Historic Charm in Modern Miami
Miami is an eclectic city filled with a mix of influences that create its status as a melting pot of cultures and ideas. Many different architectural styles contribute to Miami’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant built environment. Miami’s architectural diversity offers a glimpse into its storied past.
Miami Homes: Historic, Iconic, Retro
Art Deco architecture with its bold colors and geometric motifs emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. Streamlined facades, curved corners, and decorative motifs inspired by the Machine Age are some of the decorative elements you’ll find in homes from this era. If this is your style you’ll love the classic examples found in South Beach. Many homes and buildings here have been preserved or revitalized.
Coral Gables is an oasis of the Mediterranean Revival architectural style. Inspiration for this style comes from Italian and Spanish Renaissance styles. This style – marked by stucco exteriors, barrel-tiled roofs, and arched windows – also became popular in Miami during the 1920s during a real estate boom. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a prime and grand example of Mediterranean Revival architecture as are the villages scattered across the Gables.
In the years following WWII Miami, like cities all over the country, saw an influx of a new simplistic style. Mid-Century Modern homes feature open floor plans, large windows, flat planes, and organic shapes. The goal in these designs is to bring the outdoors inside through expansive glass walls and indoor-outdoor living spaces. A very classically Miami aesthetic that has continued to be seen in many more styles.
Short for Miami Modern, the futuristic and playful designs of MiMo architecture emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. MiMo buildings feature flat roofs, asymmetrical facades, porthole windows, and colorful accents. This style often incorporates elements of space-age and atomic age aesthetics.
Modern Upgrades with Retro Aesthetics
Choosing a historic or older home for its character doesn’t mean missing out on modern upgrades. Added insulation along with upgraded windows and doors improve energy efficiency. Older homes were often designed to use cross breeze from open windows to keep them cool, so take advantage of pleasant days and circulate some fresh air through the house.
Mature trees, shrubs, and other natural features that contribute to the historic character of the property, amp up your vintage aesthetic by restoring or replicating historic landscape elements, such as garden paths, fountains, and ornamental plantings.
Upgrade systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, to meet modern safety and efficiency standards while minimizing impact on the home’s historic fabric. In most cases you will be able to conceal upgrades and maintain the home’s original appearance.
Whether you’re looking for a classic Miami home or a brand-new build, The Kern Team is here to help. With over 26 years of experience in the Florida real estate market we’re able to put our expertise to work for you. Give us a call, let’s talk about your dream home.
