Vizcaya has a few quirks, one of them being the kitchen and breakfast room are located on the 2nd floor. Now, I think this is a great idea as you don't have to go far in your pajamas in the morning for that first cup of tea (or coffee) although I do prefer my breakfast in bed. But enough with that, on with the room!
The breakfast room was used more often than the
Dining Room and it's easy to see why; it's gorgeous! I may have said this before, but I think THIS is my favorite room in Vizcaya, if not the
Tea Room.
The Breakfast Room lies directly over the
Tea room which has an especially tall ceiling allowing for its entry gate, which explains the 2 steps up into the space. This gives the room a lower ceiling which lends an added intimacy which I love.
The windows fill an entire wall and telescope back into the wall, opening the wall completely to the f
ormal gardens, much like the loggias below.
The most striking feature, other than the chinoiserie overtones and fireplace, is the 18th century French wall painting/mural depicting harbor scenes.
A great feature in the room, seen in other areas in the house, are 4 corner chandeliers rather than 1 central fixture, which leaves the ceiling open for other decorative uses.
A collection of Ming dynasty porcelains from the 16th century decorate the space and I LOVE the gilded orange chinoiserie chairs!
Here you can see the wall of windows which slide back into the walls, turning the room into yet another loggia. The doorway leads into the modest kitchen.
Modest, that is, compared to the size of the house. Remember there were
other service areas on the 1st floor to accomodate Deering and his guests.
The kitchen features an enviable collection of copper pots; think they'd miss a few if I took them home? The enormous stove is both coal and gas operated and even has a charcoal broiler.
Deering, like any self respecting millionaire of the day, had a French chef on staff along with his myriad kitchen assistants.
Food was supplied from the estate's farm across South Miami Avenue, which now houses administrative offices. Above you see the dumb waiter which supplies access to the butler's pantry below.
While the house had many of the most modern features of the day, it also had a few 'older' technologies, such as these speaking tubes; so popular in Victorian households. I'm sorry to say I wasn't able to test it out!
DC had its first taste of summer today, with highs in the 80s. It reminded me of the time Heather and I spent recently exploring the Miami Design District.
Outdoor restaurants abound. While we didn't eat at Martinez, seen above, it definitely seemed popular and a beautiful place to enjoy the weather!
Christian Louboutin, rather than fill the store with orchids, decided to decorate the exterior with a living wall.
Oh to live in a semi-tropical climate; this took our breathe away!
Another outdoor restaurant; Modernism seems to fit this warm climate much better than in the North, don't you think?
I loved this one group of buildings which appeared to be painted concrete. Early modernism inspired by neoclassicsm; one of my architectural weaknesses!
Surrounded by tall, shaded arcades, the buildings provide the perfect place to window shop out of the sun's glare.
While in Miami, definitely take the time to check out this revitalized area: remember to bring your wallets for all of the great shopping!
The little stairhall is decorated with more ancient porcelains and a little gilt table. 
Thick limestone treads are cantilevered off rounded walls forming a beautiful stair with bronze railing. 
Covering the first floor thru the third in an efficient manner, this was probably a more commonly used stair.
Lit by sconces, the plaster walls are painted 2 charming shades of green (which speak so heavily of the era) as well as white plaster details.
Looking straight down, the marble floor on the ground level gives you a focal point with its' design.
The hall is brightly lit by sconces, a leaded glass window as well as a skylight.
Which stair would you choose to take? I'm definitely taking the circular staircase!
The second floor of Vizcaya is broken into a series of guest suites boasting the most modern of technology for the day, including private baths and dressing rooms for each bedroom.
The room also features a fireplace designed by Robert Adam for 
Deering's bedroom, seen in green on the floorplan above, continues the Neoclassical theme but in Empire style; a great improvement to my mind compared with the sitting room.
The ceiling again is painted a gray blue with gilded plaster work. The day we visited, conservators were working in the bedroom. 
The interesting mahogany bed features scenes from a Roman wedding on gilt panels.The carpet is an Aubusson with woven seahorses. 
The bathtub's gold plated faucets in the shape of swans deliver both fresh and salt water.
The best feature though, designed by Chalfin, is a shaving bowl facing Biscayne Bay which is piped with hot water, seen in front of the window above.
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