The Miami team at HBA has completed the design of The Ocean Room at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida with inspiration from the verdant landscape and sea, the building’s colonial architecture, and the history and tradition of the private club community

Natural and noble materials combine with refined millwork detailing to establish a stately, residential feel throughout the restaurant’s welcoming lounge, retail space, bar and dining room. Nautical details honor the fishing and sailing culture of the Florida Keys, while bespoke furniture and lighting underscore the refined elegance of the Club’s members. Throughout the interiors, accents of blue recall the azure sky and shimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Architectural elements earnestly frame the exterior views and give the building rhythm and symmetry.

Entry into the welcoming lounge is like stepping into a luxurious living room where white at the wainscot panels and coffered ceiling harmonize with clean lines, contemporary forms, and a palette of natural tones and textures. At the entrance, a collage of photographs explores the flora and fauna native to the region and makes the space feel comfortably inhabited. Architectural bookcases wrapped in woven cane material cleverly section the lounge into more intimate zones for convivial conversations and privacy and at the same time, house a curated mix of accessories, books, artwork, and archival photos.

Journeying further into the restaurant leads to the discovery of Reef Lounge, a sleek, sophisticated atmosphere for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap. Two large fish tanks, filled coral reefs and colorful ocean life, flank the bar’s entrance as a prelude to the ocean and reef views within. Suspended from the ceiling above the bar is a collection of spirits and liquors, a cordial tribute to the “bottles over the bar” tradition, which dates back to 1966 and indicates “originals” emptied by Ocean Reef members. Moments of rich blue, red and brass at the furnishings, bar front, and walls continue the nautical narrative and celebrate colors of the underwater world.

In the generous dining room, seating ranges from banquettes to tables and chairs to accommodate parties both large and small. Elegant airwalls create flexibility in dividing the space for a variety of member events and functions. Custom wallcovering is evocative of the merging ocean water with the cloud-filled sky as the view from the dining room suggests.

Design: HBA Contractor: Woolems Photography: Lian Bey

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