The Luxe Farmhouse: Designed From the Outside In

At Design West, we believe every home has a story. Glenn Midnet, Founder and CEO of Design West, approached his own home with the same intention – this one beginning in the backyard. 

When Glenn and his wife purchased their Naples property, it wasn’t the interiors that inspired him; it was the potential he saw outdoors. Long before walls were removed or finishes selected, the vision centered on how the home could live beyond its walls, shaped by family gatherings, entertaining, and the effortless rhythm of Florida life. 

This initial vision would ultimately guide the entire design, evolving into what Glenn now calls a “Luxe Farmhouse” – a relaxed yet elevated home where warmth, craftsmanship, and subtle glamour coexist beautifully. 

A Vision of Outdoor Living, Reimagined

Growing up in the Northeast, Glenn was inspired by classic estates where homes and pool houses, or casitas, align to create intentional outdoor living spaces designed for connection as much as for beauty. When he first walked the property, he immediately imagined reworking the backyard into something reminiscent of this childhood memory: a long, linear pool anchored by a pool house, creating a natural axis for entertaining.  

“It all started there,” Glenn explains, “Once I saw that vision, everything else followed.” 

The existing pool and structures were removed and rebuilt to support a more cohesive outdoor experience. A 40-foot linear pool now draws the eye from the main house to the casita, while surrounding spaces are designed to encourage gathering – alfresco dining, an outdoor kitchen, fireplace seating, and open lawn areas for recreation. 

Resort-inspired details, from subtle lighting to areas for lawn games and relaxation, complete the experience. Designed for hosting family and friends, the outdoor living area feels both intentional and natural, a purposeful extension of the home rather than a separate destination 

A Florida Home with Potential

With the outdoor concept realized, attention turned to the home itself. 

Originally, the house was a traditional Mediterranean-style common in Naples and throughout Florida – arched openings, ornate detailing, and smaller, defined rooms. While warm in character, the layout felt heavy and dated, limiting natural light, flow, and connection to the newly imagined outdoor spaces. 

The home soon reached new heights – quite literally. The renovation underwent a full transformation: walls were removed, rooms expanded, and the exterior elevation design reworked to craft a home that feels open, timeless, and aligned with how Glenn and his wife want to live. 

Designing a Luxe Farmhouse

The interior concept evolved organically from both the architecture and the homeowners’ personal taste. Like many couples who come to Design West, Glenn and his wife brought different visions to the project – one drawn to polished glamour, the other to a farmhouse-inspired aesthetic. The solution was not to choose between the two perspectives, but to blend both thoughtfully, resulting in a home defined by balance.

Natural materials such as wide-plank European white oak floors, linen upholstery, stone surfaces, and walnut millwork ground the spaces and create a sense of calm. These elements are layered with moments of refinement like marble accents, sculptural lighting, and subtle touches of mixed metals.

“It’s relaxed luxury,” Glenn notes. “It whispers instead of shouts.”

The palette throughout the home is intentionally quiet, created from warm whites, creams, and taupes complemented by natural light, letting texture and craftsmanship take the lead.

Interior Spaces Designed to Live Beautifully 

The home’s reimagining is felt immediately upon entry. A newly created foyer welcomes people with honed-stone inlay, oak detailing, and brass accents, creating a true sense of arrival. Floating walnut benches and shiplap that wraps the walls and ceiling add architectural interest while maintaining that farmhouse warmth. 

From there, the home opens into expansive living spaces designed for connection. The great room features exposed beams with subtle metal banding, a unique fireplace, and a layered mix of walnut, aged brass, and matte black finishes – elements that nod to farmhouse roots while bringing a touch of luxury. 

The kitchen continues the dialogue between comfort and glam. Soft white cabinetry is joined by a taupe island and an accent of walnut, quartz countertops with gentle veining, and handcrafted zellige tile chosen for its organic, “perfectly imperfect” character. A cozy entertainment space and casual dining area, including a curved banquette tucked into a corner window, invite one to relax and stay awhile. 

The private areas of the home were designed with the same level of intention. The primary suite was expanded in multiple directions, transforming an awkward, angular room into a serene retreat. A dramatic upholstered feature wall is paired with custom walnut panels and layered lighting to bring a touch of glamour, while a sitting area of plush textures gives a sense of quiet escape. 

Elsewhere, family-focused areas support everyday living, including Glenn’s private office, a vintage-style bar, and a built-in bunkroom and play area for grandchildren – spaces that prioritize comfort and togetherness without ever sacrificing luxury. 

A True Expression of Design West’s Philosophy

The Luxe Farmhouse is a living example of Design West’s belief that the most meaningful interiors and exteriors are those that reflect the people who live within them. This project embodies the team’s elevated approach: layered, collaborative, and deeply personal – guided by story and resulting in timeless design. 

Because when design begins with an authentic vision, a house becomes more than a space. It becomes a place to truly live. 

Discover how Design West can tell your story with a complimentary design consultation or by visiting our Fifth Avenue showroom in Naples.