LUXURY CONDO LIFESTYLE
Mendez Vela Design Transforms Fisher Island Home with Traditional/ Modern Flair
Inspired by the spectacular water views that Fisher Island offers and wanting to create a bright and relaxed Miami environment for their client, the Mendez Vela design team transformed a spacious condominium into a luxurious retirement retreat for a couple originally from Long Island looking to retire in Miami. “ it is our goal for these spaces to reflect both the personality of our clients, and the nature of the location where the project is to take place.” Mendez Vela said. Mindful of their client’s focus on family, it was just as important for their new home to evoke the plentiful sunlight, vibrant colors, and laid-back lifestyle that define South Florida, in particular the beautiful beaches of Miami.
Drawing inspiration from the balance between the client’s family tradition and the colorful South Florida environment the team designed the interior and exterior spaces of the Fisher Island unit, a 3-bedroom, 3 bath, 3,130 square-foot space, with an exterior spanning 1,280 square feet divide into two private balconies and a terrace.
To create elegant and lively spaces throughout the unit, Mendez Vela relied on a simple color palette, textured wallpapers and bold color gestures to highlight the dual nature of a space that is both traditional and modern.
To achieve an open space, they removed a partition wall separating the kitchen and living room areas, eliminated a small bar in the living room, and designed a kitchen island to incorporate three bar stools. They also redesigned the master closet, switching from two smaller his and hers closets to an ample and modern walk-in alternative.
When it came to selecting the furniture and art pieces, the Mendez Vela team had free reign to make the selections that eventually completed the casually elegant look they achieved. “Given the nature of the space as a vacation home, our clients were not directly involved in the selection process of the furniture and art pieces,’ they said.
The kitchen, featuring streamlined edges on the island, pantry and cabinets as well as the master closet are by Ornare in the Design District. In the master closet hangs a chandelier above the six-drawer chest with dual brown and white colors. Another chandelier, this one a showstopper and conversation starter Swarovski pendant from the Design District’s Carriage House hangs above the dining room table.