When a Chicago couple decided to leave the Midwest, they chose the quiet Cocoplum area of Coral Gables, a suburb noted for its tree‑lined streets and lush landscaping. The pair bought a 6,850‑square‑foot residence with eight bedrooms and seven and a half baths, a size that is rare in Miami’s tight housing market.
Design goals centered on Florida’s outdoor lifestyle
Interior designer Constanza Collarte of Collarte Interiors was hired to soften the home’s contemporary, somewhat austere feel. “The natural surroundings offered a welcome change from city life and were a key factor in their decision to settle here,” she said. Her first task was to bridge the gap between the house’s clean lines and the verdant backdrop beyond the windows.
She drew the color palette from the green foliage outside, opting for warm neutrals that serve as a quiet backdrop for richer organic layers. “We used tadelakt plaster, large‑scale area rugs, and richly textured fabrics to bring warmth and character,” she explained. The homeowners, avid gardeners, also requested sculptural planters and botanical motifs, adding texture and a sense of life throughout the interior spaces.
Materials and furnishings create depth
Collarte selected large, heavily textured tables and casegoods to give each room presence. “Layering was key … from woven textiles to natural stone and patinated wood,” she noted. The design team paired these pieces with layered window treatments—curtains over shades—to soften the home’s more architectural elements.
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The couple’s appreciation for history led to the inclusion of vintage pieces from various eras. “We integrated vintage items to bring soul to the home and let the modern architecture feel more storied,” she said. The mix of contemporary clean lines with older furnishings aims to strike a balance between sleek design and timeless authenticity.
Outside, the landscaping was reimagined as a private garden oasis featuring a pool and a barbecue area designed for seamless outdoor living. The layout encourages family gatherings while preserving the sense of privacy that initially attracted the buyers to Cocoplum.
Over eighteen months, the project progressed gradually, with accessories, planters, textiles, tapestries, and fabrics added as the team found pieces that fit the vision. “By the end, they loved that the house felt warm, personal, and lived‑in,” Collarte reflected.