"They wanted to refresh yet respect its history," interior designer Thad Hayes says of Evelyn and Leonard Lauder's Palm Beach retreat. Architect Marion Sims Wyeth completed the Neoclassical residence in 1928. The yellow in the entrance hall brings light and warmth inside," notes Hayes. Clarence House drapery fabric.

"It was a very thoughtful process," says Hayes, who spent the better part of two years, with his project manager, Donald Blender, updating the Palm Beach house in collaboration with architect Jeffery W. Smith and landscape designer Mario Nievera. "The objective was restoration. We wanted it to look pretty much the same as it did in the beginning."

The family liked the spirit of the old kitchen, the solidity of the appliances, so they asked that everything be saved" recalls Hayes. We refurbished the refrigerator and stove; the countertops are new." "The kitchen is the heart of our house," adds Lauder.

"The dining room is very Neoclassical, very strong, very English," remarks Lauder. "Yet the mirror is Art Deco style, as are the chandelier and the chairs. The table is antique; it belonged to my mother-in-law, Ester." Hayes had the original 1930s wallpaper reproduced.

The sunroom, which the Lauder's call the Florida room, recaptures the atmosphere of a 1930s lanai. Hayes designed the suite of bamboo furniture. The circa 1920 garden seats are Chinese; the mirrored screen with rattan detail is American. Brunschwig & Fils fabric. "Previously, alfresco dining and relaxation at the house took place in the courtyard, with no interaction with or view of the sea," says the designer. "We've reoriented the house toward the water."

The challenge was to fit the heirlooms into a modern but casual aesthetic. "I like simplicity," says Evelyn Lauder.

The oceanfront terrace is used for breakfast and evening entertaining.