AquaPRO Spotlight: Queen’s Gambit House by Frank and Joseph Russo

AquaPRO spotlight: Frank and Joseph Russo
by Goldie Weideman

The Queen’s Gambit House shines not only for its thematic dedication but also in its luxury and comfort. Designed and brought to life by the visionary minds of Frank Russo and his artist-builder brother, Joseph Russo, this estate-turned-vacation rental showcases mastery in every detail.

Visionary Collaboration: Frank Russo and Joseph Russo Craft the Queen's Gambit House

The Queen's Gambit House is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Frank Russo and his brother, Joseph Russo. Their commitment to quality and exceptionally high standards has transformed this home into a true paradise.

A shot of the Queen's gambit house from the front gate that features two blue dolphins. The road leading to the home is paved and has pebble tile and blue sea turtle pool mosaics installed going up the driveway and through to the house.

Meet The Designers

Frank, a renowned architect and designer, brings his signature innovation to the project, crafting spaces as functional as they are aesthetically captivating. His work on Joy by the Sea exemplifies his dedication to exceptionalism, offering guests an unparalleled vacation experience.

Joseph Russo, leveraging his extensive background in the tile and marble industry, ensures that every detail in the Queen's Gambit House reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship. His expertise is instrumental in imbuing the estate with undeniable elegance and sophistication.

A photo of Frank and Joseph Russo outside the Queen's Gambit house.

About the Project

Nestled on the shores of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the Queen’s Gambit House at Joy by the Sea is not just a luxury vacation rental; it is a one-of-a-kind majestic experience. Inspired by a love of chess and the elegance of Europe's iconic villas, this exclusive 5-star property stands as both a testament to architectural precision and a luxurious sanctuary for discerning travelers.

Inspired by the intricate game of chess, the Queen’s Gambit House brings the game to life in a truly unique fashion. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by an entrance that speaks volumes of architectural sophistication. The columns and Corinthian trees symbolize the game board, and with sculptures of kings and queens at the entrance and back, plus balusters shaped like pawns, it brings the theme to life in an enchanting way.

An outside shot of the Queen's Gambit house that showcases the pawn-like balasters.

The central theme of chess continues throughout the estate, blending the classic appeal of the game with architectural richness. Surrounding medjool palms have been carefully selected to represent bishops, standing tall and stately. Triangle palms act as knights, their unique shapes echoing the strategic nuances of their real-game counterparts. Completing the game board is an exquisite "migration" of screen-printed Blue Sea Turtle mosaics by Custom Mosaics Inc. elegantly installed from the entrance all the way to the shoreline via the driveway, entry portico, living room, and infinity pool, bringing the interior design to the outdoor living space.

As the crown jewel of the Joy by the Sea resort, the Queen’s Gambit House provides an unrivaled luxury experience designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Each element of this Italian-inspired estate, from its meticulously detailed façade to its carefully decorated interiors, has been curated to offer more than just a place to stay; it provides an escape into a world of grandeur and tranquility.

A shot of the inside of the Queen's Gambit house showing a sitting area that leads out through glass doors directly into the pool. The turtle pool mosaics and pebble tile flow through the entrance of the home, through the interior, and out through to the pool.

Pool Mosaics for Everyone

AquaBlu Mosaics is committed to providing an unparalleled selection of quality pool mosaics to redefine your swimming pool experience. Imagine stepping into your backyard oasis and being greeted by a stunning mosaic masterpiece that not only decorates your pool but breathes life into your outdoor space. Whether you’re designing a tranquil residential retreat or an eye-catching commercial pool, we have the perfect solution to transform your environment.

AquaBlu’s Signature Collections

  • Marine Life Collection: Dive into a world of aquatic wonder with Sea Life mosaics that feature vibrant fish, serene sea turtles, and even graceful dolphin mosaics. These designs bring the ocean’s beauty to your backyard.
Another shot of the Blue Sea Turtle pool mosaic installed at the Queen's Gambit house.
  • Reef Scenes: Bring a vibrant and diverse underwater world to your swimming pool with reef scene mosaics. Beautiful coral with vivid colors and intricate details create a visually stunning and immersive aquatic environment. Perfect for adding a touch of tropical paradise and artistic flair to your pool area, these mosaics transform any pool into a picturesque underwater escape.
A photo of a reef scene pool mosaic installed in a pool.
  • Nature’s Palette: Capture the essence of nature with garden mosaics that feature flowers, butterflies, and lily pads. These tiles bring a natural, organic feel to your pool area.
  • Accents and Step Markers: These mosaics are strategically placed on pool steps, edges, and along the waterline. Accents and Step Markers are specially crafted to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your swimming pool. Available in various colors, shapes, and styles, these accents not only serve a practical purpose but also add an elegant and decorative touch, seamlessly blending beauty with utility in your pool design.
A close up shot of an assortment of accent pool mosaics including starfish, crabs, and sea shells.
  • Custom Creations: One of our specialties is our custom mosaic services. From glass pixel art to hand-carved Venetian glass mosaics, our team will help you create a unique piece that reflects your personal style and vision.
A custom mosaic of a blue, abstract design installed in a luxury pool on the Baja shelf.

Why Choose AquaBlu?

Our expert team is dedicated to helping you find or create the perfect mosaic that will make your pool an extraordinary part of your home or business. Whether you're looking for porcelain pool tile, glass mosaic tile, or some whimsical pool mosaics, with AquaBlu, your entire home becomes more than a place to live—it becomes a canvas for artistic expression and a testament to your unique taste.

  1. A Vast Variety: We transform ordinary pool tiles into extraordinary pieces of art. Our collection includes intricate designs, from mesmerizing marine life and breathtaking mandalas to fun pool party pool mosaics. From glass to porcelain mosaics, each one is a statement piece that adds personality and flair to your pool and home.
  2. Exceptional Quality: When it comes to durability, our mosaics are in a league of their own. Crafted using advanced techniques like serigraphy (a sophisticated screen-printing process), these frost-proof tiles are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor elements. This ensures that your mosaic will retain its vibrant beauty year after year, even in the harshest conditions. Screen printing as seen in the Joy by the Sea project is one of our favorite types of pool mosaics offering a photorealistic underwater scene.
  3. Ease of Installation: We understand that a beautiful pool shouldn’t come with a complicated installation process. That’s why our mosaics are mesh-mounted, allowing for straightforward and efficient installation. This feature is especially beneficial for homeowners and contractors alike, saving time and ensuring a flawless finish.
  4. Proudly Made in the USA: We take pride in the American craftsmanship of our stock mosaics. Every tile is manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality standards that resonate with their commitment to excellence.
A large custom butterfly pool mosaic installed in a commercial pool.

Conclusion

Adding a mosaic to your pool is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s an investment in your property’s value and appeal. A well-designed mosaic can become a focal point that enhances the overall ambiance of your outdoor space. The Queen’s Gambit House at the Joy by the Sea Resort is a perfect example of how our AquaPRO’s use our pool mosaics to add a unique design feature to their project. These mosaics are an artful touch that not only impresses guests but also elevates your everyday poolside experience.

For help choosing your perfect swimming pool mosaics contact us today at (800) 971-1442 and Bring Paradise Home.