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The Enduring Romance of Miami’s Vizcaya

Exhibit Reviews

A site of countless weddings since 1916, the overwhelming beauty of historic Coral Gables estate Vizcaya can still make sparks fly in even the hardest of hearts. A walk through its equally regal and wild environs reminded me how my surroundings can influence my mood, and boy does this place quicken my pulse.

No matter where on the property you stand, the place just has a vibe, an energy and a passion that permeates. The result of the grand designs of farming machinery baron James Deering, Vizcaya’s mansion and, at one time, 180 acres are really a collection of little universes all grouped into one breathtaking place. From oceanfront ship wrecks and intricate woodwork to maze gardens, secret hideaways and native jungle terrain, every nook, cranny, corner and path unveils a unique environment and an even more unique experience. Functioning as a private home until the early 1950s, the boundaries between the home’s outside and inside aren’t even certain, with interior courtyards and outside garden habitats constantly blurring the lines.

Check out my favorite sights and hiding places and 11 tips to bring a bit of that Vizcaya spark into your own home. 

1. Put mood-lifting color into unexpected places like interior windows or ceilings.

Multi-colored stained glass window inside the Vizcaya home, French inscription reads: "I said"
Multi-colored stained glass window inside the Vizcaya home, French inscription reads: “I said”
Neon colored plants like this one from the Vizcaya canal can rev up an outside garden or an inside room
Neon colored plants like this one from the Vizcaya canal can rev up an outside garden or an inside room

2. Let wood look like wood. Don’t be so quick to white wash and paint over the rustic regalia that natural elements can lend to interiors.

The visceral warmth and breathtaking detail of a wooden beam ceiling, chandelier and intricate carvings.
The visceral warmth and breathtaking detail of a wooden beam ceiling, chandelier and intricate carvings.

3. Feel humanity every day by sprinkling artful faces and sculpted figures throughout an otherwise architectural environment.

A sweet cherub surrounded by nature in the main home's courtyard.
A sweet cherub surrounded by nature in the main home’s courtyard. Originally open air, it was enclosed in the 1980s to protect the home from the humidity and sun.
The beautiful, physical company of white marble sculptures in the courtyard garden.
The beautiful, physical company of white marble sculptures in the courtyard garden.

4. A little detail goes a long way to drive curiosity, tell a story or mark a spot.

The stunningly intricate studding on a leather and wood entryway door.
The stunningly intricate studding on a leather and wood entryway door.

5. Stage a surprise in an otherwise mundane place, like artwork you can only see from a stairwell or garage. 

This famous weathervane is best seen from an interior stairwell that leads to less prestigious rooms.
This famous weathervane is best seen from an interior stairwell that leads to less prestigious rooms.

6. Don’t be afraid to give yourself and your guests a little dose of fantasy – through a playful piece of furniture, a pool swan or silly photo.

Vizcaya's boat dock was made to look like a shipwrecked vessel with a goddess at the helm, a perfect backdrop to an evening wedding's lounge area.
Vizcaya’s boat dock was made to look like a shipwrecked vessel with a goddess at the helm, a perfect backdrop to an evening wedding’s lounge area.

7. Be hospitable to critters; let them enjoy your space or find a safe and humane way to escort them out.

Lots of these guys wander the various gardens of Vizcaya, as much their home as ours.
Lots of these guys wander the various gardens of Vizcaya, as much their home as ours.

8. Wantonly mix modern tech or industrial details with the elegant and the old.

Currently Vizcaya houses artists-in-residence, like XXX whose neon word art somehow perfectly complements the ornate and vintage details all around the back patio/boat dock entrance.
Currently Vizcaya houses artists-in-residence, like Amanda Keeley whose neon word art somehow perfectly complements the ornate and vintage details all around the back patio/boat dock entrance. Each phrase is a translation of a latin inscription found elsewhere in the home.
Simple strung bulbs will illuminate the natural beauty of the main gardens at night.
Simple strung bulbs will illuminate the natural beauty of the main gardens at night.

9. Whether on a Vizcaya scale or in the space of a yoga mat, figure out how to give yourself an oasis place at home. 

This sunken garden is one of many natural refuges on the property; A perfect oasis.
This sunken garden is one of many natural refuges on the property; A perfect oasis.
An interior canal is so secluded, no one would find you for hours, reading, making love, whatever. Imagine the fun had here over the years.
An interior canal is so secluded, no one would find you for hours, reading, making love, whatever. Imagine the fun had here over the years.

10. Go out of your way to make the everyday things more special.  

Even the pots and pans have personality in the large but otherwise basic kitchen.
Even the pots and pans have personality in the large but otherwise basic kitchen.

11. Don’t leave nature to the outside elements only, turn a foyer, sun room or patio into an inside courtyard.

The home's main interior courtyard, blooming with native plants and trees.
The home’s main interior courtyard, blooming with native plants and trees.