Pinecrest Family Home Balances Elegance and Comfort

Led by husband and wife Ronald Alvarez and Monica Santayana, Moniomi has unofficially become the go-to design firm for stylish homes in suburbia, particularly down south in Pinecrest, a neighborhood known for its expansive properties, mature landscapes, and family-oriented lifestyle.

It was from there that a young couple with growing children called on the studio to oversee the interiors of their 14,000-square-foot residence. Their directive was succint: an elegant and comfortable home that would serve as both a showcase for cherished memories and an everyday retreat for an active family.

“Architect Jorge L. Hernandez provided a strong foundation, so our focus was on refining the interiors through custom details, materials, and furnishings,” says Alvarez. “We reimaged the elements of different rooms and areas while introducing custom millwork, bespoke furniture, and layered finishes throughout the entire floor plan.”

For Santayana, the prime goal was authenticity. “Rather than following a specific aesthetic, we concentrated on creating a home that felt genuine and would continue to evolve with the family over time,” she says. “A big part was of that was introducing warmth through wood tones, natural stone, layered textures, and various custom pieces that give the residence a sense of true permanence.”

A key consideration was addressing the husband’s height and weight as a professional athlete, as well as the sports memorabilia, footwear, and objects he’s amassed over the years. That included a collection of more than 1,000 pairs of shoes, all of which were inspected and measured to customize the ideal sneaker closet, or rather, “a private gallery that celebrates a personal passion while remaining highly functional” as Alvarez puts it.

A similar mindset applied when deciding on palette. “We approached each room’s color as its own experience, while maintaining a cohesive overall story,” says Santayana. “The dining room was designed to feel intimate and dramatic, with warm wood tones, onyx, and layered lighting. The living areas introduce deeper charcoal and black tones balanced with softer textures for a more relaxed atmosphere. And in the bedrooms, we allowed ourselves to explore more personal expressions with lighter peach tones that create warmth and serenity and bring a more intimate quality to those spaces. We believe a home should have moments of transition—spaces that feel connected but not repetitive.”

Although the residence’s transitional architecture is its driving force, the designers warmed the clean lines with texture that added depth and tactility. Stained wood paneling, marble, onyx, Venetian plaster, antique mirrors, custom upholstery, textured wallcoverings, and fine fabrics were all selected for both appearance and how they would feel and age over time.

The furniture selection demanded balancing sculptural design with comfort and functionality. “We opted for pieces with strong silhouettes, beautiful proportions, and exceptional craftsmanship,” says Alvarez. “The goal was to create a collection that felt intentional. Rather than simply filling spaces, each item contributes to the story of the home.” Brands that made the cut include Gallotti & Radice, Apparatus, Avenue Road, Gabriel Scott, Oliya Stone, Radnor, Visual Comfort, Holly Hunt, Natuzzi, and Moniomi’s own label, Made by Moniomi.

“This project’s biggest challenge was creating a cohesive vision within a very large-scale residence while ensuring every room felt intentional and connected,” says Alvarez. “With a home this size, there must be a balance between creating moments of impact and maintaining a sense of harmony. We approached each space individually while continuously referencing the larger design language of a spectacular residence.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Ronald Alvarez & Monica Santayana, Moniomi, Miami, FL

Architecture by Jorge L. Hernandez, JLH Architect, Coral Gables, FL

Text by Florian Jouin

Photography by Jeanne Canto, North Miami, FL

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