Grand Simplicity in Colonial-Inspired Coral Gables Residence

In a Coral Gables waterfront estate, a seasoned designer leans into his curated brand of restraint with custom furniture, antique originals, and refined proportions

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With its strong angles and traditional curves, the elegant staircase of this Coral Gables residence reflects the home’s contemporary interpretation of colonial architecture
With its strong angles and traditional curves, the elegant staircase of this Coral Gables residence reflects the home’s contemporary interpretation of colonial architecture.

When attorney Anthony Lopez and Dr. Nicole Martin purchased a waterfront estate in one of Coral Gables’ most exclusive gated communities, their goal was to make it a home reflective of their tastes and lifestyle. Built in 2007, the nearly 9,000-square-foot, two-story, colonial-inspired residence is generous in proportion and grand in scale. Featuring six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and soaring 12-foot ceilings, the house is on a corner site with 500 feet of frontage along the Coral Gables Waterway and features multiple exposures that maximize water views, creating the feeling of being on a private peninsula.

The arches in the residence’s foyer were reshaped by designer Briggs Edward Solomon, who “rounded the corners to make them more like a classic Roman arch.” The entry table is made of a solid piece of limestone from Formations, and on top of it sits a decorative planter by the renowned potter Willy Guhl. The marble flooring was sourced from Exquisite Surfaces.
The arches in the residence’s foyer were reshaped by designer Briggs Edward Solomon, who “rounded the corners to make them more like a classic Roman arch.” The entry table is made of a solid piece of limestone from Formations, and on top of it sits a decorative planter by the renowned potter Willy Guhl. The marble flooring was sourced from Exquisite Surfaces.

While most buyers would have considered the home move-in ready, the couple saw it differently. Not interested in a mere update, they envisioned a complete transformation, so they brought on designer Briggs Edward Solomon for what would become the first of many collaborations. Drawing on a background in art and fashion design, Solomon is known for serene, highly curated interiors defined by natural materials, outstanding craftsmanship, and refined proportions—and that’s exactly what he brought to the table with this project.

Solomon designed the dining room table, which is made from plywood, and surrounded it with original antique chairs by Pierre Jeanneret
Solomon designed the dining room table, which is made from plywood, and surrounded it with original antique chairs by Pierre Jeanneret

“The clients loved the house and its layout, but it needed to be taken back and made simpler,” says Solomon. “The interior was completely gutted and [there wasn’t a single] element of the original that remained by the time we were done.”

The wall-mounted oak tambour console is by Kelly Behun Studio. The decorative wood objects were found at various Paris shops. Solomon also created the side-by-side, black-and-white oil paintings.
The wall-mounted oak tambour console is by Kelly Behun Studio. The decorative wood objects were found at various Paris shops. Solomon also created the side-by-side, black-and-white oil paintings.

The scope of the renovation was extraordinary indeed. Solomon and his team reimagined and then recreated every room with new lighting, millwork, flooring, and stonework in favor of a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic that would still serve the home’s general layout, soaring ceilings, and expansive square footage.

In the living room, the sofas are of Solomon’s design, while the day bed, upholstered in long pony hair, is an original piece by Charlotte Perriand, the pioneering French designer celebrated for her modernist furniture. Per the designer’s suggestion, the painting on the wall was inverted to display its more interesting back side.
In the living room, the sofas are of Solomon’s design, while the day bed, upholstered in long pony hair, is an original piece by Charlotte Perriand, the pioneering French designer celebrated for her modernist furniture. Per the designer’s suggestion, the painting on the wall was inverted to display its more interesting back side.

When it came to furniture, Solomon assembled a collection that mixes museum-quality antiques with custom pieces, many of which he designed himself to ensure it met the homeowners’ standards. Fine artworks and accessories from near and far came after that. “I selected so many one-of-a-kind pieces and eclectic elements from all over the world that, despite its contemporary design, the residence feels timeless,” says the designer.

The dark, colonial style of the kitchen was transformed with solid white oak flooring and cabinetry, giving the space a more contemporary feel. The Vincent Van Duysen lighting system is one of Solomon’s favorite touches. The handmade range is by La Cornue.
The dark, colonial style of the kitchen was transformed with solid white oak flooring and cabinetry, giving the space a more contemporary feel. The Vincent Van Duysen lighting system is one of Solomon’s favorite touches. The handmade range is by La Cornue.

For Solomon, the challenge was not about adding more to an already grand house but about knowing how to keep things simple. He streamlined the architecture and pared back unnecessary details, relying instead on proportion, material, a neutral palette, and carefully chosen objects to make the rooms personal and in sync with his clients’ taste and preferences. Most remarkable is the sense of restraint seen throughout the home. Despite the size of the house and the extraordinary investment in its interiors, the home does not read as overtly luxurious. Expense and effort were used not to create ostentation but to achieve effortlessness and authenticity, demonstrating that grandeur and simplicity are not always opposites.

Practically everything selected by the designer for the primary bedroom is vintage, including the chairs, table, and lamp. Solomon designed the king-sized bed and bench himself. The rug by Woven Accents is antique.
Practically everything selected by the designer for the primary bedroom is vintage, including the chairs, table, and lamp. Solomon designed the king-sized bed and bench himself. The rug by Woven Accents is antique.

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Briggs Edward Solomon, Briggs Edward Solomon, Coral Gables, FL

Construction by MV Group, USA, Miami, FL

Text by Meryl Siegman

Photography by Christian Arevalo, Miami, FL

Open to see Interior Design Sources:

Sources

Entry

Table – Formations

Bench – Homeowners’ collection

Dining Room

Table – Solomon House, Coral Gables, FL

Floating console – Kelly Behun Studio

Chandelier and sconces – Remains Lighting Company

Living Room

Sofas, armchairs, and table – Solomon House, Coral Gables, FL

Day bed and round cocktail table – Charlotte Perriand, homeowners’ collection

Side table – Alexander Lamont, Jerry Pair, Hollywood, FL

Floor lamps – Lumens

Sconces – Joseph Dirand

Kitchen

Cabinetry and island designed by Briggs Edward Solomon, Coral Gables, FL, and fabricated by Artemisa Luxury Millwork, Miami, FL

Lineal lighting – Vincent Van Duysen for Flos, Luminaire, Coral Gables, FL

Primary Bathroom

Tub – Studio Loho

Flooring – Opustone, Doral, FL

Primary Bedroom

Bed and bench – Solomon House, Coral Gables, FL

Club chairs and floor lamp – Homeowners’ collection

Bedside lamp – Alexander Lamont, Jerry Pair, Hollywood, FL

Area rug – Woven, woven.is

Throughout

Hardware – Van Cronenburg

Plumbing – Waterworks, Miami, FL

Lighting – DeltaLight

General contractor – MV Group USA, Miami, FL

Millwork – Artemisa Luxury Millwork, Miami, FL

Flooring and marble – Opustone, Doral, FL

Stone fabricator – Excellence in Stone, Miami, FL

Interior painting – Custom Painting by Oleg, Miami Beach, FL

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