When Ashley and Dino Petrone and their four children decided to vacation on Anna Maria Island in Florida, little did they expect that it would change their lives. After several upscale RV renovations, the slow-paced, nostalgic island inspired the Petrone’s to take on their next project.
By chance, they found a four suite motel in need of plenty of TLC and fell in love with it. They secured the property before their vacation was over, then moved in two months later to begin remodeling. A work of love, the entire family got involved and six months after that, the renovation was complete.
They decided to call it Joie Inn. Joie (pronounced “jwah”) is French for joy and it perfectly describes how they felt about the project, and how their guests feel about visiting.
Refreshed Nostalgia
Anna Maria Island has a unique vibe. It’s like stepping back in time in the best way. Everything on the island has a nostalgic feel that Ashley wanted to remain true to at Joie Inn. She wanted to take that old school nostalgia and refresh it for a look and feel that’s new but still fits with the vibe on the island.
She took inspiration from the colors of the island and her own family’s preferences to create an oasis that reflects comfort and style.
Defined by Color
The sunsets and the bright, fun buildings Joie Inn is surrounded by formed the foundation of the themes Ashley picked for each of the four rooms at the motel. Her four favorite colors: sage, sun, terra cotta, and blush were the foundation for the design.
Vibrant but cozy, these colors are warmer, softer versions of the colors one can see around the island. They lend a fresh feel to Joie Inn but also make it inviting. Ashley started with a background of crisp white then accented the space with color on the backsplash, bedding, and decor. The result is fresh and modern but remains true to the roots of the island.
Home Away from Home
The Petrone family renovated the space themselves, putting their whole heart and soul into it. But that’s just the beginning. Everything about the motel is handpicked with love. They often used the same products, materials, and craftsmanship they used in their own home. Even the bedding is the same Ashley has used at home.
They also selected the same faucets for the kitchens and bathrooms they have in their own home. Ashley chose some stunning hardware from DecorPlanet.com in a beautiful Champagne Bronze color that adds flair to the warm color scheme.
The experience the Petrone’s create at Joie Inn is equally as special. Ashley worked from the premise of “everything a mom could want” and tried to cover all the bases for a family experience. They provide beach chairs, an outdoor speaker, wagons, electric bikes, high chairs, and more. There are also things for active families like the pool, ring toss, cornhole, and hammocks.
The Petrone’s ask each guest about favorite beverages then stock the fridge with handpicked items. The Petrone family is woven into every particle of Joie Inn and that’s reflected in the bespoke experience and surroundings that they work so hard to put front and center.
RTA & DIY
Ashley had previously worked with “cabinet guys” but chose this time to try ready-to-assemble cabinets (RTA). Part of that decision was related to the difficult pandemic-era market. Cabinets were expensive and everything was on backorder. RTA cabinets allowed Ashley to get high-quality cabinets on a more appealing timeline.
They received the cabinets in a week and Ashley got her 20-year old nephew to put them together. His penchant for lego building made the task a simple one.
Ashley chose clean, simple Florence White Shaker cabinets for all four suites. Shaker cabinets in white are her go-to because “they’re good at updating a look and are timeless” she said. They work in every design style, especially the modern beach vibe at Joie Inn.
The backsplashes in each of the suites feature a unique pattern in the theme color and function as the highlight in the space. That’s another reason Ashley chose white Shaker cabinets. “Set against the backsplash, these cabinets balance out the kitchen design,” she said.
