When a pair of New Yorkers, armed with a keen sense of style and a penchant for bold color, sought to transform a 1925 Phineas Paist– Renowned Architect of Coral Gables – home into something uniquely their own, they weren’t just embarking on a renovation—they were crafting a narrative. A tale of organicity, where the old meets the irreverent, and every detail tells a story.
The home’s architect, Phineas Paist, was no stranger to legacy. As the founding force behind the Coral Gables Board of Architects, Paist helped shape the aesthetic DNA of the city. His original Mediterranean Revival style is woven into the fabric of Coral Gables, from coral rock stucco to lush, pastel color palettes. When the home was expanded in 2010 into a sprawling 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence, its historic soul remained intact, waiting for someone bold enough to reimagine it.
Enter the clients: a couple with a rich tapestry of life experiences. After years of urban minimalism in a small New York apartment and a brief stint in California, they were ready for a home that felt like them. She—a petite, stock market-savvy powerhouse with a love for high fashion and funky flair. He—a partner in this shared vision of eclectic sophistication. Together, they dreamed of a home that balanced history with their exuberant personalities.
Stepping into the foyer, you’re immediately struck by the whimsical Moooi wallpaper, which sets the tone for the home by connecting the lush greenery outside with the curated interiors. The gold sculpture atop the Jader Almeida console, sourced from New York, stands as a statement piece that blends elegance with bold modernity. It’s the perfect introduction to a home where vibrant colors meet Mediterranean Revival architecture, reflecting the couple’s unique style.
In the living room, the bold pink marble fireplace steals the show. This unexpected centerpiece is rare in South Florida, making it the focal point of the room and anchoring the space. The couple’s passion for colorful, quirky design shines through with this striking piece, surrounded by a deep green sofa that balances the vivid pinks. The side tables strategically placed around the room foster spontaneous conversation, creating an inviting, cozy atmosphere perfect for entertaining. This space captures the essence of the home—bold, unexpected, and full of personality, yet grounded in timeless Mediterranean elements.
Moving into the kitchen, you’ll see how playful design merges with practicality. The blue cabinetry contrasts beautifully with the home’s vibrant green and pink accents, creating a harmonious yet dynamic aesthetic. This space is a true reflection of the couple’s bold vision for their home—pushing the boundaries of traditional design while honoring the home’s historical roots. The large island becomes the perfect gathering spot, showcasing the couple’s love for hosting and providing ample space for both cooking and socializing.
Just beyond the kitchen, the sunroom features an oval marble bar—a nod to Brazilian influences and the Mediterranean Revival style of Coral Gables. The soft curves of the bar reflect the home’s original arched windows, inviting both light and movement into the space while offering a stylish place to entertain guests.
Upstairs, the bedroom shifts to a more serene palette. Muted tones, soft textures, and luxurious fabrics create a calming retreat from the home’s more vibrant spaces. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen, from the carefully selected linens to the delicate artwork, to create a tranquil space that feels both luxurious and comforting. The room provides the perfect balance between refined taste and relaxation, resulting in a true sanctuary.
In the powder room, a deeply personal homage takes center stage. The Scalamandré wallpaper, inspired by a cherished New York brunch spot frequented by the client and her late father, transforms the powder room from a functional space into a sentimental one. This detail infuses the room with warmth and nostalgia, and it’s these personal touches, woven throughout the home, that make the space uniquely their own.
The home also seamlessly integrates Coral Gables’ historical charm with modern, playful touches. Coral stone stairs, textured walls, and tropical wood finishes pay tribute to the city’s Mediterranean Revival roots, while geometric tiles and herringbone wood floors keep the space fresh and modern. The addition of splashes of color throughout the home—from the vibrant hues in the kitchen to the playful accents in the living room—adds an unexpected flair that feels right at home within the historical framework.
The journey through this Coral Gables home reveals the harmonious blending of historical preservation and bold modern design. This renovation is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design—where each room tells a story, every corner feels like a dream brought to life, and history and irreverence coexist beautifully. From the gold sculpture in the foyer to the pink marble fireplace in the living room, every element of the home showcases the couple’s unique tastes and their ability to embrace bold design choices without sacrificing the historical charm of the house.
The result is a living, breathing masterpiece that balances Coral Gables’ Mediterranean Revival architectural legacy with a personal, contemporary touch. This home is a shining example of how a house can be both a tribute to its history and a reflection of the people who inhabit it—a space where vibrant colors, historical details, and personal memories all come together in perfect harmony.
Guided by a passion for design and architecture Luciana Fragali first pursued her studies in architecture and interior design in her native Brazil and later received a degree in interior design at the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute before launching her design firm, Design Solutions, in 2005. Luciana Fragali, who has owned Miami-based Design Solutions for 15 years, has completed over 400 high-end residential and commercial projects to date. As such she has a unique set of influences from which her sophisticated, sumptuous, and refreshing brand has blossomed.
