Because Sarasota Magazine is a Main Event Sponsor (along with Benjamin Moore Paints), I previewed two of these homes last week, the first owned by Louise Stewart in the Sanderling Club on Siesta Key, and the second a cottage with incredible gardens and patios remodeled by Tom Coppage just in time for Designer Digs. I’ve already prioritized the rest of the list of Sarasota designers, many of whom we’ve covered in the pages of SarasotaMagazine. Home editor Ilene Denton told me she covered the entire building process of Anne Folsom Smith’s home twenty-something years ago, and now we’ll see how this great-looking house on Sarasota Bay remains fresh and current through her interior design.

Louise Stewart's main room.

 Anne Folsom Smith's great room.

Louise Stewart’s home is an extreme makeover of a 1950s ranch that only she and husband Pat Walter could have loved when they found it. The original home has been completely renovated, replete with new front entrance and separate guesthouse. Don’t forget to check out Pat’s incredible work with tile on the great room fireplace, powder bath and more.

 JoAnn Calleia's dining room.

Tom Coppage was still busy painting, planting and adding last-minute touches to his “fixer-upper” on Almeria Avenue. It’s a great combination of mid-century, Oriental and coastal styles. I love the screened back patio with its checkerboard floor and Buddha waterfall.

 Tom Coppage's lanai.

The designers themselves are psyched about Shawn Dehart’s 1955 remodeled home, since he’s one of the youngest members of our ASID chapter. Shawn graduated from Ringling in 2000, and has already made quite a mark in both residential and commercial interior design.