Nods to its coastal setting give the guest house a whimsical yet elevated aura.
For the Miami bungalow of Chelsea Hirschhorn, husband-and-wife design team, Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez of MONIOMI Design were tasked with capturing a subtle, beach-inspired atmosphere. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom property exists across the street from the Frida founder’s primary residence, and is used mainly as a guest house, as well as a spot for decompressing and a private place to get ready for events. Hirschhorn’s only call to action? That the space mirror her own colorful outlook, while otherwise giving the design duo the freedom to create magic in the space, a task that they fully leaned into.
Across the home’s 3,250 square feet, the pair built upon a foundation of impactful color schemes, from the oceanic-blue kitchen with a seashell art display to the welcoming guest room wrapped in the warm glow of mustard yellow. The end result is a moody and funky aesthetic that’s a far cry from the traditional “beach retreat”— but just right for a boundary-breaking female founder.
We captured the characteristics of each room through a color story to give each space its own identity.
ENTRYWAY
The vintage table establishes a playful energy.
Setting a soft yet vibrant mood for the rest of the home, the foyer is covered in a textural blue lime wash, juxtaposed by more formal paneling and inset grasscloth wallpaper. A vintage Mario Lopez Torres monkey table welcomes entrants upon arrival and exudes whimsy.
GREAT ROOM
Where multifunctional seating supports casual hangs.
Pool table: Custom, Brunswick Billiards. Sconce (hand): Chris Wolston. Chairs: Joyful Objects, Yes!. Drapery: Elitis. Chandelier: Vintage, Mario Lopez Torres.
Sofa: Custom, Edra. Vase: Corsi Design.
The great room accommodates a variety of activities, from lounge-style seating for hosting guests to areas for Hirschhorn’s kids to play games. “The sofa had to work as island seating so that, in whichever corner you were gathering, the sofa could support its adjacent spaces,” Alvarez says of the centrally located sofa that provides 360-degree seating.
Great room, pictured at top of story: Foosball table: RS Barcelona. Floor lamp: Brent Warr. Drapery: Elitis. Wall art: Client’s own.
HALLWAY
The 3D wallcovering was a worthwhile splurge.
In the guest wing, the hallway acts as a transportive vessel, thanks in large part to a 3D raffia wallcovering from CMO Paris. “We wanted it to be an element of surprise, as creating a hallway in this finish is typically unexpected,” Santayana says. “It emphasizes the play in design that we wanted to infuse throughout the home.”
KITCHEN
It’s coastal but far from kitschy.
Stools: Tatjana von Stein. Tile: Zia Tile. Wall/ceiling paint: Lime Wash, Portola. Cabinetry paint, hood, and pendant: Custom.
Shell art: Studio Lucie de Moyencourt. Countertop: Mint Quartzite.
For the kitchen, the design team continued an oceanic color story, painting the existing cabinetry in a custom light blue with hints of gray. They replaced the backsplash and counters with mint quartzite to complement the refreshed cabinets and create a more monochromatic look. In one corner, custom light wood shelving displays a collection of seashell art, along with favorite glasses and dinnerware. Bonus: The corner houses a candy bar, a must-have for Hirschhorn.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
It doubles as a glam room.
According to the design team, “rest and self-expression meet” in this personal retreat. “Plum tones wrap the space, while textured details, [like the fluted wall,] add just the right amount of edge,” Alvarez says.
Ceiling light: L’aviva. Curtains: Hodsoll Mackenzie. Floor lamp: Jeremy Anderson. Ottoman: MADE by MONIOMI.
That said, the room isn’t simply an aesthetically pleasing space built for a good night’s sleep. “It’s also [the client’s] glam room, designed for both unwinding and getting ready in style,” Alvarez says.
GUEST BEDROOM
Rich mustard yellow welcomes guests to a cozy retreat.
Wallpaper (ceiling): Arte. Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries. Drapery: Dedar. Rug: Nordic Knots. Wardrobe: Andrés Gutiérrez. Chair: Hessentia. Nightstand: RH. Lamp: Sophie Lou Jacobson. Bed: Custom. Sconces: Vintage.
“The guest suite was designed to be warm, welcoming, and just a little unexpected,” Santayana says. “Saturated mustard tones create an inviting glow, while layered textures, like the ceiling wallpaper, keep the space feeling elevated and cozy.”
KID’S ROOM
Where imagination runs wild.
Wallpaper: Gucci.
Ceiling light: Newport Lamp. Bookshelf: Made Goods. Shades, daybed, and pillows: Custom.
To encourage imagination and play, the kids’ room features Gucci’s heron wallpaper. Rattan accents, from the play kitchen and seating to the clothing rack and baskets, add warmth.
Sconces: Serena & Lily. Rug: Surya. Throw pillows: Custom.
Saturated in teal, the bunk room feels bold and special rather than a plain spare room with additional beds. “The color really defines the space and gives it a personality, while the bunks keep it flexible for hosting family and friends,” Alvarez says.
PRIMARY BATHROOM
“We wanted it to feel like more than just a place to get ready.”
Ceiling light: Lindsey Adelman. Wallpaper: Elitis.
While the primary bathroom ties back to the bedroom—thanks to pinkish tones in the Elitis wallpaper and towels—the room’s lighter color palette offers an airy, serene setting for refreshing moments.
GUEST BATHROOM
The joyful interior shimmers.
Wallpaper: Elitis. Mirrors: Assembly Line. Faucets: Gessi. Shade: Custom.
A mother-of-pearl checkered wallcovering from Elitis adds sparkle to this bathroom, which connects the guest bedroom and bunk room.
About the Designers
MONIOMI Design is an award-winning interior design firm founded by husband-and-wife team Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez. The Miami–based firm specializes in creating luxury residential and commercial interiors with an eclectic, bold approach. They also founded the bespoke furnishings and collectibles brand MADE by MONIOMI.