Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

In a region often associated with lavish display, Paula Ambrosio’s D&R Project offers something quieter yet far more compelling — a choreography of form and feeling. Here, luxury is not proclaimed but whispered through craftsmanship, proportion, and the nuanced play of materials. The home’s architecture becomes a vessel for light and emotion, shaping an atmosphere that is as contemplative as it is captivating.

Set within Boca Grand, a private enclave in Boca Raton, the D&R Project reflects a modern sensibility deeply attuned to its coastal surroundings. Ambrosio’s design philosophy favors balance — between openness and intimacy, between sculptural strength and sensual tactility. The residence’s architectural language unfolds in a rhythm of verticality and curve: fluted panels draw the eye upward, while arched thresholds and sinuous furnishings temper the linear precision with a human softness. The living area acts as the home’s nucleus — a soaring double-height volume defined by floor-to-ceiling glazing that blurs the boundary between interior and sky. A black fluted feature wall anchors the space, framing a marble fireplace whose illuminated veins animate the stone’s natural patterns. The juxtaposition of dark verticals and light horizontal planes gives the room both stature and calm. Furnishings — a curved white sofa, sculptural armchairs, layered neutral rugs — introduce a sense of repose within the architectural discipline. The result is a room that feels composed yet lived-in, strong yet tender. Beyond the living space, the dining area continues this dialogue. A sleek rectangular table surrounded by white-upholstered chairs sits beneath a chandelier of floating metal rings — a subtle nod to the home’s interplay of geometry and grace. The soft drapery framing the windows diffuses light into a gentle glow, transforming mealtime into ritual.

"A quiet architecture of light and rhythm, where material meets emotion and geometry breathes with life"

The entry sequence, meanwhile, declares the home’s identity with confidence. A black arched feature wall embedded with linear lighting leads to a curved staircase — its white risers and oak treads illuminated from beneath, creating a sense of levitation. This sculptural stair unites the residence’s two levels both visually and symbolically, embodying the project’s architectural ethos: movement through balance. Pendant lights cascade in rhythm with the stair’s curvature, turning functional circulation into visual performance. In the home office, Ambrosio tempers precision with intimacy. Custom fluted wall systems in muted taupe, backlit to reveal subtle texture, cradle books and curated objects. Matte finishes and gray upholstery foster a quiet, focused atmosphere, while soft LED illumination evokes a sense of sanctuary — a private gallery for thought and work. Across all spaces, light functions as a design material in its own right, accentuating form and enhancing emotion.

Ambrosio’s work reflects a broader evolution in contemporary Floridian design — one that departs from ornamental excess to embrace sensorial minimalism. The D&R Project situates itself within this new wave of quiet luxury, where refinement is measured not by embellishment but by atmosphere and restraint. Her approach suggests a maturing design culture in South Florida: one that values depth, light, and the tactility of living. By emphasizing texture over pattern and proportion over decoration, Ambrosio demonstrates that minimalism need not feel austere. Instead, it can express generosity — of space, light, and feeling. Each element, from the polished white stone flooring to the warm oak accents, contributes to a narrative of balance: cold and warm, matte and gloss, light and shadow.

"Where geometry meets grace, and the quiet language of material becomes the truest expression of luxury"

The project’s success lies in its consistency. Throughout the residence, Ambrosio maintains a disciplined palette — whites, creams, grays, and blacks — but activates it through contrast and reflection. Polished stone surfaces mirror the daylight, while velvet-like fabrics absorb it, producing a dynamic interplay that shifts throughout the day. The integrated lighting design — stair tread LEDs, cove uplighting, backlit shelving — adds a quiet theatricality, enhancing architectural contours rather than overshadowing them. There’s also a subtle narrative of coastal modernity embedded here. Rather than referencing the ocean through color or motif, Ambrosio channels its essence through fluid forms, open light, and rhythm. The architecture breathes; it flows. In doing so, it captures the serenity of the sea without resorting to cliché.

As a study in proportion and poise, the D&R Project offers a vision of how contemporary living can be both visually refined and deeply sensory. It demonstrates that luxury today is less about accumulation and more about atmosphere — the art of making space feel inevitable, balanced, and personal. Ambrosio’s mastery lies in her restraint. Every surface, shadow, and curve contributes to a quiet narrative of precision and presence. The D&R Project doesn’t shout for attention — it invites you to linger, to feel, and to breathe.