By Allen Bendahan
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of CMC Group and Fort Partners)
Forget the era of sterile, all-white kitchens. At Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove, designer Michele Bönan is leading a design shift that embraces natural wood cabinetry as a timeless centerpiece. The result is a kitchen aesthetic that moves away from stark minimalism and toward authenticity, craftsmanship, and warmth.
A Sophisticated Shift in Design
The once-dominant trend of ultra-minimal, white-box kitchens is giving way to spaces that reflect soul and sophistication. At Four Seasons Coconut Grove, custom Molteni cabinetry in dark oak brings depth, elegance, and a deeply personal character to each residence. Paired with Italian marble and light oak floors, the kitchens strike a balance between refinement and livability.
Bönan’s design philosophy favors natural finishes like white oak, walnut, and dark oak—materials that add warmth and tactile richness without overwhelming a space. These mid-tone woods embody rustic charm elevated with polished sophistication, ensuring flexibility for modern living while offering enduring appeal.
Inspired by Coconut Grove’s Surroundings
With Coconut Grove’s lush vegetation and bay breezes as a backdrop, wood cabinetry feels at home. The kitchens connect seamlessly with nature, softening the modern architecture and creating serenity inside. The influence of biophilic design adds a grounding sense of place, reflecting the natural beauty of Miami’s most storied neighborhood.
Crafted for Real Life
These kitchens are designed for more than just show. By mixing wood cabinetry with complementary materials like marble, brushed metals, and creamy stone, the spaces achieve balance and depth. Integrated appliances and intentional layouts keep the kitchens functional, curated, and ready for everyday living.
With interiors by Michele Bönan and cabinetry by Molteni, the kitchens embody a perfect fusion of Italian elegance and Miami’s relaxed ease. Global inspiration and material honesty come together to reflect a broader design movement-homes that feel warmer, more tactile, and unmistakably alive.
