From Coral Gables to Paris: Villa Verde Wins a 2026 Paris Design Award

In 2009 our studio began operating as Showhomes Coral Gables. Every project we took on in our territory carried layers of history within the very walls we were staging. The city of Coral Gables came to life in the early 1900s. Each unique home found under the iconic oak trees of this neighborhood requires a delicate assessment: listen before you speak and honor the roots before placing a single piece of furniture. 

Seventeen years later, our evolved studio, Showhomes Premier Staging, got the call to stage 909 Roderigo Avenue– a thoughtfully restored 1930s cottage known as Villa Verde. The moment we stepped inside, we were reminded all over again of how enchanting Coral Gables truly is. 

A Philosophy of Subtraction 

The home’s transformation was led by Marco Coello of C CUBICA Arquitectos. Coello’s design strategy focused on subtraction and precision– stripping non-original additions to reveal the home’s architectural bones. Our job as stagers was to mirror that exact philosophy. When standing under the restored Cypress ceiling and beside the original fireplace, we knew our objective was clear: do not compete with the architecture. 

Staging Villa Verde wasn’t about filling rooms with glamorous decor; we wanted to tell a story, but keep the details of this home as the statement. Rather than using bold and

dramatic furniture that would clutter areas, we curated low-profile, clean pieces anchored in natural textures. Linen sofas, warm woods, and muted earth tones drew eyes to the double-height ceilings, stucco walls, and herringbone flooring– thoughtfully echoing the home’s rustic yet modern character. 

An International Honor 

We are honored that our staging could play a supporting role in bringing Coello’s vision to life. Staging a historic home isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about illustrating how effortlessly that history fits into modern living. Being chosen for Villa Verde was already a highlight for our team, and we’ve just learned it’s been named a Winner in the Architecture/Refurbishment category of the 2026 Paris Design Awards, recognizing C CUBICA Arquitectos’ design team of Emilio Cabrero, Marco Coello, Andrea Cesarman, Sergio Solares, Jose Lopez, and Aldo Abrica. 

Our staging design is featured throughout the award submission’s photography, and it’s truly a special feeling to see our work travel alongside a project earning this kind of international recognition. Marco and the team will travel to Paris in November to accept the award. Villa Verde is also expected to be featured in Architectural Digest, and we couldn’t be prouder to have contributed to its next chapter. 

Villa Verde recently went back under contract with a full-price cash offer and is currently moving through inspections. We’re hoping it makes it all the way to closing, and we’ll be sure to share the news when it does! 

To see more of Villa Verde’s refurbishment by C CUBICA Arquitectos and its staging by Showhomes Premier Staging, visit the official 🔗 Paris Design Awards project website.

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