When a pair of New York doctors relocated to Coral Gables with their young son, they sought a home that balanced urban sophistication with coastal tranquility. The result? A breathtaking gut renovation by boutique design studio Andreea Franca, transforming a dated lakefront house into a light-filled sanctuary where modern elegance meets relaxed warmth.

Before & After: A Home Reborn

The Entryway: First Impressions Matter

Before: The original entryway was a nondescript transitional space with no storage or defining character a missed opportunity to welcome guests.

After: Now, the updated entryway subtly sets the tone with organic textures and curated details. A fluted floating wood shelf holds a tulip print and vibrant orange blooms, while a small tray of fruit and stacked books add lived-in charm. The design proves that even compact spaces can make a statement with thoughtful minimalism.

Before the renovation, the entryway lacked definition and offered no dedicated storage, just a blank transitional space that didn’t set the tone for the home.
This updated entryway sets the tone immediately. Though not overly grand, the entry is warm and welcoming, offering subtle transitions rather than showy statements. It pairs a fluted floating wood shelf with a soft tulip print and cheerful orange blooms. A small tray of fruit and stacked books add lived-in warmth to the minimalist styling.

Living Room: Dual Zones, Unified Design

Before: A tile-clad fireplace and bulky shelving divided the room, creating a choppy, disconnected feel.

After: The redesigned living room now features two distinct yet harmonious zones:

  1. A Formal Sitting Area A sculptural cream sofa paired with caramel velvet chairs and a white marble coffee table creates a modern sanctuary. Sheer drapes filter soft light, enhancing the airy elegance.
  2. A Relaxed Lounge Corner A deep brown sectional, rust-toned pillows, and a fiddle leaf fig in a woven basket invite casual comfort. Floating wood shelves display art and ceramics, adding personality.

The pièce de résistance? A floor-to-ceiling raw rope partition that visually separates the spaces while maintaining an open, organic flow.

BEFORE - Originally, the living room was divided by a dated, tile-clad fireplace with adjacent wood storage and shelving, elements that visually split the space in two. The renovation reimagined this layout, keeping the dual zones but replacing heavy partitions with organic touches
Warm neutrals and sculptural shapes make this more formal sitting room feel like a modern sanctuary. The soft cream sofa, styled with clay-toned pillows, sits against a wall of sheer drapes that gently filter daylight into the space. Two caramel velvet chairs add a rich, cozy texture, while the white marble coffee table introduces a cool, grounding contrast.

Dining Room: Sculptural Balance

Before: Oversized dark furniture and a mirrored wall made the space feel heavy and imposing.

After: The new dining room is a masterclass in contrast:

  • A rounded-edge oak table grounds the space.
  • Bouclé chairs introduce softness and tactility.
  • A dramatic layered chandelier adds artistic flair against the neutral backdrop.

A sculptural white console with sandy stone lamps and terracotta artwork completes the look, blending organic modernism with personal touches.

BEFORE - The original dining room was dominated by a large, oversized table and dark, bulky furniture. A full mirrored wall reflected an ornate chandelier overhead, giving the space a formal, almost imposing feel.
Sculptural but not stiff, this dining room is all about balance. A hefty, rounded-edge oak table grounds the space, while soft bouclé chairs bring texture and tactility. Above, a dramatic chandelier with layered white shards adds an artful contrast to the natural palette.

Kitchen: Practical Elegance

Before: Dark cabinetry, mismatched appliances, and black countertops made the kitchen feel cramped and disjointed.

After: The renovated kitchen is a study in calm functionality:

  • Creamy cabinetry with dark bronze hardware and vertical zellige tiles adds depth.
  • A custom oak island with Dekton stone offers warmth and workspace.
  • Brass and ceramic pendant lights infuse a vintage-inspired glow.

Adjacent, a sunlit breakfast nook features a built-in botanical-print bench and ghost chairs, balancing playfulness with the kitchen’s refined palette.

(Keyword focus: “zellige tile kitchen,” “warm modern kitchen design”)

Before the renovation, the kitchen featured dark wood cabinetry and a matching island, all topped with black countertops that made the space feel heavy and closed in. The appliances were mismatched, some stainless steel, others white, making the kitchen lack a cohesive look.
This updated kitchen manages to be both practical and picturesque. Creamy cabinetry is elevated by vertically stacked zellige tiles and dark bronze hardware, while a custom oak island topped with Dekton stone brings warmth and functionality. Brass and ceramic pendant lights overhead lend a vintage glow, and the whole space feels calm, considered, and deeply livable.

Primary Suite: A Serene Retreat

Before: The bedroom felt dark and dated, dominated by a mirrored wall and bulky leather recliners.

After: Now, it’s a textural haven:

  • A tall upholstered wingback bed anchors the room.
  • Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams add rustic warmth.
  • A window-side seating area framed by drapery invites lake views and relaxation.
BEFORE - The original primary bedroom felt dark and dated, with a full mirrored wall, a heavy stone accent, and a pair of oversized black leather recliners focused on a TV.
This primary bedroom has a tall upholstered wingback bed frame anchors the room, backed by light-colored vertical tongue-and-groove paneling that adds just enough architectural interest. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams lift the space while keeping it grounded in natural warmth. A seating area by the windows is made for lake-gazing and late-night reads, and is framed by soft drapery.

The Primary Bath: Quiet Indulgence

Before: Heavy wood paneling and dim lighting created a cave-like atmosphere.

After: The new bath is a spa-like escape:

  • Checkerboard marble floors contrast with creamy wall tiles.
  • A freestanding tub basks in natural light.
  • The oak vanity with honed marble and brass fixtures exudes timeless luxury.
BEFORE - The original primary bathroom felt dark and enclosed, with heavy wood paneling extending across the walls and ceiling. A long double vanity with under-mounted sinks sat beneath a soffit of dated lighting, further dimming the space. The surrounding closet doors and cabinetry blended into the wood-heavy backdrop, creating a monotone, almost cabin-like feel that lacked contrast and visual relief.
In this primary bath, quiet indulgence is the theme. The checkerboard marble floor adds a timeless graphic punch, offset by creamy wall tiles that bring in softness. A freestanding tub basks in sunlight and lake views, while the custom oak vanity topped with honed marble strikes a clean yet classic tone. Brass fixtures, gold-rimmed mirrors, and alabaster sconces round out the palette in glowing harmony.

Final Thoughts: A Home That Tells a Story

Studio Andreea Franca’s renovation masterfully blends New York polish with Coral Gables’ coastal ease, proving that great design is equal parts beauty and livability. Every detail from the organic textures to the intentional layouts reflects a home crafted for both style and comfort.

Project Credits:

  • Photography: Abigail Mair
  • Architecture: DGO Architecture
  • Interior Design: Studio Andreea Franca
  • General Contractor: The Arko Group

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This project presents an inspiring model for transforming historic spaces into modern homes without losing their original identity. What stands out here is the clever use of natural elements (wood, light, plants) to create a balance between luxury and everyday comfort. The success of this design lies in the small details, such as the choice of bronze door handles or the ficus plant in the living room corner, which add layers of narrative depth. This is not just a home renovation, but a redefinition of how a modern family can live in harmony between aesthetics and functionality. Most importantly, it proves that good design doesn’t have to be expensive just thoughtfully considered.

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