Colin Cowie in the lobby of his Miami apartment building

Photo by Douglas Friedman, styling by Rebecca Omweg

No-Fuss Entertaining
Colin Cowie is known for throwing once-in-a-lifetime events (such as Oprah’s Legends Ball)—but when it comes to making his own fun, he goes for fabulous with the least amount of fuss. He chose his Miami Beach getaway with just that sort of entertaining in mind.
Colin Cowie's Philippe Starck-designed apartment building

Photo by Douglas Friedman, styling by Rebecca Omweg

Colin's Ocean Views
On the 35th floor and with two terraces and 270-degree views, the apartment is set up for socializing at any time of day, whether the sun is rising over the Atlantic Ocean or setting behind Biscayne Bay. "I feel like I'm king up here," he says.
Colin Cowie enjoys dining on the terrace.

Photo by Douglas Friedman, styling by Rebecca Omweg

Afternoon Dining on the Terrace
Colin's furniture was selected with versatility and durability in mind: Leather-and-pony poufs can be moved to the terrace for open-air cocktail seating, and thanks to a coat of waterproof paint, the dining table is as practical outdoors as it is in.

"The first thing I did was de-Starck it and then Colinize it by adding my own touches," Colin says of his Philippe Starck-designed apartment.

Colin purchased the table and benches for his terrace at Crate & Barrel and then cut down the legs (five inches off the table, four off the benches) to make the furniture more "Zen-like." His glassware and plates are from Crate & Barrel, and the flatware is from Pottery Barn. The house wine is a Klein Constantia sauvignon blanc, from South Africa, his former home.
Colin Cowie's terrace in the evening

Photo by Douglas Friedman, styling by Rebecca Omweg

Dining Under the Stars
With a nod to Florida's colorful cuisine and tropical landscape, Colin creates menus that often include spicy foods and makes centerpieces with live plants rather than cut flowers. "I don't think I've ever had a rose in the house," he says. "I prefer a tall vase full of tropical plants or leaves."

It rains at a moment's notice in Miami, so Colin weatherized his terrace furniture with waterproof deck paint. The shrimp bowl is Murano glass, and the runner is from Crate & Barrel. A bronze urn is used as a planter, holding bamboo and succulents.
Colin Cowie's living room during the day

Photo by Douglas Friedman, styling by Rebecca Omweg

Colin's Living Room
Made from an open-weave fabric by Cowtan & Tout, the living-room drapes provide shade and privacy without blocking the view of the Atlantic Ocean. Colin designed the metallic-finished wood islands; the bronze chair is by Paul Evans. The carafe and glasses are from Nambé.
Colin sets the mood with candles.

Photo by Douglas Friedman, styling by Rebecca Omweg

Perfect Space for a Party
Lunch usually is served family style, from big platters placed on the terrace tables. Evenings are likely to start inside, with one of Colin's cocktail concoctions greeting guests as soon as they cross the threshold. As night wears on, the party might retire to a terrace, where Colin and his guests can look out over the stunning view and be the rulers of all they behold.

Colin is mad about candles and places them everywhere, whether in groupings of bowls (from the Setai hotel gift store), amber votives (from Crate & Barrel), or hurricane lamps (on windy nights, he covers them with plastic film and pokes a hole at the top of each to let out the smoke). The martini glasses are from Colin's C Squared collection.
Colin's Pan-Roasted Spiced Lamb Chops and Meringues with Sorbet and Fruit

Photo by Douglas Friedman, styling by Rebecca Omweg

Colin's Dinner Party Menu
Colin says he loves to set a beautiful table and serve fun drinks and a delicious meal. Now you can, too! Recreate Colin's dinner party menu at your home with these recipes: