Seaside Hues Create Ambiance in Miami Penthouse

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meet the interior designer, Sofia Joelsson, who transformed this 6,000-square-foot penthouse into a masterpiece of art, ingenuity and design. After an unfortunate disaster that left the home nearly destroyed, the owners reached out to Joelsson, who had designed three of their other homes over the years. “They trusted me with an understanding of their needs and desires,” the designer says.  The inspiration, a sophisticated family who desired a leisure lifestyle with open spaces, comfortable furnishings and boastful views of the city and beach.

A soothing blend of textures, patterns and color begins in the dining area, where the hide area rug speaks volumes with its circular pattern and soft warm shades. It is here where the designer’s eye takes charge as retro style chairs are wrapped in vibrant blue velvet. “I didn’t want a fully upholstered chair, the open back creates a lighter look for the space,” Joelsson says. The dining table is as special as can be with its cerused oak top, a brass metal frame and bronze-tipped legs.

Aesthetics was not the only goal as durability was a key part of the open interior scheme that seamlessly flows from one space to another. Porcelain flooring in a herringbone pattern that naturally resembles real oak points the way to the living area, where an energetic vibe continues the pull of graduating shades of blue. L-shaped sectional sofas swathed in a durable, crisp white chenille pair with a series of undulating cocktail tables. “I like to layer my cocktail tables using multiple pieces and varying heights,” Joelsson says. The soft Tencel area rug mimics the soothing hues of the sea and sky beyond.

The gentle ebb-and-flow continues in the kitchen with a custom concave bar designed with LED lighting to create ambience while illuminating the striations of gold in the porcelain countertop as well as spotlighting the expressiveness of the carved wood base. “I love the colors and design of the porcelain as the variances reveal an unstructured and organic flow,” the designer says. With that, barstools flatter the island with their bronze frames and taupe leather-upholstered seats, while Delano Pool by artist Philipp Hofmann catches the eye and begs to question … painting or photography?

With sensational and inviting views, the guest room beckons visitors night after night. The private space lends itself to an ultimate relaxing experience. While texture plays an important role, the designer didn’t want to overindulge with textiles, rather, a subtle textured wall covering that resembles grass cloth was just enough. “I love layers and layers of textures for adding dimension, as long as they have similar tonality,” Joelsson says. The headboard is tailored with upholstered leather while the bedding flaunts pops of deep purple and neutral shades that pull out the colors in the floral art that dots the wall above.

Slip away to serenity with a master bath that recalls the luxury of a five-star spa with day-dreamy views in an irresistible environment. Being able to salvage some of the bath’s original marble flooring was the origin of the spa-like design. A mirrored wall is framed in rift cut oak to create a reflective backdrop behind the freestanding, solid stone tub. A shagreen vanity with bronze legs interacts with the mink marble flooring that creates continuous movement with its gray and taupe horizontal lines.   

The private rooftop terrace is an entertainer’s dream come true. Back on top of the world, family and friends gather once again to enjoy a lively poolside party or an intimate rooftop soiree.

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Sofia Joelsson, Sofia Joelsson Design, Miami Beach, FL

General Contractor Sagewood Construction, Miami, FL

Text by Regina Semeraro

Photography by Emilio Collavino, Miami, FL

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