Creating a delightful vacation home that suits every family member mirrors the concept behind combining design elements to make a pleasing room. It really all comes down to relationships. “Everything you see in my client’s condominium is of fine quality, but also the design of each piece needs to be considered as a unique object, chosen as art in itself,” architect and interior designer Cristiana Mascarenhas says. “To get a space to feel right, pieces have to work together.”
Originally from Brazil, her client now lives in Germany, and likes to come to Florida with her children and grandchildren. “The space had to work for all of them,” Mascarenhas says. On the seventh floor of The Spear at Aqua Allison Island in Miami Beach, this “rapport” comes to play in a 2,800-square-foot condo. A total renovation, doorways were raised and the kitchen, baths and flooring were refurbished throughout. “Everything needed to be done,” she says.
While her client insisted on utility, practicality and easy maintenance as well as quality, she was happy when Mascarenhas created a casual but supremely chic environment in white, off-white, and greige with a concentrated punch of orange for fun. Airy and light, the living area exudes comfort with low-profile furnishings and beautiful water views. “This is important,” the designer says. “I didn’t want something with a lot of volume here. The sofa is high quality, but it is also comfortable.” And the chairs had to be relaxing for men, too.” A splash of color is added with a vibrant artistic find at the Pulse Art Fair in Miami. “It started out like a blank canvas, and when everything was put together it became magical,” she says.
Nearby, the open kitchen and dining area offer lovely views of Downtown Miami and stunning sunsets, communicating well, so to speak. “My client loves it,” Mascarenhas says. “When cooking for her family and friends, everyone can be together.”
Designed to be versatile, the office easily converts to accommodate extended family enjoying vacation time together. This is also true of the guest room with two single beds. “We did the custom headboard in oak and attached it to the wall, and the twin beds can be pushed together to make a king,” the designer says.
“My client told me she never wants to leave her apartment … that’s the best thing to hear,” Mascarenhas says. “I know that I have created a home in the true sense of the word.”
Story Credits:
Architecture and Interior Design: Cristiana Mascarenhas, In Plus, Inc., New York, NY
Builder: Ronny Camilo, Estrutura, North Miami Beach, FL
Photography: Costas Picadas, Astoria, NY
Text: Christine Davis
living area Sofa – B&B Italia, Miami, FL Wood-framed armchair – Espasso, Miami, FL Lounge chairs – Design Within Reach, Miami, FL Cocktail table – Cassina, Luminaire, Coral Gables, FL Accent tables and ottoman – Room & Board, New York, NY Floor lamp – Flos, Design Within Reach, Miami, FL Artwork – Joshua Liner Gallery, Pulse Art Fair, Miami Beach, FL Area rug – Americarpet, Miami, FL kitchen Cabinetry, island and counter stools – Armazem Design, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL dining area Table – B&B Italia, Miami, FL Chairs – Design Within Reach, Miami, FL Buffet – Armazem Design, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL Chandelier – Pelle, New York, NY Artwork – Pan American Aratiba Gallery, Miami, FL study/office Desk – Modloft, North Miami, FL Desk chair and sofa – Design Within Reach, Miami, FL Desk lamp – Artemide, Design Within Reach, Miami, FL Cocktail ottoman – Blu Dot, New York, NY guest room Bed headboard – Custom designed by In Plus, Inc., New York, NY Reading lamps – Artemide, Design Within Reach, Miami, FL Accent pillows – West Elm, Miami, FL White bedside table – Industry West, Jacksonville, FLOpen to see Interior Design Sources:
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