This Miami Beach villa has been reinvented by stripping the space of almost everything that is superfluous.
The walls, dark in color and decorated with female portraits, create an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
Courtesy of Rachael Ruddick Studio. Styling: Lisa Rowe. Photography: Douglas Friedman Architect.
The transformation of a Tudor style house
Contemporary design makes way for the essential, and this Tudor-style villa in the heart of Miami Beach is the perfect illustration. Located on Pinetree Drive, one of the city’s most exclusive and iconic streets, the residence has been completely redesigned by interior designer Rachael Ruddick, who has breathed a new spirit into each room, combining the charm of Spanish Renaissance with modern comfort. A design that pays homage to harmony, combining balanced shapes and essential lines to create an atmosphere respecting the historic character of the district, renowned for its period architecture. “The owners, a young family, had a specific desire from the start: to transform this 1926 residence into an oasis of serenity”explains Rachael Ruddick. “They dreamed of a place where time would stand still, of a modern villa with an infinity pool and a private garden to savor every moment. » Thus, the founder of her eponymous agency, Rachael Ruddick Studio, was faced with a major challenge: “Restore soul and character to a historic residence whose original charm had been tarnished by years of renovations and inconsistent finishes. »
In the living room, a selection of fine materials and a natural palette immediately attract attention. Here, natural stone, reclaimed marble and quality wood blend harmoniously, creating a refined and timeless atmosphere that highlights the intrinsic beauty of each surface.
Courtesy of Rachael Ruddick Studio. Styling: Lisa Rowe. Photography: Douglas Friedman Architect.
The Rosso Levanto marble fireplace dates from 1880 and comes from Amsterdam.
Courtesy of Rachael Ruddick Studio. Styling: Lisa Rowe. Photography: Douglas Friedman Architect.
In the living room, the charm of the Spanish Renaissance blends with modern comfort.
Courtesy of Rachael Ruddick Studio. Styling: Lisa Rowe. Photography: Douglas Friedman Architect.
In the kitchen, marble blends elegantly with wooden surfaces. Here, the steel stools bring a touch that is both modern and industrial.
Courtesy of Rachael Ruddick Studio. Styling: Lisa Rowe. Photography: Douglas Friedman Architect.
A balance between ancient and contemporary
In just five months, Rachael Ruddick’s team selected fine materials and a natural palette, rediscovering the authenticity of each space through the use of natural stone, reclaimed marble and quality wood. The project valued every corner, and each decision, as delicate as it was, was strategic: like the choice to replace an old staircase with a large plaster wall, bringing continuity and fluidity between the ground floor and rooms, creating an atmosphere of refined serenity. The restoration was therefore not limited to a simple refurbishment, but integrated design elements of timeless elegance. Pieces by Rose Tarlow and vintage selections were seamlessly blended, giving the residence a unique character, such as the elegant Rosso Levanto marble fireplace dating from the 1880s, purchased in Amsterdam. This special detail, combined with marble tiles from a Spanish chapel, gives the house a rare aura of exclusivity. Other furnishing elements, such as antique niches and walnut furniture, create a subtle balance between historical heritage and contemporary touches.
