Inside a Custom and Curated Sunny Isles Beach Residence

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High above the shoreline in Sunny Isles Beach, a corner residence in the newest tower at The Estates at Acqualina unfolds as a study in polish, precision, and personalization. With sweeping east, west, and south-facing views, the nearly 6,000-square-foot home (among the largest in the building) was conceived by designers Osirys Mendez and Sabrina Vela to harmonize with its surroundings rather than compete with them.

“The entire idea with the interior design was to complement the view, not overpower it,” says Mendez, co-founder of Mendez-Vela Design Collection, a Miami-based boutique firm co-owned with Vela and Adam Medal. “The sunsets in this unit are unreal. Everything blends so seamlessly at that golden hour, it almost looks like AI.”

This was Mendez and Vela’s first collaboration with the homeowners, a husband and wife who divide their time between multiple global residences and often arrive in Miami by private jet.

“They are not design novices,” says Mendez. “They know their style, they’re decisive, and they gave us complete trust. That kind of carte blanche is rare and incredibly gratifying.”

The project was executed under an ambitious deadline set by the clients, and every furnishing, finish, and accessory was ordered, delivered, and installed on an exceptionally compressed schedule. It was a feat made possible by close coordination with the contractor and a fully turnkey approach. “We handled everything,” says Vela. “Construction, lighting, AV, furniture, bedding, and accessories. Everything down to the glassware and even the toiletries.”

The design process began with a complete overhaul of the residence. Walls were modified, ceilings were reworked, and lighting was repositioned. In a unit defined by columns, the team turned a challenge into a feature, wrapping them in custom wallpaper using flexible materials, so they read as sculptural elements rather than interruptions. “Every surface has intention,” notes Mendez.

The interiors reflect the clients’ clear affinity for strong, cohesive brand collections rather than mix-and-match styling. Fendi Casa anchors the living room, while the dining room is fully appointed in the Bentley Home Collection. Despite the brand prestige and meticulous detailing, the home never feels ostentatious. There is no clutter, no excess.

“The clients shy away from sharp angles or typical Miami minimalism where everything is white,” says Vela. “They love curves, softness, and warmth.” That is evident in everything from the rounded Fendi Casa armchairs to the sculpted Lalique crystal that picks up the hues of the sunset.

“Every element was chosen to create continuity between interior and horizon,” says Vela. “This is a residence that will evolve with its owners. It was designed not just for display, but for life, and that’s the greatest luxury of all.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Osirys Mendez, Sabrina Vela & Adam Medal, Mendez-Vela Design Collection, Miami, FL

Text by Stephanie Davis Smith

Photography by Craig Denis, Miami, FL

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