Case Study of La Gorce Circle
The waterfront residence, La Gorce Circle, in Miami Beach was conceived as a dream home for the family of a prominent real estate developer. The newly constructed 9,600-square-foot home features seven bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half-bathrooms. We were tasked with creating a sophisticated and serene interior that would reflect the family’s refined taste while accommodating the practical needs of a household with young, growing children.
Entry
The home’s impressive architecture reveals itself upon entry. Soaring ceilings are crowned by a geometric ceiling fixture by Wonmin Park from Carpenters Workshop Gallery. A sandy, neutral palette unfolds in the main hall through a honed Italian Travertine floor, a custom wall finish, and a bespoke bench upholstered in Scalamandre velvet. A Max Lamb “Scrap Poly” console table in green introduces a bold focal point, infusing the entry with texture, color, and intrigue.
Living Room
The living room is a composed and highly curated space designed to showcase art and furniture in equal measure. We began with a neutral base that would be accented by pops of color from key statement pieces. A curved DDC sofa upholstered in De La Cuona fabric shapes the primary seating area, joined by specially commissioned “Amboseli” chairs by Achille Salvagni and a resin and cast-glass coffee table by Wonmoin Park.
The “Morphologica” armchair by Misha Kahn was custom-made with a palette of deep blue, turquoise, marigold, and white – colors that are woven throughout the space through the Dominick Leuci “Eques” sconces, and Laura Gonzalez glass ceiling fixture. Beneath it all, a custom silk-and-wool carpet by Fort Street Studios anchors the entire arrangement.
A discreet peek-a-boo bar is tucked behind sliding glass doors within the living room. The design favors symmetry and a striking interplay of materials, pairing white oak with Cristallo stone cabinetry. Temperature-controlled wine storage frames the central cabinets, which are clad in quartzite; the stone’s natural veining subtly echoes the carpet’s movement and tonal variation.
Dining Room
The formal dining room stands as the crown jewel of the home. A sweeping window frames uninterrupted water views, drawing the eye outward and amplifying the room’s sense of scale and depth. The space is anchored by a custom “Incontro” dining table by Francesco Perini from Gallery FUMI, paired with Kimberly Denman armchairs. A bespoke chandelier by Nacho Carbonel, commissioned specifically for the room, hangs overhead as a commanding centerpiece. Vintage Max Ingrand sconces and artworks by Mickalene Thomas and Rashid Johnson flank either end of the dining room, and cast bronze candlesticks rest atop a vintage sideboard, completing the composition.
Kitchen
The Miami Home kitchen is defined by white oak cabinetry, Taj Mahal stone countertops and backsplash, and a central island distinguished by intricately woven metal-mesh inlaid door panels. Materiality becomes the focus of the kitchen. The palette remains warm and neutral, instead playing with contrast between light and dark. Three pendant lights from Roll & Hill illuminate the space, balancing function with sculptural elegance.
The adjacent breakfast nook offers an elevated setting for everyday dining. A custom table by Pierre Yovanovitch, crafted from varnished solid oak, glazed ceramic, and a lacquered steel base, grounds the area. A bespoke banquette upholstered in durable fabrics from Élitis and Concertex line one side of the table, while Avenue Road dining chairs sit opposite. Framed by a window that opens onto a lush, tropical landscape, the nook feels connected to nature.
Family Room
The mood in the family is relaxed and understated – the clients wanted a space that felt elevated but not overly precious. The walls are covered in oak paneling, and an oversized abstract artwork becomes a focal point, introducing depth and contrast to the space. A low sectional upholstered in brown suede invites conversation and comfort, paired with sculptural coffee tables by Wendell Castle. Overhead is a chandelier by Jeff Zimmerman. The Alt for Living carpet features a raked texture that introduces yet another layer of texture and comfort.
Powder Room
The powder room is defined by elegance and glamour. Lacquered wood walls and a Cristallo stone vanity create a refined mix of materials. A mirror by the Campana Brothers and a pair of sconces from The Carlyle Collective anchor the wall above the vanity. Wooden blinds over the arched window offer a glimpse of the lush landscape beyond, filtering light into the room and casting intricate shadows across its polished surfaces.
Office
The home office is a moody, contemplative space, defined by high ceilings that lend a sense of drama. The room’s generous verticality allowed for an added layer of adornment, with wood-paneled walls introducing a traditional touch within the home’s otherwise contemporary language, complemented by stately patterned drapery. Overhead, an oversized parchment paper and brass chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires serves as a commanding centerpiece. A Thierry Lemaire desk from Studio Twenty Seven, distinguished by its sculptural bentwood form, introduces a moment of softness and fluidity to the composition.
The Kid’s Wing
The children’s bedrooms are designed to encourage creativity and imagination within a sophisticated framework that can grow with the children over time. Each room follows a shared design language defined by custom furniture and millwork. A built-in, multi-use wall unit in each bedroom integrates a desk, upholstered bench seating, and concealed storage, balancing play with everyday function.
Roche Bobois chairs at each desk are upholstered in the children’s favorite colors, introducing moments of personalization throughout the rooms. Opportunities to play with color appear in thoughtful details, from the custom glass butterfly chandelier by Glustin Luminaires in the girl’s bedroom to the blue checkered rug in the boy’s room, which doubles as a chess or checkers board—adding a layer of creativity and interaction to the space.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom explores the balance between softness and structure. A custom headboard carved from Taj Mahal quartzite serves as the room’s focal point, adorned with sconces by Achille Salvagni. Leather wall panels offer a soft counterpoint to the solidity of the stone. At the foot of the bed, a custom TV cabinet, upholstered in leather and designed to discreetly lift the screen, reinforces the room’s refined yet practical approach.
Primary Bathroom
The primary bathroom is an immersive self-care retreat defined by floor-to-ceiling travertine. Limestone slabs wrap the walls and floors and extend seamlessly into the floating vanity sinks, shelving, and a sculptural carved travertine bathtub, creating a cohesive, monolithic effect. Fluted travertine wall tiles introduce subtle texture, complemented by sconces and water fixtures by Waterworks.
Outdoor
The outdoor living area is a natural extension of the home’s interior, enhancing indoor–outdoor flow while embracing Miami’s climate and the home’s waterfront setting. Designed for seamless transitions between lounging, dining, and entertaining, the space balances comfort with durability. Outdoor dining chairs by David Sutherland anchor an elegant dining area next to the grill and range, while custom seating, upholstered with cushions and accent pillows by Le Jeune Upholstery, follows the lines of the surrounding architecture. Framed by lush greenery and open views, the terrace captures the ease and rhythm of coastal living.
