Calimia Home, led by the talented husband and wife team Gustaf Svensson and Monique Miller, embarked on the renovation of a 1930s Miami Beach home, redefining traditional perceptions of seaside design. Their goal was to accentuate the client’s extensive art collection, curate standout furnishings, and enhance the idyllic outdoor space of the residence.

This expansive 3,500-square-foot home, featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and an office space, is situated on the picturesque Sunset Islands of Miami Beach, Florida. The strategic central location in Sunset Harbour, offering waterfront views and convenient access to shops and restaurants, catered to the clients’ preference for a lifestyle that mirrored their experiences in New York City.

Coming from a compact NYC apartment, the family of four sought a more spacious and kid-friendly environment. The design decision to replace the existing marble floors aimed at creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Calimia Home chose rugs from the beloved Australian brand Armadillo + Co to add warmth to each room, carefully balancing the functional aspects with the art deco and Miami-inspired aesthetics.

In all their South Florida designs, Calimia Home prioritizes the integration of lush surroundings, architectural considerations, and a personalized touch that resonates with the clients’ personalities. The result is a transformed space that serves as a waterfront oasis, seamlessly blending practicality and style.

Calimia Home, with its distinctive Scandifornian style—a fusion of Monique Miller’s laid-back Southern California roots and Gustaf Svensson’s Scandinavian background—brings a unique and evolving aesthetic to every project, including the renovation of this Miami Beach home. The design philosophy emphasizes natural elements, vintage textiles, and a clean, eclectic, and fresh approach that adapts with each new design.

For this particular project, the client’s desire for a “turn-key” home, avoiding major renovations, provided the duo with a challenge to transform the space primarily through furnishings and décor. The original curved staircase and the waterfront backyard were already highlights that the clients wished to preserve. The focus, therefore, shifted to furnishing, painting, and maximizing the potential of outdoor living.

Despite not undertaking significant remodeling, Calimia Home succeeded in a remarkable transformation, creating a welcoming and stylish environment for the young family. Drawing inspiration from Instagram, old design books, and their travel experiences, the duo curated a design that reflects a balance between comfort, aesthetics, and the vibrant Miami lifestyle.

This captivating Miami Beach home seamlessly integrates stunning original details, such as the art deco exterior and a gracefully curved marble staircase, with Florida coastal elements, evident in the charming shutters. Monique Miller emphasizes the exterior’s crucial role, setting the tone for the entire home and capturing the lush surroundings, architecture, and the clients’ personalities—a consistent theme in their South Florida designs.

In crafting the color scheme, the objective was to maintain a neutral palette while infusing visual interest through diverse textures and natural woods. Abundant windows welcome beautiful light and panoramic views of the verdant yard and waterfront, with the surrounding environment acting as a complementary element to the design.

The design journey commenced with the outdoor spaces, focusing on the landscaping and exterior. A meticulous cleanup enhanced the overall aesthetic, and the addition of two elegant pots with fan palms elevated the outdoor appeal. Collaborating with plant designer Hilary Bailey at Studio Madre Selva, the Calimia team seamlessly connected interior and exterior spaces through thoughtfully selected plants. A charming detail lies in the discovery of exterior pots, repurposed with a limewash treatment, contributing to the overall design’s character.

Upon entering this Miami Beach haven, a sense of coastal sophistication envelops you, courtesy of the gracefully curved staircase and a welcoming pedestal table adorned with fresh flowers in the entry. The ambiance exudes an elevated beachy vibe, characterized by whitewashed woods and a textured, round jute rug.

Transitioning into the dining and living area, the dining room has metamorphosed into a vibrant playroom. A casual dining space seamlessly connects with the living room, featuring oak spindle chairs with linen cushions and a wall-mounted swing light to compensate for the absence of electrical provisions for a chandelier. The fireplace and mirror, initially posing a challenge, harmonize effortlessly with the introduced furnishings, culminating in a perfect fit.

In the living room, clever spatial planning accommodates both a dining nook and a spacious area for a deep, cozy sofa. The sofa, complemented by an ottoman from Amber Interiors, introduces a captivating pattern to the space, harmonizing with a Spanish leather chair for a touch of Spanish flair.

Heather DiSabella took on the renovation project for a family of five, including two cats and a St. Bernard, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The family, having previously transformed a farmhouse, desired a return to city life and fell in love with a property built in 1903. The house, largely untouched since the 1950s, had segmented rooms and a floor plan lacking flow.

DiSabella recognized the potential in the home’s structure and the family’s appreciation for its historical elements. The major renovation focused on opening up the first floor, creating a seamless and inviting space for the family to gather. The kitchen, once isolated at the back, was redesigned to become a central and open hub, transforming the entire dynamic of the house.

The condition of the house posed a significant challenge for Heather DiSabella, with years of neglect evident in dust-covered surfaces and inoperable fixtures. The discovery of asbestos in the basement added another layer of complexity to the project, necessitating encapsulation. DiSabella focused on transforming the layout of the first floor, recognizing the need for changes in functionality. The decision to knock down the wall between the kitchen and dining room and switch the living and dining areas reflected the family’s desire for a more open and communal space. This reconfiguration aimed to accommodate the family’s love for cooking and entertaining while enhancing the flow of the home. Additionally, the strategic placement of a large window in the living room allowed for a prominent display of the Christmas tree during the holiday season.

Heather DiSabella tailored the design of the entire home to cater to the needs of her busy family clients. The third floor was dedicated to the preteen daughters, with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom featuring ample vanity storage and a spacious tub. DiSabella extended her design expertise to part of the previously unfinished attic, transforming it into a functional space with desks and beanbag chairs for the girls.

The stylistic preferences of the clients manifested in a blend of Old English and farmhouse styles on the main level, infused with a modern twist on the bedroom floors. Inspired by a home designed by Elizabeth Roberts, the kitchen’s color palette was carefully chosen to reflect this inspiration.

Leveraging the clients’ existing furniture, DiSabella added character to the spaces with antique rugs sourced from Etsy and a comfortable West Elm sectional in the living room.

Heather DiSabella successfully blended modern functionality with historical charm in the renovated home, creating a space that caters to the needs of a contemporary family while preserving its traditional elements. The restoration of historical features, such as the massive sliding doors between the living room and dining room, became a cherished aspect of the design. The clients chose to keep the original interior doors and brass hardware, working with a local company to restore the hardware and make some knobs functional again.

Additionally, the existing wood flooring was refinished with a new stain finish, and the original front entry stairs were enhanced by painting and repairing small details. The clients are delighted with the transformation, particularly appreciating the improved flow and openness of the first floor, providing a welcoming space for the entire family to gather comfortably.

Julia Newman of Julia Adele Designs embraced the challenge of downsizing a home in Playa Vista, California, blending contemporary and traditional styles. Despite the smaller space, the focus was on showcasing the clients’ extensive antique collection. Balancing the light and modern atmosphere while highlighting the cherished antiques was a key aspect of the design process.

In designing a sun-drenched home in Playa Vista, California, Julia Newman of Julia Adele Designs sought to seamlessly blend contemporary and traditional styles for her downsizing clients. With a focus on showcasing their extensive collection of antiques, Newman opted for a neutral color palette to keep the spotlight on the art and antiques. The entryway served as a perfect canvas for special finds, featuring carefully chosen statement pieces like a framed landscape painting and a richly colored wood end table. Building spaces around these focal points, Newman aimed to create a cohesive feel throughout the home.

The living room, anchored by a remarkable antique rug with vibrant colors, including bright pink, cranberry, and teal, became a central point of design. To balance the bold hues of the rug and maintain cohesiveness, Newman introduced a neutral sofa in easy-to-clean chenille. This approach allowed the antique collection to shine while adapting to the light and contemporary atmosphere of the new space.

In the sun-drenched home in Playa Vista, California, designed by Julia Newman of Julia Adele Designs, the built-in shelving presented an opportunity to showcase the clients’ personalities and collections. Specifically, it highlights their Lalique pieces and colored glass Galle collection. Given that the clients only brought their artwork, rugs, and antique décor, Newman sourced several pieces, including her favorite—the Calligaris dining table.

The Calligaris dining table stands out for its unique design, creating the illusion that the top is floating on the legs, imparting a sense of incredible lightness. Newman appreciates the table’s user-friendly nature, as it gives the appearance of marble but is, in fact, ceramic with tempered glass. This choice subtly reflects the park square outside, providing a harmonious connection with the surrounding nature from the dining room.

In the sun-drenched Playa Vista home designed by Julia Newman, every element reflects a clean, simple, and detail-oriented approach. The dining room’s light fixture, a past piece from Hubbardton Forge, symbolizes this design philosophy—clean and simple with intricate details. Handmade to order in Vermont, the light fixture showcases a long tradition of expert craftsmanship, aligning with the overall aesthetic of the home.

The bar area becomes a focal point with a captivating mirror that serves as a transition into a modern, lighter lifestyle. This mirror, carefully placed to enhance the art pieces in the living room, features gold frames that echo those of the artworks. Each element is thoughtfully curated to create a seamless transition between spaces, emphasizing the importance of flow in open floor plans.

Moving to the kitchen, Newman’s skillful selection of elements creates a cohesive connection with other rooms. The blue velvet stools echo the living room’s accent pillows, the marble backsplash ties into the dining table’s marble look, and the pendant lights complement the dining room light. This intentional design ensures a harmonious flow throughout the interconnected spaces.

Located in the Butchertown neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, this unique rental property and boutique, known as Paire Hospitality, transports visitors into a moody Old World apartment reminiscent of Italy. Designed by Jaclyn Journey and Amanda Jacobs, the space aims to embody the concept of “philoxenia,” a Greek term that encompasses the idea of hospitality and kindness toward strangers or travelers. The design reflects the duo’s diverse cultural backgrounds, with roots in Greece, Russia, Lebanon, and Syria.

The rental, situated above the Journey + Jacobs design studio, features curated vintage elements and personal touches, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm invitation into the designers’ homes. Despite its vintage charm, the space is thoughtfully designed to provide guests with a comfortable and well-curated experience during their stay in Louisville. The adjoining boutique showcases a selection of the designers’ favorite products, offering visitors a unique shopping experience alongside the charming rental accommodations.

Dating back to the 1800s, the historic charm of the home provides a rich backdrop for the designers to infuse the space with history and vintage details. The interior reflects a desire to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, allowing guests to experience a homey extension during their stay. Vintage elements and carefully chosen furnishings contribute to the lived-in and well-traveled ambiance, fostering a sense of warmth and beauty in every corner of the space. Luxury robes hanging in the corner add a touch of indulgence, enhancing the overall experience for visitors at Paire Hospitality in downtown Louisville.

The vintage charm of the rental is accentuated by meticulous details, with lime wash paint emerging as a standout design element. Applied to the walls and ceilings throughout the space, the velvety texture and aged appearance of the Old World plaster create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bedroom, in particular, showcases a stunning lavender tone that enhances the overall aesthetic.

Additionally, the bedroom features carefully curated vintage pieces, sourced from antique malls, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace. Each item, including the gallery wall and light fixtures, contributes to the intentional and collected feel of the space. The gallery wall, crafted piece by piece through vintage flea market finds, reflects the designers’ commitment to a unique and personalized aesthetic, showcasing a blend of their favorite prints in vintage frames for a distinctive and cost-effective touch.

The kitchen seamlessly blends Scandinavian modernity with vintage elements, featuring narrow wood paneling and a retro fridge. The space is adorned with thoughtful details, including a European-inspired painting and vintage pottery, creating a charming and cohesive aesthetic.

Adjacent to the kitchen, a delightful breakfast nook provides a cozy spot to enjoy morning coffee and pastries. The eclectic style of Journey and Jacobs is evident in the mix of a bistro table and traditional chairs, showcasing their unique design sensibility. A standout piece in the kitchen, according to Jacobs, is the iron cafe table, with its vibrant blue hue and classic Parisian design, serving as the perfect centerpiece for the surrounding chairs.

The bathroom boasts a charming blend of vintage elements, featuring an old-school vanity and classic blue and white toile wallpaper. The nostalgic ambiance is further enhanced by the penny tile on the floor, evoking a sense of getting ready in 20th-century Paris.

Maintaining the authenticity of the building’s age was a key consideration for Journey and Jacobs, who aimed to embrace its historical charm rather than modernize it. They adhered to a guiding principle: “Would an elegant grandmother from Europe have it in her home?” If the answer was yes, the item was deemed fitting for the space.

In a city with numerous Airbnb options, Journey emphasizes that their space stands out due to the intentional way they invite people into their lives through thoughtful design curation.

Paire Hospitality is more than just accommodation; it’s a genuine escape designed for peace and relaxation. Guests are encouraged to appreciate the unique beauty of the town without feeling like tourists. The space, curated with care and thoughtfulness, aims to provide an authentic and immersive experience for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Scottsdale-based designer Lauren Lerner defines her style as modern and eclectic, a reflection evident in her 3,200-square-foot home, serving both as her residence and the headquarters for her interior design business. Lerner’s approach to her personal space allows her to curate items she genuinely loves, creating a home that showcases her individual taste.

With a penchant for color, bold accents, and clean lines, Lerner takes her time selecting each item, often starting with a distinctive rug or unique chair as the focal point. The entryway serves as a perfect example of her personality, featuring a burl wood Worldsaway console, Leftbank art, a vibrant Surya rug, and textured white lamps.

Living in a builder-grade home that she transformed into a personalized haven, interior designer Lauren Lerner has embraced various learning experiences throughout the remodeling process. From adding a kitchen backsplash and changing light fixtures to landscaping the backyard, one of the most notable challenges was creating an unusually large and uniquely shaped kitchen island inspired by a model home.

The spacious island, designed for entertaining, features a distinctive blue hue and gold pendant lights. Lerner, with only four years of experience in interior design, enthusiastically embraced DIY projects, learning valuable skills along the way. The island project, in particular, introduced her to the technique of book matching, using mirror-image marble slabs for a striking effect. The grey-veined marble chosen for the island now stands as a standout feature in her home.

In her family room, Lauren Lerner indulged in a custom-made navy sofa from Moss Studio, featuring down-filled cushions for ultimate comfort. The room showcases a Bungalow 5 coffee table, a Jaipur rug, and side tables from Nuevo + Interiors. Lerner, who uses her home as her business headquarters, strategically curates spaces to showcase her design talents, often opting for unique wallpaper to transform rooms. The primary bedroom boasts a striking purple Anthropologie wallpaper with a captivating pattern, creating a cool color combination with navy accents throughout the en-suite. The bed’s classic silhouette adds a touch of versatility to the space.

In Lauren Lerner’s front office, a bold statement is made with black-and-white polka dot wallpaper from Caroline Cecil Textiles. The vibrant pattern adds flair to the space, fitting the dynamic team of five that works there. Lerner emphasizes the comfort and approachability of her home office, embracing the new norm of remote work. While her current home is spacious, Lerner is in the process of moving into a new residence with a larger floor plan to accommodate her growing business. In the outdoor spaces, she prioritizes Arizona’s love for outdoor living, creating talking points like a barbecue area with a waterfall feature and a distinctive bright pink grill. Lerner opts for unique furniture brands to introduce special pieces rarely seen in outdoor settings.

In Lauren Lerner’s backyard, she enhances the visual appeal by incorporating outdoor art from selected vendors. This addition adds interest to a wall that lacked landscaping. The outdoor entertainment area features cane-back chairs from Summer Classics, elegant pool floats, and a custom-built fire pit. The fire pit is designed to provide a cozy space for Lerner and her guests to enjoy a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board. The thoughtful arrangement completes the outdoor setting, making it both stylish and inviting.

Jaime Zehner of JZ Interior Designs undertook the redesign of a four-bed, four-bath house in Corona del Mar, California, built in 1961. The goal was not only to update the existing space but to create a timeless home for the clients. The original ranch-style home had a dated layout, prompting a comprehensive renovation to enhance the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The design focused on maximizing the home’s stunning ocean view, emphasizing an open entertaining space with higher ceilings and doors that seamlessly connect to the courtyard and backyard. Zehner aimed to create an indoor/outdoor experience that captures the essence of California living, taking full advantage of the favorable weather.

The redesign retained the original horseshoe layout while addressing the low ceilings and smaller, segmented rooms. By opening up the layout, raising the ceiling, and expanding the room, Zehner successfully transformed the kitchen into a more expansive and interconnected space with a large island and integrated living area.

Jaime Zehner continued the layout transformations upstairs, making strategic changes like switching the location of the closet and bathroom in the primary bathroom to allow it to face the ocean. The primary bathroom presented a design challenge due to the choice of materials. While initially opting for white marble for the shower and countertops, it felt cold compared to the rest of the home.

During an open house, Zehner discovered a white stone mosaic that resonated with her, providing the warmth she sought for the space. The mosaic, resembling a seashell, was used on the wall with a similarly colored grout, subtly integrating it into the design. The addition of a limestone floor further enhanced the warmth of the primary bathroom.

Describing the style of the home, Zehner humorously dubbed it a “modern coastal farmhouse,” reflecting the blend of inspirations from various styles. The design started with clean lines and timeless materials, incorporating character to achieve a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Designers Erick Zumwalt and Phil Ruhl, along with Erick’s sister Olivia and her husband Chris, collaborated to transform a Los Angeles craftsman home into a sunlit, Japandi-style haven for a family. The design process became a family affair, with Olivia overseeing the interior design, and Chris utilizing his 3D software skills to help conceptualize and build custom millwork for key areas of the property.

This three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence spans 2,477 square feet and includes a 450-square-foot studio guesthouse in the rear, providing a welcoming space for hosting visitors.