Stunning Water Vistas Inspire Coastal Aventura Retreat

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Seeking drastic change from their fast-paced New York City lifestyle, an East Coast couple decided to give South Florida a go and purchased a waterfront condo in Aventura to serve as their primary residence. With its open layout and views of the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, the 3,374-square-foot residence is the definition of real estate nirvana. All it needed was design personality. Enter Sarah Zohar, founder and lead designer of Sarah Z Designs, who came recommended from various sources.

“Our inspiration for the look of the home stemmed directly from the stunning water vistas and our desire to bring those views into the interior architecture,” says Zohar. “The concept emphasizes craftsmanship, natural materials, and modern elegance, with a refined design scheme in which each space is clearly defined yet connected to the rest of the residence.”

Working within the building’s preexisting structural framework, an open-concept floor plan was developed to maximize light, views, and connectivity between spaces. From the outset, the design team’s goal was to fashion a dwelling that would feel serene, sculptural, and deeply layered, while still functioning effortlessly for everyday living.

“Family gatherings are an essential aspect of our lives, especially since our adult children are busy developing careers in New York and internationally,” notes the wife who co-owns the residence. “When they visit us here, my husband and I can provide a beautiful and tranquil environment to refresh family relationships and relieve the daily stress of life.”

A luxurious material selection plays a central role throughout this home. Zohar worked with a curated palette of dramatically veined marbles, sandy neutral millwork finishes, charismatic wallcoverings, and custom textiles, creating depth and visual interest without excessive ornamentation. Many elements were custom-designed—millwork, built-in shelving units, select furniture pieces—ensuring every detail feels intentional and fully integrated. Standouts include a bespoke stone bar and accent walls, custom ceiling treatments with recessed lighting, and tailored cabinetry that thoughtfully balances form and function. These architectural details quietly elevate the interiors while allowing the furnishings, textures, and art to shine.

“The living room expands on the home’s established visual language, trading the high-contrast intensity of the foyer for an airy, sophisticated, coastal-chic atmosphere,” says Zohar. “The bar area serves as a striking intersection of organic textures and moody illumination, continuing the home’s theme of bold materiality.”

Exotic marble slabs with deep, oceanic greens that subtly reflect the hues of the nearby Intracoastal Waterway provide a seamless visual bridge to the identical stone slabs used in the hallway. Purposefully placed natural elements breathe life into the interior. A manicured indoor tree adds height and greenery to the corner, while small floral arrangements infuse pops of vibrant yellow, complementing the blue accents. The overall effect is one of serene luxury. This is a balanced retreat that feels both curated and comfortably livable.

“Nothing quite compares to the memory of seeing the pure joy on our clients’ faces during the final reveal,” says Zohar. “Witnessing their excitement as they walked into their beautiful new home for the first time made every meticulous detail of the journey worth it.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Sarah Zohar, Sarah Z Designs, Miami, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Libertad Rodriguez Otero, Lake Worth, FL

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