Eclectic Contemporary Condo Overlooks Fisher Island

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solving the classic conundrum of creating a beachy feel while balancing the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami’s cityscape was the challenge noted author and interior designer Thomas Jayne faced. Originally a small project, it quickly blossomed into a full renovation with nearly everything in the 3,000-square-foot condo being custom designed. “We’ve worked with Thomas for years, and he is so incredibly well trained,” the homeowner says. “He has an innate sense of space, color and design.”

Working in tandem with lead senior designer, Egan Seward, the duo created a contemporary style that is hard to date to any particular time or place. Old World references such as limestone flooring that runs throughout pairs with a beachy color scheme reminiscent of wet sand, softly emanating a sense of place.

The owners wanted the art in their island home to be fun and airy. From the start, lighting added to the long hallway makes for an ideal gallery-like space. “I have learned that every great room has an object of art. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but there is something about having the humanity of a work of art in a room that is transportive,” Jayne says. In this home, it’s all about the birds.

After William K. Vanderbilt II bought Fisher Island in the 1920s, he imported parrots and other rare birds. Vanderbilt’s legacy, Fisher Island Aviary Park continues to adopt, rescue and rehab over 15 species of exotic birds. As a nod to the 216-acre island’s history, the couple displays bird sculptures all about the home.   

Designed in a classic seating style, the open dining and living area feels just right whether the convivial space is occupied by one or a generous group of guests. Painted white pine boards line the ceiling to delineate the space without calling attention to itself. Relatively simple but inviting, pale-blue armchairs and a linen-covered sofa set the tone in the living area. “Different textures add body to a room,” the designer says. “In the dining area, we have not one but two lacquered tables based in a gilt bronze, wicker chairs, stone flooring, and a driftwood-like chandelier that pays homage to nature.”

Private spaces were not neglected. As a child, the wife was a ballerina. When the couple discovered a charming painting of a tutu, the homeowners felt it was perfect to center above the linen-clad sofa in the master suite’s sitting area. Separating the space from the bed chamber, display shelving houses the personal collection of birds and books the homeowners have collected over the years.

Intimate and cozy, the media area provides the couple a perfect spot to enjoy their morning coffee while watching the news. Rattan barstools cushioned in taupe continue the island vibe in the kitchen. “I love the house. There are no extra rooms that we don’t use,” the homeowner says.

On the terrace, the dining ensemble is situated to take advantage of the fabulous views. “The greatest thing about this home is it is tied to the island’s natural history through the couple’s love of birds,” Jayne says. “The creative mix of avine accents with island living resulted in the perfect nexus between the air and the sea.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Thomas Jayne and Egan Seward, Jayne Design Studio, New York, NY

design Build James Woodburn, Handcraft Woodworking, Deerfield Beach, FL

Text by Mary Thurman Yuhas

Photography by Andy Frame, Royal Palm Beach, FL

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