Unobstructed ocean views and family warmth shape a Bal Harbour penthouse filled with modern furnishings and contemporary art collected with intention.
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The great room overlooks panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The living area features a Minotti sofa, Tacchini chaise in a custom fabric, a light fixture from Henge, and art by JM Rizzi. Photographed by Kris Tamburello

THE CONCEPT

Walking into this 4,500-squarefoot penthouse with expansive ocean and Intracoastal views, mindfully placed art and a striking, crisp white grand piano, a few things are immediately evident. The water views must be celebrated. And the young New York family that calls this four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence home undoubtedly savors the joy of modern seaside living and the art of gathering.

And so, Adriana Grauer and Alanna Kleiner, the principals and creative forces behind AGSIA (agsia.com), embarked on a complete gut renovation along with Naphtali Deutsch, partner at Naphtali Deutsch Architecture, to give their clients interiors with an effortless elegance that befits their lifestyle and tastes.

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The dining room comes alive with millwork by Artec Custom Wood and a Flock of Light fixture by Moooi. The chairs are by Potocco, and a Gallotti&Radice console intersects a mirror custom made by Aqua Glass Photographed by Kris Tamburello

“It was designed for a family that loves to entertain, so we gave special attention to designing the living and dining room in a way where they would speak to each other,” says Grauer. The open-concept layout connects the bright and airy living areas through expansive glass that reveals the shifting hues of the ocean and sky outside. A sandy palette receives hits of color, and custom furniture pieces, like the curvy Minotti sofa anchoring the living room, were selected for their lightweight appearance to maintain those unobstructed views. “The protagonist of the design was the view,” says Kleiner. “The main concept for all common areas was to have as many unobstructed views as possible. To achieve this, we selected pieces that almost feel invisible but simultaneously represent our client’s personality.” Carefully curated art makes a statement without overpowering the backdrop, thanks to works by artists such as Donald Sultan and Daniel Martiny.

A mirror from Art Loom contrasts a Romo wallcovering from Twill & Texture in the sitting area of the primary bedroom above a sofa and ottoman from Interlude Home. Photographed by Kris Tamburello
A mirror from Art Loom contrasts a Romo wallcovering from Twill & Texture in the sitting area of the primary bedroom above a sofa and ottoman from Interlude Home. Photographed by Kris Tamburello

THE FURNISHINGS

While the common areas embrace the vibrancy of the coastal setting, the private spaces allow for more intimate expressions. “We played with a tone-on-tone palette, glass details, and pops of color to welcome the vibrancy of the views in the main area yet maintain a bold fl air for individual spaces. Each bedroom sparks conversation through the use of rich tonal colors from radiant blues to feminine fancy florals,” says Grauer. The children’s rooms especially capture a sense of joyful wonder with whimsical details.

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A bed, mirrors and bedside tables from Morada create a custom feel in the primary bedroom against Arte wallpaper. The chaise is from Harmony Studio and the bedding is from Boll & Branch Photographed by Kris Tamburello

Throughout the home, custom lighting design enhances the ambiance. “Although our clients love to entertain, they are minimalistic regarding the quantity of items per area. They emphasized that they wanted space to circulate the pieces; for example, they wanted ‘floating furniture,’ which is why our pieces were handpicked. The Minotti sofa in a neutral color is the perfect piece for that living room, accompanied by the Tacchini chaise in a vibrant teal hue,” Kleiner says. The uniform recessed lighting from apure along with decorative fixtures accentuate the furnishings without overwhelming the architectural details and panoramas.

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A light fixture from Luke Lamp Co. illuminates a wall clad in stone from Opustone in the primary bathroom above a floating MTI tub from Quality Bath. Photographed by Kris Tamburello

THE ART

Collaborating closely with the family was essential in crafting interiors suited to their lifestyle. “We selected and curated all the art for the project with Sponder Gallery. Our clients are very visual, so we decided to hang the artwork instead of just placing it for their view and approval,” Grauer says.

Custom lighting gives off a backlit glow behind Opustone slabs in the primary bath   Photographed by Kris Tamburello
Custom lighting gives off a backlit glow behind Opustone slabs in the primary bath Photographed by Kris Tamburello

Kleiner notes their design philosophy is to create spaces that will be well-lived in for years to come. “That is why we always try to balance sophistication and practicality in the spaces we design,” she says, “always adding a touch of our client’s personality.”

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An anewall floral wallcovering sets a whimsical scene in the daughter’s bedroom. Photographed by Kris Tamburello

THE OUTCOME

The personalized approach created a welcoming and functional home. “The homeowners are the coolest family,” Grauer says. “They are a family of five, a young couple with three kids. They love to entertain, they have bold personalities, and they know what they want. It was super fun to work with them.” And Kleiner agrees. “The most gratifying part of our job is to create spaces for people to enjoy and to be part of places where people create happy memories,” she says. “So we really hope they are enjoying their new home.” Mission accomplished as this oceanfront apartment embodies seaside joy and family warmth.

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Composit outfitted the kitchen thanks to Artistic Kitchen Designs, and Poltrona Frau stools pull up to the island. Photographed by Kris Tamburello

DESIGN DETAILS

TYPE

Condo

LOCATION

Bal Harbour

DESIGN

AGSIA

agsia.com

ARCHITECTURE

Naphtali Deutsch Architecture

917.370.7992

STYLING

Senses Unleashed

instagram.com/sensesunleashed

RESOURCES

ADDISON HOUSE

Dining table and coffee table in living room by Catellan

addisonhouse.com

FLORIM

Flooring throughout

usa.florim.com

HENGE

Light fixture in living room

henge07.com

HOLLY HUNT

Armani wallcovering in dining room

hollyhunt.com

HUBBARDTON FORGE

Light fixture in primary bedroom

hubbardtonforge.com

SPONDER GALLERY

Art throughout

spondergallery.com

THE RUG COMPANY

Living, dining and primary bedroom rugs

therugcompany.com

VISUAL COMFORT & CO.

Pendants in primary bedroom

visualcomfort.com