A Design Collaboration Leads To A Lasting Friendship

Details

contemporary entry leather-strapped mirrors metal...

The entry of a Fisher Island penthouse, owned by Rich and Laurie Kracum and imagined by designer Sofia Joelsson, features two leather-strapped mirrors from Monc XIII above a metal Brimstone console table by Holly Hunt. A box and a horn sculpture, both from Cudesso, are artistically displayed on the console.

contemporary entry sculptures concrete floors...

Joelsson collaborated with general contractor Victor Carvallo on the custom-designed walnut millwork seen in a portion of the entry. An oversize camera-inspired lamp shines a light on a dramatic resin sculpture crafted by Y&S Precision Works. The stark white walls and concrete-style floors provide a museum-like backdrop for the owners' extensive contemporary art collection.

contemporary dining room bar white...

Inspired by a steam trunk, the dining room bar by Serge de Troyer from Cudesso, is covered in white crocodile leather and opens to reveal "everything you could possibly want in a bar," says Joelsson, from a glass cutting tray to cocktail glasses.

contemporary dining room black chairs

A custom Kyle Bunting rug creates a defined dining area, which includes a Jorn dining table and Twombly chairs, both by Minotti; the chairs are covered in a Testa di Moro leather. Above the setting, an Italian chandelier by Venice M features handblown smoked-glass lights.

contemporary sitting area pully-like light...

Joelsson created a game area for Laurie, who loves to play cards. Alison Berger designed the pulley-inspired light fixture which hangs above a Bannack table by Holly Hunt. Covered in Pelle Aspen leather, the York armchairs are by Minotti. The modern acrylic bar cart in the background is from Cudesso.

contemporary bathroom white freestanding tub...

A sculptural tub provides a dramatic focal point in the master bath, which also features gunmetal fixtures by Vola and warm walnut millwork, designed by Joelsson.

contemporary gray bedroom black lamps

In the master suite, black Atollo lamps perched on Harvey bedside tables flank a Minotti bed dressed in Cudesso linens. The lounge chair by B&B Italia is covered in a Cuoio Tortora fabric. The rug, a custom design by Kyle Bunting, leads to a pair of sliding doors that open onto a private terrace overlooking downtown Miami.

Bich and Laurie Kracum have known designer Sofia Joelsson since 2003, when they hired her to design their first Florida home on Miami’s Ocean Drive. Not only were the Kracums, who divide their time between the Midwest and Florida, pleased with the final design, they also became friends with Joelsson along the way. So, it was a no-brainer that she would design their latest home, a penthouse on Fisher Island, an exclusive enclave south of Miami.

The Kracums were ready for a quieter existence–plus, they needed a home with better accessibility, since Laurie had suffered an injury that required her to use a wheelchair. “I wanted anyone to walk in and think, above all else, ‘what a beautiful design,’” says Joelsson on her design approach.

The result? A sprawling penthouse with concrete-style floors, warm walnut accents and sleek Italian furniture by the likes of Minotti and B&B Italia. Not to mention, three outdoor terraces overlooking bustling downtown Miami.

“Sofia is a delight to work with and also a really good friend,” says Rich, who along with Laurie, is thrilled with their new home. “The process of building and the fun we had together still resonates throughout the whole place. When you walk in, you just feel good.”