The Lush Veranda by Marcela Cure
The Lush Veranda by Marcela Cure is an elegant home imbued with contemporary touchpoints, sculptural gestures and artisanal details.
Interior designer Marcela Cure was engaged by clients to reimagine the interiors of this six-bedroom, six-bathroom residence in the sought-after enclave of Pinecrest in Miami, Florida. Intended as their second home but increasingly used as their primary residence, it needed to not only serve as a place of rest and repose for the two clients, but also effortlessly host extended family visiting from South America.
“They spend most of their time here and love to host gatherings with their children and grandchildren who visit frequently,” says Cure. “The house really functions as a hub for the whole family – a place for everyone to come together and enjoy time in a serene, comfortable setting.”
In its previous state, the large home lacked personality and cohesion. The layout was disjointed and there was little connection between indoor and out. It had its assets, however, which included the beautifully landscaped gardens and pool, interiors with abundant natural light, generously sized rooms and a
“The house had a lot of potential. There was so much we could do with the layout without having to gut it completely. Plus, the natural light was amazing. All of that combined made me feel excited to take on the project.”
Reworking the layout with a light but deft touch led Cure’s design response, and the resulting spaces flow from one to the next. The palette, which is rooted in a blend of soothing neutral hues, was also integral to achieving this sense of cohesion. Creamy tones drape most of the spaces, and this tonal approach helps to create uniformity, allowing the eye to travel easily from room to room.
This largely neutral base is animated by a series of bold and lively additions – from colourful artwork and sculptural objects to statement pieces of vintage and contemporary furniture and richly veined natural stone. Also, lush rugs in bright hues help to temper the coolness of the existing white stone flooring, and patterned wall coverings bring added texture and depth.
“The palette is very soothing; I used pastels and nudes with the occasional metallic accent,” says Cure. “I wanted something that conveyed Miami’s coastal lifestyle but in a less predictable, more intimate way.”
Many pieces were custom made for the project, resulting in a thoughtful curation that reflects Cure’s eclectic yet meticulous eye. In addition, she worked closely with the clients to source items from around the globe, including lighting from Apparatus and In Common With, a pair of Charles Zana Warton chairs found in a Parisian gallery and B&B Italia sofas.
The outcome of these varied design elements converging – the elegant and daring, the subdued and bold – is a dynamic interior that feels diverse yet ultimately highly resolved. It’s a balance that reflects the coalescence of the designer and her clients’ collective vision, and it gives this project its distinctive energy.
“Something I really appreciated was how engaged the clients were. They were both present in every meeting, whether in person or over video calls,” reflects Cure. “It was rewarding to see how they started to embrace a bit more risk in the design, and how the space evolved to feel both practical and full of personality.”
Interior design by Marcela Cure.
