Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Rooted in Modernism – Mid Century Reimagined by Andrew Fage

Bathed in light and softened by nature, this carefully considered renovation is more than a refresh — it is a celebration of lineage and lifestyle.

Located in the heart of Miami, this mid-century modern home caught the attention of a young couple seeking a new base following the lifestyle changes brought on by the 2020 pandemic. After a transitional period between the northeastern U.S., the Caribbean, and Florida, the owners discovered a solidly constructed residence that had already undergone renovation by its previous owners — yet still awaited a transformation to make it truly their own. That’s when Andrew Fage from ADF Partners was brought in to lead a design journey that would respect the home's modernist character while shaping it for a present-day life of connection and ease. The design bridges past and present, honouring the integrity of Mid-Century Modern architecture while echoing the fluidity of the owners’ new Southern rhythms. The conceptual direction was clear from the outset: this wasn’t about imitating a mid-century style but about updating an authentic home from that era with care and clarity. References to Eero Saarinen and the purity of modernist lines guided the design approach. Clean surfaces, serene geometries, and a material palette that echoed the original era without imitation ensured the architecture remained central while the interiors responded to a life of relaxed sophistication.

"Modernism here is not replicated — it is extended through light, noble materials, and respect for its architectural lineage."

One of the home’s most valuable assets was, without question, its connection to the outdoors. A long clerestory window along the western façade welcomes afternoon light that gracefully washes across the living spaces. Large glass doors and surrounding vegetation integrate the tropical setting with minimal effort. ADF Partners embraced this gift, using materials and textures that engaged with the lush exterior while softening the geometric rigour of modernist forms. The kitchen, once functional but unremarkable, was reimagined as the heart of the home. Its central location in the floor plan made it the natural gathering point. The existing island was extended, and a bar-height peninsula added to increase counter space and social function. Oak cabinetry introduced warmth, while light ash-toned wall panels now conceal softly lit alcoves that house the owners’ curated art collection and enhance the space’s acoustic quality.

Throughout the rest of the home, the original white drywall was replaced by more tactile and visually engaging finishes. In the main bedroom, ash veneer pairs with white lacquer to create a luminous ambiance that contrasts with the original dark terrazzo floors. Furniture and textiles — from translucent linen drapery to geometric marble side tables and a singular fossilised wood dining slab — all reinforce a contained yet expressive sense of luxury. The selection of materials responds equally to aesthetics and durability. With an active social life and frequent visitors, the homeowners needed surfaces that were visually refined but resilient. For countertops, Basaltina Vulcano in a matte finish was chosen for its earthy yet elegant appearance. The bar section was defined by Grigio Carnico marble, introducing a layer of quiet sophistication. In the powder room, a bold Calacatta Fantastico sink became a sculptural centerpiece, its veining echoing the character of the terrazzo floors, while the surrounding walls were finished in clean, white stucco.

"Designed for sharing, living, and growing — this home is a quiet triumph of lasting design."

One of the most notable challenges was maintaining a sense of warmth and intimacy in the expansive main living area without compromising its openness. ADF Partners addressed this through subtle spatial strategies — oversized rugs delineate zones, and low-height shelving units define space without blocking sightlines. The choice to replace a traditional television with a retractable projection system ensured a cohesive and refined visual atmosphere, allowing technology to serve the home’s lifestyle discreetly.

Lighting design was approached with intentional restraint. Soft ambient illumination, concealed within architectural coves and recessed fixtures, allowed artworks and materials to be celebrated without visual clutter. In both the great room and the primary suite, each lighting element was calibrated to highlight texture, volume, and the curated pieces within the space — including two hanging sculptures by artist Elizabeth Robert, elegantly lit to cast shadows that animate the floor below.

Even the home’s most humble areas received thoughtful attention. A particular favourite of the owners is the reimagined entry space off the garage — originally conceptualised as a mud room. Though such a space is uncommon in tropical climates, its functionality remained vital. Playfully renamed the “Sand Room,” this transitional zone now reflects the coastal environment and lifestyle while echoing familiar rituals from the couple’s northern roots.

The reconfiguration also allowed for the reintegration of meaningful personal objects — such as a family heirloom piano, brought from New York and now proudly displayed. The owners’ eclectic and carefully assembled art collection was given space to breathe, thanks to a layout that provides both presence and pause, ensuring that each piece contributes to the home’s evolving narrative.