Currently Inspired by: Palm Beach & Miami
My first two trips of 2024 were short weekend stays in Palm Beach and Miami. Braxton had meetings in both locations and I tagged along for the change of scenery and fresh air. For each trip, I prepared a brief itinerary so that I had a plan of attack and could ensure I saw everything I wanted to see.
In case you’re planning a Palm Beach or Miami trip, I’ve included a few special places below; the hotels, restaurants, and museums worth a visit.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach caters to a very affluent and older crowd. Compared to Miami, Palm Beach has more of a morning or afternoon feel. It’s refined, tailored and preppy. All the shops sell similar items like long, flowey flowery dresses and woven picture frames.
The Colony Palm Beach Hotel
Also known as the pink hotel, the restaurant, lobby, and the pool are absolute must-sees. Designed by one of my favorite interior designers, Celery Kemble and Kemble Interiors, it’s a stunning feminine pink paradise.
Mary Mahoney
If you are in the market for beautiful tableware, I highly suggest checking out Mary Mahoney. This store basically has every single thing you can imagine in terms of dinnerware. It’s collectable over a lifetime and such a beautiful way to elevate your everyday.
The Breakers Hotel
An incredible, sprawling, gilded age hotel built by Henry Flagler, take a walk on the grounds and eat at one of their many restaurants. Everything is over the top. Check out their gift shop too - they have table linens and napkin rings.
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Henry Flager was an American Industrialist and a founder of Palm Beach. The museum is an enormous, grand home he built for his 3rd wife in the 1920s. The home is now open to the public and filled with his collected European decorative items. It’s amazing to see all of the rugs, drapery and fine wood work detailing in such a grand, historic home.
Lifestyle So Chic
The name of the store is a little odd but Lifestyle So Chic is a woman’s clothing store filled with beautiful, and reasonably priced things.
Cafe Boulud
Cafe Boulud is a hidden gem. It’s not until you step inside that it comes to life. We sat outside in the courtyard which is lovely but the inside is also very refined and beautiful. The food is wonderful of course, too.
Miami
While Palm Beach was lacking in sex appeal and night life, Miami did not. They dim the lights, there is a DJ playing ambient music in every restaurant and hotel lobby adding to the energy and vibrancy of the city.
Art in Public Places
There are a bunch of public art installations throughout the city. I particularly loved this one which looks like a larger than life totem of neon play-doh balls. When you get up close you realize it’s made out of rock.
1 Hotel South Beach
This hotel epitomizes the laid back and sophisticated beach aesthetic. It’s pale, earthy woods with layers of slip covered white upholstery, oversized lighting and greenery throughout.
The Surf Club Restaurant
The Surf Club Restaurant is the ultimate posh and exquisite place to dine. I savored this very special meal by chef Thomas Keller and enjoyed all of the impeccably dressed clientele.
Miami Design District
The Miami Design District has grown over the last 10 years and while I don’t do a lot of designer shopping, I love the colorful architecture, art installations, and design-forward, goopy outdoor seating. There’s a Moroccan import store called Tighemi, and stop by Simona’s for a selection of chic table ware.
Institute of Contemporary Art Miami
I had never been to this ICA so I popped in. They have rotating exhibitions so check out what’s on view.
Perez Art Museum
I love this museum. It’s a gorgeous building on the water and they have both permanent and temporary exhibitions often by latin x artists.
Taschen Books on Lincoln Road
Love seeing the full collection of these beautiful art books in one place at this super stylish shop. So much creativity packed into one small space.
I filmed a walkthrough of the interior design of each of the hotel rooms. Check them out on Instagram and TikTok.
Interested in working with Violet Marsh Interiors on you interior design project? Book a discovery call to see if we are a fit.
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