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“Life is too short for an all-beige room”
Luxury Interior Design | Kitchen Remodeling |Home Renovation | Impact Windows
Modern Traditional Interior Design & Kitchen Remodel Inspired by South Florida’s 1950s Architecture
South Florida’s 1950s architecture has been updated for today’s
Contemporary & Modern Decor
Having grown up in East Fort Lauderdale, I bring a deep, personal appreciation for South Florida’s 1950s architecture and interior design. This residence, originally built in 1957, embodies the era’s hallmark elements balanced proportions, graceful transitions between spaces, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living all of which informed the design direction for this Modern Traditional renovation.
The original fireplace was preserved and updated with tile, likely layered over the original brick, maintaining its role as a central architectural focal point. What were once glass sliding doors now serve as the entrance to a newly added family room, allowing the home to expand and into todays lifestyle.
Balanced Simplicity
Where to put the dining table?
Borrowing a line from Mommy Dearest and applying it with my own design-driven drama,
I instructed my clients to “put a dining table where it ought to be.”
The dining table was intentionally placed centered on the archway, creating a clearly defined third seating area and servicing both the living and family areas.
To further enhance this moment, applied molding was introduced, and the entire wall was painted in the same warm tone as the baseboards and crown molding. This monochromatic approach allows the detailing to read as true architecture rather than surface decoration, creating a strong, timeless statement that feels both intentional and refined.
Designed and fabricated in our custom cabinetry workroom, this wall unit reflects the clean lines and functional simplicity of 1950s Mid-Century Modern design. The existing window is seamlessly integrated with a light panel, creating a balanced, architectural composition that feels timeless, modern, and true to South Florida’s mid-century interior design heritage.
Modern Kitchen Design Paying Homage to 1950s Fort Lauderdale Architecture
Kitchen Remodel “Before”
Prior to the redesign, the kitchen had undergone a cosmetic cabinet refacing.
With the separate laundry room, the layout remained constrained and did not fully support the way the homeowners envisioned using the space.
Entertaining was a priority, and the existing footprint limited both function and flow. The homeowners aspired to expand the kitchen by integrating the adjacent laundry room and creating a more open, refined, and modern kitchen designed specifically around their lifestyle and hosting needs.
Modern Kitchen Design Paying Homage to 1950s Fort Lauderdale Architecture
This modern kitchen remodel in Fort Lauderdale was designed to reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle while maintaining a clean, refined architectural presence. Custom details, thoughtful planning, and functional luxury work together to create a kitchen that feels both elevated and naturally integrated into the home’s interior design language.
A Modern Kitchen Shaped by Architecture and Interior Design
With an appreciation in both architecture and interior design, I approach kitchen projects by thoughtfully integrating architectural principles with interior detailing, collaborating closely with clients to create spaces that balance structure, function, and livability.
Custom-designed cabinetry establishes the kitchen’s crisp modern decor
Custom cabinetry establishes the kitchen’s refined modern character. At the client’s suggestion, upper cabinets were omitted along the window wall, resulting in a striking architectural statement that enhances openness and natural light.
Utilizing the expanded footprint, the design incorporates a continuous row of custom pantries, a seamlessly integrated built-in refrigerator, and a dedicated wine bar—enhancing both storage efficiency and the kitchen’s refined, modern functionality.
The kitchen design includes a matching custom desk that easily transitions into a buffet for entertaining or an additional workspace for everyday use. A dedicated area was also thoughtfully incorporated for their cherished Wheaten Terrier, Puck, ensuring the space supports both refined living and daily routines.
Ergonomic Design as the Foundation of Every Kitchen Remodel
Every kitchen remodel should begin with ergonomic planning that prioritizes efficiency, comfort, and intuitive movement. In this design, we intentionally challenged the conventional placement of the dishwasher beside the sink, instead flanking it with coordinated pull-out bins for trash and recycling. Distinguished by oversized vertical black handles, these elements not only improve workflow but also introduce a purposeful architectural rhythm. In a well-designed chef’s kitchen where ergonomics guide the layout, integrated pull-out spice racks are essential—keeping frequently used items within easy reach while maintaining a clean, streamlined aesthetic.