COVER STORY: Florida Design
Private Moments
By Jeanne de Lathouder | Photography by Kris Tamburello
Mid-century modern sensibilities warm things up in a Privé Island Residence
A front-runner in Miami’s high-end design scene, Tamara Feldman is undoubtedly someone to watch. Born in Mexico City, her early exposure to the region’s architecture and lively cultural landscape deeply influenced her to pursue interior design. Later in life, her studies at New York’s renowned Pratt Institute and the University of Miami’s School of Architecture, and time spent living in Tokyo earned her unique comprehensive perspective on innovative design concepts valued by her loyal clientele. Among her impressive repertoire of projects, one of Feldman’s latest—for a family route in her homeplace of Mexico City—demonstrates the breadth of her talents full circle.
Located in Aventura’s elite Privé Island, a secluded eight-acre enclave that boats twin 16-story towers, the client’s 3,500 square-foot dwelling supplies them with the ultimate family oasis.
“The homeowners value their privacy, and the island offers just that,” says Feldman. “They are very family-oriented, and we designed the property as a relaxing vacation home for them.”
The challenge for this promising space, which Feldman’s team received as a “white box,” was to transform it into a true home, adding warmth and integrating the residents’ Mexican culture with touches of vibrant color and mid-century modern sentiments. Feldman and her team opted for blue tones on the walls and layered-in terracotta hues, compelling artwork, and sculptural statement furnishings, while keeping an overall neutral aesthetic. The end result is a charismatic design aesthetic that’s sophisticated, yet welcoming.
To better delineate the spaces within the home’s open floor plan, the design crew incorporated contemporary architectural features, including custom white oak millwork throughout. “Stylistic wood and metal panel slats create the idea of a private dining room as you walk into the open floor plan,” says the designer. “The primary bedroom has an interesting backdrop that creates visual appeal with layered walnut panels.”
Upon entering the residence, a private hallway opens into the apartment. This entry foyer is defined with a sleek with oak wall treatment that is softly illuminated with slender built-in LED lighting tubes. Once inside, the formal living and dining areas display exhilarating water views from an expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows. The adjacent kitchen and family room, discreetly separated with custom panel slats, still feel connected to the view. The primary bedroom showcases tranquil ocean views, while on the other side, guest quarters, and the children’s bedroom enjoy splendid views of the intracoastal.
“I remember walking in to check on the millwork installation—and that was a wow moment,” says Feldman. “To see how we transformed the apartment into this amazing, sophisticated, yet warm and inviting home is always exciting. We were able to create exactly what our clients envisioned feeling and experiencing—family gatherings, a home that is welcoming, comfortable, and sophisticated. They absolutely love their home, which is a personal reflection of their style and culture.”