Bal Harbour Winter Escape Touts a Creative Edge

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By drawing inspiration from the millwork of Manhattan brownstones and the restraint of Japanese design, Miami interior designer Tamara Feldman was able to curate an ideal winter escape for a New York City couple who fell in love with a 3,200-square-foot residence at the Oceana tower in Bal Harbour.

“I always begin every project with collaboration at the core,” explains Feldman. “For me, the most meaningful homes are the ones that feel like an authentic extension of the clients—their lifestyle, their culture, and the way they envision living day to day.”

That was certainly the case here. Deftly executed, the finished dwelling is both highly personal and architecturally elegant, with furnishings and finishes that were carefully selected to align with an overall narrative that conveys harmony, warmth, and timeless style. The floor plan itself was designed to flow organically, creating spaces that balance openness with intimacy and ideal for both day-to-day family living and entertaining.

“After meeting with Tamara, hiring her as our designer was an easy decision,” says homeowner Fred Distenfeld, who, along with his wife, Rita, purchased the apartment in its raw, unfinished form. “Her personality and passion for design were immediately felt, and she understood what we were looking to create—a sophisticated yet livable environment expressed through warm earth tones and authentic materials.”

Described by Feldman as “warm contemporary,” the aesthetic incorporates clean, modern lines softened by natural materials and details rich in character and soul. The New York brownstone and Japanese influences are reflected in a bespoke architectural envelope that features travertine flooring, which seamlessly connects to custom wainscoting in travertine and walnut, creating a dialogue between stone and wood that feels at once classic and contemporary.

“My vision was to infuse the sophistication of New York City into a Miami setting for a blend of urban richness and coastal ease,” notes the designer. “The palette and materiality reflect this duality. The warm woods and plush fabrics evoke the cosmopolitan refinement of a Manhattan apartment, while the spatial planning and light-filled atmosphere ensure the home remains bright, airy, and authentic to its Miami context.”

Many of Feldman’s design gestures became true standouts. Custom millwork—not just cabinetry—and integrated wall treatments blur the lines between architecture and furnishings. Hand-woven caning was employed as a tactile, light-filtering detail, lending both texture and quality craftsmanship to the spaces. Prominent fine artworks hanging in every room speak to the couple’s appetite for collectible pieces, most of which were curated by Dan Benchetrit of Opera Gallery in Miami.

“We have spent the last five winters here in Bal Harbour, where there’s a tremendous amount of warmth and character,” says Rita. “We entertain small groups of friends on the weekends, and our children and grandchildren take advantage of the apartment as well.”

For Feldman, creating a space that all these generations would enjoy was a rewarding experience. “From the very beginning, the clients and I had an instant connection, which made the process feel seamless and rewarding,” she notes. “They were deeply involved every step of the way, and together, we were able to bring their vision to life, even surpassing all expectations. What I cherish most, even beyond the finished home, is the relationship we built.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Tamara Feldman, Tamara Feldman Design, Miami, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Kris Tamburello, Miami, FL

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