Living Gallery - Miami Design District Magazine

Looking to create a home with clean lines that was casual, but at the
same time conducive to both relaxed and formal gatherings, a Venezuelan
couple in Aventura transformed their Bella Mare penthouse
into a living gallery to also showcase their impressive collection of
sculptures and paintings. The couple worked with Anima Domus and designer
Tamara Darer-Kiblisky.
Surrounded by vistas of sky and water, this bi-level 7500-sq.-ft. penthouse
seamlessly integrates art and design. The harmonious relationship between the
art and design is apparent from the moment one steps off the elevator into the
private entry. A whimsy stainless-steel frosted glass wall with colorful circles
blends well with a glass console by Anima Domus, a colorful glass vase by
Duvmne and a bronze sculpture by Venezuelan artist Wladimir Zabaleta.
Upon entry into the home, the foyer highlights a ceiling-mounted frosted glass
Murano chandelier and art by Cruz Diez and Tuvillo, as well as two porcelain
French vases by Sevres anchored on each side of the entryway.
Just beyond the foyer the Weitner wallpapered walls and marble flooring act
as a canvas for the living space. The dining area easily accommodates 10 at
the custom glass table with Carrara marble base by Anima Domus. Ten leather
chairs dressed in white with stainless-steel bullet accents on the lower back
and a glossy lacquered Shamal buffet with dual sliding doors complete the
grouping. Above, a Fucsia 1 Pendant light fixture by Achille Castiglioni for Flos
hangs effortlessly. The cone-shaped exterior and elongated internal light source
features details evocative of the flower of the same name. The artwork in this
area includes a wall sculpture by Soto and two large abstract paintings resembling
a game of Tic Tac Toe by Sigfredo Chacon.
Nearby, in the living area, two handmade leather sofas and three chairs by
Cierre Imottiiti in white for Anima Domus are flanked by two round glass-topped
cocktail tables. Diego Diaz’s sculpture of a seated nude woman welcomes
guests into the space.
In the open kitchen, a round sushi bar with black granite countertop and a
Carrara marble multi-dimensional cube-shaped base is the focal point. Around
the bar are three barstools in black leather with stainless-steel legs. All the
appliances are Gaggenau and cabinetry is by Siematic. The kitchen also boasts
a Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler, as well as a built-in Miele cappuccino
center. Adjoining the kitchen is a casual great room area with table and chairs
and sofas and TV.
Also on the lower level are seven bedrooms. The master bedroom features
beechwood flooring and a custom free-standing wardrobe console by Pianca
for Anima Domus with extra clear white glass and wenge wood doors.
Adjoining the console is a matching eight-drawer dresser. The Pianca king-size
bed is flanked by wenge wood end tables by Jesse. The walk-in closet was
designed by Anima Domus using walnut wood shelving and drawers, as well
as slide-out shoe racks.
“
Cozy in feel, the media
room features the Paramount
sofa by Frighetto in white
leather with brown piping
and two curved Lip chairs in
Aniline leather with zebra wood
backs … On the wall, Anima
Domus designed a high-gloss
lacquer and walnut wood
paneling shelf unit around the
entertainment system.
”