Bringing together the elegance of its Art Deco roots with refined modernism, The Shelborne, designed by one of Miami’s most prominent architects Igor Polevitzky and Thomas Triplett Russell, originally opened in 1940. It has now emerged as a cultural landmark reimagined by interior design studio ADC & Tuneu and is a celebration of Miami’s iconic Art Deco heritage.
Revered as a symbol of Miami Beach glamour, The Shelborne has long played host to cultural icons from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles. Now, under the creative direction of ADC & Tuneu, the interiors are elevated into a sophisticated canvas of texture, light, and place, honouring its legendary lineage while crafting a bold, new visual identity.
Founded by Aaron Clarke and Marta Tuneu, interior design studio, ADC & Tuneu is based in London and Barcelona. Aaron Clarke has honed his career in pivotal roles at both Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and Soho House leading on the creative direction of major projects worldwide. Marta Tuneu brings a rare creative duality to the world of interior design, shaped by an early career in hospitality and residential design and a deep-rooted passion for fashion working as accessories designer with Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein.
Inspired by its coastal location and the elegance of the Art Deco era, ADC & Tuneu has infused every space with thoughtful artistry and craftsmanship. The lobby and reception unfold in a dramatic interplay of curving forms and clean lines, where a refined combination of pastel- coloured marbles, warm natural wood furniture, soft-toned fabrics in statement patterns, and lush greenery set the tone.
From the preserved 1950s pool deck, with its aqua accents and iconic diving board, to the 300 rooms and suites that merge mid-century elegance with contemporary ease, each space tells a story. Bespoke textiles also feature in the concept by ADC & Tuneu, most notably on the sun loungers with a design made to capture the vibrant colours of the ocean. Vintage-inspired glass details, travertine floors, and locally-crafted furnishings evoke a distinct sense of Miami’s coastal identity.
A nod to Marta’s Spanish roots lies within The Shelborne, from tables crafted with reclaimed marble remnants by Leleni Studio in Barcelona to sculptural vases by Sara Regal, made from recycled composite, also in Barcelona. The sourcing of pieces from Spanish suppliers helps sustain a thriving design community and reinforces Barcelona as the creative hub of ADC & Tuneu’s home city True to ADC & Tuneu’s design philosophy, art is not simply placed but fully integrated. The Shelborne now serves as a curated gallery of contemporary expression, showcasing works by both celebrated and emerging artists across disciplines.
In the west lobby, guests encounter Kenny Nguyen’s hand-dyed silk installations, flowing sculpturally in the light. Regina Jestrow’s quilted fabric artworks and Lauren Shapiro’s ceramic sculptures anchor the public areas with colour and dimension, while Alina Birkner’s colour field paintings bring a serene energy to the lobby bar.
Elsewhere in the property, Jo Hummel’s large-scale paper collages, Christina Voira’s experimental photography, Lizbeth Holstein’s swimmer on canvas, and Catherine Cazlett’s ethereal watercolours continue the narrative of place and artistic identity. Even the guest suites are adorned with local art—from Jessy Nite’s handwoven cityscapes in the Townhouses to the Presidential Suites adorned with Natalie Basoski’s textile pieces, Bruce Ingram’s abstracts, and Rosa Roberts’ intense pastels on paper.
Pauline, the hotel’s flagship restaurant named in honour of the legendary Pauline Baker — wife of famed culinary explorer Charles H. Baker Jr. — is conceived as a tropical sanctuary of textured wood, vibrant tilework, and bold Latin American flavours.
At the end of the space, a striking sculptural screen upholstered in a soft, feminine fabric pays homage to Pauline Baker and brings texture and visual interest to the room. Bar stools designed by ADC & Tuneu draw inspiration from the 1970’s and are upholstered in aqua and tones contrasting the rest in soft peach.
Geometry plays a central role in the design, with deliberate contrasts between curves, squares, and diagonals – elements inspired by Art Deco references. Every detail from the bespoke tables to the custom-designed seating has been carefully curated to create a space that is modern, layered and deeply personal.
The Little Torch cocktail lounge offers a moodier, more intimate escape. Tables crafted in onyx and custom designed by ADC & Tuneu set the tone for a sophisticated yet playful aesthetic.
The space is wrapped in a bold 1970’s inspired that flows seamlessly across walls, ceilings and furniture. Rugs are custom-made to mirror the same pattern, creating a dynamic visual experience.
Lighting plays a central role in establishing the lounge’s clubby, soft-retro vibe. Details include the iconic Mantis floor lamp by DCW and sculptural table lamps by Pablo Pardo, chosen to enhance the intimate mood. Every joinery detail, including the DJ booth and bar was designed by ADC & Tuneu, contributing to a holistic and immersive design narrative.
Marta Tuneu comments: “Designing The Shelborne has been an incredibly rewarding experience for myself and Aaron. Collaborating with the Proper team allowed us to reimagine this iconic landmark with sensitivity and purpose. The result is not only a restoration of its heritage but also a fresh inspiration for a new generation of guests.”