Beyond the Developer Finish

Transforming a Miami New Construction Condo Into Your Own Signature Home

One thing every buyer touring a Miami pre-construction sales center should know: those glossy renderings almost never match what actually gets delivered. As we’ve pointed out in our own research on Miami’s pre-construction market, developers routinely market fully finished, fully furnished units, styled furniture, dressed closets, and all, when the reality is most units are delivered in a far more raw state. Getting your unit to look anything like the rendering usually means bringing in an interior designer to build out the space and make it fully custom, down to the floors, closets, and blinds.

So what happens after you take possession of that blank canvas?

We asked our trusted design partner, Design Solutions, to show us. Their work demonstrates how a new construction residence can move far beyond its original developer finish and become a truly personalized home. Starting with the foundation the developer provides, their team transforms residences through custom finishes, architectural millwork, lighting, kitchens, closets, and carefully considered details that completely change the character of a space. Because a new construction condo may come beautifully finished — but the right design can make it feel uniquely yours.

The difference is in the details. Explore the FOUR before & afters below.

1. The Palace Bal Harbour – 3,270 SF Penthouse + Private Cabana

The Before and After pictures and floor plans

Project Details

From the first concept to the final installation, Design Solutions completely reimagined this 3,270-square-foot Bal Harbour penthouse and adjoining cabana.  The transformation went far beyond cosmetic updates. DS redesigned the spaces to create a more cohesive and elevated interior, introducing custom architectural modifications, bespoke millwork and cabinetry, and carefully detailed kitchen and bathroom suites. Every element was considered as part of the overall design — from flooring and lighting to wall treatments, window coverings, materials, and decorative finishes. Behind the scenes, DS also handled the technical documentation, vendor procurement, installation coordination, and final staging required to bring the vision together. The result is a fully integrated residence, designed and executed from the ground up around the client’s vision.

• Complete Interior Redesign
• Custom Millwork & Cabinetry
• Kitchen & Bathroom Transformation
• New Flooring, Lighting & Wall Treatments
• Window Treatments & Decorative Details
• Full Project Management & Installation

2. Vita Coconut Grove | Two-Level New Construction Penthouse

The Before and After pictures and floor plans

Project Details

A Complete Transformation into a Private Resort-Style Residence This two-level penthouse at Vita at Grove Isle is undergoing a complete gut renovation, transforming the residence from a builder-grade interior into a fully customized retreat overlooking Biscayne Bay. The main level is being stripped to the shell and rebuilt, with a reconfigured primary suite and dedicated office, a completely redesigned kitchen, and elevated finishes throughout. Upstairs, the private rooftop is being reimagined as an entertainment destination, featuring a new multipurpose lounge with wet bar, redesigned pool deck, automated pergola pavilions, new lounge areas, and an expanded summer kitchen. Custom wood, stone, marble, metallic details, and floating millwork bring a distinctly elevated aesthetic throughout. The result is less a renovated penthouse and more a custom-built, resort-style residence designed for sophisticated indoor-outdoor living.

• Complete Gut Renovation & Rebuild
• Reconfigured Primary Suite & Private Office
• Custom Kitchen, Island & Cabinetry
• Marble, Stone & Wood Flooring Details
• Custom Floating Millwork & Built-Ins
• Private Rooftop Entertainment Lounge & Wet Bar
• Redesigned Pool Deck & Automated Pergola Pavilions
• Expanded Summer Kitchen
• Complete Indoor-Outdoor Transformation

3. Oceana Bal Harbour | A 2,658 SF residence

The Before and After pictures and floor plans

Project Details

A Complete Interior Redesign from Concept to Completion. This 2,658-square-foot residence at Oceana Bal Harbour underwent a comprehensive interior transformation, with Design Solutions rethinking the entire home through refined space planning, architectural detailing, and carefully curated materials. The redesign extended across every living area, creating a more cohesive and elevated residential experience. DS directed the project from the initial design vision through construction and final execution, overseeing everything from lighting and custom cabinetry to flooring, wall finishes, and decorative elements. Material procurement, supplier coordination, and on-site supervision ensured every detail was executed with precision and consistency. The result is a fully redesigned residence where architecture, materials, lighting, and interiors come together as one cohesive vision.

• Complete 2,658 SF Interior Redesign
• Refined Space Planning & Architectural Details
• Custom Cabinetry & Millwork
• New Lighting Strategy
• Curated Flooring & Wall Finishes
• Decorative Elements & Material Selection
• Full Construction Coordination & Supervision
• Material Procurement & Supplier Management
• Complete Design-to-Execution Oversight

When Design Pays Off: The Value of Customization

We’ve seen firsthand how the right design can do more than improve the way a residence lives,  it can materially change how the market perceives and values it. We have several examples of residences transformed with Design Solutions that later sold for premium prices.  One standout example is Park Grove, where a residence customized by Design Solutions ultimately sold for 100% more than its original purchase price.

Of course, design alone doesn’t guarantee a return. The property, location, timing, quality of the work, and overall investment all matter. But when the right residence meets the right design, the financial upside can be just as compelling as the lifestyle upgrade.

4 Vita Grove Isle | New Construction Condo

The Before and After pictures and floor plans

Project Details

A Residence Designed Around the Way Its Owners Live. This Vita at Grove Isle residence was reimagined from the ground up, transforming a conventional five-bedroom layout into a highly personalized home centered around work, wellness, and entertaining. Former guest rooms were reconfigured into a dedicated fitness studio, two private offices, and a creative studio, while the main living spaces were redesigned to flow seamlessly between cooking, dining, entertaining, and relaxing. Every detail was elevated to reinforce the sense of a private retreat, from rich wood and natural stone flooring to sculptural lighting, motorized terrace drapery, and a spa-inspired primary suite with a steam room shower. The result is a residence that feels less like an apartment and more like a sophisticated private sanctuary, tailored entirely to the owners’ lifestyle.

• Complete Interior Reconfiguration
• Dedicated Fitness Studio
• Two Private Offices & Creative Studio
• Redesigned Open Living & Entertaining Spaces
• Rich Wood & Natural Stone Flooring
• Sculptural Lighting & Custom Details
• Spa-Inspired Primary Suite with Steam Room Shower
• Motorized Terrace Drapery
• Custom Design Focused on Work, Wellness & Entertaining

The Bottom Line: Design Is Part of the Investment

Whether you are buying pre-construction or resale, the opportunity goes beyond what you see when you first walk through the door. The right property, combined with the right design, can create a home that is more personal, more functional, and potentially more valuable. That is why we look at design as more than a finishing touch. It is part of the investment decision.

If you’re considering a Miami residence and want to understand what could be achieved, both for your enjoyment and the numbers ,we’d be happy to introduce you to Design Solutions and explore what is possible. Because the best homes aren’t simply bought. They’re thoughtfully created.