s time to unwind indoors, a home theater with comfortable reclining loungers and advanced acoustics provides an enhanced cinematic experience — with or without the popcorn.
For the primary bedroom on the first floor, the homeowners chose a tone-on-tone palette with a neutral scheme to create a calming sanctuary. Continuing the design theme of curved, organic shapes and silhouettes, luxurious bedding, custom furnishings and soft pendant lighting create an inviting oasis.
The bathroom “supports the vibe of the master bedroom,” Katya says, with custom neutral cabinetry, natural stone finishes and wood detail that maintain a serene aesthetic.
The residence features full smart-home automation, integrating lighting control, climate management, motorized window treatments, security and A/V systems for effortless convenience and modern luxury.
Cohesive Luxury
For a cohesive transition to the outdoor living space, “we came up with an architectural solution that allowed us to blend indoor and outdoor,” Katya says. The room opens up to the exterior through large sliding glass doors. The outdoor kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances, durable countertops and integrated storage, “ensuring functionality while maintaining a sleek design,” she says. The furnishings are weather-resistant while preserving the high-end aesthetic of the interior.
With all the changes, along with carefully curated finishes and materials, the home’s transformation, Katya says, “encapsulates the essence of a luxurious Zen mansion.”
She adds, “The way we did the landscape and exterior lighting, seeing the home from the Intracoastal on a boat — it’s just amazing to look at.”