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Discussing Architectural Ideas for the Miami Condo

Bob Vila and project architect Michael Pierce brainstorm ideas for this small condo with a great view of Biscayne Bay. The condo, a collection of closets and closed spaces, is a pearl in the oyster, just waiting to be opened up. The interior is dark because of the closed space and the navy carpeting that absorbs rather than reflects the light that enters. Pierce suggests bringing the outside in and creating an open loft appearance if the tenant board allows. He also advises flattening the popcorn ceiling to make it smooth like the roof of the balcony so it will reflect more light. Pierce's outlook for this small space is a theme of light and views.

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History of Miami Beach Now Playing

History of Miami Beach

Discussing Architectural Ideas for the Miami Condo Now Playing

Discussing Architectural Ideas for the Miami Condo

The View from Island Avenue, Miami Now Playing

The View from Island Avenue, Miami

Tour of Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Hotel Now Playing

Tour of Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Hotel

Clip Transcript For:

Discussing Architectural Ideas for the Miami Condo

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" Michael pierce is joining us now he's a partner with DD Allen and an architectural practice out of New York with a specialty in Miami and LA and so I've asked him to consult to me aren't. What are some of the positives you see in an apartment. Like this well the location the view that's incredible you have. Yet he actually have a great space. Face in the water we want to make the most of that. Bring the outside to inside. We can look at the floors as that both floors are these horrible dark blue carpets yeah I mean it's killer. Yeah ethical look over here in the corner and it is sucks all that light right in England when you've got dark colors like this and you've got a slaps an old floor slab we could grind it up. Grind it up what do you mean just polish it up they -- going leave exposed -- admitted exposing gives it that loft look that a lot of people were. We're letting you know we'd have to look into what the the building required. Months ours for a sound. -- sometimes you have to have carpet or some sort of attending -- the carpet everywhere right what about finishes like these. Popcorn ceilings everywhere how do you deal -- that. The idea would be to bring this balcony surface which is smooth the ceiling up outside and and bring that. Inside enhancing this reflective. Quality that will light bouncing off the water -- so you can scrape it off the kind of bring in one smooth plane right. What would you do with the kitchen space well again we want to bring the outside and inside. I don't want to be cooking in there. Then you're really isolated it's it's. To cavern Bryce all right I would recommend just opening this up creating a peninsula slash a large area -- The the dining living cooking experience is all. Unify it is after all. A thousand square foot apartment either going to be a getaway for northerners or it's a year round occupant but not with kids not a big family and a full. Quarter of all the floor space is cut up -- you take a walk in there and thinking it's it's it's a bit of a maze of closets and things what would you think of do it again this theme of light I would bring the outside. Yeah inside yeah. The bathroom that's locked inside I would get a sense of late. Yet. And encouraging some some maybe putting frosted glass and do you think you'd you'd get rid of stuff like walk in cloud would reduce this in and path yet. No need to have a walk in of this size yet good all right we'll let you draw up some plans and we'll talk about the next week grace if it."

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Kitchen Demolition Review and Removing a Popcorn Ceiling

Bob Vila shows a before-and-after demolition view of the kitchen and main living areas of the Miami Beach condo. Bob walks us through the open, loft-like space of the condo now that walls, cabinets, and finishes have been removed. Bob also looks at the former kitchen with its close walls, wallpaper, and dark cabinets. He looks back at the mural-covered wall that previously divided the living spaces and shows the open space that has taken its place. To complete the clean, open look of the updated condo, Bob outlines how the popcorn ceiling is scraped, cleaned, and skim-coated in preparation for a finish coat that will give it a light, modern look.

Interior Design of the Miami Condo

The renovations to the Miami condo are complete. Bob is joined by architect Michael Pierce as he goes through the apartment to look at design details that have made the remodel a success. They discuss the 1960s layout that was removed, the space that was opened up, and the clean, sleek lines that are now in place. Light enters the apartment and penetrates to the interior since the popcorn ceilings, dark capeting, and dividing walls have been removed. The circle dining area serves as design focus for the apartment, with a flexible circle of track lighting above it from MSK Illuminations in New York. The pendant fixture serves to anchor the space, while the chrome-look edging of the counters carries the sense of light throughout the dining, kitchen, and bar areas.

Spring Cleaning Tools and Tips

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Even if you re diligent about cleaning year-round, when winter s over there s always another reason to roll up your sleeves. But you can make spring cleaning less of an onerous chore if you use the right tools. Here are some suggestions. Get a year s worth of grime and mildew off your deck and your home s exterior in a few hours by using a pressure washer and an oxygen-based bleach solution or natural cleanser. For windows, a solution of white vinegar and water is as good a cleaner as any, and old newspapers make great lint-free window wipes. Finish the outside with some rain protectant made for car windshields and lengthen the time between cleanings. There s nothing better than a long-handled ostrich feather duster for getting rid of cobwebs and dusting those trim details up high that you never think about. A damp cloth with a little vegetable oil will work on wood surfaces. Microfiber dustcloths work on any surface, especially electronics. For cleaning lampshades and popcorn ceilings, use a lint roller. Rubber gloves will rub pet hair off the upholstery. And white cotton gloves, one wet and one dry, can help you clean the chandelier. Mop hard floors with a good self-wringing string head mop; save the sponge mop or disposable cleaning pad type for lighter everyday jobs or laminate floors. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, a steam cleaner s a great tool to have. While it might not seem like a cleaning tool, using a timer will keep you from burning out or getting sidetracked as you work. And a rolling cart to store and haul your tools will lighten your load during spring cleaning and beyond. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

The View from Island Avenue, Miami

Gina Kirkpatrick, Miami real estate broker, shows Bob a building at the Miami Beach end of the Venetian Causeway, 5 Island Avenue. Morris Lapidus, designer of the Hotel Fontainebleau, designed this building as apartments back in 1967. The apartments were later converted to condos. The building houses some "reasonably priced" condominiums that are just far enough away from the beach to be affordable and just close enough to everything else to make for an excellent getaway second home in the Miami area. Kirkpatrick guides Bob through his initial tour of the one-bedroom 950-square-foot condo, its views, features, and possibilities.