What’s New In Home Design in Coral Gables
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Iconic Status
Kettal Celebrates Six Decades Of Design With Nine Timeless Pieces Of Furniture
By Owen Kessler
At its modernist showroom at 147 Miracle Mile, Kettal (ketall.com) makes clear its intent of treating outdoor furniture like hallowed architecture. Since its debut in Barcelona in 1966, the brand has focused on collaborating with leading designers to create collections that focus on integrating light, materials, and nature into contemporary interiors. In honor of its 60th anniversary in 2026, the company recently released a campaign touting its nine icons, that embody Kettal’s DNA.
THE MAIA ARMCHAIR
Celebrated for its intricate braiding, Patricia Urquiola’s Maia is defined by a sturdy aluminum frame and architectural silhouette.
THE BAND ARMCHAIR
Designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2019, the Band features a structure of repetitive angular shapes that provides an ideal backdrop for its raw materials, either aluminum or teak, and parallel fabrics.
THE INSULA SEATING SYSTEM
A 2024 release from Patricia Urquiola that was inspired by traditional Arab majlis, the Insula’s core design features are its horizontal profile, distinctive backrest, and modular versatility, which allow for multiple configurations.
THE BASKET CHAIR
Originally designed in 1950 by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel, the Basket was reinterpreted by Kettal in 2014. Its appeal? An air-permeable structure, comfortable proportions, and an elegant seat that celebrates craft.
THE CALA ARMCHAIR
A modern interpretation of the Peacock chair, the Cala by Doshi Levien was released in Handwoven with polypropylene ropes, the piece features an open lattice structure that allows light and air to pass through effortlessly.
THE GRAND BITTA DAYBED
From renowned Italian architect Rodolfo Dordoni, the Grand Bitta from 2019 features
side cords that are meant to mimic the ropes used to anchor boats to docks.
THE KARI TABLE
A 2025 addition to Kettal by Konstantin Grcic, the Kari showcases traditional African
design influences with modern geometry. A base made of interlocked cylindrical shapes instantly makes the piece stand out in any setting.
THE LODEN ARMCHAIR
A Kettal reinterpretation, the original Loden was created by industrial designer Vico Magistretti in 1969. The 2025 version is honest to the original with four structural legs holding a tilted seat frame and smoothly curved armrests.
DECOR SELECTION
Architect Antonio Citterio designed the Tilos in 2025 as his reinterpretation of the mid-century rattan and bamboo furniture that was so prominent in the 1950s and ’60s. The chair’s acrylic rope seat is designed to cradle plush, deep cushions.
DECOR SELECTION
NAUTICAL SPIRIT
Summer is here and the ocean calls. Insert some beach house sensibilities in your space with our roundup of home accessories – a design cool-off that will last for seasons to come.
STAR QUALITY
Hand-molded to add realistic texture to the surface, the Starfish set of sculptures by Currey & Company are as appealing as the real thing. $264, Currey & Company, curreyandcompany.com
LIGHT NOW!
Design by Lisa Kahn of Naples, Florida, the Sea Spray Lamp by Chelsea House features a glazed ceramic base with wavelike protrusions painted in coastal tones of blue, tan, and white. Price upon request, Chelsea House, chelseahouseinc.com
SWIMMING UPSTREAM
The many fish in the Oceanus Chandelier by Serena & Lily are handmade of coconut shell and weave in and out of a maze of carved wood beads. Price upon request, Serena and Lily, serenaandlily.com
TREE OF LIFE
Crafted by Zimbabwean artisans in South Africa, the King Palm Mirror from Ngala Trading features thousands of glass beads that are meticulously applied by hand for a celebration of craftsmanship and tropical charm. $2,212, Ngala Trading, ngalatrading.com
CREATURE FEATURE
Made of hand-knotted rubber yarn, the Porcupine Pouf by Artemest can’t help but remind us of tube anemones from the deep sea. $1,605, Artemest, artemest.com
UNDER THE SEA
From the Daisy Bennett Anthology Resource collection from Scalamandré, the Oceanna wallpaper (shown here in the brand’s Waikiki shade) immediately adds beach house energy to any room. Price upon request, Scalamandré, scalamandre.com
DESIGN NOTES
What’s New And Noteworthy In Design This July & August
BY OWEN KESSLER
Color Code
Anyone who’s sat on one for a 9-to-5 shift can attest that Herman Miller’s Aeron Chair is anything but hype. Starting at $1,500 a pop, the office staple is not a bargain, but its comfort and durability cannot be questioned. This summer, the design minds at Herman Miller have decided to release the iconic seat in two new colors, something it hasn’t done in over a decade. Jasper is an earthy olive green, and Nightfall is an elegant midnight blue. The new edition of the Aeron is greener in other ways as well. The chair now uses more recycled content and less material overall, lowering its carbon footprint by an estimated 12 percent. Herman Miller, 370 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables, hermanmiller.com
Star Bright
We’re betting designer Patricia Anastassiadis was in an interstellar state of mind when she conceived the new Cosmos collection for Artefacto. The 17-piece line is both the Brazilian’s brand’s big release for 2026 and a commemoration of its 50th anniversary. “Cosmos’ pieces converse with one another, and find balance between form, technique, function, and beauty,” says Anastassiadis. “People [will use this furniture] for years and that interaction should be as meaningful and seamless as possible.” One of the collection’s highlights is the Solar System, a seating group that consists of six modules that can stand alone or form a circular composition. Artefacto, 101 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, artefacto.com
Stone Appeal
Developer W. A. Spencer Morris is certainly going the extra mile for his latest project. To select the stone for Ponce Park, an 11-story development with 58 homes and 25,000 square feet of retail going up at 3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Morris put together a team that traveled to different top quarries in Italy. In Tivoli, his team selected the travertine for Ponce Park’s exterior, from the same quarry used for Rome’s Colosseum. In the Apuan Alps, they sourced Calacatta Borghini marble (considered one of the rarest stones on Earth) for the residence’s kitchens. “Going to the quarries changes the way you design,” says Morris. “You’re not selecting from samples, you’re understanding the material in its original context, its history, and its variation. ” Slated for late 2027, Ponce Park will feature architecture by Zyscovich Architects and interiors by Meyer Davis. poncepark.com
Teen Spirit
The new Billabong for the Pottery Barn Teen collection has a certain coastal aesthetic that’s sure to resonate with South Florida youngsters. The new line of bedroom furniture is inspired by the vintage surf graphics, ocean landscapes, and sun-washed color palettes that have made Billabong the surfing set’s favorite for years. Highlights in the collection include bedding with rolling waves imagery, wall hooks, desk mats, ultra-soft towels, and even a surfboard holder to hang above the bed. Pottery Barn Teen, Shops at Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables, pbteen.com
DESIGNER SHOWCASE
Modern Refinement
Designer Carolina Freyre Brings Approachable Elegance To A Waterside Residence In Coral Gables
BY OWEN KESSLER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA GLYNN
Carolina Freyre
At her studio in Coral Gables, tastemaker Carolina Freyre has built a solid interior design portfolio that reflects her love of travel and culture. From a Tuscan-inspired estate in Coral Gables (with a regal English library and its requisite rolling ladder) to a family lodge in Kentucky defined by modern twists to a refreshing, airy cottage in Harbor Island, her work is as prolific as the woman behind it. With a strong background in the arts, Freyre approaches each project as a curator would, ensuring each residence she designs has an intriguing story to tell.
THE DIRECTIVE
When a young couple hired Freyre to steer the design of their Coral Gables waterside residence, their request was for a serene and welcoming home that would feel collected rather than overly formal. “The wife is English and has a wonderful appreciation for calm, understated elegance,” says Freyre. “It was very important that the home balance beauty with functionality. Natural light, views of the landscape, and a strong indoor/outdoor connection became the central themes of the design.”
THE LIVING ROOM
As was the case throughout the rest of the residence, the living room was executed to embrace the home’s indoor/outdoor relationship. “Soft, comfortable furnishings, layered textures, and a restrained palette allow the outside landscape to become the focal point,” says Freyre. The white color chosen lets said landscape’s color shine. A Julie Neill chandelier marked by layered floral motifs introduces an organic idea in the room. Boiserie wall paneling was installed to balance the scale of the room and enhance its proportion.
THE DINING ROOM
“Because the family loves to entertain, the dining room was designed to feel elegant yet approachable,” says Freyre. “The furnishings encourage long, relaxed gatherings with family and friends.” Those furnishings include bone-beaded pendants by Jamie Young Co., a custom burlwood dining table with matching chairs, floor-to-ceiling mirrors that reflect the tropical landscape outside, and classic Belgian linen drapes made by Marsh Industries.
THE FAMILY ROOM
Adjacent to the kitchen, the family room entices relaxation with a plump, white sectional, wicker poufs, and ample, nicely cushioned chairs. The intent here is clear: Sit and take a moment for yourself.
THE HOME OFFICE
“Primarily the husband’s domain, the home office leans into the look of a classic English library,” says Freyre. “Paired with walnut furnishings, the deep navy on the walls creates an inviting, warm atmosphere.”
THE PRIMARY BEDROOM
“The primary bedroom was designed to be serene and functional,” says Freyre. “The walls are treated with a grass cloth covering that adds texture and warmth. The standout feature here is the hidden TV lift, which was integrated into a rotating console that serves both the bed and the seating area. No one would guess it was even there, as it elegantly appears to be a regular console when not in use.”
THE PRIMARY BATHROOM
“The homeowners were instantly drawn to the vibrant botanical wallpaper by Schumacher that sets the tone of the primary bathroom,” says Freyre. “We selected a Palm Beach-inspired Aerin Lauder pendant to place above the soaking tub. The milky stone surfaces impart a tranquil feel, while the double doors to the bath and wardrobe introduce bespoke elegance.”
THE BACKYARD & POOL AREA
“The homeowners love spending time outdoors, especially when returning from fishing trips,” says Freyre. “The outdoor kitchen here features a floral tile that was selected for its fun feel, as well as subtle and functional lighting from Palecek. For the outdoor seating area, I emphasized a round layout that’s ideal for conversation. And we incorporated Coral Stone USA planters with native plants on either side of the terrace to reinforce the tropical vibe of the setting.”
THE POWDER ROOM
“The powder room centers on a pedestal sink and a beautiful Art Deco faucet, both sourced through Coral Gables Kitchen and Bath,” says Freyre. An oval mirror with a textured golden frame catches the eye right away, while wallpaper depicting palm trees introduces pattern in a neutral tone.
THE KITCHEN
The main goal for the kitchen was to balance practicality with beauty. Freyre worked with Artemisa Marble and Cabinet to ensure the oak cabinetry was executed to the homeowners’ specifications. An elegant vitrine with cremone bolts nods to Old World elegance. Porcelain from Opustone was chosen for the counter, island, and pantry to ensure pristine surfaces with minimal upkeep.
