Simple Sophistication Shines in Pinecrest

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Interior designer Adriana Hoyos recalls the clients as a stylish young couple from New York; so lean and beautiful you’d think they modeled for Vogue. She was Brazilian. He was from Iran. And they knew what they wanted: more living space, a more relaxed lifestyle, and plenty of natural beauty—not uncommon for those who have chosen Miami to create a new life and a new space (especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic). After falling in love with a sleek, eight-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bathroom abode in leafy Pinecrest, they immediately purchased it and turned to Hoyos to craft a home that not only reflected their aesthetic but was suitable for their two small children.

“They loved the woods, natural finishes, and neutral colors in the home, but they needed something that would fit their everyday life too,” Hoyos says. “He needed a space to work. They both needed a space to work out. And they wanted a kitchen and family room that was a wide-open space that the entire family could enjoy together. They were very specific about the look and feel that they wanted and they collaborated with me on the creative part.” 

With a simple neutral palette of whites, creams, grays, and browns as her base, Hoyos built visual interest throughout the 10,226-square-foot residence with intricate custom millwork, spans of porcelain, mirrors, and stone. Because the ceilings soared as high as 25 feet in some areas of the home, Hoyos added suspended ceilings of various heights in spaces like the family room and kitchen area to create a more intimate feel. A backdrop this elegant served as the perfect foundation for the contemporary furniture, most of which was designed by Hoyos herself.

The space looks pristine—and you can’t help wondering how it will stand up to the paces that children will surely put it through. What will happen if they spill something (or, heaven forbid, muddy the pale gray couch after a romp outside)? Hoyos made sure all the fabrics were high-performance, easy to clean, and pet-friendly. She says it’s her goal to make sure her clients—adults and kids alike—are able to sit on the furniture and not worry about spilling a glass of wine (or chocolate milk).

“I hate creating museums,” she says. “I’ve worked in this industry for more than 27 years and had thousands of projects. But there was one client who told me he loved his home, but it felt like a museum piece. He was not trying to be mean. Yet on that day, I made a vow never to do that again, even if asked. I only want to create spaces you can enjoy. Now, the textile industry has evolved so much that they are creating fabrics that are so beautiful, you don’t realize they’re performance grade.”

In the end, the project took nearly two years to complete, in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But when it was finished, Hoyos says the clients were overjoyed to see their chic, comfortable new home.

“They really connected with all of the elements and immediately felt at home,” Hoyos says. “We have a big family of clients, so it is most gratifying to meet incredible people and learn about lives and stories. It makes my career more interesting because I get to meet people from all over the world and see how design is so important in their lives. Beautiful design helps people enjoy their spaces more. Their self-esteem is higher because they can have people over to enjoy it with, and it’s good for the kids too. All of these things add to a lifestyle and make people happier in the long run.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Adriana Hoyos, AH Design Studio, Inc. Miami, FL

Developer Juan Carlos Tovar, Devtov Group, Doral, FL

Text by Paige Bowers

Photography by Kris Tamburello, Miami, FL

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