02 — Home of Joan Christie Rutland — Mid-Century Living, Steps from the Gulf
Mid Century Modern Beach House
A Garden Entry Filled with Art and Coastal Character
Just beyond the salt resistant plants, tropical foliage and Mexican River Rock, leading to the entrance lies the garden and patio of the 1950 Mid Century Modern beach home of Joan Christie Rutland. Once inside the garden gate, you are greeted by an impressive aluminum tuna on a hook. The colorful eye-catching tuna along with seahorse, shorebirds, crab and garden gate were created by artist Clay Schwartz. A recent addition by the metal sculpture artist showcases giant squid lights, with orbs rescued by the homeowner when the city replaced the lights. Artist Tim Kelley restored the mold for the massive sea turtle on the porch wall and realistically painted the turtle even adding barnacles! Tim also repaired and painted the swordfish mold located on the second level porch. Joan’s vast collection of seashells found right here on the beach adorn tables and walls around the porch.
A Mid-Century Home with Deep Roots on Gulf Way
Before Gulf Way was built, a road originally ran between the two houses leading to a cul-de-sac at the beach. At that time the L-shaped house had a roofline identical to the house next door. The roofline was later expanded with the addition of decking and an expansive second floor wrap around porch with cedar plank ceilings for the four apartments.
Preserving Mid Century Design Inside Each Apartment
Inside each apartment, Joan maximized space and storage by closing a doorway leading from the bedroom to the kitchen and adding shelves and cabinet space to the galley kitchen. The blue, pink, seafoam green and yellow tiles in each bathroom are from the 1950s and the bathtub with acrylic cover still retains original look. The apartments are decorated with midcentury modern furniture, lighting fixtures and art.
Art, Photography, and Florida History on Display
In keeping with 1950’s, the homeowner has two prized paintings by the original Florida Highway Men, African American artists Johnny “Hook” Daniels and his brother Willie Daniels. The paintings were typically scenes of old Florida landscapes painted between 1953–1955. Throughout the units you will also find a collection of unique uranium-colored photographs of St. Petersburg photographer E.G. Barnhill circa 1920.
Thoughtful Updates for Multi-Level Living
A pneumatic elevator, which requires much less space underneath and above, was installed for easy indoor access to the second floor. The homeowner’s apartment includes a stairway designed by her daughter which leads to the grandchildren’s loft area bedroom and ensuite bathroom with custom shower door that fits the unusual configuration of the roofline. Her daughter handcrafted the striking natural grain wood table in the dining area. A nod to the 1950’s in the homeowner’s apartment includes carefree Mid Century style floors of Terrazzo tiles made in Wisconsin.
Mid Century Simplicity with Outdoor Living at Its Best
The compact apartments with emphasis on clean lines, simplicity and functionality typically associated with Mid Century Modern minimalism, provide all that is needed. Outside this Mid Century Modern home there is plenty of room to delight in the great outdoors with covered porches, decks, comfortable Adirondack chairs, lush tropical gardens, all while enjoying the breeze and views of the Gulf.
