A Bayfront Home with Soul

By Anna Gilchrist | Photography by Mark Little

A former gemologist and luxury jewelry designer, it’s no surprise that Laura Hamilton McKee has always had an eye for the smallest details. This keen sense now lies at the heart of her interior design studio, L. Hamilton & Co., where every project is defined by the team’s deep appreciation for artistry and classic, timeless design.

IIn her latest transformation, a stately but dated bayfront property in Miramar Beach, Florida, Laura turned her innate knack for detail into a sophisticated, welcoming space for a newly relocated family. Having moved from a few states away, the homeowners sought to transform their property into a true forever home.

Laura embraced their vision wholeheartedly, reimagining the space that was once overwhelmed by a late-1990s modern aesthetic. Laura and her team envisioned a thoughtful design rooted in classical architectural elements, such as wall panel mouldings and custom built-in oak cabinetry. They incorporated a rich mix of textures, such as plastered fireplaces, and incorporated color in the guest rooms and a bold study, infusing each space with contemporary depth and distinct character. A carefully curated lighting plan introduced warmth and cohesion throughout the space, accentuating the home’s refreshed details and highlighting its newfound beauty. An updated selection of clean-lined, modern furnishings, grounded in a neutral palette, brought balance and harmony to the space, tying the entire home together.

The home’s bayfront setting inspired Laura to emphasize natural textures and organic finishes, using the interior design to mirror the beauty of its coastal surroundings. Every detail, from the hardware to the textiles, was selected with intention by the L Hamilton & Co. team. While subtle, the proper knobs, pulls, and light fixtures add a distinct elegance to each room. Mixing materials like linen, plaster, wood, and stone, the team added a richness and visual interest that kept the space from feeling flat.

It’s those quiet details that give a home its soul.

The finished result was a serene yet breathtaking space where thoughtful design blends real-life functionality, transforming the home into a livable work of art.

As the happy homeowners reflected, “One of the things we love most about our home is how naturally it brings people together. The open-concept layout makes entertaining feel effortless, and the kitchen—without question—is the heart of it all. It’s where friends linger over drinks, where casual dinners turn into long conversations, and where every gathering seems to begin and end. When we need a break from the buzz, our upstairs hideaway offers the perfect quiet retreat—a space that feels like our own private sanctuary.”

Laura and her team captured the feeling of warmth and comfort that the homeowners had envisioned for their new space. Throughout the process, L. Hamilton & Co. prioritized family value behind each space, considering how it would function for the homeowners’ everyday rhythm and lifestyle. Each detail, down to the placement of furnishings and lighting elements, was part of the story of how the family wanted to gather and grow together in their space.

“Laura and her team understood exactly how we wanted to live,” the owner says. “They created a home that balances openness and intimacy, energy and calm. Every detail, from the flow between spaces to the finishes that give each room its own personality, was carefully considered. It’s a home that not only looks beautiful but truly lives beautifully, too.”

For Laura, one of the most rewarding areas to design was the main entry and living space. “There was so much custom work involved, which made it especially exciting—everything from the fireplace and built-in cabinetry to the extra-long dining table and the panel moulding in the entry was thoughtfully tailored and completely one-of-a-kind. That level of detail made it a fun challenge and led to a truly dramatic transformation.”

With years of experience in both interior design and gemology, Laura has refined her craft, staying grounded in the principles of classic, enduring design while continually refreshing her ideas. This thoughtful approach enables the L. Hamilton & Co. interior design team to create homes that seamlessly blend modern luxury with a timeless aesthetic, remaining both beautiful and functional for years to come.

Looking ahead, the team is especially excited to continue expanding their curated collection of vintage and antique pieces—sourcing both for the showroom and to incorporate into future designs. Their deep love for vintage art, textiles, taxidermy, genuine Turkish Oushak rugs, and one-of-a-kind finds is a signature part of the L. Hamilton & Co. design story.

“There’s something incredibly special about a room that stops you in your tracks, and often, it’s those unexpected, storied elements that do it,” Laura says. “We’re always on the hunt for pieces that make people pause and say, ‘Wow, this is a cool room.’”

At its core, the L. Hamilton & Co. team is driven by their passion for designing homes that reflect the unique and personal stories of each homeowner. With every project, Laura and her team continue to blend timeless design with distinct character, drawing inspiration from the individuals who live within the space. As they continue this journey, their work evolves through a commitment to creating thoughtful, custom spaces that tie each home together.

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Visit LHamiltonandCo.com and follow @lhamiltonandco on Instagram to see more.