When it comes to curating epic luxury experiences for the world’s most celebrated people, legendary event planner Colin Cowie sets the gold standard. From cocktail receptions and product launches to royal weddings and fundraisers, he and his exceptional team have choreographed some of the most memorable parties on the planet. A native of Zambia based in the U.S. since 1985, Cowie has clocked more than 16 million miles traveling to 100-plus countries, crafting all-out immersive celebrations for his discerning clientele, a who’s who of media moguls, sport heroes, heads of state, and foreign dignitaries. So, what does the lifestyle guru do when his high-demand schedule doesn’t have him on the road? One is most likely to find him and his husband, Danny Peuscovich, enjoying life in Miami from their 49th-floor residence overlooking Biscayne Bay in the city’s Edgewater neighborhood.
“We chose this area because of its convenient proximity to the airport, where I find myself two times a week,” says the CEO of Colin Cowie Lifestyle, a firm with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. “Brickell and South Beach are 10 minutes away, and we are on the water, so no one can build in front of us. With all the construction and development going on in Miami, that was super important.”
The couple purchased their 2,600-square-foot condo as-is from the property developer. While the bones spoke to them, as did the setback kitchen, marble tile floors, 12-foot ceilings, and spacious rooms, it still required plenty of work to get it up to their standards.
“That was the fun part,” Cowie adds. “We were looking for a rental apartment at the beginning of the pandemic when it was impossible to tour apartment buildings. Our broker sent us some images and a video of this place. I was so focused on the closets and cabinets that, upon arrival, we were blown away by the high ceilings, the stunning floors, the deep patio, and the spacious rooms.”
After living in the condo for two years, they began renovations by implementing custom cabinetry, rebuilding the kitchen, adding a dropped ceiling to accommodate a proper lighting grid, and heightening the door jams in the living areas to 10 feet with blind-cut custom doors. To alter what was originally a third bedroom, they removed the doors and increased the doorway to accommodate a den and library. They also created 10-foot solid oak blind-cut doors for the primary bedroom entrance and retrofitted two powder rooms with new toilets, vanities, wall finishes, and lighting. Pleased with their progress, they now have their sights set on enlarging the laundry room and installing an outdoor kitchen next year.
The couple relish their private elevator lobby, which leads into an impressive living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views. “Our home is a monochromatic blank canvas that allows me to dress it up or down,” notes Cowie. “So, while it looks like I am a minimalist, I have tons of collections behind cabinet doors enabling me to ‘play home’ regularly—I am to tabletop what Imelda Marcos was to shoes. Gray is one of my favorite colors, and as Christian Dior said, ‘It’s the best color to showcase any other color.’”
Cowie’s palette throughout highlights conducive shades of gray mixed with dark wintery hues and bright summery greens. The couples’ favorite spot is the breezy balcony patio, where they spend most of their time. With majestic bay views, this sublime alfresco perch offers a never-ending parade of movement and captivating moments.
“The weather changes at least twice a day, and this is where we love to host most of our guests,” says Cowie. “Unlike many people in Miami, we actually live in our home, dine in most every night, and entertain twice a week.”
We wouldn’t expect anything less.
Story Credits:
Interior Design by Colin Cowie, Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Miami, FL
Text by Jeanne Delathouder
Photography by Ken Hayden, Miami, FL
Open to see Interior Design Sources:
Sources
Living Room
Sofa – Vladimir Kagan, vladimirkagan.com
Cocktail table – Riflesso, Gaspare Asaro Gallery, gaspareasaro.com
Vintage Aviator armchair upholstery – Clarence House, clarencehouse.com
Ottomans – Homeowners’ collection
Bar cart – Chelsea House, chelseahouseinc.com
Drapery treatments – Kravet, Hollywood, FL
Sculpture – Kelly Wearstler, kellywearstler.com
Flower artwork – Stanley Kassell and Naeem Khan, homeowners’ collection
Area rug – Perigold, perigold.com
Dining Area
Table – RH, rh.com
Chairs – Perigold, perigold.com
Kitchen
Cabinetry and island – Porcelanosa, porcelanosa.com
Vase on island – L’Objet, l-objet.com
Den
Cocktail table – Swarovski, swarovski.com
Chandelier – Perigold, perigold.com
Lamps – Jube LT, Favaretto & Partners, Vistosi, vistosi.it
Side tables and ottoman – Homeowners’ collection
Artwork – Yannick Bellaiche, homeowners’ collection
Area rug – Perigold, perigold.com
Primary Bedroom
Drapery treatments – Holly Hunt, Miami, FL
Balcony Terrace
Armchairs, dining table and benches – Design Within Reach, Miami, FL
Coffee table – Homeowners’ collection
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