Mérida Magic Shines in Miami’s Upper East Side

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When a couple embarks on decorating a home, it’s standard practice to schedule several meetings with their designer to talk through an overall aesthetic and get to know each other on a personal level. In the case of Caroline Ramos and Vincent Battaglia’s custom-built residence in Miami’s Upper East Side neighborhood, a seven-day trip to Mérida in Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula with interior designer Camila Crispino was also in order. “There’s nothing like up close and personal inspiration,” says the designer. “The trip definitely created the big picture for us.”

Said big picture was to connect indoor and outdoor spaces and embrace natural elements such as stone, wood, and chukum, a sustainable plaster unique to the Yucatán region with roots tracing back to the Mayans. Beyond experiencing the distinct architecture of Mérida, the trio met with local artisans and antiques dealers to source a number of furnishings, and hand selected local Crema Maya limestone that would later be used to fabricate several sinks and a bathtub in the house.

As for the homeowners’ choice to embark on a new build rather than modify an existing home, Ramos says that she and her husband had a highly specific list of non-negotiables, so building from scratch made complete sense. “We wanted an outdoor bathtub, interior gardens, a terrace, and a glass-walled office,” says Ramos, “and we couldn’t find anything that checked all of these boxes.” The couple settled on an empty lot in the MiMo district that was large enough for their needs and ideally located. “We found the perfect mix of bohemian charm and urban energy,” adds Ramos. “The land site is ideal for us, tranquil and relaxed yet not too far from the city action.”

To achieve their structural objectives, the couple called on Valenti & Zuliani and Corradi Construction Group to handle the architectural plans and build for the 3,600-square-foot, five-bedroom home, which has four full bathrooms and one half bathroom.

Engaging Crispino as the interior designer proved to be a wise choice; the Brazilian tastemaker has a penchant for employing organic materials and muted colors in her work and knows what works effortlessly in subtropical regions like Miami. Originally from São Paulo, Crispino is the founder and principal of C2 Concepts Interiors, a firm that takes a holistic approach to design. “Our company was created in beautiful, sunny, and inspiring Miami, where I’ve lived for the past 20 years,” she says. “I see endless possibilities in how to use colors, patterns, shapes, and underrated items to imagine and reflect the environment that represents the client.” While the designer’s savvy and point of view certainly informed the approach that was ultimately taken, the chosen aesthetic reflects the clients’ personalities through and through. “This home is all about the owners and their lives here,” says Crispino. “We designed the residence for the real people of the house, not idealized versions of who they are.”

In this home, every furnishing, fixture, and textile has a purpose and a story. In the living room, dining room, and primary suite for example, fringed light fixtures are impossible to miss. “These pieces are one-of-a-kind, reducing the ecological impact and repurposing local resources while keeping traditions alive,” says Crispino. “In Mérida, many families keep their windows and doors open, and the slight movement of the fringes is poetic; harnessing that sense of calm and tranquility made perfect sense.”

Except for the first-floor powder room, where a sage-green wallcovering introduces a splash of color, the home is a total ode to neutral hues. At its center, a staircase with a coated metal railing leads to the bedrooms. “We imported oversized pavers and Peruvian river rocks to anchor the indoor garden,” says Crispino. Opposite the staircase, a mirrored wall adds depth to the space while extending the impact of  the natural light that pours into the home.

“I infused the design of this house with true craftsmanship and delved into sourcing bespoke pieces, creating a unique blend of modernity with nature,” Crispino muses. “The outcome is a home that reflects both the urban energy of Miami and the timeless beauty of its surroundings.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Camila Crispino, C2 Creative Concepts Interiors, Miami Beach, FL

Text by Mallory Jacobson

Photography by Libertad Rodriguez, Lake Worth, FL

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