Fearless Curation Meets Maximalist Living in Coconut Grove by mr alex TATE
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Guided by a philosophy of fearless curation and a celebration of curiosity, interior design studio mr alex TATE transformed an ultra modern new build in Coconut Grove home into a vibrant and whimsical maximalist’s retreat. Creating a dynamic, color-filled home that turns away from minimalism and embraces bold, eclectic design with intention and joy. Working closely with daring homeowners eager for a space that reflects its inhabitants. Every space was treated as an opportunity to tell a story…
With a linear layout stretching North to South and an upper floor organized down a long corridor, the project required thoughtful spatial planning to create balance and flow.
Through fearless curation and meticulous attention to detail, mr alex TATE brought a distinct sense of identity to every corner, turning the home into a living gallery of patterns, objects, and personal expression. You can see mr alex TATE’s passion for the Victorian era of prolific collecting in the dining area with a sideboard overflowing with art, ornaments and flowers.
The kitchen, once a minimalist linear space, underwent a complete redesign featuring Waterworks cabinetry. A bold new layout introduced a peninsula, central island, smaller workstation island, and wet bar, making it both a functional hub and a visual anchor of the first floor. Upstairs, each bedroom was treated as a unique design chapter. From traditional-meets-modern toile and ceiling wallpaper pairings to tactile, fabric-lined walls and layered patterns in the guest suites, the bedrooms became immersive environments of their own. All en suite, the private spaces echo the project’s overall ethos: fearless, thoughtful, and unexpected.
The team at mr alex TATE designed a bold new layout for the project, overcoming the challenge of transforming the ultra-modern, minimalist layout into a cohesive yet defined living experience. On the first floor, what was once an open, undefined expanse is now a series of intimately scaled spaces. Using semi-permanent fabric walls, the studio introduced division without compromising the home’s airiness, offering both function and flexibility. These new walls also provided surfaces for art and décor, enhancing the sense of curated storytelling throughout the home.
“This was truly a special project, the collaboration with the homeowners was fun and inspiring. From the vibrant kitchen to the personality-filled bedrooms, the transformation was a celebration of creativity, individuality, and bold design.” - Alex Alonso, Founder of mr alex TATE.
Guided by the philosophy of “fearless curation”, mr alex TATE creates spaces celebrating curiosity. While the design world whispers minimalism, mr alex TATE shouts back with maximalist drama. Founded by interiors disruptor Alex Alonso, the studio flips the script on “less is more,” because more is just right. The studio specializes in coloring outside the lines, blending the unexpected, bold, and vibrant colors with dynamic textures. Design is treated as narrative. Each project unfolds like a story, rich with personality and intentional layering. For mr alex TATE, design is like a film, the more time you spend in a space, the more you discover as the quiet details, unexpected contrasts, and subtle moments reveal themselves like scenes.
mr alex TATE invented the term ModVic (Modern Victorian) to define a new design language. With a passion for English influence and romanticism of the Victorian era. ModVic draws inspiration from the 19th-century age of collecting. A time when people travelled and filled their homes with ornamental treasures, gilded mirrors, and Wedgwood knick-knacks. Tables overflowed with curiosities. Rooted in drama, eclecticism, and refined heritage, ModVic is a richly layered aesthetic. Picture rich red walls, dark panelling, elaborate wallpaper, and statement chandeliers. A modern revival of timeless theatricality.
