Modern Masterpiece on Fisher Island

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Design actions often speak louder than words. Upon viewing a stream of projects from designer Juan Poggi’s impressive international portfolio, the homeowners of an extraordinary 11,500-square-foot penthouse on Fisher Island granted him carte blanche to carry out their vision. The residence’s exclusive private setting—accessible only by ferry for residents and their guests—offered an extravagant resort life with beach access, golf and tennis courts, world-class restaurants, and an array of yacht slips for the good life.

“They love the space, the extraordinary views—the peaceful life on Fisher Island,” says Poggi. “The clients came to me via a recommendation by ASR Construction, a team of architects, designers, and contractors who specialize in Fisher Island projects. We met, and they felt comfortable with my approach to the design of their home. We were able to deliver the entire build with all the furniture in less than 11 months.” 

Poggi relied on his signature touches for success. He kept the fabric palette neutral and applied accent colors on the furniture, custom built-in display shelving, and custom cabinetry. For this large-scale project, more than half of the pieces were custom-made by Poggi Design. “We created the chairs, side tables, dining tables, a bar, and the cabinetry,” says the designer. “All our custom pieces were crafted in Milan by 2MM Italy.” 

The sophisticated bespoke elements are apparent from the moment one walks into the foyer, where a panel in baseball-stitched ivory leather creates a wall to discreetly hide the doors that take you to other parts of the home. A Poggi-designed Calisson bench sits against the leather panel, and a bold black-and-white statement piece by Peruvian photographer Nelly Garcia creates a stunning backdrop. Sleek Obi sconces from Poggi Design for Boyd Lighting complement the dramatic artwork.

Stepping into the vast open living spaces, one cannot help but notice a massive custom ottoman designed to frame a dynamic round optical glass sculpture. “Our goal here was to create something unconventional and clean so that the view of Biscayne Bay would not be interrupted,” notes Poggi. “I also designed two large elliptical columns in antique bronze to hide the apartment’s structural columns. The idea was to balance the space with architectural accents of the appropriate scale.”

Behind one column, a Poggi-designed bar dotted with Italian Poliform barstools offers an intimate entertainment space. Equipped with sleek cabinetry behind mirrored doors, the barware storage space is elegantly concealed, creating a seamless look. There is also a wall of wine coolers that Poggi strategically designed so that the wine bottles are hidden. “Each cooler stores 200 bottles, and the clients liked the idea of these being covered, so the wine bottles don’t become part of the décor,” notes the designer. A spacious lounge area adjacent to the bar was designed for wine tastings and boasts exceptional water views. Surrounded by curvy Zanotta lounge chairs, a Poggi-designed glass Mizu table dazzles the eye with its reflective circular glass base atop a walnut drum. Spectacular 16-foot chaise lounges lining the windows invite guests to relax and enjoy the scenery. 

Centered in the expansive living space, custom display shelving spotlights the owners’ collectibles along with a striking modern artwork by Spanish artist Guillermo Fornes. On the other side of the unit, another large lounging area provides comfy low-profile seating accented with an oversize cocktail table and a chic dark-stained console table from Poggi’s OBI collection. An adjacent dining area makes an ideal gathering spot for this large family with a magnificent Yumi dining table that can accommodate 14 guests. “We designed it in bronze and wood and played with a series of veneer forms to create the overscale tabletop,” says Poggi. “The streamlined Italian chairs add the perfect complement.” 

The amazingly serene primary bedroom features one of Poggi’s most innovative design concepts. Here, he created a sleek home office entirely enclosed in wood and glass panels for privacy. Beautifully integrated, it enhances the functionality of the space without interrupting the room’s luxurious aesthetic.

  “I was fortunate to have extremely sophisticated clients who understood the value of custom work,” says Poggi. “They were easy to communicate with and very confident that I would deliver what I promised. It was a huge endeavor, but they got the best of my work.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Juan Poggi, Poggi Design, Coral Gables, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography Kris Tamburello, Doral, FL 

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