Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami
With each turn in this ocean front condo in Oceana, Key Biscayne, views of ocean and blue sky change, mix and match as they would with the twist of a kaleidoscope. However, here, the lens comes in the form of oversized windows and sliders that frame the beautiful natural setting.
Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami
Credit for the design throughout the home goes to Luciana Fragali, CEO and Owner of Design Solutions. Her assignment to create a comfortable home for a Brazilian newcomer and her two children was a breeze, so to speak, thanks to a lot of group thinking, which included the homeowners.
In just one year, Fragali and the team at Design Solutions were able to complete the design, renovation and staging of two individual units into one contemporary dream home, which adds up to a total of 6,000 sq ft. After all, this residence is comprised of two combined penthouse units.
Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami
The client was introduced to Fragali through mutual friends. The design took off from there.
"There are amazing beach homes in Brazil and she wanted to have a home here that would feel the same way - a house that would be contemporary, cozy and not pretentious," said Fragali. "It needed to be a place her kids could play with friends without worry, and still be an appropriate setting for entertaining."
This certainly implies a fine line design-wise, but by all accounts, Fragali and the Design Solutions team nailed it.
Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami
At first, the client just wanted to combine both penthouse units, keep the same structure and incorporate some millwork.
"The she got more and more excited about the home and wanted to do more and more," said Fragali.
Although the remodel was dramatic, it was well well-planned. Various floor plans were produced by Fragali, who has a background in architecture. After plenty of communication and several meetings with the clients, a singular vision was agreed upon and all worked out to lay out the final plan. From the very beginning, the client realized she was part of the team.
According to Fragali, “She went to the site every day and purchased the specified materials. This was the smoothest project I’ve worked on. Whenever there was an issue, we sat down together and solved it.”
Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami
New rooms include a grandiose foyer, the maid’s quarters, a playroom and family room, a spa-inspired master bath, a spacious and functional master closet, as well as a brand new chef’s kitchen by MiaCucina. For furnishings, Fragali focused on durable materials in a neutral color palette. She chose mystery white marble flooring with oversize tiles for living areas, white oak for the bedroom and closet floors and porcelain tiles for the bathrooms.
The idea was to create cozy spaces by furnishing layouts and introducing color and patterns in pillows, art and decorative accessories. Fragali also designed a custom-made, stunningly elaborate wooden pivot entry door, as well as built-ins, including the dining room buffet, family room television wall and a dramatic bronze mirrored with LED lighting wall niche behind the living room.
“There are hidden LEDs on top of the niche. So at night, when the lights are on, it washes over the bronze mirror and illuminates it.”
Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami
In the kitchen, sleek new cabinetry gives off an ultra-contemporary vibe and adds visual interest. Today, luxury homes are only as valuable as the kitchens found within. Fragali opted for a calcatta gold marble countertops with a matching slabbed ranged hood, Subzero and Wolf appliances, matte lacquer Bianco Ghiaccio finishes, and Castagno wood for the breakfast top and cover system.
With minimal orientation and flat surfaces, the style is intentionally non-traditional. "This is the future of design," said Fragali.
By the end of the project, these two separate units became one single bright and easy-to-live-in space that lives up to those dreamy kaleidoscopic views.
Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami
To learn more about Luciana Fragali's work and book the Design Solutions team for an upcoming project, CLICK HERE.
