In Coral Gables, Florida, a historic family home has been beautifully refreshed not by changing its architecture, but by layering vibrant colors, tactile materials, and carefully curated vintage pieces that bring warmth and soul back into its rooms.
- Original architecture preserved and celebrated
- Rich blues and natural textures create warmth
- Vintage pieces add timeless charm and personality
What happened
Interior designer Natalia Miyar was commissioned to refresh a family home in Coral Gables’ French City Village, an area known for its formal French-inspired architecture. Instead of altering the house’s structure, she focused on enhancing its existing architectural features. This approach involved maintaining symmetrical facades, stucco walls, and wrought-iron details while introducing vibrant elements that complement the historic setting.
Miyar infused the interiors with saturated color palettes, tactile natural materials such as raffia and grasscloth, and vintage furnishings collected to reflect the homeowners’ tastes and heritage. The entryway, living room, and other spaces use layered textures and custom-designed elements that bring warmth and personality without overwhelming the home’s classic architectural bones.
Why it feels good
The design balances bold color with calm through clever layering; richly textured wallpapers, like Peter Dunham’s ‘Berber Sky’ in deep indigo, set a peaceful, enveloping tone. The incorporation of natural materials and handcrafted objects adds tactile comfort, inviting a sense of home that both honors history and feels freshly curated.
Using vintage furniture alongside contemporary art and bespoke accents creates a narrative of gradual accumulation—making the space feel genuinely lived-in and personal. The color story, anchored by blues and earthy tones, ties the home to its Floridian surroundings while reflecting the owners’ multicultural heritage, resulting in an environment that is both vibrant and soothing.
What to enjoy or watch next
Design enthusiasts can look to the Coral Gables home as inspiration for how to meld historic architecture with expressive interiors. Exploring the work of Natalia Miyar further reveals a thoughtful approach to respecting place and history while bringing warmth and style through color, texture, and curated objects.
For those interested in layering color in their own homes, consider introducing rich, textured wallpapers paired with natural materials and antique furniture for a collected and calming feel. Watching for upcoming projects from Miyar’s atelier could also provide fresh ideas on blending heritage with modern living.