Clockwise from top left: Compass client Marlene Green sits atop her minimalist staircase, flanked by artist Nancy Drew’s painting; the contemporary Miami townhouse is the perfect foil for Marlene’s ornate, well-traveled tastes; an Arco floor lamp designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962 punctuates Marlene’s informal lounge; a concrete-and-acrylic dining table designed by Martial awaits guests.

At Home on Allison Island

As a Miami-based executive coach prepares to join the vibrant South Beach scene, she leaves the storied sophistication of her eclectic island retreat.

Words: Sara Levy-Lambert
Images: Claudia Uribe

Eleven years ago, the Emmy-nominated wardrobe consultant and talent developer Marlene Green purchased her townhouse on Miami’s exclusive, 8.5-acre Allison Island to serve as a second home — a wintertime respite from her main Chicago residence. The first built work of up-and-comers Adolfo Albaisa and Kristopher Musumano, it is part of a unique new development called Aqua—an entire array of buildings conceived by leading modernists and emerging architects.

After partnering with Chicago’s celebrated interior designer Martial Desprin to personalize the space and becoming accustomed to the walkable ease and amenities of the development, Marlene eventually elected to make it her primary address and professional hub for her burgeoning writing and executive coaching business.

Now preparing to shift once again, the consultant is trading the expansive, four-story home for the convenience and conviviality of apartment living in nearby South Beach, enlisting Compass agent Madeleine Romanello to help her find a buyer for the soaring space and inviting us over to take a look around.

Left: Marlene’s private townhouse elevator is enlivened with a high-contrast floral wallpaper—setting the tone for the black/white theme throughout; her casual den is grounded by neutral pieces that don’t distract from the sunny skies just outside.

What’s it like living in the Aqua development?

Marlene: Aqua, which encompasses all of Allison Island, is a planned community from esteemed South Beach and Design District developer Craig Robins. There are three mid-rises and 44 town homes designed by five different architects across the island. We have a concierge, fabulous house club, and one of the most beautiful pools in Miami Beach. And, as one of area’s most secure gated communities, complete with on-site security detail and guarded entrances, it feels very safe.

What originally attracted you to the Allison Island community?

Marlene: I heard that the development catered to artists and creative types, which appealed to me personally and professionally. I do executive and leadership coaching, working with high achievers to get them to the next level, and I’ve written two books on the subject as well.

The home has the purity and airiness of one of Miami’s buzzy galleries: gauzy window treatments, pristine ceilings, Tasso marble floors. But each room features a single dramatically charcoal wall. On this one, Marlene’s interior designer Martial used 20 domed security mirrors to at once open up the living room and create a work of art. The mirrors’ industrial vibe offsets the sumptuous silk Christian Liaigre sofa, a pair of gilded 1950s Louis XV chairs, and an oversized 18th-century lantern overhead.

Did you renovate or make any improvements to the property?

Marlene: Yes! This house was what’s called “decorator-ready” here in Southern Florida. It means that there were no floors, no baseboards — you have to do all that before moving in. I worked with Martial, and we created the space to be very unique.

Tell me how your personal style led to your design choices?

Marlene: My choices have always centered around livable, but eclectic style — a combination of functionality and beauty. I like each room to have a different feeling when you walk in, yet somehow it all goes together. Certain pieces are very expensive, like an Italian fixture reclaimed from a mansion, but then I also have flea market finds.

From left: She purchased the Picasso-esque painting in Madrid and picked up the street art masks in Chicago and New York. A quartet of intricately carved Chinese stools sub in for a more traditional single coffee table.

Is there an interesting story behind any of your furniture?

Marlene: Because it’s a townhouse, I wanted to make sure that the space didn’t feel narrow. We put in white marble floors, and Martial suggested using mirrors the same way retail stores do to create openness. Every single room has a black wall.

I was scared that would make it look small, but it actually opens everything up. So between the glass walls and the black walls, it was a really fun project.

How do you use your home most?

Marlene: During the winter, I practically run a hotel! What’s great about the house is that there is a whole wing with a separate entrance from the guest bedroom that takes you right downstairs, so guests can come and go as they please.

With four bedrooms, I can easily host friends, family, my son and his friends… When you live in Miami Beach, people love to come to visit, and this house offers tremendous privacy. I also often work from home, so many of my clients will come here for consultations.

Clockwise from top left: A time-worn armoire pops in the otherwise sleek bathroom; the guest room’s daybed, acquired in Thailand, is casually covered in a medley of bold pillows purchased on trips; the full-floor master suite, complete with terrace, is grounded by a streamlined four-poster bed by Christian Liaigre.

You’ve lived in various parts of the country. What do you love most about Miami?

The sunshine! I lived in Chicago for years, which is a beautiful city, but 60 percent of the time it’s gray.

When it’s sunny out, people talk more — and Miami is just so eclectic and international. It reminds me of how bohemian New York City’s Soho and the Village were when I was younger.

Aqua’s pristine pool and landscaped grounds encourage a convivial environment; Marlene’s plentiful outdoor space lends at-home entertaining a distinctly Floridian feel; a private rooftop terrace offers striking vantages of the Miami skyline.

It certainly seems like this home takes full advantage of Miami’s sunshine! Do you find that you use the outdoor areas very often?

Absolutely! I have a spacious rooftop and terrace where I go to relax. To cool off, I often go swimming—Aqua has one of the most beautiful pools in all the city; I just love it. I’m also very close to the beach, so of course I go all the time! I have traveled all over the world, but I have to say Miami has the most gorgeous beaches.

How has the selling process and working with Madeleine been like so far?

Marlene: Madeleine is incredible. She’s handled all the marketing and is incredibly attentive to details. She first came to me as a client—as have many other Compass agents—so it’s been an interesting and rewarding role reversal!

From her concrete-topped dining room table, lined with sleek Verner Panton for Vitra chairs, Marlene prepares for her next coaching client with the help of her adored toy poodle Benji.

Want to work with an agent like Madeleine? Compass partners with you throughout your home search, providing deep knowledge of the Miami real estate market to help you find a home you love.