This large and beautiful home graces the family-friendly suburb of Pinecrest close Miami, Florida. The Martinelli family enlisted the talents of Miami designer Fernando Sanchez of Pineapple Designs to soften the contemporary lines of the home using an exotic and tropical aesthetic. They asked Sanchez to pay tribute to the family’s love of nature, and gave him carte blanche with respect to the design. Sanchez even followed the homeowners on a visit to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand, to accumulate their décor. Sanchez scoured antique stores, warehouses and flea markets to find rare and gorgeous building materials for your family’s expansive 5,300 square foot home.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Dillan, Elysse, Lucas, Miranda and Richard Martinelli
Location: Pinecrest, Florida
Size: Approx. 5,300 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Constructed in: 1978
Maria Teresa Durr
The dining area features raffia fina background, also utilized at the master bedroom and living area. Sanchez found the clean-lined wall and furniture sculpture in an antique store in Thailand. The table centerpiece is a beautifully arranged bowl of shells and other natural elements.
Maria Teresa Durr
Upon entering the home, you are greeted with one of their family’s treasures, artwork from their Thailand shopping expedition.
Sanchez knew Thailand so nicely, “It made our trip super efficient as the leg job was already done,” Elysse states. “Thailand is hot and humid like Miami but the Thai people were very hospitable, greeting you with a glass of water since you walked in to their shops. The Thai people understand exporting really nicely. Even in the flea markets, they understand what to do about transport.”
Maria Teresa Durr
The entry hall showcases exquisite large wooden sconces and a pair of antique Thai cabinets which provide appreciable storage for their seasonal décor.
Maria Teresa Durr
Their living area combines exotic, contemporary and traditional styles. An antique dining table is an unexpected element next to the contemporary leather couch and chairs.
Leather sofa and chairs: Design Depot
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Fernando utilized symmetry in designing the media area of the living room. The homeowners have two separate living spaces with TVs, which come in handy if their teenaged children want to do some entertaining of the own. The vibrant painting above the tv was done by Colombian artist Patricia Farinaz.
Maria Teresa Durr
The master bedroom is expansive and features vaulted ceilings. The bedframe was purchased in their visit to Thailand and is flanked by dressers custom-built in Miami. The carpets across the home were also purchased in Thailand and are made of water hyacinth that are soft to the touch. The beautiful baskets at the base of the bed were a Thailand flea market find.
Maria Teresa Durr
Dillan and Elysse integrated an office area into their master bedroom suite. The desk and bookcase hutch were built in Thailand to Fernando’s specifications and sent over. A notebook is generally on the desk, and also this area functions as a quiet and private area for your couple.
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The family room off the kitchen leads to the large enclosed patio.
Maria Teresa Durr
The huge scale furnishings exude warmth and relaxation. The color palette is neutral yet infused with pops of color.
Carved pair of lamps on networking console: Jalan Jalan at Miami, Fla..
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The kitchen is at the center of the home, where there is generally a flurry of action. Elysse enjoys using her Kitchenaid appliances, and the rich wood tone of this island presents a beautiful contrast to the custom-built cabinetry.
Maria Teresa Durr
Welcome into the kitchen, the breakfast nook features a custom created banquette and chairs from Elysse’s childhood home.
Maria Teresa Durr
The bedroom which belongs to their son Richard features a gorgeous wood wall remedy as the headboard. Richard is now in elementary school, and the bedroom is intended to develop with him over time with just a few minor changes.
Maria Teresa Durr
Here, the calm and serene bedroom belonging to their high school age daughter Miranda has amazing tropical art above the bed that was also brought from Thailand.
Maria Teresa Durr
Dillan and Elysse frequently use their expansive covered and screened patio to amuse — some of the parties have had more than 200 people. Sanchez added exotic components to their current patio furniture to create a space that invites relaxation and calmness.
Maria Teresa Durr
Natural components are evident in their terrace with all the wood carved sculpture and the natural coffee table. When they amuse, the homeowners fill out the space with lovely orchids and wood stained serving pieces to boost the enchanting ambiance.
Maria Teresa Durr
Their pool area and gazebo is an inviting area amidst lovely landscaping. Dillan and Elysse made landscaping a priority after they bought the home. Sanchez, a collector of rare plants, lined the pool with some of his potted plants. The umbrellas at the distance are held by Thai elephant figurines bought in Thailand after Elysse spotted them at the resort they were staying at.
Maria Teresa Durr
The home is located on more than an acre of land. This beautiful Thai edition of a canoe takes a prominent place on the home.
Maria Teresa Durr
Lush landscaping and massive pots from Thailand create an inviting and inviting extrance.
More inspirational excursions:
A Taste of Bali at Austin, Texas
A Modern Mexican Paradise
Island Living