A woman who had lived on Miami Beach’s Star Island for five decades decided to relocate to one of the nearby Sunset Islands, where she could comfortably downsize and forge new memories. She wanted a residence that is feminine and ladylike, according to her designer, Charlotte Dunagan.
Ralph Choeff, the architect, designed the house in a tropical-modern style, which he describes as a derivative of midcentury modern. This style includes concepts like bringing natural light into the building and melding the exterior elements with the interior.
The house is situated on a relatively compact corner lot near the water, and Choeff used materials common in the area, such as wood and expanses of glass. The home has vast sliding glass doors that not only let the light in but also create the perception of being outside when you’re inside—and vice versa, Choeff observes.
Privacy was a key concern, so setting architects Christopher Cawley and Lucia Mora planted a dense clusia hedge around the perimeter to form an exterior wall of vegetation. Tall palms were retained to better nestle the abode into its site, while golden creeper cascades from upper-level planters to reinforce the tropical character.
Framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, the layers of greenery provide verdant backdrops throughout the interiors. Choeff personalized spaces to support the client’s lifestyle, like creating a dressing room that resembles the one in her previous home. They used a materials palette comprising soft, rosy tones carried through Venetian plaster, warm limestone flooring, white oak millwork, and brushed bronze accents.
Green moments, like the television room’s lacquered media unit, echo the lush setting, further integrating the environment. The owner’s desire for a feminine feel prompted this choice of materials, which is evident throughout the house.
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As the owner settles into her new home, it’s likely that she’ll appreciate the serene design sensibility that Dunagan and Choeff brought to the project. The house’s design is a reflection of the owner’s personality and style, and it will likely provide a peaceful retreat for years to come.
The style that influenced the design of the house is characterized by large windows, open floor plans, and an emphasis on natural materials. In this case, the style was adapted to fit the owner’s needs and preferences, resulting in a unique and beautiful home, with features like old-world paint techniques that add character.
Now settled into her simplified surroundings, the owner can enjoy years of happiness in a home that captures her character, Dunagan says. The house has the essence of her personality and her understated sophistication, and good design created a sense of comfort and well-being.
The owner’s artwork and vintage pieces are showcased throughout the house, including a pair of Andy Warhol portraits displayed above the primary bed. The overall scheme is most vividly expressed in the powder room, where marble laced with pink, green, and gold complements oak flooring.
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The owner will likely appreciate the attention to detail that Choeff and Dunagan brought to the project, from the tropical-modern style to the personalized spaces. They created a home that is not only beautiful but also functional and comfortable.
