CURATED. Interior Design Notes: How to Prepare for a Miami Kitchen Refresh, Remodel, or Renovation
Miami is a city where culture, design, and cuisine blend seamlessly, and nowhere is this more evident than in the heart of the home: the kitchen. It’s an important space, and that’s part of why planning a kitchen remodel in (or around) Miami can become an exciting yet complex endeavor. Whether you're looking to simply refresh the look of your kitchen space or embark on a full gut renovation, hiring a professional interior designer like CURATED. (our luxury interior design firm with headquarters in Miami Beach and an office in Coconut Grove), ensures your vision is expertly realized.
Here at CURATED., we understand that kitchens function as both spaces for cooking and gathering. These are the spaces where culinary creativity and socializing come together. That’s why our kitchen designs are tailored to elevate your home’s aesthetic, while also enhancing its functionality and flow. From selecting high-end appliances to optimizing your kitchen's functionality, our experienced interior design team can transform your kitchen into a space that's both stunning and perfectly suited to your needs - incorporating subtle notes of tropical Miami flair and our signature touch of European allure. But before the magic begins, it’s essential to understand the key steps you should take to prepare for a smooth and successful kitchen remodel.
Miami-Area Kitchen Remodels by CURATED. Interior Design
The first consideration: A Kitchen Refresh or a Full Gut Renovation?
A kitchen refresh and a full gut renovation are two distinct approaches to upgrading your space, each with its own level of commitment and impact.
A refresh typically focuses on cosmetic updates – like new paint, tiles, fixtures, countertops, or cabinet fronts – without altering the layout or core elements of the kitchen in your Miami-area. It’s a faster, more budget-conscious option that can still powerfully enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the room.
On the other hand, a full gut renovation of your kitchen is a complete overhaul, down to the studs. It involves reconfiguring the layout, updating plumbing and electrical systems, and possibly even removing walls to create a more open or functional space. While the process is more time-intensive, it offers the opportunity to fully customize your kitchen to your exact specifications. This approach allows for a complete transformation of the space, offering homeowners the chance to reimagine their kitchen from the ground up.
In both scenarios, hiring an experienced interior design firm like CURATED. is invaluable.
For a minor refresh, CURATED.’s innovative Instant Interiors™ service offers an efficient way to update your kitchen with the expertise and design vision of a full renovation but in a fraction of the time. This service brings CURATED.’s high-end design principles to your home quickly, making it ideal for busy homeowners who want a polished, refreshed look without the extended timelines of a larger project. CURATED. will carefully choose materials, finishes, and updates that fit seamlessly into your existing kitchen while giving it a fresh, modern edge.
In the case of a more substantial refresh (or a full gut renovation) for your kitchen, CURATED. leverages our depth of project management expertise, meticulous planning, and design vision to ensure that every detail aligns with your most ambitious lifestyle and aesthetic goals.
From coordinating with Miami’s most capable contractors to selecting finishes and materials, CURATED. ensures the process is smooth, cohesive, and stress-free, no matter the scale of your kitchen remodeling project.
Continue reading PLUS download the CURATED. Interior Design Lookbook below…
Kitchen Remodels by CURATED. Interior Design (Offices in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove)
The Value of Partnering with a High-End Interior Designer for a Miami-Area Kitchen Remodel.
Why hire a high-end designer for your kitchen remodel? Simple: an experienced interior design firm like CURATED. helps you avoid costly mistakes, while ensuring your kitchen meets the perfect balance of form and function. With a designer’s touch, your kitchen will be a seamless extension of your lifestyle, from personalized lighting plans to high-end finishes that not only look stunning but perform well over time. Plus, with Miami Beach’s unique climate and architectural styles, working with a local firm that understands the nuances of the area will make all the difference.
“As a Miami-based firm, CURATED. is intimately familiar with the diverse styles and lifestyles of homeowners in the area,” states Melanie Haselmayr, CEO and Creative Director at CURATED. “Our expertise spans both contemporary and classic design, allowing us to create kitchens that reflect your unique preferences while remaining functional and timeless. Whether you’re looking to modernize an outdated space or transform your kitchen entirely, our expertise in luxury kitchen remodels ensures your vision becomes a reality. For those considering a simple kitchen refresh, our unique Instant Interiors service may be an option, offering a rapid, luxurious transformation that maximizes both convenience and beauty. You can have a carefully curated, high-end design that feels personal, sophisticated, and uniquely yours in record time. For more extensive remodels, our team mindfully sees to it that every element – lighting, cabinetry, countertops, and finishes – works together to create a cohesive, stylish space. With our process-driven approach and client-first focus, CURATED. is well-equipped to successfully execute a kitchen remodel that exceeds your expectations.”
Kitchen Renovations by CURATED. Interior Design (Offices in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove)
Preparing for a Kitchen Remodel in Miami: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re remodeling a historic home in Coral Gables or updating a waterfront condo in Coconut Grove, preparation is key to a successful kitchen remodel. Here’s what to consider:
Define Your Goals
Before diving into the project, clearly define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to increase storage? Update your outdated appliances? Expand the space for entertaining? Knowing your goals will help guide the design and budgeting process. Start with a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to ensure your priorities stay on track.Consider How You Use Your Space
Take time to think about how you actually use your kitchen. Are you an avid home chef who needs state-of-the-art appliances, or is your kitchen more of a gathering space for family and friends? These considerations will influence decisions on layout, countertops, cabinetry, and more. The skilled design team at CURATED. will translate your lifestyle needs into a functional, beautiful kitchen.Lighting, Appliances, and Finishes
The right lighting scheme – task, ambient, and accent lighting – creates a layered, inviting space that you’ll love using day and night. High-end appliances will not only elevate the functionality but also blend seamlessly into the design. Additionally, your designer will help you choose finishes and textures that complement the overall aesthetic
Custom Kitchen Renovations by CURATED. Interior Design (Offices in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove)
Lifestyle-Driven Interior Design: Crafting a Kitchen That Works for You
When it comes to a kitchen renovation, your design choices need to reflect how you live and entertain. In Miami, where indoor-outdoor living is embraced, your kitchen should be a fluid extension of your home. An interior designer like CURATED. can help you select materials and finishes that are not only stylish but also durable and exceptionally practical for everyday use.
In today’s luxury kitchen design, there’s a shift toward warmer, more inviting materials that bring a sense of depth and character to the space. One of the key trends we’re seeing in the Miami market is the resurgence of warm wood cabinetry, which is gradually replacing the all-white, sterile looks that dominated for years. These natural wood tones – ranging from honey to deep walnut – add warmth and richness, creating a more lived-in, welcoming feel. Pairing wood cabinetry with open shelving or accent panels in a matte finish can offer a Scandinavian-inspired look that blends modern minimalism with timeless elegance. The effect is a more layered and personal space that feels both functional and quietly luxurious.
Another trend making waves across Miami is the use of less-than-perfect, handcrafted materials like zellige tiles. These glazed, irregular tiles are edging out the more predictable, pristine subway tile, offering a raw, artisanal vibe that adds texture and depth to the kitchen. When combined with sleek, flat-panel cabinetry and stain-resistant materials like quartz countertops, this approach strikes a perfect balance between modern and classic design elements. The overall aesthetic leans into the subtleties of a European-inspired approach, blending high-gloss finishes with matte wood textures and minimal hardware for a clean yet inviting look.
In high-end Miami kitchens, statement-making features like oversized range hoods and bold light fixtures are also on the rise. These elements not only add drama and visual interest but also help to define focal points in open-plan kitchens. Paired with timeless materials like unlacquered brass, which develops a rich patina over time, these design choices bring both luxury and warmth to the space. The integration of brass into lighting fixtures, faucets, and hardware offers an evolving, organic touch that adds sophistication without feeling overly formal. Whether through eye-catching, high-gloss accents or subtle, textured materials, today's kitchens are embracing both beauty and functionality in equal measure.
Ready to Get Started on your Miami Kitchen Remodel or Renovation? Contact CURATED. Today!
At CURATED., we specialize in luxury interior design and remodeling, bringing a client-first approach to every project. Our team will work with you to create a kitchen that’s not only functional and beautiful but tailored to your specific lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and turn your kitchen dreams into reality!