Madison Keys' Design Passion and Home Renovation Journey
The tennis star sought advice from fans while restoring her historic Florida home.
1From Tennis Career to Design Passion
Madison Keys, at the peak of her tennis career as an Australian Open champion, purchased a historic home in Florida. The 1930s Spanish-style casita had been expanded with a large but mismatched addition. Keys fell in love with the front portion but knew the rest required major renovation. Her lifelong passion for design made this project a personal growth opportunity.
2Rebirth of a Historic Home
In 2022, Keys and her husband Bjorn Fratangelo hired design firm Concrete to Cotton to restore their 2,700-square-foot home. Designer Faith Freytag noted a disconnect between the original structure and the addition. The solution involved transforming rectangular doorways into arches and using colors and materials that complemented the Spanish-style exterior. This was a crucial step in unifying the home's aesthetic.
3Practical Advice from Fans
Keys shared the renovation process on social media and received valuable tips from followers. The most impactful suggestion was to create paper mockups of kitchen cabinets and label them with items. Keys implemented this by testing storage layouts before installation. This method ensured adequate space and simplified the moving process, proving the power of crowd-sourced wisdom.
4Discovering Personal Style
As the project progressed, Keys pushed her design boundaries, opting for bold choices like a gold tiger-print banquette. She began creating original paintings, displaying one in the living room. This journey helped Keys develop an identity beyond tennis. Design and painting boosted her confidence as a whole person, demonstrating how creative outlets can complement athletic careers.
5Functional Yet Stylish Kitchen
Tired of constant takeout during travels, Keys prioritized a kitchen where they'd love cooking. Located in the new addition, it features Designcraft cabinets in white and cappuccino, zellige tile backsplash, and an arched niche. CB2 barstools complete the island. Every detail reflects Keys' vision of combining functionality with distinctive charm in this frequently used space.
6Zen Touches for Guests
The guest bathroom achieves tranquility with zellige wall tiles, a Rejuvenation mirror, and Ambiate pendant light. The guest room showcases an Arhaus bed, Tov nightstands, and West Elm lighting. Keys scoured Etsy late into the night for vintage rugs, meticulously curating each element. This attention to detail creates cohesive elegance throughout the home's varied spaces.
7Authentic Identity on Social Media
By sharing the process online, Keys revealed herself beyond tennis. These posts became enjoyable expressions of her multifaceted personality. New hobbies like design and painting provided creative fulfillment. Keys believes this personal growth positively impacts her court performance, showing how athletic excellence can coexist with artistic exploration.
8Balancing Home and Career
As a touring professional, Keys cherishes her home even more. It serves not just as a residence but as a creativity hub. The renovation process helped her discover passions beyond tennis, fostering personal development. This balance supports her growth as both an athlete and an individual, proving that even champions need spaces for self-expression beyond their sport.
Original article: Architectural Digest — Madison Keys'in Tasarım Tutkusu ve Evini Yenileme Serüveni