Transforming A Miami Condo Into A Striking Gallery-Like Retreat

"It was wood upon wood upon wood,” designer Nicole White recalls of the first time she saw her clients’ Miami condo. While the space read traditional, the Northern California-based owners are anything but. They’re passionate contemporary art collectors who wanted a minimalist yet bold spot for their family to stay during Art Basel and throughout the winter months. “The goal was to open the home up and create a gallery someone lives in,” White muses.

Granting these wishes required a gut renovation, so the designer partnered with architect Norman Blandon and general contractors Asi and Ana M. Benchimol—“a well-oiled machine,” Blandon describes of the team. The floors came up, dark wood moldings and paneling came down, and select walls were removed, including one between the kitchen and dining area and another that split the living area in two. The team also leveled ceiling planes and used channels of light to define spaces such as the now-open dining and living areas. “Achieving flush finishes with lighting in an existing structure—where ceilings and framing have shifted—is much more difficult than in new construction,” Ana notes. “Straight lines are something we dream about in our sleep.”

White established a gallery-like backdrop for the clients’ artworks with crisp white walls, large-format porcelain tile flooring and sheer draperies. “The owners brought few pieces from their collection, instead focusing on those with a lot of impact,” she says, noting compositions by Kehinde Wiley, Swoon and Mickalene Thomas. Naturally, these selections influenced the designer’s decisions. In the foyer, for instance, she hung a Wiley portrait boasting pinks and plums, introducing the home’s feminine color palette—a cheeky nod women. The scheme continues in pink-velvet dining chairs and a living area rug banded in hues ranging from petal to wine.

Beyond the installations adorning the walls, White ensured the home is filled with what she terms “artistic moments.” Some are statement furnishings, like the dining area’s table—which has a sail-shaped base—and whimsical, swooping chandelier. Gentle curves appear in many forms, including the living area’s sofa and chairs. “Many condos, like this one, have sharp walls and ceilings,” she points out, “so I was looking for ways to maintain softness.” Yet perhaps White’s boldest artistic moment happens in the kitchen, outfitted with striking Calacatta Viola marble walls, countertops and shelving.

For the designer, the project has been a career highlight. “I’m known for color and going over the top, so this was a great push for me,” she acknowledges. “I had to figure out how to preserve an art gallery vibe with white walls but ensure it still feels fun.” The solution, White says, comes through strategic flourishes of drama amid a sense of calm. “As a designer, you can be bold, but you have to balance everything,” she reflects. “I’m proud I achieved that here.”