Atlantic Ave Magazine - April 2017

for high-end salons and spas, fine restaurants,
hotels, urban lofts and sprawling
beach-front homes.
They also work for some of the top names
in construction. Leighton designed the lobby
and interior of the celebrated Seagate Hotel,
and the luxurious four-story Yacht Club
townhouses for Seaside Builders. Their work
on the Barrier Island has become legend for
its elegant clean lines and delicate approach
to light and spatial harmony.
To understand the scope of Leighton Design
Group it’s important to know they are
a full scale Design firm. That means they do
everything from conception to completion
including drawings, picking out all hard finishes
(such as flooring, colors, backsplashes,
materials, furniture and lighting) and everything
else in between. If a client wants a
turnkey home they will stock the fridge, buy
linens and make it live-in ready. “We can create
an open floor plan, knock down walls and
transform space into something of beauty,”
said Brown.
Their work is just as diverse as the projects
they are commissioned. But one thing
is constant - Their design vision is always in
sync with the clients.
“We listen to our clients and make sure our
goals are what they envision for their space.
Some people want a family environment,
others want high energy and still others want
tranquility. We keep track of every detail that
goes into a project so the client is happy and
stress free,” said founder Chris, who is the
ultimate design genius and amenable head
coach of a staff of 20.
Leighton is devoted to making sure every
detail is of equal importance so client’s
homes (or businesses) match their design
aspirations. Chris calls it working holistically.
“We make sure that every aspect you visually
encounter is coordinated with every item
chosen. We make sure the flow from space to
space is smooth - taking into account visual
appeal, acoustics, ergonomics, sustainability
and budget.”
Leighton is known for their sleek clean
design sensibility that they call Organic Minimalism.
But when it comes to their code of
design ethics their completed spaces range
the gamut of the personalities they encounter.
Retired attorney Gary Lachman is proof
of that theory. The former Washington
DC resident moved from a two-bedroom
1,900-square-foot apartment to a three story
3,900-square-foot home. The only problem
was that his new space – according to him –
was a “heinous tableau of terrible color with
dismal lighting.”
But now he’s singing a new tune. “They
painted my walls white and added fantastic
fixtures. There are quartz crystal lights,
Halogen and LED lighting. The foyer has a
fixture with 25 crystals suspended at varying
heights in different shapes. We used my furniture,
but also bought new things. Rebecca
reminded me of a conductor in charge of an
orchestra. She pulled it all together – taking
my art – recognizing all the positives and embellishing
on them. She was also sensitive to
my taste and lifestyle. Most designers come
with a sense of what your place ‘should look
like’ and they don’t allow you to be you.”
Brown is equally as passionate as Chris.
The daughter of a successful designer she
was introduced to the world of color and
shape as a child. “I’ve been ingrained in this
business my whole life. My mom (who was a
designer) brought me to houses and showed
me color palates and design ideas for years.”
Leighton Design Group has been profiled in
prestigious publications such as Luxe Design,
The New York Times and Hospitality Design
and their projects go from coast to coast and
global. What distinguishes this firm from others
is their modern design sense and client focus.
“We cater to whatever a clients’ vision is.
We make their dreams become a reality. We
can create open floor plans, knock down walls
and transform space,” said Brown.
They also follow up on all projects to ensure
that the finished product meets – and
exceeds – clients’ expectations. “Years later
we return to freshen and update. We’re
proud of the reputation and accolades we’ve
earned, but it’s the lasting relationships
we’ve built with our clients that we value the
most,” said Chris.
LEIGHTON DESIGN GROUP
1020 South Federal Hwy. Ste. 104
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(561) 865-7191
www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com | April 2017 61