The Founder of Assure Interiors Takes Us on a Tour of a Redecorated Neoclassical Mansion in Miami, Florida
Carola Pimentel, Founder of Assure Interiors
As an interior designer, Carola Pimentel excels at well-considered space planning intuitively combining beauty, contemporary elegance and functionality to suit a client’s lifestyle. Therefore, it is no surprise that a large international family with four children and two big dogs asked her studio Assure Interiors to redecorate their new home: an existing neoclassical coral stone house near Miami’s Biscayne Bay set on a substantial plot.
To form a stylish and comfortable home for a growing, social, and active family, Assure created cool understated interiors and well-considered outdoor rooms incorporating the clients’ collection of furniture and art for a quintessential Miami lifestyle. The Studio also introduced a serene palette of neutral hues, layering texture and interest via tactile materials as part of a laidback and refined decorating scheme suitable for tropical living. To find out more about this stunning property, we spoke with Carola for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.
Under the pavilion’s large colonnade, a pool table, bar and area for informal dining are popular with family and guests.
What were your first thoughts upon seeing the house?
The large house with a pool needed to balance interiors for entertaining across generations and well-considered outdoor rooms for the family. We wanted to take a fresh and respectful approach to the historically inspired house while creating comfortable and clearly resolved spaces. It was also important to imbue the project with a spirit of relaxed luxury and fun to ensure we designed a distinct home that met the client’s needs and personal vision.
Fendi Casa cashmere throw, bent bamboo chairs and leather upholstery by Baker Furniture, linen from Ralph Lauren window treatments
How did you respect the neoclassical architecture while layering modern and playful elements?
It was a constant balance between restraint and boldness, respect and modernity. The paneled living room, for example, is centered by a mantlepiece that’s integrated into the wood paneling. Well-considered space planning responds to the architecture delivering a room that functions well despite the many doors. Dividing the living room into two spaces, one in front of the fireplace and another with swivel club chairs and an ottoman in front of a metal coffee table creates distinct zones for the large family to enjoy. A thick basketweave jute rug and marble nesting tables reinforce the presence of natural materials (an Assure signature). The sofa and day bed covered in a hard-wearing canvas look elegant while being dog-friendly and practical.
Bone vintage candle holders from India, antique Moroccan mirror from Paris, family heirloom rug
Can you share examples of how the home is suitable for children yet still stylish?
The dining room is a great example as the family uses it daily. Through our careful planning the clients can enjoy it (and every room of the house) to the fullest. Interesting yet practical details include an antique Moroccan mirror that is paired with twin cabinets that came from a previous property. Others include a blown glass pendant, dramatically veined marble-topped dining table, and an antique heirloom rug, which are all durable yet lend the room an air of elegance.
Poltrona Frau navy blue woven leather ottoman and custom made Argentinian cowhide area rug
The Library is my absolute favorite room in the house. Please tell us more.
Here, we designed a flexible space that also doubles as a family room. The decorative light fixture creates a cozy effect. Even though the space is generously sized it retains an intimate sophisticated feel. The 1970’s inspired swivel chairs mingle with black leather wrapped bentwood chairs, and a contemporary sofa in a soft gray velvet injects textural interest. We sourced a two-person chaise for comfortable TV watching. Latin American art and a vintage lamp act as a foil to the formality of the architecture. A cowhide rug from Argentina and two antique Indian wood panels with mother of pearl inlay were sourced on a shopping trip and reflect the clients’ love of travel.
Poltrona Frau leather bench, Peter Reed custom embroidered bedding, Pietra Casa glass vase, saddle leather chair by Ralph Lauren
How did you create an intimate yet inviting feel in the Master Bedroom?
The bedroom was created as a quiet space for the couple. A large rug in neutral tones provides subtle interest without overwhelming the calming mood. Materials like tan leather, faux horn, and cotton/ linen blends suit the climate while being dog friendly. We layered the couple’s personal elements throughout including their Art Deco armchairs, green leather lamps, and bespoke embroidered English bedding from Peter Reed. The whimsical painting of a woman found by the clients in Cuba ties the room together while providing an artistic touch.
Marble credenza by Pietra Casa, vintage Murano glass and brass wall sconce, Christofle bowl by Andree Putman
What are some favorite moments within the house?
Overall, I am incredibly happy with how the interiors turned out and I really enjoyed collaborating with the family on the décor. In the entrance hall, there are two pieces I particularly love. The first is the Ayres-Alma Nueva Credenza by Pietra Casa. Handmade in Mexico, the piece elegantly combines artistry, functionality, and modernity.
Art Jose Maria Mijares, marble top console from India, vintage wine jugs with coral
The second is the painting by Cuban artist Jose Maria Mijares (1921-2004). I am an avid collector of art and often curate and source pieces for my clients during Art Basel. This piece beautifully demonstrated Mijares’s use of pure colors, bold outlines, and movement of life.
Teak drink tables between pool loungers by Tribu
What do you have next on the horizon?
Our studio has several exciting new build and renovation projects in Florida and across the Caribbean. Yet, what I am most excited about right now is a nearly completed large four-bedroom apartment with wraparound terraces offering expansive views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami Beach skyline. We are creating an inviting home for a social family while incorporating their spectacular contemporary art collection and sourcing additional new pieces as needed. Once completed, this Miami Beach apartment will be set up to easily entertain large groups while also being a great place to escape to on one’s own.
About Assure Interiors
Assure Interiors is a Miami-based practice specializing in residential projects across the US and the Caribbean region. Established by Carola Pimentel in 2000, the studio bridges modern and timeless design delivering highly personal interiors. Assure‘s visual language expressed through well-considered interior architecture, natural materials and subtle color schemes incorporates bespoke elements with contemporary art and collectible design. See full portfolio here.
Carola Pimentel, founder of Assure Interiors grew up in the Dominican Republic in a family of contemporary and Latin American art collectors. An enjoyment of art-filled homes as well as her parents’ involvement in the interiors and hospitality industries stimulated her interest in design. As an interior designer Carola excels at well-considered space planning intuitively combining beauty and functionality with a client’s lifestyle. Learn more here.
Follow: @assureinteriors
Credit
Portrait Photography: Tiffany Sage
Styling: The Custom Project
Interior Photography: Richard Powers
Interior Styling: Emilio Pimentel Reid
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