Creative Minimalist Spirit Intrigues in Miami Condo

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“architecture and interiors are like clothing: What you’d wear in Manhattan is different from what you’d wear in South Beach,” architect Christopher Craven says, who with designer Yumi Miyanishi transformed this 3,000-square-foot Il Villaggio condominium into a haute main residence for a Miami couple. Taking into consideration the panoramic views of the ocean, the duo focused on light and airy design elements that would create interiors the clients could enjoy. “The owners are both outgoing and huge art lovers,” Miyanishi says. “They wanted a wonderful entertaining space, as well as a backdrop that would show off their art collection. But they also wanted intimate spots, places where they could be comfortable when it was just the two of them.”

Before making Miami home, the couple split their time between South Beach, Boston and New York. “We chose South Florida for the weather and casual lifestyle,” the husband says. “We chose Miami because we found it to be internationally and culturally robust; we chose South Beach for its proximity to the ocean, and for the eclectic mix of residents and visitors.”

Although they make it to the beach less now that they live in Miami full-time, being able to see the ocean drove all of the design decisions. “It is very important to be able to enjoy the panoramas throughout the day,” the wife says. “Now, the ocean is a backdrop to all but one room … it is the first thing you see when the doors open.”

The couple tapped Craven and Miyanishi for their new home because they had seen several condos in the building designed by the team. “Since they are art collectors, the homeowners wanted a free-flowing plan,” Craven says. “Beyond that, they were remarkably open to our ideas.” This was a good starting point that included completely reshaping the interior architecture.“Space creation was a collaboration between Chris and the husband,” Miyanishi says. “I finished with color and texture that expanded on the great foundation they created.”

The design duo gives credit to the contractor, Built by Owner, and the homeowners credit Miami art advisor Spring McManus for curating the sophisticated collection that delivers upon the couple’s contemporary vision. This went beyond architecture and furnishings to include a deeper contentment for the couple now calling the condo home. “Good design must be personalized and must address the environment and the ethos of the times,” Craven says. “But more importantly, it must be a pleasure.”

Mixing elements without making the backdrop too busy was also at the heart of the plan.  “Variety is something we all need, particularly in a space where we spend so much time. But in the end, making a design coherent and ensuring the spaces flow is key,” the architect says.

“We created this home just for us,” the husband says. “We eliminated all the bedrooms except the master, creating something like a luxury suite in a five-star hotel. When our children or guests visit, we put them up at The Betsy, just across the street. This is incredibly convenient and provides privacy for them and for us.”

Stylistically, the contemporary spaces were a departure for the couple, as they had more traditional interiors in the Northeast. However, they knew they were in good hands in broadening their design sensibilities and gaining an enjoyable mise en scène for their lives. “I believe it is very important to add playfulness to a home,” Miyanishi says. “After all, life is boring without eye candy!”

About the new home they now have, the couple feels content, relaxed, and grateful. “We’re both happy people and we laugh a lot,” the wife says. “There’s a great deal of positive energy in the home — lots of joy. The art does that and so does the design. It’s cheerful, warm and sophisticated, which we like to think captures our personae.”

Story Credits: 

Architecture by Christopher Craven, Christopher Craven Architect and Design, Miami Beach, FL

Interior Design by Yumi Miyanishi, Spacecat, LLC, Miami Beach, FL

Builder Greg Milopolous, Built by Owner, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Text by Saxon Henry

Photography by Troy Campbell, Miami, FL

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