How One Designer Turned ‘90s Miami Vice’ Into a Masterpiece of Soulful Modernism

Michael Bourque, founder of Michael David Bourque Modern Designs, approaches client relationships with the same intentionality he brings to his spaces. He carefully vets each potential collaboration to cultivate creative chemistry and develop a deep understanding of his client’s psyche before diving into a project.

At the heart of the story are the homeowners, a spirited couple whose motivation to remodel a 2012 property was both practical and emotional. They wanted to create a sanctuary enticing enough to draw their son and daughter-in-law—soon-to-be new parents—from afar. Rather than wait for the lengthy process of new construction, they opted to fast-track their dream through a bold, soulful renovation.

Though only a little over a decade old, the house bore the marks of builder-grade decisions and aesthetic misfires: glossy red kitchen cabinets, disjointed fireplaces, and an overall vibe that Bourque aptly described as “90s Miami Vice.” But beneath the surface were elements worth preserving—a striking floating staircase and a dramatic pivoting front door—features that helped anchor the redesign.

Texture was a major player in this narrative. “There’s a yin and yang to the smoothness of concrete and that roughness of Corten steel,” the designer states. “I was set to work on creating a vision of this soulful modern home, where there is a balance between those elements that can be seen as harsher to a lot of people.”

This juxtaposition is especially apparent in the powder room, a jewel box of design that embraces a moody, atmospheric aesthetic that’s both dramatic and intimate. Handmade, textural clay wall tiles sourced from a local woman-owned studio in Yucca Valley, Calif., are rich in texture and provide depth, creating a cocoon-like effect that instantly captivates. Layered with low, ambient lighting and unexpected finishes, the space blurs the line between utility and art, inviting guests into a moment of tactile luxury and visual intrigue. Unlike the glossy, high-shine quartz surfaces you often see, the powder room sink features a silky smooth matte-finish quartz that invites touch and elevates the sensory experience. 

The luxurious texture feels almost velvety under the hand, adding a quiet sophistication to the space. The integrated continuous countertop and sink is designed with a sleek, flat basin where water glides across the surface and disappears seamlessly through a subtle perforated drain—both functional and artful in its simplicity.

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It’s a room that invites touch, surprises the eye and breaks from convention—just like the homeowners themselves.

Bourque’s design choices throughout the residence reflect an intuitive understanding of the owners. Amorphic shapes in furniture echo their “rebel spirit.”

Function was never sacrificed for form. The layout emphasizes flexibility and comfort, with frequent guests and family visits in mind. On the main level, reconfigurable seating and outdoor cocktail nooks foster connection, while upstairs rooms offer privacy and retreat. Highlights of the upstairs include a reimagined gym with a clever steel concealment panel that reveals a personal barista station for morning coffee and bar by means of a custom-designed sliding the panel on the track installed in the ceiling.

“As a designer, my goal is for these design elements to be noticed at a subconscious level when you walk into a space,” Bourque explains. His background and advanced degree in psychology are instrumental in his design process. 

Another striking piece in the living area is the modular sofa. “We deliberately didn’t do a traditional sofa. It has a movable back piece, so you can set it up to watch TV or you can have it set up to enjoy mingling conversation at a cocktail party,” the designer explains. 

As a capstone to the project’s success, the home earned a coveted spot on the Signature Home Tour during Palm Springs’ Modernism Week 2025—a nod to its architectural merit and soulful interiors. 

Bourque’s entire design journey was rooted in creative freedom, allowing for a highly personalized approach where bespoke furnishings and tailored elements defined every corner of the home.

This was more than a remodel. It was a reflection of personal identity, familial love and the power of great design to evoke emotions—a result that Michael Bourque delivers effortlessly.