Preserving a 1930s Miami Bungalow

Why This Belle Meade Renovation Matters?

In a neighborhood where period bungalows routinely fall to teardowns—replaced by modern structures that erase Miami's architectural memory—this project represents something increasingly rare: a commitment to update and preserve rather than destroy and replace.  This is something we love to do, especially with Miami bungalows from the 1930s and 1940s.  

The pressure to maximize square footage and chase contemporary trends is relentless in Miami's real estate market. But when clients arrive understanding that vintage charm is irreplaceable, that 1936 craftsmanship deserves reverence, that small homes possess soul many times absent in oversized, new construction, extraordinary things become possible.

The Challenge: Transform a two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow with an outdated layout into a functional modern home without compromising its historic character or adding square footage.

The Renovation Approach: Respect Meets Innovation

Spatial Intelligence Over Square Footage

This wasn't about adding space—the home's footprint was perfectly suited for its lot and the neighborhood's context. Instead, the focus shifted to spatial intelligence, making 1,200 square feet appear much larger through thoughtful modern arrangement and strategic layout adjustments.  Every wall movement, every layout adjustment, every modernization was filtered through one crucial question: does this honor or betray the home's 1936 character?  We worked with a local contractor to ensure the details were addressed and understood.  

Where Vintage Charm Meets Modern Functionality

The transformation demonstrates that "vintage charm" and "modern functionality" aren't opposing forces—they're dance partners. The approach included: Preserving and highlighting original architectural details while improving circulation throughout the home. Period-appropriate elements were carefully restored. Storage solutions multiplied. The kitchen was relocated and opened up while the custom cabinetry was designed to maintain the home's vintage soul. Every decision served both past and present, both 1936 and 2025.

The Details That Make the Difference

Period-Appropriate Sourcing

Perhaps the most critical aspect of this renovation was sourcing products and finishes that complemented the existing bones of the home. This work requires hunting, patience, expertise, and encyclopedic understanding of period-appropriate materials.

The search included tiles that would feel appropriate for a home made at that time. The kitchen was completely re-envisioned and relocated. Here, we used a handmade zellige to add texture to the backsplash. To unify the kitchen and dining areas we sourced a reclaimed, French parefeuille tile.  The wood floors were preserved from the original home and reused. Fluted stone was used to clad the backside of the fireplace to give it a timeless update while adding visual interest.  For the bathroom fixtures, we opted for live brass finishes that would patina over time.  For the original fireplace, we worked locally with tradesmen to clean and preserve the existing mantle and fireplace surround.  The wallpaper for the common areas was selected to softly pay homage to the bucolic setting of the home 

Every finish became an opportunity to blur the line between original and renovation, making updates feel like they'd always been there—like the house simply woke up one morning more functional but no less itself.

Small-Scale Design Excellence

There's particular satisfaction in small-scale residential design. This Belle Meade bungalow renovation showcases the belief that square footage doesn't determine quality of life; intelligent design does.  Every inch received respect, every corner became an opportunity, every vertical surface transformed into potential storage, every sightline served as a compositional choice. In homes this size, there's no room for wasted space or poor planning. Everything must work, and work beautifully.