< Previous92 MIX & MATCH A design aficionado who relocated from New York to Florida called upon interior designer Robert Rionda to combine his eclectic tastes under one roof Words Karine Monié Photography Kris Tamburello AD_036_92-97_Arena_Miami_11454804.indd 9213/12/2020 11:07:25 AMThe house was designed by Rafael Portuondo, president of Portuondo Perotti Architects. OPPOSITE PAGE: In the dining room, a monumental Murano chandelier contrasts with a fruitwood ribbon sculpture. AD_036_92-97_Arena_Miami_11454804.indd 9313/12/2020 11:07:38 AM94 urrounded by water and palm trees, this house could have been solely about the view. It is, however, much more than that. On the exterior, the pure lines of Rafael Portuondo’s architecture are inspired by the tropical modernism of Brazil — an aesthetic that the owner particularly likes — as well as Palm Springs modernism and pioneering architect Mies van der Rohe. Spread over 600 sq/m inside, in addition to almost 280 sq/m of terraces and a pool, the two-level property is located on a canal, inviting the dweller — a retired former New Yorker who dreamt of creating his perfect refuge — and his guests to enjoy the sunny weather of Coral Gables, Florida. When he started work on the project, “the house was not built,” recalls interior designer Robert Rionda, “but looking at the plans, I loved the indoor-outdoor feel- ing. It has great light and high ceilings.” Created as an open enfi lade, the ground fl oor plan is divided by millwork partitions which can be closed off if needed. It hosts the kitchen, dining room, family room, living room, billiard room and a long gallery foyer with a fl oating staircase, while the four bedrooms with ensuites and the den occupy the upper fl oor, which is wrapped with ipe wood screens to fi lter the light. Rionda took care of the interiors, playing with textures throughout and highlighting the owner’s impressive art collection of African, tribal and contemporary works. “The client had done a lot of homework before I met him and collected inspiration and furniture images,” Rionda confesses. “He likes a broad array of styles, so we had to synthesise the eclectic design concept.” For example, the foyer and stair hall features a pair of bold artworks that the designer found in Art Basel, as well as a trio of Moroccan wedding veils he sourced in Marrakesh during his 50th birthday trip. Art deco and midcentury modern were also two of the main sources of inspiration for the home’s decor. The reception rooms open to one another and are sur- rounded by fl oor-to-ceiling glass, encouraging focus on the exterior. Made of wood tones, brass and metal patinas, and neutral fabrics in creams, grays and taupes, the colours are soothing, calm and warm. “It was important to create uniformity and fl ow without detracting from the outdoors,” Rionda says. “We achieved this by using a high- ly textural neutral palette for the fabrics and furniture.” The furniture combination in the living room contains several iconic 20th century pieces including the Czech art deco chairs by Jindrich Halabala, a Philip and Kelvin Laverne bronze coff ee table and a gold edition Platner armchair. In the huge dining room, an oversized Italian chandelier helps to create a sense of harmony. “With 4-metre-high ceilings and a very large fl oor plan, we need- ed a fi xture that would command this large volume,” says Rionda, who travelled extensively with the owner to source the perfect elements for this sophisticated home, while also scouring 1stDibs and other online resources. “We were on a constant hunt and ended up with some unexpected pieces. It was a very organic process.” The owner knew exactly how each space had to be enjoyed and lived in, and Rionda visually translated his ideas. “The client wanted each room and area to feel like a destination, almost like a resort for his frequent guests” Rionda says. “This house is all about discovery and sur- prising combinations.” robertrionda.com S ABOVE: In the main bedroom, an artwork by Nat Bowen, purchased during Art Basel Miami, hangs above a 1950s Italian rosewood console with an abstract Italian marble sculpture on it. AD_036_92-97_Arena_Miami_11454804.indd 9413/12/2020 11:07:52 AMABOVE FROM TOP: The two-level, 600-square-metre house off ers view of the canal; a trio of vintage tubular glass pendants hang above a massive island surfaced in Taj Mahal quartzite. The custom oak cabinetry is by Portuondo Perroti Architects and the leather counter stools are from Design Within Reach. AD_036_92-97_Arena_Miami_11454804.indd 9513/12/2020 11:08:05 AM96 ABOVE FROM TOP: The burlwood and brass dining tables were designed by Rionda. The 1950s rosewood sideboard is by Henry Rosengren; the main living area features Czech art deco armchairs by Jindrich Halabala, a Platner armchair, an A. Rudin sofa and a Kelly Wearstler ottoman. AD_036_92-97_Arena_Miami_11454804.indd 9613/12/2020 11:08:23 AMABOVE FROM TOP: The architecture was inspired by Brazilian and Palm Springs modernism; the main bedroom opens up to covered balcony. The custom leather headboard and bed are by Robert Rionda Interiors. The Italian chandelier is vintage and the Murano lamps are placed on burlwood night tables. AD_036_92-97_Arena_Miami_11454804.indd 9713/12/2020 11:08:38 AM98 VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY An ancient desert seabed provides an otherworldly backdrop for the CHANEL Cruise 2020/21 collection, Balade en Méditerranée Photography Sam Rawadi Styling Kate Hazell AD_036_98-107_Arena_Chanel_11437707.indd 9813/12/2020 11:18:24 AMIva wears cotton cardigan embellished with jewelled buttons, cotton shorts, jewelled belt in metal and strass, cuff bracelet in metal resin and strass, and earrings in metal, glass beads and strass. All by CHANEL. Make-up throughout, Holiday 2020 Collection Les Chaînes d'Or de CHANEL. AD_036_98-107_Arena_Chanel_11437707.indd 9913/12/2020 11:18:46 AM100 AD_036_98-107_Arena_Chanel_11437707.indd 10013/12/2020 11:19:00 AMIva wears jersey swimsuit, black square sunglasses, and cuff bracelets in metal, resin and strass. All by CHANEL. OPPOSITE PAGE: Jersey swimsuit, crêpe de Chine trousers, jewelled belt in metal and strass, square sunglasses, cuff bracelets in metal, resin and strass, and black sandals in leather, rope and metal. All by CHANEL. AD_036_98-107_Arena_Chanel_11437707.indd 10113/12/2020 11:19:12 AMNext >