Home Design: Cheery Chateau – Tampa Magazine
Interior Designer: Madison Lanci, of Milana Custom Homes
Builder: Brandon Lanci, of Milana Custom Homes
Architect: Daniel Currea, of DC-Studio Architecture and Planning
Photographer: Jonathan Scott, of Gulfstorm Films & Photography
Madison and Brandon Lanci have brought hundreds of dream houses to life for others as the owners of Tampa-based Milana Custom Homes. So when it came to creating their own living quarters, they had plenty of experience and a clear vision for what they craved coming home to.
“I wanted somewhere that was warm and inviting,” says Madison, who designed their house. “We have a big family and I wanted open spaces for us to gather and entertain.”
A big family indeed, the Lancis have four children, Milana, 7; Noah, 4; Haven, 3; and Zane, 1; as well as an Australian Kelpie, Kaya. With most of their extended family living throughout Tampa, the Lancis consider themselves the central location to host holidays and special occasions.
In a two-year project completed in May, the Lancis erected their two-story, 5,230-square-foot house in Palma Ceia with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Luxurious indoor additions include a second (butler) kitchen and a man cave with a golf simulator, while outdoors, they went for a lengthy pool with a spa, as well as a putting green that lights up at night. A traditional fireplace adds a cozy touch to the living room, while an outdoor fire pit makes for an inviting outdoor gathering space. The family room opens up to the pool, where they find their kids spending long summer days.
In her approach to the interior design, Madison achieved a neutral, light and airy color scheme, throwing in pops of color with furniture and seasonal decor. As for the style?
“The interior is very transitional,” Madison describes. “I wanted timeless, traditional elements that won’t go out of style with natural elements to warm up the space, married together with modern, contemporary elements.”
Those natural elements include warm oak running throughout the home and on the floor-to-ceiling wainscotting. Natural brick adds a lovely contrast to several rooms. Marble tile is a delightful touch in the mix.
The modern side is evident in the black frame of their grandest statement piece, a stunning, 60-inch crystal chandelier. Of course, upon entry, the floating, curved spiral staircase and the modern-style wine cellar it leads into also catch visitors’ eyes. Shiny Venetian plaster by local artist Ron Francis makes a statement on the kitchen hood in white, as well as on the ceiling of the mancave in green.
Brandon, who built their house, created his dark brown wood-and-brick man cave as a pub-style hangout for his friends to kick back over beers and watch sports games, surrounded by autographed memorabilia from NFL legend Tom Brady, the late NBA star Kobe Bryant and others.
“It looks completely different from the rest of the house, so that you walk in and feel like you’re in a country club,” he shares. “It’s a sports enthusiast’s dream.”
The Lancis agree that they successfully married Old and New World styles in their new home, including the exterior architecture, capturing the spirit of a modern French chateau with traditional stained wood gates and gas lanterns.
“This is our dream home,” Brandon says. “Everything we wanted we put in the home. We didn’t cut one corner or cheat one thing. We did it exactly how we wanted and it came out perfect.”
