The story of this waterfront Miami mansion is not just one of a renovation; the project has also given life to a whole new furniture brand. The tale begins at a party in Paris, where London-based interior designer Dara Huang, founder of Design Haus Liberty – who is known for her tasteful blend of old and new, of east and west – met American fashion, lifestyle and tech entrepreneur Chris Burch. As the co-founder of fashion label Tory Burch, and subsequently the head of Burch Creative Capital, Burch is an expert in driving brand innovation. And after striking up a friendship with Huang, he became the co-creator of another new venture: Dara Maison, a comprehensive collection of Huang’s sculptural modern designs. “We saw a gap in the market for a luxury furniture company at affordable prices,” says Huang of the collaboration.
The two friends also swiftly began working together on Burch’s property portfolio, which includes homes in the Hamptons, New York and Costa Rica. He bought this house in Miami, which dates back to the 1930s, as a “private oasis”. “Chris was captivated by the house’s waterfront location, and loved being surrounded by the ocean – it’s very peaceful,” explains Huang, who nevertheless had her work cut out bringing the property back to its full glory. “It was in a very poor condition, with only half of it still standing,” she remembers.
The ruined half of this Miami mansion had to be demolished and the rest rebuilt, which presented an opportunity for rethinking the layout and for expanding the accommodation – the home now boasts eight bedrooms and ten bathrooms, plus a guesthouse. “We positioned the living room as the largest space, overlooking the water,” says Huang. “The views are the focal point, so we added French doors to open up the house and create that immersive experience. You feel as though you’re right on the water. Chris loves to use his boat – he can now walk straight to it from the living room.”
The expansive spaces of this waterfront mansion in Miami reflect Burch’s desire to create an environment for human connection. “Chris loves bringing people together,” says Huang, “so we designed an open layout that allows them to connect organically.” As for the décor, it naturally focuses on Dara Maison pieces, as well as a raft of bespoke creations by Huang and a smattering of vintage finds. “The interior design is a unique fusion of Chris’s love of old English and preppy styles, infused with my contemporary taste,” adds the designer. “We emphasised simplicity and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, subtly enhancing this with touches of 1950s Miami nostalgia.”
In practice, this translates to an earthy colour palette of beachy sand tones – such as those in the living room, which flows seamlessly onto an outdoor pool terrace – mixed with stained white oak panelling and 1950s-style botanical prints. The cream bouclé sofas and armchairs are all from Dara Maison (“they’re upholstered in a stain-resistant fabric that’s ideal for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle”), while the terrace seating in wood and wicker is custom-designed. A series of bentwood chairs with shell-like curves – a nod to the waterside location – are Huang’s favourite pieces.
A secluded sitting room has soft, aquatic blue walls and diaphanous leaf-print curtains that echo the trees outside, while one of the bolder guest bedrooms features a bespoke palm print on walls, curtains, cushions and a chaise longue; all details that “bring the outdoors in”. Elsewhere, luxurious materials and quirky touches add character – the Calacatta marble that clads walls, ceiling and floor in the principal bathroom, for instance, and the vintage white brush-back chairs, found in a Paris flea market, in the airy kitchen.
Water, says Huang, is a defining theme of this luxurious mansion in Miami. The grand double-height entrance hall features a wraparound bespoke staircase whose curves “flow like waves”, while a dedicated wellness and meditation zone – featuring a bathhouse, sauna, steam room and hot and cold plunge pools – centres the home and provides a spot for reflection. “All the design elements were chosen to connect with nature and allow the stunning views to shine,” the designer concludes. “With the sunlight and the Miami breeze, it’s truly soothing and immersive.” dhliberty.com
