Bay Harbor Islands Home Brings Timeless Tropical Elegance

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Shortly after purchasing a 7,000-square-foot house in Bay Harbor Islands, a Brazilian couple called on designer Ivonne Ronderos and her team at DKOR Interiors to spearhead the interior design efforts at the newly built property.

“Like many Miami spec homes, the property felt more polished than personal,” says Ronderos, who had worked with the homeowners before on a condo in the Oceana tower in Bal Harbour as well as on their yacht. “The clients immediately recognized the strength of the architecture, but they also understood that the house needed a deeper layer of design to reflect the way they live.”

At the heart of the project was the homeowners’ lifestyle. The husband and wife enjoy entertaining friends regularly, as well as spending quality time with their two children, so the design needed to support both lively gatherings and everyday moments. “These clients were deeply engaged in the creative process and eager to collaborate,” says Ronderos. “They didn’t want prescriptive design. What they wanted was a team that would listen, interpret, and build alongside them.”

That spirit of collaboration served the project well. The aesthetic of the finished home is best described as contemporary and timeless, layered with an elegant tropical sensibility. Clean architectural lines are softened by warm materials, textures, and organic influences drawn from the surrounding landscape. This is a Miami home, alright, but one with heart—sophisticated and curated yet also inviting and deeply connected to its coastal setting on Biscayne Bay.

The tone of the home was first established with the palette, which balances calm neutrals with vibrant accents. Soft taupe, beige, and crisp white create a serene, timeless backdrop. “The clients’ art collection was the starting point for the color palette and guided many of the decisions throughout the space,” says Ronderos. “We based our choices on the tones of the artworks to introduce rich, vibrant accents in shades of yellow, mustard, caramel, olive, and sage to bring warmth, energy, and personality to the interiors.”

As the residence leans monochromatic, the design team relied on textures to convey the homeowners’ appreciation for art and design. “One example of this was our approach in the primary bedroom,” says Ronderos. “While the space incorporates striking materials, including marble on the bed’s headboard and wood accents throughout, these elements remain soothing as they are expressed through texture and  dimension.”

As far as lighting goes, the goal was for an inviting atmosphere, which is why LED lighting is paired with decorative fixtures throughout the home. This approach highlights the architecture, adding interest and depth.

To further establish an approachable vibe, new furniture was integrated with pieces from the owners’ previous residence. In the living room, Minotti’s double-sided Daniels sofa offers movement and balance, while the brand’s textured Prince “Cord” armchairs evoke an outdoor feel.

“The owners loved the final result and immediately fell in love with the home, and I think that all had to do with involving them in the process,” says Ronderos. “We gave them the room and guidance to shape the design while supporting them with a clear, organized process. Overall, the project had a strong sense of synergy and collaboration from start to finish.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Ivonne Ronderos, DKOR Interiors, Miami, FL

Text by Florian Jouin

Photography by Venjhamin Reyes, Miami, FL

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