Interior design projects and delays seem inevitable, but sometimes, those forced breaks can work to the homeowner’s advantage. When designer Justin Joy and his husband purchased their Spanish-Mediterranean residence in Coral Gables in 2018, they were ready and eager to update its Tuscan-heavy interiors. But then life surprised the world with a pandemic that brought their plans to a halt. Looking back on it, however, the delay turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
“We had to live in the home as it was for a couple of years, so we figured out what worked and what didn’t,” says Joy. “The renovation ended up being much larger than we initially planned, but I’m so glad we really invested in what we needed.”
What they needed was a home for real life. “With four kids ages 8 and under, we had to be realistic,” says Joy, “so zoning was critical.” So was functionality. A key addition to the house was a kids lounge, complete with both a styled space where parents and children can spend time together, as well as a nearby playroom that houses toys and clutter.
“The goal was to balance utility with a sense of retreat,” adds Joy. “We leaned into texture, tone, and timelessness to make the home feel grounded, even amid the chaos. The overall look is one of refined modernism with soulful, organic elements.”
In the end, Joy’s plan to update with “warmth, restraint, and intention” came together, even if it was much later than anticipated. “This project is the most personal expression of my design philosophy and one I feel fortunate to reside in,” he says. “What was particularly rewarding was watching my family fall in love with the different spaces in the house. The place finally feels like a home and that is the ultimate luxury.”
Story Credits:
Text by Florian Jouin
Photography by Danilo Castro & Anabel Valdes
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