FLORIDA DESIGN'S MIAMI | Soft Touch

Not long after purchasing their South Beach condominium on Alton Road, a couple of New Yorkers called on Jessica Jaegger upon discovering her design studio on Instagram. Their directive was succinct: "Turn these 2,145 square feet of space into a refined pied-à-terre."

"Their desire was for a tranquil, hotel-like retreat that would be serene and enveloping," says Jaegger. "They wanted a space defined by organic materials, layered textures, and a soft-sand palette punctuated with thoughtful accents."

Just as important was to take advantage of the residence's prime setting and its 180-degree views of Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, and the downtown Miami skyline. "The condo is on the eighth floor, so the experience of being in it is almost nautical," says Jaegger. "It feels as though you are aboard a beautifully appointed cruise ship suspended over water."

Creating that particular essence took Jaegger and her team some time, and the wearing of multiple hats, including that of art advisor. "We worked closely with the clients to curate an art collection that's specific to this residence," says the designer. "The artwork plays a pivotal role as it introduces depth, contrast, and moments of drama. It acts as a counterpoint to the otherwise serene and neutral envelope."

While the art was considered when it came to palette, Jaegger was mainly inspired by the five-star destinations in France and Italy that her clients have traveled to. That approach identified a common thread: a restrained, neutral base that's amped up when necessary with textiles, accessories, and the aforementioned artworks.

To further enliven the subdued ambiance, textures were essential to bring warmth and dimension to the residence. "We carefully layered natural materials such as linen, wood, stone, and metal to create a tactile richness while maintaining a sense of restraint and cohesion," says Jaegger. "The aesthetic may be subdued, but it's not boring."

Said aesthetic also leans into softness as a result of the organic silhouettes of the furniture, which favors sculptural forms over rigid geometry. "Given the scale of the apartment each piece was intentionally selected to feel distinctive and impactful," says Jaegger. "This approach allows the space to breathe while maintaining a strong design identity."

Key to attaining that were the brands and vendors the design team sourced from, which included StudioTwentySeven, Paolo Castelli, Casa Dio, Meridiani, and B&B Italia.

Enhancing the designer furnishings is a highly curated grouping of objets d'art in which each vessel and sculptural piece was selected for its uniqueness and presence, ensuring the space feels elevated yet never over-styled.

The sum of Jaegger's efforts won the clients over from the moment they stepped into the finished residence. "As a studio, we are incredibly proud of this project because it reflects our disciplined approach to space planning and materiality," says the designer. "We couldn't have asked for a more refined and cohesive outcome."