Miami
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH RANSOM & DUNN
Miami Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Ransom & Dunn
This design-focused travel guide to Miami explores a city where modern coastal style meets rich cultural heritage. Curated by Johanna Dunn, co-founder of Ransom & Dunn, the guide celebrates Miami’s vibrant design language — shaped by Art Deco icons, mid-century elegance, and bold contemporary creativity.
From the pastel façades of South Beach to the cutting-edge showrooms of the Design District, Miami’s interiors reflect a dynamic blend of Latin American, Caribbean, and tropical influences. Think sun-soaked colour palettes, textured natural materials, and lifestyle-driven aesthetics. Whether you're exploring boutique hotels, design-led galleries, or architectural gems, this curated guide reveals the soulful, expressive heart of Miami style.
APRIL 2025
Words: designeers and RANSOM & DUNN
A breakfast and coffee stop:
Baker and Barista
Tucked away in Miami’s Buena Vista, Baker & Barista is a neighbourhood gem where craft and comfort meet. With its warm interiors and quietly refined vibe, it’s the kind of place that turns a simple morning ritual into something special.
favourite design museum:
MOAD
The Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College showcases a diverse array of contemporary art, design, and cultural exhibitions, housed in the iconic Freedom Tower. With a focus on both local and global issues, it offers programs that engage and challenge visitors.
favourite ART GALLERY:
Nina Johnson
Nina Johnson is a bold contemporary art gallery in Miami, featuring groundbreaking works by both emerging and established artists. The gallery pushes boundaries with dynamic exhibitions and off-site projects.
A cocktail bar:
Monterrey Bar at The Standard
Monterrey Bar at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, is where unforgettable nights begin. Housed in a mid-century modern space, with expertly crafted cocktails and a laid-back yet chic vibe, it’s the perfect spot to sip, socialise, and indulge.
A lunch to indulge into:
Verde
Verde Miami is a vibrant dining destination offering fresh New American cuisine with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. Nestled within the Pérez Art Museum, it invites you to relax, indulge, and enjoy a modern, artistic atmosphere.
FINE DINING RESTAURANT:
Lido at The Surf Club
Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club offers a refined Italian coastal dining experience in Surfside, Miami. Under the guidance of Chef Marco Calenzo, the restaurant presents dishes like mezzi paccheri alla Lido and bluefin tuna tartare, blending traditional flavours with innovative techniques. The elegant setting, complemented by ocean views, provides a sophisticated backdrop for an exceptional culinary journey.
a design hotel to stay in:
Four Seasons at The Surf Club
The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club blends timeless glamour with contemporary ease along Miami Beach. With oceanfront rooms and interiors shaped by modern coastal interior design, it offers a serene, curated stay. From world-class dining to a tranquil spa, it’s where heritage meets hospitality in effortless style.
Your go-to bookstore:
Dale Zine
Dale Zine is a vibrant art bookshop and gallery in Miami’s Design District, offering a curated selection of independent zines, prints, and limited-edition works. Founded in 2009, it serves as a creative hub for the city's artistic community, featuring collaborations with artists like Tim Biskup, Matt Furie, and FriendsWithYou.
A must-visit neighbourhood for design lovers:
Miami Design District
The Miami Design District is the city’s creative core, blending fashion, food, and architecture in a walkable grid of striking spaces. Spanning 18 square blocks north of Wynwood, the Design District in Miami offers a bold, immersive experience—where luxury boutiques, contemporary art, and sculptural facades reflect the city’s dynamic and design-driven spirit.
Favourite boutique FOR design inspiration:
Casa Barcelona
Casa de Barcelona is a Miami-based vintage furniture dealer specialising in curated mid-century and contemporary pieces. Each item is meticulously restored using luxury fabrics, ensuring both style and durability. Their collection includes sculptural rattan stools, Murano glass lamps, and designer lounge chairs
An artisT everyone should know about:
Hernan Bas
Hernan Bas is a Miami-born artist whose evocative paintings blend queer identity, romanticism, and literary symbolism. His work often features androgynous young men engaged in rituals of courtship, love, and death, set against theatrical and emotionally charged backdrops. Bas's art invites viewers into a world where desire and obsession intertwine with historical and mythological narratives.
A PLACE TO FIND ART, FURNITURE AND DESIGN OBJECTS:
Michel Contessa Antiques
Michel Contessa Antiques is a premier destination in Miami for discerning collectors and designers seeking exceptional 20th-century furnishings. Specialising in French, Italian, and American pieces, the gallery offers a curated selection of furniture, lighting, art, and rare objects, providing an extraordinary collection for those in search of distinctive design.
An iconic architectural landmark:
YoungArts Campus
The YoungArts Campus, formerly the iconic Bacardi Complex, is an Art Deco architecture landmark in Miami. Designed by Cuban architect Enrique Guitiérrez, the tower’s ribbed precast concrete panels and azulejo murals offer a vivid testament to the city’s artistic spirit. Today, it serves as a dynamic cultural hub, blending historic preservation with contemporary creativity.
A place to adventure out of town:
Islamorada
Islamorada is a haven for adventure enthusiasts seeking both thrill and tranquillity. From world-class fishing expeditions to serene kayaking through mangrove tunnels, this Florida Keys gem offers a diverse array of outdoor activities. Whether you're diving into vibrant coral reefs or parasailing above turquoise waters, Islamorada promises an unforgettable adventure.
Favourite outdoor space:
The Kampong
The Kampong is a serene botanical garden nestled along Biscayne Bay in Miami's Coconut Grove neighbourhood. Once the home of renowned plant explorer David Fairchild, this nine-acre garden showcases a diverse collection of tropical fruit trees, flowering plants, and rare species from around the world. Visitors can explore the lush landscapes and historic architecture, immersing themselves in a living legacy of botanical exploration.
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