At Home in Coconut Grove with Designer Constanza Collarte

Rip & Tan: Beyond your portfolio of projects, how would you define your personal style and tastes? How did they manifest in your home?

Constanza Collarte: When designing, I think less about imposing a certain style and more about conveying a sense of place. I am still a novice when it comes to a Spanish Mediterranean vernacular, but I approached this home with a sensibility for its characteristics while developing a language all my own.

Rip & Tan: In your opinion, what makes for a truly soulful space?

Constanza Collarte: The space needs to feel authentic to its end user—it’s a reflection of one’s interests and experiences.

Rip & Tan: In a city known for color, choosing neutrals is its own kind of statement. What was the inspiration behind your overarching palette? 

Constanza Collarte: I find comfort in spaces that feel calm and soothing. We implemented tone-on-tone palettes, arched passageways, and well-worn furnishings that feel warm and inviting.

Rip & Tan: In the scope of your design ethos, what are some of the core pillars of a refined interior?

Constanza Collarte: Authenticity, quality, a sense of timelessness and a hint of juxtaposition.

Rip & Tan: How did you balance a decidedly elevated aesthetic with an inherent warmth and sense of home? 

Constanza Collarte: I find the home blurs the lines between modern and rustic. Architectonic details are quite minimal and contained, but finishes are weathered by time or crafted by hand. Contemporary pieces are counterbalanced with vintage furnishings.

Rip & Tan: When you’re traveling, what are some of the things about this space you most look forward to upon return?

Constanza Collarte: My bed! But mostly the sense of calm that the house emits immediately reminds me I am home.

Rip & Tan: Can you tell us a bit about your use of texture and finishes? What’s the secret to such a well-layered space?

Constanza Collarte: Authentic finishes are prevalent throughout the home. We used wire-brushed oak, natural limestones, burnished bronze and warm plasters as a foundation for the interiors and added antique rugs, laundered linens and vintage leathers to complement. The amalgamation of textures creates a rich and layered interior.

Rip & Tan: What’s your philosophy on a personal art collection? Any pieces you’d like to speak to? 

Constanza Collarte: An art collection is always personal. It should speak to one’s emotional resonance and evolve with the collector.

Rip & Tan: This home is so open and filled with such incredible natural light. How did you make the most of that? Any tips you can share? 

Constanza Collarte: Natural light is transformative, and it was the catalyst behind this renovation. To maximize natural light, we reconfigured layouts, manipulated structural elements and enhanced window openings to channel it through the house.