Historic Palm Beach Home Transformed with Edgy Elegance

Designer Alex Alonso gives a 1960s Florida retreat a vibrant, whimsical upgrade.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:00pm

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In Palm Beach, Florida, designer Alex Alonso of Mr. Alex Tate transformed a historic 1960s home that was previously owned by artist Orville Bulman. The home, which had been filled with all-white decor and pinkish-red bathrooms, underwent a full gut renovation to bring in a more vibrant, playful aesthetic that still honored the property's past.

Why it matters

This project showcases how a designer can breathe new life into an outdated home while still respecting its history and architectural pedigree. By leaning into experimentation and adding whimsical, edgy elements, Alonso was able to create an elegant yet fun retreat that stands out from the typical Palm Beach style.

The details

Alonso's team gutted the 6,000-square-foot home and started fresh, installing inky woodwork, channel-tufted seating, and gleaming brass accents. In the living room, they added treillage to the tray ceiling and wrapped a wall in a Gucci wallpaper featuring herons, a nod to the home's location on Audubon Causeway. Vintage 1970s Adrian Pearsall sofas were reupholstered in Schumacher velvet, and two antique Palme crystal chandeliers by Josef Hoffman were added overhead. In the wine room, a suede Scalamandré wallcovering creates a moody vibe, while the bathroom adjoining the home gym features a soft-pink marble to balance the masculine spaces.

  • The renovation took nearly 10 months to complete.
  • The home was originally built in 1965.

The players

Mr. Alex Tate

A design firm with offices in Miami, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City that was responsible for the renovation of this historic Palm Beach home.

Alex Alonso

The lead designer on the project, who pushed the design in a more experimental, vibrant direction rather than defaulting to a typical Palm Beach aesthetic.

Orville Bulman

The original owner of the home, who was a renowned artist known for his fantastical tropical scenes.

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What they’re saying

“We literally tried to put lipstick on the pig, so to speak, and it was not working.”

— Alex Alonso, Designer

“It really just kind of gave us an opportunity to be playful with it and add a little bit of whimsy and not necessarily do the obligatory Palm Beach with lots of pom-poms and sea motifs.”

— Alex Alonso, Designer

What’s next

The designer and client are considering additional updates to the home's exterior and landscaping to further enhance the property's unique character.

The takeaway

This renovation project demonstrates how a historic home can be transformed with a bold, experimental design approach that still pays homage to its past. By embracing vibrant colors, vintage furnishings, and unexpected design elements, the team was able to create an elegant yet whimsical retreat that stands out from the typical Palm Beach aesthetic.