Transitional Family Home Checks All the Boxes

Smart architecture and pragmatic design come together effortlessly in a Pinecrest home that’s parent-tested and kid-approved

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When a Pinecrest couple in the market for land to build a larger house for their family began their search, they soon found out they didn’t have to go far. A few blocks away from their previous home was a verdant, one-acre lot that would prove to be ideal for what they had in mind. As soon as the property was theirs, they turned to architect Stephanie Halfen to create the perfect tropical modern residence for the plot. But as happy as they were with their choice, they did voice some concerns. 

“One of the things they worried about was that a lot of my designs are contemporary, and they wanted a more transitional style,” says Halfen. “This was a great opportunity for us to do something different that they would love.”

Another caveat? The couple’s two kids (ages 7 and 9) would have to sign off on it as well. And by all accounts, they were tough customers. “The client brought them to all the meetings, and we were happy to have them involved,” says Halfen. “They were not afraid to give their opinions on anything.”

Halfen won over parents and offspring when she presented plans for a one-story, U-shaped residence with contemporary Balinese flair—not to mention details such as rough coral stone, warm woods, and bronze window trims that would give the house plenty of character. The adults, in particular, were delighted with the way Halfen divided the square footage, with one wing dedicated to them consisting of a master bedroom, bath, and an office so the husband could work remotely. The heart of the residence is dedicated to the main living spaces—living room, dining room, and kitchen. This glassed-in area opens to a large pool deck that is surrounded by 1,500 square feet of covered terraces and, beyond that, a standalone cabana with a yoga studio. A second wing houses bedrooms and social spaces for the kids and family guests. “Our biggest goal was to make a beautiful architectural statement with a home that’s comfortable and practical for everyday life,” says Halfen. 

After construction was complete, the client enlisted interior designer Melida Williams for the look of the home.  “They insisted on warmth and none of that feeling that furniture couldn’t be touched or sat on,” says Williams. “With two kids and two dogs, they wanted good quality.”

Williams opted for a neutral palette that complemented the interior finishes. Once that was addressed, she created comfortable-yet-modern rooms layered with texture, pops of color, and user-friendly fabrics that are comfortable to the touch. She also breathed new life into some of the couple’s existing furniture, converting an old family china cabinet into a bar, refurbishing their old dining room table, and repurposing the first cabinet they ever bought for the kids’ lounge. This yin-yang of old and new infuses the home with sentimental history in a way the parents love and the youngsters find appealing. 

“We really tried to keep in mind who our client was and how they wanted to live,” says Williams. “We weren’t going to open up a catalog and give them something from that. We were going to give them something that made a bold statement without screaming into the void.”

After the clients moved in, Halfen visited them and was gratified to see them in their element, thoroughly enjoying the home she helped them conjure. “We got to see the kids go off to school and then come back with friends at the end of the day to swim in the pool, so it was nice to realize that we delivered on their vision,” says Halfen. “It was gratifying to see the house in action, and realize we nailed it.” 

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Melida Williams and Mirna Kosoy, Melida Williams Interior Design, Inc., Miami, FL

Architecture by Stephanie Halfen, SDH Studio Architecture + Design, North Miami Beach, FL

Landscape Architecture by Chris Evans, Landscape by Design, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Text by Paige Bowers

Photography by Robin Hill, Miami Beach, FL

Open to see Interior Design Sources:

Sources                                    

Living Room

Sofa, ottoman, and lounge – Poliform Showroom, Miami, FL

Club chairs – Restoration Hardware, Aventura, FL

Cocktail tables – Cattelan Italia, Anima Domus, Miami, FL

Floating shelf designed by Melida Williams Interior Design Inc., Miami, FL, and fabricated by HB Solutions, LLC., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Decorative wall designed by Melida Williams Interior Design Inc, Miami, FL, and fabricated by HB Solutions, LLC., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Drapery fabric – Great Plains, Holly Hunt, Miami, FL 

Area rug custom designed by Melida Williams Interior Design Inc., Miami, FL

Powder Room

Floating cabinetry designed by Melida Williams Interior Design Inc., Miami, FL, and fabricated by HSS by Angel Inc, Miami, FL and Fineline Contracting Inc., Miami, FL

Hanging lighting – Lindsey Adelman Studio, New York, NY

Stool – Lacava, Designer’s Plumbing and Hardware, Miami, FL 

Wall covering – Phillip Jeffries, Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Kitchen and Breakfast Area

Cabinetry designed and fabricated by MiaCucina, Coral Gables, FL

Island and banquette designed by Melida Williams Interior Design Inc., Miami, FL, and fabricated by HB Solutions LLC., Fort Lauderdale, FL 

Table custom designed by Melida Williams Interior Design Inc., Miami, FL

Chairs – Cherner Chair, DWR, Miami, FL 

Dining Area

Table – Owner’s collection

Chairs – Cattelan Italia, Anima Domus, Miami, FL 

Chandelier – Luceplan, Lighting Reps, New York, NY

Drapery fabric – Great Plains, Holly Hunt, Miami, FL 

Artwork – Silvana Timo, Frame Art Gallery, Miami, FL 

Primary Bath

Tub – Aquamon, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Coral Gables, FL

Stool – Restoration Hardware, Aventura, FL

Kids’ Lounge

Sofa – Restoration Hardware, Aventura, FL

Media cabinetry custom designed by Melida Williams Interior Design Inc., Miami, FL, and fabricated by HB Solutions, LLC., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Neon Lounge sign – Mr. Neon, Miami, FL

Table – Ikea, Sunrise, FL

Chairs – Blu Dot, Minneapolis, MN

Wall covering – Phillip Jeffries, Holly Hunt, Miami, FL 

Area rug – FLOR, Atlanta, GA

Back Exterior

Lounge and chair groupings – Restoration Hardware, Aventura, FL 

Cocktail table – CB2, Miami Beach, FL

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