MIAMI — The kitchen is where all the action happens at the waterfront home of Leticia and Miky (pronounced Mickey) Grendene. For that reason they have used the large and inviting space as a canvas for their art collection, which is largely made up of photographs. “We spend so much time in here cooking, which Miky does every night, and enjoying great meals and wine with our family and friends,” Ms. Grendene said. “Why not display beautiful art here?”

The couple — he is 56 and from Italy; she is 52 and has Mexican-Puerto Rican roots — own Casa Tua, a restaurant and private club in Miami. They live with their three children: Giovanni, 23; Alessandra, 20; and Luca, 15; four dogs; and a cat.

The trove of photos in their home in the Bay Point neighborhood includes more than 100 pieces by artists as diverse as Irving Penn, Paulo Nazareth and Seydou Keita. “Generally, we gravitate to pictures that are happy and uplifting and have some meaning to them,” Ms. Grendene said of their collection.

These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Why are you drawn to photography?

MR. GRENDENE Photography has an immediate impact on you emotionally. And I like how it’s possible to buy fantastic photography at a reasonable price, compared with a great painting.