When a couple living in South Africa decided to relocate to Coral Gables, Florida, they were captivated by a lush sprawling lot that was edged in old-growth oak trees. They decided to build a sanctuary that would suit their family as well as their extended family and visiting friends.
The interior design is simple – mixing Anglo-Indian pieces and slipcovered upholstery to create a feeling of comfort an ease. “Sometimes there are several kids inside the house, (not to mention a dog), so we designed with that in mind, Dunagan says.” “We used a lot of white, but we utilized outdoor fabrics that can easily be maintained.”
In the spirit of Miami’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle, the kitchen opens to a large patio that wraps around the back of the house and overlooks the backyard and swimming pool. “The owners love to cook and wanted a big kitchen that was open to the family room, so the children could always be nearby,” says Dunagan, who designed the crown moldings, fireplace surround, cabinetry and other millwork. “there’s no fluff to it,” she adds. “there are not a lot of curves, which creates this very sophisticated and understated elegance.”