Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

"I have a 15-year relationship with this client, this is actually my third project with them. This is their forever home." CI founder and Principal, Michael Miller, walked Haute Design through this unique and comprehensive project.

Located in Chicago's prestigious Lincoln Park area, this initially unassuming home offers so many unique and custom aspects that very few, if any, Chicagoans can brag about. Thanks to its generous double-long and double-wide lot, there was plenty of space for Michael and his design team to consider. Centaur Interiors executed this entire project from conception to the final decorative details. This includes build, architecture, design and even artwork.

"There are not many indoor/outdoor living situations in Chicago," Michael added. "But because their home has this unique backyard space, we wanted that to be integral to the design. We tore down the original sunroom and built a new one made entirely of glass, where all the sliding door systems open up to this back courtyard."

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The unique millwork and lighting seen in the borders of the courtyard is meant to resemble artwork. Since this part of the exterior is visible from the kitchen and sink, CI's design team thought it would be great for the residents to see something beautiful year-round.

"The clients are big cooks," Michael continued. "So, the kitchen was the centerpiece of the home. We created a centerpiece kitchen that's made for two people to comfortably work together. I believe there is a six or seven-foot galley dual tap sink, which allows you to work side by side. Directly alongside that is what we call the baker's kitchen with its own sink and dual oven. Additionally, there's a bar area for glassware, wines and spirits. We broke the kitchen down into three spaces which allow for simultaneous and undisrupted entertainment."

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

Being one of the focal points of the home, it was fitting that the kitchen be so perfectly symmetrical. In fact, throughout the entire home, the concept of symmetry was of utmost importance to CI's design and architecture teams. This symmetry provides a harmonious sense of balance which can not only be seen, but felt. Another great example of symmetry lies within the master bathroom.

The wall where the master bed sits is the same in which the master bathroom's vanity is located. This allows for a seamless design which considers two separate entries for him and her in their corresponding sides of the bathroom and closets as well. While there is a his and her portal to the bathroom, the hand milled stone, shower and tub remain dead center of the bathroom to ensure that sense of symmetry.

Photo Credit: Centaur interiors

The more details and visuals revealed about the home, the more it becomes apparent that CI's work does not merely have to do with the beauty and luxury of a home, but the practicality of the home as well. This residence is a perfect example of that. The several tailor made, bespoke pieces is just further proof that everything about the design of this home had the residents in mind.

For example, the view from the staircase will reveal a custom made light fixture which hangs from the third story of the home and perfectly dances throughout each level, undisturbed. The dining room is another great example of Michael's extensive knowledge of the family and their lifestyle. Considering that this family loves to entertain, the dining room table was designed to sit as a single unit, or it can become two separate pieces depending on the occasion.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

In other words, this family's fingerprints are reflected throughout the entire build and design of this home. However, do not think this to be the case just because Michael and his team have an existing rapport with the clients. CI makes sure to learn as much as possible about their clients' needs, lifestyle and more in order to design their perfect home.

"We included a smart home system which grants the residence total control over their surroundings and prevents what I like to call, 'wall acne'," Michael added. "The smart home system does not have too many switches and yet it controls, HVAC, lighting, floor heating, as well as the corresponding room's electric devices such as TV, music and more."

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The post Centaur Interiors Delivers One-of-a-kind Crown Jewel in Chicago’s Lincoln Park appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Gaston Galella, Norma Galella, Chloe Swain

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

With Springtime well underway and most of the country looking forward to the sunny summer months, Duoma Atelier spoke to Haute Design about the principles to good outdoor design.

Haute Design: How important is outdoor residential design for your clients?

Norma Galella: Because South Florida's weather is great all year long, a thoughtfully designed outdoor living area is just as important as the interior design of a home. Our clients are always asking us to come up with innovative solutions that provide the best use of their backyards, and in this market, every square foot is prime real estate.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: What are some of the most important aspects of outdoor design?

Gaston Galella: The most important is designing beautiful and functional spaces based on the client's needs. We start by asking some important questions: 'Is there a need for a separate multipurpose house for guests or other uses? What is your entertaining style? Do you want a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen or just a small kitchenette? What kind of landscaping do you prefer? How many shaded areas will you need for outdoor dining and lounging?' And the list goes on.Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: Does the exterior of a home need to match the interior? If so, how is this done?

NG: We approach the outdoor design in the same way we approach interior design - by getting to know the client and letting their style and experience guide us. The interior of a home needs to express a cohesive story, but each space can have its own personality. This same concept applies for outdoor areas. Nature plays a big role, but you should still bring some of your interior style, colors and textures for a seamless transition.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: What is your favorite aspect of outdoor design?

NG: We love to provide a comprehensive design package. To have the opportunity to marry our interiors with exteriors is exciting. Our clients benefit tremendously, not only by hiring our full concierge turnkey services, but also by allowing us to design their entire home. This way, all they have to do is relax and enjoy their beautiful spaces.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: What are some tips to have in mind when designing outdoor spaces?

GG: The type of materials for outdoor spaces are very different from indoor spaces. That's the first thing to keep in mind while selecting furniture and finishes. Always ask if the material you are considering is suitable for outdoor use. This will depend whether pieces or materials are under shade or completely exposed to the elements.

The post Duoma Atelier is Ready for South Florida Outdoor Living and Entertaining appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Margarita Bravo

Photo Credit: Margarita Bravo

Given Miami's tendency for art and design, it should come as no surprise that the magic city is ranked third in the country as one of the best cities for interior designers. In order to satisfy the demand from their client's, nationally acclaimed luxury interior designer Margarita Bravo and her team have opened a new office in Miami on March 24th. This will mark the third office for Bravo with the first two located in Denver, CO and Montecito, CA. Bravo and her team are famous for their exciting, versatile designs coupled with superior client management, and the flair that reflects Miami’s global lifestyle. 

Bravo's design-build firm offers full-service residential and commercial interior design, decorating and renovation. Additionally, the firm brings her premier taste and years of high-end experience, dealing with clients from Miami and beyond.

Bravo and her team provide "white glove" client-centric attention to detail. This enables her firm to attend to the full scope of the design and decorating process and eliminates any stress for the client when furnishing or renovating their home or office. Bravo's approach to interior design and project execution finds the "sweet spot" between the client's desires and her own creativity and vision.

Photo Credit: Margarita Bravo

"For years, Miami has been a vacation destination, but now it has grown into an international hub for art, design, real estate, finance, fashion and technology," says Bravo. "We see Miami's multicultural and economic offering as both welcoming and refreshing. We have Latin blood in our veins, and we feel this is the right time to bring our expertise, along with our local talent, to create wonderful experiences for our clients."

Bravo's range of service include but are not limited to:

• Art curating and sourcing
• Architectural Reviews
• Kitchen and bath remodeling
• Custom furniture and cabinet design
• Construction coordination, space planning and green remodeling
• Lighting, furniture selection and more

Photo Credit: Margarita Bravo

Her expertise in working with craftsmen and architects allows Bravo to act as liaison or project manager if needed, and she is even able to manufacture furniture for clients who have not been able to find quite what they were looking for, under the brand name, Sorella. Additionally, Bravo can offer remote design, renovation and concierge service such as filling the client's new home with anything from caviar to champagne.

Bravo's Miami office will serve all of South Florida with world-class design, decor, and renovation services in Miami, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Alis Beach and Boca Raton. The team is fluent in English and Spanish.

The post Acclaimed Interior Designer, Margarita Bravo, Expands to Miami appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

Hafsa Burt recently gave Haute Design an insider's look at her Terra Glen project in San Jose, CA.

Haute Design: How did the Terra Glen renovation project come about?

Hafsa Burt: This multi-family asset was being repositioned and I knew one of the new owners. He expressed interest in allowing me to take a look to see what can be done to modernize the building. We got together with their marketing team to make sure goals were aligned with their vision and worked closely with them, every step of the way.

HD: What is the biggest challenge when approaching a project of this scale?

HB: Projects such as these are usually occupied, therefore design and construction need to be flexible to work around the occupants. Such assets are also dated for building code requirements and need to be carefully analyzed for upgrades relevant to current codes and regulations. And then of course, aesthetics are addressed.

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

HD: What are some of the ecologically-friendly practices utilized throughout the project?

HB: We used materials throughout that have a low carbon footprint and don't off-gas, creating a healthier indoor air quality. Fresh air, natural light and ventilation were also key factors in design. We specified bamboo cladding, which is a carbon-capturing material and has shown great resilience compared to tile and looks fantastic on the exterior.

HD: What were the main goals throughout the renovation? What needed the most improvement?

HB: As briefly mentioned before, assets like these, which have been around for decades, require significant building code upgrades to make sure the building is safe for occupants. There are complex layers that start with a detailed analysis of existing conditions while maintaining contingencies for unexpected surprises during construction when walls are demolished, etc.  After the initial analysis, a plan is laid out to address code issues and solutions are discussed with the clients while keeping in line with their vision and making the space aesthetically appealing and contemporary.

The post hb+a Architects’ Terra Glen Project Renovates and Keeps Design Contemporary appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Guimar Urbina

Photo Credit: Sofia Sardi Studio

Guimar recently completed a unique project involving a renovation of an athletic rehab and recovery facility in South Florida.

Haute Design: How did a project to design a gym come about?

Guimar Urbina: One of my family members decided to open his own facility for rehab and recovery. It was a very challenging project since we only had 30 days to complete the entire renovation and to receive the fixtures, equipment and furniture.

HD: There are plenty familiar names on the jerseys displayed above the gym mirror. Are all of those athletes current or former clients of the gym?

GU: Yes, those jerseys belong to some of the professional athletes who work with my client. They play baseball, soccer and tennis. Many of them play for Inter Miami, the Mexican National Soccer Team, the Miami Marlins, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Photo Credit: Sofia Sardi Studio

HD: What is the main difference you felt while designing this space compared to a home? 

GU: The first major difference that stood out to me was the size of the open space. The floor is made of rubber, as opposed to the porcelains, marbles or wood floors we are used to working with inside a home. It was also very interesting to work with the spacing between each massage bed and workout machine.

Photo Credit: Sofia Sardi Studio

HD: What was the biggest challenge for you throughout this project? 

GU: The toughest part of this project was convincing my client, who is a family member, that a scale drawing and three-dimensional renderings are the perfect tools to avoid mistakes before ordering fixtures and furniture pieces. As you might imagine, working with family is never easy (ha ha ha).

HD: Would you work on another gym or non-standard design project in the future?

GU: Of course! I love a challenge in life. At the moment, I have two clients who are professional baseball players and they want me to design their home gym. And of course, it's great for me and the firm to have the opportunity to work on these new projects, which I can add to my portfolio.

Photo Credit: Sofia Sardi Studio

The post Guimar Urbina Interiors Ventures into Unique Gym Renovation Project appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Lesli Saul's wealth of experience and knowledge has led to countless success stories and satisfied customers. One of the more exciting of these stories is LS&A's continued and growing partnership with high-end French furniture company, Roche Bobois. The esteemed French company has been collaborating with LS&A for over 16 years now. Leslie Saul took the time to explain this successful and exciting ongoing design partnership in further detail.

"LS&A architecture and interiors started working with the French furniture company, Roche Bobois, over 16 years ago in 2005. Since then, we have been the project architect for five stores for the creative, high-quality firm that is based in Paris. Our most recent store, the new location for Boston, in Back Bay, is almost complete. We can’t wait for the opening in the next few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy the photographs of the store in Natick, MA. This exciting store was designed in Paris and interpreted and developed by us.

"One of the great pleasures of working with Roche Bobois, besides the terrific Regional Director, Pierre Berardo, is that our residential clients can take advantage of our knowledge of the products, the salespeople, and the good-value pricing. I also love that the stores are projects that are open to the public, as opposed to our design work for private homes, which remain private (as they should). Retail design is fun and for the public! Bienvenue à tous!"

The post Leslie Saul & Associates’ Partnership with Roche Bobois Reminds us that Retail Design is Fun and for the Public appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Rita Chraibi

Rita recently previewed an exciting upcoming project with Haute Design. The massive structure is set to result in an exceptional and unprecedented exterior for Miami.

Haute Design: What does a project of this magnitude mean for your firm?

Rita Chraibi: This means a lot. This kind of project is a big challenge because it is an existing house that we have to completely reconfigure. The residence is more than 30 years old. For the exterior of the house, we have redesigned all the facades. This completely affects the interior as well as it alters the distribution and rearrangement of the layout. Therefore, the interior design of the home has been completely redone.

Taking into account all the constraints of the existing house, it's a lot of parameters to take into consideration and a lot of constraints to manage at the same time. From a scale and size point of view, it requires a lot of time and very experienced interior design teams to manage a huge project - which also implies teams to manage and coordinate on-site.

It also implies a lot of creativity because this type of mansion has to be completely rethought and reconfigured, not just on an aesthetic level, but on a technological level as well. There are plenty of constraints to manage since we have an existing house with all the structural and architectural limitations. So yes, it’s a very large project in terms of its size and importance and it's a wonderful opportunity to be able to express my creativity and expertise on such a project.

HD: What is the most exciting part about tackling a project this large?

RC: It's very exciting to compare the before and after aspects of a project like this. You have a house that's over 30 years old and you have to completely changes its style and redesign it. Unlike new house built from scratch, we will benefit from this before and after concept and it's very exciting. Aside from the size (42,000 sq. ft built-up) and importance of the project, what will be most exciting is to see the house at the beginning of the project and then see its gradual transformation toward the final result. We're expecting to get the sense that it's not the same house at all and it will be somewhat of an extreme makeover.

HD: What will be the main inspiration for the design of this home?

RC: It's a house that was built in a Mediterranean style in the 80's on a private beach. The location of the house is exceptional. The owners wanted it to be modern but in a classic style that respects the shape of the house. Knowing that we were redesigning the interior as well as the exterior of the house, I proposed to my clients to do something unique and outstanding, never seen before in Miami, so we designed the exterior of the house in a “French chateau-style” as we often see in France - My clients are very refined and loved the idea of having something completely different and brand-new - it's unprecedented in Miami and the result of the exterior of the house will be truly exceptional!

The interior of the house is definitely very modern and this is often the case with renovations in France for all the old buildings and even in the “Haussmanian” style apartments in Paris. The character and the old architecture are preserved while matching it with a contemporary interior design.

I find the result very interesting as a kind of respect for the past with a foot in the future. It is a kind of confrontation between the old and the modern that gives an unparalleled result.

The post International Designers’ Rita Chraibi Teases Benchmark Residential Design Project in Miami appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Sensi Casa Staging and Design

The Miami real estate market has never been hotter. Despite the steep rise in increase of real estate value, folks continue to flock to the sunny city of Miami. This increase in residents provides a massive opportunity for real estate brokers and designers alike. Fortunately, Miami's newcomers will find no shortage of excellence when it comes to interior design options. Those with the best of taste will certainly lean toward procuring the services of Sensi Casa.

What sets Sensi Casa apart is that they understand the client's need for a home with personality. After the past few pandemic-stricken years, the masses have grown to understand the importance of their living spaces. Clients are looking for a higher level of planning and design and Sensi Casa is not only extremely aware of this but they happen to be able to deliver just that in record time. Sensi Casa's renowned presto turnkey services allow for clients to move into the most gorgeous unique luxury home in the blink of an eye.

Photo Credit: Sensi Casa Staging and Design

The Miami-based firm's turn key services were able to secure a record-breaking sale in the High Pines/Ponce Davis area. This time, by the hand of Domenica Dassum from One Sotheby's. The nearly 7,200 square foot home recently sold for $7.5M. The one-of-a-kind design delivered by Sensi Casa allowed for the home to gain a charm and personality while still seeming completely natural and organic.

Hints of natural elements and large windows that allow natural light to beam through every room enhances Miami's sunny appeal. The modern architecture of the home is enhanced and contrasted by intelligent eclectic and curved furniture by Sensi Casa's design team.

Photo Credit: Sensi Casa Staging and Design

If you wish to get in contact with Sensi Casa for an upcoming home renovation, home staging, or any other design inquiries, click here for more information.

Photo Credit: Sensi Casa Staging and Design

Photo Credit: Sensi Casa Staging and Design

The post Sensi Casa’s Turnkey Luxury Design Leads to Second Record-Breaking Sale appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

Lakesha Rose, founder and principal at L Rose Interiors, explains how Chicago's inclement weather affects the interior design of a home.

Haute Design: How much should the interior design of a space change depending on the seasons?

Lakesha Rose: Very little because if the overall design has been thoughtfully curated, you won’t want to change much. That said, I would like to suggest, seasonal flowers, candles, seasonal pillows that were curated with the original design to be able to change during the season(s) of your choice. 

HD: Is there any climate for which it is more difficult to design?

LR: No, there are countless possibilities for designing in accordance with any and every season.

Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

HD: What is the main criterion for a home in Chicago that is designed to endure the harsh winter months?

LR: Texture during the winter months provides a cozy home feel. I burn candles all the time and during dinner at home often dim the lights and light a candelabra at the dinner table during the winter. 

HD: What are three easy ways to warm up an interior?

LR: Cozy texture, candles and dim lighting.

Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

The post Lakesha Rose Explains the Impact of Seasonal Change in Interior Design appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Dr. Humza Arif

Photo Credit: kliniko Miami

Moving into 2022 and reflecting on the era that transformed how we live and interact with others, I wanted to take the time to share my thoughts on healthcare. Haute Design has provided a phenomenal forum where like-minded aficionados of design come together and share. My perspectives and inspirations create within the tapestry of healthcare, which so many of us now cherish more than any other time in recent history. The care we take for ourselves and our family coalesce together in the design of oral healthcare. Kliniko Miami has been birthed from a time of uncertainty. It is therefore that the design of my dental clinic practice in Miami is twofold.

Photo Credit: kliniko Miami

First and foremost, the creation of a new, renowned physical aesthetic space to practice and share the art of dentistry was built to help create a space of peace and calmness while captivating our inquisitive nature of architecture and the feelings it brings to the surface. In doing so, and much like Haute Living has accomplished, we create a forum and space to discuss the art of oral and dental health. Like artisans of past and present, this transitions into creating beautiful smiles for our patients. All the while, Kliniko Miami is happy to share its presence in the metaverse. A team has been built to not only launch the clinic at our physical Miami location but also make its contributions into the digital space, the blockchain and our portfolio for interactions wherever they may be. I’m happy to share with you this multi-faceted approach facilitated by architecture and design that will help transition a new era in how  we look to life in 2022 and beyond.

Photo Credit: kliniko Miami

The post The Design of Oral Healthcare, by Dr. Humza Arif appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The Centaur Interiors design team recently spoke to Haute Design about the innovative and exciting work they have been incorporating into one of the most important spaces in anyone's home, the kitchen.

Haute Design: How would you describe Centaur Interiors' vision for the modern kitchen in 2022?

Centaur Interiors: We feel the modern kitchen should be compatible with each individual's specific function and lifestyle. We always incorporate smart kitchens that are fully integrated within the home. This gives our clients the power to start or access appliances from their phones through an app, giving them ultimate control of their kitchen. A kitchen in 2022 should always have as much work space as possible. We look to maximize surface areas as much as possible in every kitchen. While function is key, aesthetics are what make a kitchen pop and we love creating beautiful kitchens that have unique features. Anyone can pick out a beautiful granite countertop, but adding a recessed ceiling in the kitchen for architectural interest, dimension and breadth is what makes CI stand out from the pack. Clean designs with hidden appliances make for beautiful kitchens.

HD: What sets a Centaur Interiors kitchen apart from the rest?

CI: We provide custom solutions based on each client's lifestyle and how they entertain. There is never a generic CI kitchen since our designs are as unique and special as our clients. We tend to practice a modern, clean-line approach to gourmet kitchens rather than the generic stainless steel gourmet kitchen. We’re revolutionizing the art of building by offering the full range of design, construction and furnishing services all in one firm. This allows us to consistently offer unique materials and finishes.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

HD: What are some of the more common requests from clients when discussing the concept of kitchens or dining rooms?

CI: Clients enjoy having control of their surroundings at home and they like to know they do not need to put in too much work by way of maintenance. Clients value specific task lighting and ambient lighting as well. Appliance garages seem to be very popular. We have observed that the preferred situation for cooling systems is to have separate freezer and refrigerator components and drawers. Clients appreciate a separate bar area as well as a casual dining space.

HD: With the rising trend of open concept spaces in modern homes, how does CI design a Kitchen, Family Room and dining room to all be one cohesive narrative while still distinguishing themselves apart from each other?

CI: There are a few main practices we abide by to accomplish this. First, these spaces can all be connected through traffic flow and complimentary finishes. This allows for the spaces to have a cohesive through line. Secondly, by utilizing unique furniture arrangements that designate the spaces, we create different zones.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The post Centaur Interiors Gives Kitchens the Attention they have Always Deserved appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

The design firm has recently received praise for their continued growth and success and are currently shortlisted for the 2022 International Design & Architecture Awards.

Haute Design recently spoke to Jasmin Reese to discuss this special moment and what it all means to her.

Haute Design: How did your participation in the running for this award come about?

Jasmin Reese:

The Manager of the International Hotel and Property Awards and Senior Awards Coordinator reached out to me to see if I had any projects I would like to submit. There were several different categories to choose from and I selected Living Space in the Americas, Residential Project Value at 1-2.5Million and Luxury Space in Americas. We are shortlisted for all three.

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

HD: What are the criteria for winning this award?

JR: Good Photography is key, my photographer, Michael Alan Kaskel, is simply amazing. The awards' voting process really sets them apart from other awards. Instead of a small judging panel of 10-20 professionals, they have an average of 70,000 industry professionals voting over the four-week period, taking 53 minutes to complete a vote. The coverage, scope and reach of this process is incredible. Objective, fair, a true competition with winners decided by the industry itself.

Design et al Magazine and The International Design & Architecture Awards have run this ceremony for the past 13 years to promote the global interior design & architecture industry and bring together the design elite of this industry for an international celebration of designers and architects. They are recognized as "one of the leading authorities in the global interior design and architecture industry” and “represent some of the world's leading design names."

HD: What does it mean to be recognized among the potential winners of these awards?

JR: Having your work shortlisted in these awards is believed to be "the pinnacle of recognition within the industry." Only the best of interior design and architecture can be shortlisted.

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

HD: To what would you credit this award the most?

JR: My team is amazing. They work really hard, and of course, my clients, who trusted me to do something bold in their home. I'm very happy for the level of trust they have given me!

The post Jasmin Reese Interiors Shortlisted for 2022 International Design & Architecture Awards appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

Cozy Salazar Interiors is based and accomplishes plenty of work in the historic and charming Coral Gables area of Miami. Haute Design recently inquired about the tight-rope act of elevating and innovating design in such a historic area.

Haute Design: Working in Coral Gables, how do you maintain the look/feel of a home within the Gables vibe while making it unique as well?

Cozy Salazar: The houses in Coral Gables are all special in their own way! We love working on renovations, specifically in Coral Gables, that restore the charming aspects of a home to its former glory rather than trying to make them look like new construction. Whether that be preserving an old mantle, decorative ceiling, exterior arches etc. There is so much history here and we love playing into that. If we are working on a renovation with French or Spanish architecture and influence, we try to pay homage to that in the interior and respect the intention the original owners had for the space.

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

We do this in several ways by adding millwork that correlates with the style of the home, sourcing specific wallpapers for that space, leaning into furniture and decor that feels relevant, or, when working on the exterior, adding natural stone, updating front doors and windows, redesigning the pool, and/or investing in great landscaping. It saddens me a little to see a charming Coral Gables home renovated either too modern or in a contradicting style to its bones. Paying respect to what is already in place during a renovation is important in maintaining the “City Beautiful’s” rich history and charm.

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

The post Cozy Salazar Interiors Heightens Charm in Coral Gables Area appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

The Rodriguez-Cheney renovation project is a great example of the amazing work done by Duoma Atelier on a regular and consistent basis.

For this renovation, Norma was inspired by the clients' inclination for hosting as well as their modern aesthetic taste. The clients' desire was for her to create a sophisticated and functional home that would feel modern and inviting. They wanted their home to meet at the intersection between moody and airy. The result presented itself as a muted palette with delicate touches of black, green and blue accents, warm metals, woods and rich textures.

The Duoma Atelier team created a floor-to-ceiling slatted wood wall at the entrance which serves as an open “mud room” on the foyer side, dividing it from the new living room. As soon as guests enter the space, they can appreciate their hosts' art collection on the gallery wall, which was designed with track-lighting and custom placards.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

While the home living spaces have beautiful high vaulted ceilings, it was originally divided by the existing kitchen, located directly at the center of the space, blocking all the wonderful natural light. By relocating it to one side and creating an open-style concept, the new kitchen became the heart of the home, drawing all eyes to its simplicity and elegance. Norma played with proportions and materials in order to create a one-of-a kind kitchen with ample room for entertaining.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

The powder room, truly a hidden gem of this project, became one of the clients' favorite spaces. Norma combined dark materials and patterns to create a moody and boutique look.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

Finally, the Master Bathroom was design to be a Zen-contemporary retreat with a soft palette, free standing bathtub, floating vanity, and LED-mirror. The wood floors coming into the room and changing to modern hexagon gray tiles brings a touch of playfulness and interest.

The post Duoma Atelier Renovation Project Creates Sophisticated Yet Functional Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Guimar Urbina and Cheryl Kaufman

Cheryl Kaufman commissioned her home to be redesigned by esteemed luxury interior designer Guimar Urbina. Haute Design recently asked about the experience after Cheryl so kindly accepted to take the time and share her thoughts.

Additional images of the residence seen throughout this article can be seen here.

Haute Design: You have such a lovely home. What were some of the main things you wanted Guimar to do with this space?

Cheryl Kaufman: I wanted Guimar to transform our home from a Mediterranean style to a more contemporary style and to execute a complete renovation with which we would be proud to use for entertaining. I could not visualize what I wanted but Guimar was brilliant with reading between the lines when we went through some images of rooms I liked. When Guimar made her presentation of her proposal for our home, my husband Dana and I were completely by the beauty and creativity with which she captured our vision for living in our renovated home.

HD: How did you discover Guimar? What was your favorite part about working with her?

CK: I actually. discovered Guimar on Houzz, believe it or not. I met with a few designers that were recommended to me but they didn't wow me enough to want to begin renovating our home. I then discovered Houzz and poured through each and every designer South Florida. I came across of project photo from Guimar Urbina Interiors and it seemed to be exactly what I wanted. I love how she did a lot of the leg work before we met, which saved a lot of time. If there was something I did not like, she helped find an alternative. If she thought I was making a mistake, she gently made me aware of it and told me why it might not be the right choice. Guimar met with me often and always kept us informed about our budget and what to expect next. When we would visit stores to choose furniture, it was clear Guimar has strong relationships with so many of the vendors. I felt I was in excellent hands.

Photo Credit: Oscar Huespe

HD: There are plenty of accents of wood throughout the home, yet it is not overbearing - quite the opposite. Was that a feature you already had in mind or did Guimar make the suggestion? 

CK: The wood was completely Guimar's idea. The built-ins, the placement of the dining room, the blending into structural columns which needed to remain for foundational purposes, as well as the fabulous wooden custom doors to our bedroom suite - it was all Guimar's idea.

HD: The artwork and decorations add subtle yet impactful nots of color throughout the mostly neutral-shaded home. Are these art pieces and decorations yours or did Guimar help pick these out? 

CK: Guimar chose the pop of color on the oversized chair in the family room as well as in the throw pillows and other accessories. She even drew colors out from some of our artwork when she chose our accessories. While many of the accessories were chosen by Guimar, some we already had but just didn’t know how to properly place them and group them. Guimar helped us find the correct use for them. With respect to the artwork, we had most of it but Guimar recommended that we reframe them. She me with me at the framing store to help us to choose new frames for each of our hanging art pieces. After reframing our hanging art, she came to the house and assisted us with choosing the perfect spot for each piece. After everything was placed, we engaged Guimar to assist us with filling a few empty walls. Guimar helped me choose the size of the custom artwork piece above our bed, painted by the very talented artist, J. Steven Manolis.

Photo Credit: Oscar Huespe

HD: What would you say to anyone who might be reading this and is currently looking for a luxury interior designer in South Florida?

CK: As I have said to many of my friends, I had a wonderful experience with Guimar and her team. They were extremely creative, professional, talented and everything I could have asked for in a design team. Not only did Guimar's team have incredible vision, they stuck to time schedules and budget!  I highly recommend Guimar to my friends, family and clients. I was so lucky to have come across Guimar.

Photo Credit: Oscar Huespe

Photo Credit: Oscar Huespe

Photo Credit: Oscar Huespe

Photo Credit: Oscar Huespe

The post Guimar Urbina Interiors Comes Highly Recommended appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Matt Delphenich

Principal at LS&A, Leslie Saul, recently explained the impact a structure's architecture can have on the interior design.

"It seems that some people are confused by the fact that I am both a licensed architect (MA, FL, IL, OH) and licensed interior designer (FL, IL, CT). Interior designers are not licensed in some states. Generally, the license for interior design is required for commercial projects only, not for residential projects. In most states, even residential projects require an architect’s stamp for a building permit. My firm and I do both commercial and residential projects, so we need licenses in the states in which we do projects. I passed the national interior design test first, then after having more experience, I took and passed my architectural licensing exam. I also am an accredited LEED professional for building design and construction. All of these credentials require continuing education to maintain my licenses. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment!

The post Leslie Saul Explains Architecture’s Impact on Interior Design appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Pedini Miami is one the industry leaders in luxury interior design. Based in Miami, they provide customers with Italian-designed furnishings of the highest standard and style. The Pedini process gives the most custom-made service and keeps customers informed along each and every step of the way.

With the spirit of the new year still lingering in the air, many are focused on accomplishing all their goals for 2022. One of the most popular resolutions involves finishing home projects. These projects can include redesigning bathrooms, kitchens or home offices. Fortunately, Pedini Miami is here to help clients not only complete these projects but surpass all expectations (including their own) of their residential interior design. Through Pedini, clients will have access to expert designers and innovative functional components that allows them to achieve the organized, stylish living space of their dreams.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Pedini sets itself apart by keeping each and every client's style and lifestyle in mind when creating any room in their homes. Pedini Miami's designs are not only meant to enhance the aesthetics of a home but the functionality as well. Pedini's distinctions extend further as the luxury Italian design firm provides an impressive amount of flexibility. Different ranges from the extensive Pedini Catalogue can be combined to create an entirely unique kitchen. Should the client desire a unit outside of modular elements, Pedini can provide a 'made to fit' service. Furthermore, Pedini offers bespoke color services, industry-leading eco-credentials, trustworthy aftercare, a 10-year warranty and ergonomic functions to guarantee every kitchen can adapt to the most modern of spaces.

In other words, Pedini Miami clients ought to have no worries throughout their home projects as the company handles everything from delivering parts to installation. All Pedini products are water and scratch-resistant.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Pedini Italian Kitchens flawlessly integrate a functional and stylish kitchen into every modern Miami home. Whether it be the MOKA, DUNE, EKO, or any of the stunning kitchen collections offered by Pedini, these collections showcase an exciting place to cook and allow clients to simplify the design, selection and improvement process.

Pedini's special cabinets are at the root of design and technology at the service of functionality from the research of the firm. These appliances can serve multiple functions for a luxury home.

"Our reputation as industry leaders comes from years of experience in design and manufacturing," says David Rousso Jr., Vice President of Pedini Miami. "Pedini's global reach, along with the expertise of our highly-trained designers, leaves us in a great position to offer our clients nothing but the best in service and materials."

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

The post Get the New Year Off to the Right Start by Completing your Home Project in the Easiest and Most Stylish Way with Pedini Miami appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Haute Design: What made you fall in love with design?

Hafsa Burt (hb+a Architects): I’d say the ability to imagine the impossible and be able to plan it out so it becomes real. As designers/architects, we have the ability to solve technical and conceptual problems, which is the reason why I fell in love with design. The potential of realizing a concept by taking it to paper and eventually making it a product is quite an addictive process. I have always loved walking through spaces and landscapes and imagining what they could become. It’s a bit of a theater in your head that you organize and churn out functional spaces or objects.

MarketPlace

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

Rita Chraibi (International Designers by Rita Chraibi): What made me fall in love with design was the ability as an to project myself into a space as an interior designer before it's even been realized. It is an absolutely fascinating and marvelous process which is to imagine and create what comes to me as an inspiration and to be able to express it. It's exactly the same process a painter would go through in front of their white canvas.

I fell madly in love with the design process and the power to make things imagined and inspired come true and become concrete. It is absolutely a unique discovery!

Rita Chraibi

Photo Credit: Barry Grossman

Guimar Urbina (Guimar Urbina Interiors): The connection with fashion. You don't have to like it, you have to love it. That's what I feel every time I make a design that I present to my clients. I must fall in love with the concept to be able to present or sell it. The place where you live or work must have a connection with your personality, your lifestyle, and what you want to reflect of yourself onto others. Many people think they know what they want but many make mistakes. Love is like choosing a good or bad partner. You must get the connection.

Guimar Urbina

Photo Credit: Oscar Huespe

Leslie Saul (Leslie Saul & Associates): The Dalai Lama said, "Happiness is when you lose track of time." I have always felt happiness and joy when I get involved in an art or design project. I think my love of design came in part from my mother, who was very much into design. My mother also had a perfect color memory, so that if we were out shopping, she knew how to choose something new to go with something old, and when we got home, the colors would match perfectly. Perhaps my love of design and my love for my mother are intertwined.

Photo Credit: Matt Delphinich 

The post Haute Design Experts Share what Made Them Fall in Love with Design appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Rita Chraibi

Photo Credit: Juan Pablo Castro

Rita recently discussed her design background with Haute Design and explained how it affects her approach with high-end clients.

Haute Design: How has your rich design background influenced your career?

Rita Chraibi: When I was young, my dream was to become a fashion designer. Life has steered me toward the world of interior design. I had the chance to study in a world-renowned prestigious architecture and design schools in Paris, École Camondo, but I kept this love and passion for the world of creation and fashion design. This is why in my creations I always incorporate major fabric brands such as Christian Lacroix, Jean-Paul Gauthier, Hermès, Missoni, etc. The thought process is that they 'dress' my interiors the same way a fashion designer would dress a unique top model on fashion runways. I think, in the luxury spectrum, this touch humanizes the spaces and adds a chic and simultaneously 'haute couture' signature.

Haute Design: As we know, the process of interior design depends not only on the designer but the client as well. How do you share enough about the client but also control the design narrative all at once?

Rita Chraibi: I believe the role of an interior designer is to tell the story of an interior. This interior has to be as unique as its story. I always listen very closely to my clients' expectations in order to create and design up to the standard of expectations of their dreams. It is from those dreams that I tell a story - a unique story: the story of the interior. To me, this is the most important role an interior designer must play at the beginning of each adventure in order to determine what a project can represent.

The post Rita Chraibi’s Rich Design Upbringing Allows for Masterful Approach appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: kliniko Miami

Dr. Humza Arif offers an update on the office's construction and design.

Haute Design: What is the build update of the most-awaited dental practice in Miami?

Dr. Humza Arif: The inspirations from following leaders in the space has been ongoing and we continue to build kliniko Miami - Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry for completion date of April 2022.

HD: How has the process from design to build gone?

Dr. HA: It has been a very humbling experience. Taking an internal idea and capturing it so beautifully on paper as Yodezeen Architects has been able to do confirms the partnership kliniko and Yodezeen has formed. My team and I feel so grateful for what our patients will be able to experience. As we are now in the physical construction phase, it is becoming more and more tangible. The element of design simply cannot be overstated.

HD: Has your background helped in this process?

Dr. HA: As you know, I have always had an underlying passion for architectural form and function. I have applied the craft of dentistry as it relates to oral health and have kept the highest standards for both. Much like in the creation for a beautiful smile, we have been relentless in our pursuit for the ultimate space. Seeing the progression of kliniko as made tangible by our contractors under the guidance of Yodezeen has captured that idea with such precision.

Photo Credit: kliniko Miami

HD: Do you have any design concepts our readers can see as we await fro the grand opening of kliniko Miami?

Dr. HA: Absolutely. I am thrilled to share some our photos with you. We have a phenomenal creative director and you'll be able to see photos throughout our social media platforms, including the kliniko Miami Instagram , the kliniko Miami Flickr page, as well as Haute Living.

HD: As we continue to move through 2022, what insights or advice would you give others who are on similar journeys of design?

Dr. HA: The concept of self as made tangible through spaces we experience should be exactly that. Let your own internal experiences flow outward in the design you want to capture. Don't settle for anything less than that. Our place in the world is to partake in the experiences of others and give of ourselves for the betterment of those experiences. Moving into this new year of 2022, we should always remember that we are one - architecture and design brings us together to share, experience and to be a vessel for pushing the boundaries of what we know.

The post kliniko Miami Reveals Construction and Design Update appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Matt Delphenich

Leslie Saul recently discussed how she approaches each design project and shared some lessons she has learned throughout her successful career.

Haute Design: You have nearly 30 years of experience in running and operating your own design and architecture firm. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned during that time?

Leslie Saul: Do the right thing, even if it's hard. You will build trust and loyalty with your clients, suppliers, vendors, contractors, artisans and employees.

HD: What is your favorite part about serving the Cambridge, Massachusetts region?

LS: We love New England and South Florida! While people might associate New England's climate with snow storms, it is the design climate here that makes our work so fun. Additionally, our clients and team members are extraordinarily smart and collaborative.

HD: When approaching a new design project, what is the first thing on your mind?

LS: Who are the people who will be living in this house? What makes them different from other clients? Even if we have done the same program many times, each client and each site or setting is different. We specialize in additions and major renovations, so we think about the big picture to start. Later, we think about some wonderful, personalized details that can make a difference in our clients' lives.

Photo Credit: Matt Delphenich

HD: What is typically the most difficult room to work on within an interior design project?

LS: The hardest rooms to design are the multi-purpose rooms. My theory of 'keep it simple' is put to the test when one space must serve many uses. We were hired to design a studio apartment in Manhattan, and there was a whole lot of living going on in a small space. Whenever faced with the impossible, I think about the creativity of the RISD environment and try to imagine, 'what can be?'

HD: To what do you attribute the continued success of your firm?

LS: When you like to create bespoke spaces tailored to your clients' needs and dreams, and when you like to work collaboratively with the client and the team of builders and the artisans who bring those dreams to life, it's so much fun! The process is part of the fun of making good design. Luckily, our wonderful clients keep coming back for more.

Also, I try to express my appreciation for everyone involved in every project. My mother taught me to write thank you notes.

Photo Credit: Matt Delphenich

The post Leslie Saul & Associates do Right by their Clients appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Alex Zapirain Designs

Alex Zapirain, founder and Principal at his eponymous design firm, shared his initial experience in the design world and what he hopes to accomplish this year.

Haute Design: What is your first memory within the design industry?

Alex Zapirain: My very first memory within the design industry was life changing for me. It was actually a very challenging project in Miami. It was an ultra-modern and minimalist space and I believe it awoke my great passion for design. The experience definitely got me more into the design and architectural field and led me to explore and grow within the industry.

HD: What do you love most about your job?

AZ: I love the fact that I don't have to work a day in my life. My work is my life and I love to challenge myself with every project. Every day is a new learning experience which definitely requires teamwork.

Photo Credit: Alex Zapirain Designs

HD: To what do you attribute the success of your firm?

AZ: Definitely all the hard work and dedication contributed on behalf of every client. We do our best to deliver the quality of work each project deserves. Our team puts their souls and passion for architecture and design into every project.

HD: What do you believe is your strongest quality as a designer?

AZ: I would say I listen closely to every client's needs. Aside from my passion for design, I would say that practicality and functionality are key to me.

Photo Credit: Alex Zapirain Designs

HD: What is your goal for 2022?

AZ: Our goal will be to complete new and exciting projects which are already underway. I look forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone for some of these projects. It should be a pretty busy year ahead but full of excitement.

The post Alex Zapirain is the Successful Designer who Doesn’t Work a Day in his Life appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

Norma and Gaston Galella, co-founders of Duoma Atelier, recently explained their design firm's philosophy and attributes with Haute Design.

Haute Design: As we have previously noted, Duoma Atelier is comprised of two main components. How do the two of you divide work flows for each project? Do both of you interact with the client?

Norma Galella: It's very important for us to listen to our clients from every perspective, whether that be design or constructibility. While I direct the design process and Gaston directs the construction process, we are constantly consulting with each other. We both interact with the client at all stages of each project, allowing for our corresponding expertise to inform each other and to brainstorm for better solutions in order to fulfill our clients' needs.

HD: What is the best service Duoma offers to its clients?

Gaston Galella: We can't really pinpoint a specific service. We believe our clients benefit the most when they hire us for our design and construction turnkey services. This is when you will truly experience peace of mind through our concierge practice.

HD: What is your design style?

NG: We all have personal styles, and believe it or not, it evolves throughout the years. However, what is truly different about our studio is that we try not to impose our style and trends onto our clients. Instead, we go through a rigorous discovery session with questionnaires and visuals to uncover their own style, which then informs our design process. Our clients don't come to us for a certain 'look.' The result is a truly customized project that fits each client individually, supporting their aesthetics, needs and wants.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: How do you bring peace of mind to your clients?

GG: In a traditional design and construction process, the client is the project manager for their home project and it can easily become a full-time job. The client would have to hire and supervise the design team and the consultants while providing construction documents for permits. The client would then have to oversee permitting and hire a general contractor for quotes. More often than not, price estimations come back higher than anticipated and initial design plans must be tweaked and adapted, not to mention permit drawings would need to be revised as well.

We have heard horror stories from clients who have gone through this lengthy and painful process only to realize their project was not feasible and they had to abandon their plans for their dream home.

At Duoma, the client only has to interact with us and we act as their representative throughout the entire process. We hire and manage all necessary consultants and subcontractors. We will establish the clients' goals and needs from the beginning of the design process accordingly, so the entire process is streamlined and more efficient. We always keep the client informed and we work with them as one team.

HD: How did the name for the firm come to be? Who came up with 'Duoma?'

NG: Duoma stems from the word 'duo' and signifies the expertise duality on which our studio is founded. The 'o' in Duoma creates the center and balance of our logo and is composed of two floating symmetrical shapes. Each shape represents each discipline constantly pulling and pushing each other, creating a holistic approach in design and construction.

We worked with a branding company called Panamera. They're a very creative group who helped us develop a bespoke brand to represent our aesthetics and what we stand for.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: Describe Duoma's design philosophy in three words. 

GG: Bespoke, mindful, functional.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

The post Duoma Atelier Offers Peace of Mind appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What could have easily been a gut renovation, became instead a thoughtful plan to update and personalize the interiors while respecting the existing 1950s-era architecture of a 2,000 square-foot home in the prestigious North Bay Road neighborhood. "The bones were quite workable," says Luciana Fragali, the architect and designer who leads the team at Design Solutions Miami. Retaining the integrity of the structure also meant preserving the original wood beam ceiling over the dining room. "It's part of the '50s vernacular of Miami, now a part of history," Fragali says. To maximize the aesthetic but still achieve their design goals, they left walled-in private courtyards on the exterior, but removed the pebbled covered flooring and overgrown vegetation with a wooden desk and Kettal outdoor furnishings. "We wanted to emphasize more tropical modernism, less mid-century," she adds with a laugh.

Fragali, who has clients all over the world, grew up in Brazil, a country known for its rich interior design influence. She is known for creating homes with functional beauty. "We do not only deal with logistics, but also create space for each client's own life. How they work and entertain - we love to get into their worlds. It's what drives our aesthetic."

These clients realized they needed more space for their children and grandchildren. So, in 2016 they bought the sprawling residence with an 8,000 square-foot lot after searching for three years. The wife, who was also born in Brazil, already knew Fragali. The leader of the DS Miami team had previously designed and oversaw the renovation of their daughter's Brickell apartment. "They're from a famous, renowned design firm and we knew them socially," the wife reveals when asked how she initially heard of Luciana Fragali. "Luciana had given us great advice during our daughter's project, so I trusted her implicitly."

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

With a masterful use of rich hues, luxurious furnishings and refined finishes, the interior came alive. The restored wooden beam ceiling adds drama and anchors the dining area, cresting intimacy in the immense space. The massive round, wood Taj dining table - a Luan Del Savio design - balances out the delicate leaves of light that grace the coronal silhouette of the Moooi Heracleum Small Big O LED Chandelier overhead. The client says guests love to linger long after dinner is over. Leather caramel-colored chairs by Marcelo Ligieri balance out the room.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

In the living room, Fragali had her heart set on cheerful vibes. "But I wanted to also have a sophisticated and relaxed feel," she adds. Life and color are brought into the space via the accessories, rug, Missoni pillows and a beautiful Palessandro marble slab used for the TV wall unit. A unique piece is the light blue Denny sofa by Anima Domus in pampas leather. It adds the perfect touch to the overall design.

Paying careful attention to the concept of indoor/outdoor living, Fragali designed rooms to draw the exterior inward and the eye outward. The flowing spaces - from the open-plan kitchen, to the sunroom, to the outdoor pergola - were adapted to suit a family. "Everything in the house, even though it is beautiful, is extremely comfortable and durable for the family. They didn't want to worry about fragile fabric," says Fragali.

When it was time to renovate the outdoor area, the dated kidney bean-shaped pool, former BBQ area and scalloped awning were demolished. Fragali redesigned the pool, patio and landscaping. The pool deck, bright with Kettal outdoor furniture, has multiple areas for the family and the children's friends to hang out, sun bathe or read. The additional space helped the family through COVID-19 lockdowns, remote schooling and zoom calls.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

"When you have a long relationship with your client (we've been friends over 10 years), it makes the job easy and comfortable," Fragali reveals. "This is the result of a great relationship with a client and friend."

The post Luciana Fragali Introduces Tropical Modernism to North Bay Road appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

Hafsa Burt shared what happens when her ecologically-conscious design firm works on a food and beverages space.

Haute Design: How did the occasion arise for you to work on a space for wine and cheese? Have you done other projects for companies within the food industry?

Hafsa Burt: The client for this retail space is a sommelier and he wanted to open a store to pursue his lifelong passion and introduce imported wine and cheese to the local community. We have done at least a dozen bars/restaurants or coffee shops all over the bay area, including several pavilions for America’s Cup in San Francisco.

HD: As a designer, what are the main differences involved with working on an eating establishment versus a private residence, for example?

HB: In an establishment that caters to the public, we have to make sure the space is accessible to everybody and is safe for patrons to come in and circulate through. There’s a whole gamut of regulations that we need to look at and abide by so an establishment can open their doors to the public and members of the general public can safely and freely roam in a space. We also have to cater to branding and make sure that design addresses the brand’s individuality and the space becomes their signature.

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

HD: What were some of the challenges involved in this project?

HB: We had a very tight deadline for this project. It was delivered and approved in under 3 weeks. We had to get several agencies to approve the work, including the Healthy Department of course.

HD: What was your favorite aspect of this project?

HB: I love it when a client's goals and visions come true and we become a facilitator of that. I would say that is my favorite part of this project, among others.

The post hb+a Architects Helps Introduce Imported Wine and Cheese to Local Bay Area appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Suzanne DeWitt, David Rousso Jr., Angel Nicolas, April Donelson

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Headquartered in Miami, FL, Pedini Miami provides customers with Italian-designed furnishings of the highest standard and style. The Pedini process gives clients the most personalized and trustworthy service in the industry while keeping them informed each step of the way. Throughout 2021, the Pedini team enthusiastically proved their excellent both in their work and in their status throughout the design industry and high society of Miami.

During Art Basel, one of the most highly-anticipated times of the year in South Florida, Pedini was present for one of the most exciting events of the season. Together with esteemed luxury brand Braman Miami, Haute Living celebrated world-renowned artist and Haute Living cover star, Romero Britto. The Brazilian artist was presented with a one-of-a-kind Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

Speaking of events, Pedini Miami collaborated with Haute Living Media Group in two separate Haute Leaders Dinners in 2021. Haute Living and Pedini Miami joined forces at Marion Miami to host the Haute Leaders dinner for the month of July. While Haute Living hosts their Leaders dinners every month, this was the first of which was held in collaboration with Pedini.

Angel Nicolas, David Rousso Jr.

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

In October, Haute Living presented the latest installment of its Haute Leaders Dinner Series in collaboration with MG Developer and Pedini Miami at the brand-new Althea Row Residences in Coral Gables. MG Developer's recent Coral Gables project, Althea Row, was revealed in full display to all present at the Haute Leaders Dinner. The gorgeous multi-story residence that hosted the event served as the model home for residences in Althea Row. Guests were welcomed with glasses of wine as they appreciated the stunning setting that would serve as the evening's gorgeous backdrop.

Alirio Torrealba, David Rousso Jr., Seth Semilof

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Vice President of Pedini Miami, David Rousso Jr., was also in attendance for 2021's Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. FLIBS is recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world. Located steps from the beach in sunny South Florida, FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. Haute Living Media Group, in collaboration with Fraser Yachts and TopDevz, provided a Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show experience that will go down in history.

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Pedini Miami also executed several exciting luxury design projects throughout 2021. A few highlights would be their Knoxville Manor, located in the Shenandoah region of Miami, the stunning home provides the feeling of a garden oasis. Additionally, Pedini's collaborations with esteemed design firm, mr Alex TATE and renowned interior designer, Carolina Freyre, truly left a mark on the industry and confirmed Pedini's status in the luxury design landscape.

"All of the hard-earned success we enjoyed last year only makes us all more motivated for all that is to come in 2022," said David Rousso Jr., Pedini Miami Vice President.

Knoxville Manor

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

The post Pedini Miami Looks Forward to 2022 After Exciting and Successful 2021 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: MS2 Design Studio

While no one could have anticipated the unprecedented circumstances in which the world has found itself over the past two years, principal at MS2 Design, Michael Scigliano, reveals he designed his business to be able to function under any condition.

Haute Design: With the global pandemic going into its second full year, how has MS2 Design Studio adapted to this “new normal?” Was the beginning of the pandemic a particular shock in terms of business?

Michael Scigliano: Before opening MS2 Design Studio in 2010, the original business plan took into consideration the lessons that were learned from the previous firms that I had worked with. One firm had gone out of business because of the 2008 recession and the other because of conflicts with the partners. I made a conscious decision to keep our firm more boutique; therefore, eliminating the need for a large office space and the corresponding overhead.

Our team has always worked from home when possible and we meet when needed. This boutique design also kept us from bringing on too many employees and therefore, not needing too many projects at once. We’re able to hand-select the projects that challenge and interest us.

I’m humbled that MS2 Design Studio has thrived these past two years; having two of the best years in our history. This pandemic has negatively impacted so many companies and my heart goes out to all those that have fallen on hard times.

HD: What are some of the ways you have managed to maintain your high standards throughout all of this?

MS: Managing our high standards during the pandemic was actually easier than expected. Being stuck inside and having nothing else to concentrate on but work, made getting our job done much easier. There was literally nothing to do…but work. The beginning of the pandemic, March- May 2020, was surreal for everyone. Trying to make sure we were still taking care of our clients, while they were stuck in their own homes, helped to take the focus off being stuck at home ourselves.

Photo Credit: MS2 Design Studio

HD: How have you managed client expectations throughout the pandemic?

MS: We’ve been blessed that our clients have been very understanding to the current situation. Being business owners themselves, they understood that the entire world was being affected and that those delays would impact their projects as well. Oddly enough, within the last year and a half, we finished a gut renovation in Miami Beach at the Continuum and a design project at 40 Bleecker in New York City, in record time. The team we’ve assembled has gone above and beyond to keep things on track.

HD: Given the amount of time folks have been forced to remain indoors, have any of your residential design plans changed?

MS: The biggest change we have noticed is that we have signed several new projects from clients moving to the Miami area from New York and California. The need to have a home with combined indoor and outdoor social areas became a necessity to see friends and family in a somewhat-safe environment. This made Miami more popular than ever. Add to that, major companies changing to “work from home” formats, living in a warm, open-air environment, just seemed like the best choice. The exploding Miami real estate market is a clear sign of that.

HD: What is the biggest takeaway you've gotten from these unprecedented times?

MS: My biggest takeaway from all this change, is that HOME is the most important place. It doesn’t matter how big your home is or how many things you have, but having a sanctuary where you feel safe and can detox from all that the world is throwing at you, is incredibly important. When you aren’t allowed outside or allowed to live a normal life, your home is where you gather with those you love.  It’s the place you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. The feeling of “being home and safe” has become paramount to our physical and mental well-being. And we get to design those spaces for our clients.

Photo Credit: MS2 Design Studio

The post MS2 Design Studio was Built to be COVID-Proof appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Lakesha Rose, Jim Rose

Photo Credit: Lakesha Rose

Haute Design recently discussed how Lakesha balances work life and private life on social media.

Haute Design: How big a role does social media play in your day-to-day business strategy?

Lakesha Rose: Honestly, it should play a larger role than it currently does. Often, I am in the moment of work and I forget to post progress or when I think I should post something, I just shrug my shoulders and say I will just feature the work when it is finished that is why often I am radio silent, but the truth is I am just working. My plan is to hire someone to keep me more present on social media. Secondly, I also really enjoy flying under the radar just living my wonderful life quietly.

HD: What is your thinking behind sharing both professional and personal posts on Instagram?

LR: I do it very carefully. I do not post vacations unless I visit a manufacturer or design store. In which case, I post that moment because it is related to work. My husband is the number one Sportscaster in Chicago and has been for over 40 years, so his life is public being on TV every day, so we enjoy fading away to vacation quietly together. I do post some photos of us from time to time and it is because I emotionally feel ok to post about it that day. Jim and I both have public jobs, so we enjoy going to our home in Michigan and not leaving the house all weekend and I cook, listen to French music, we create date nights inside of our home. Most of the time, the season determines what our cocktail of choice is and since it's winter we are drinking Whiskey Sours, using Japanese whiskey. I would best describe us as introvert/extrovert.  

HD: Have you noticed any specific patterns among clients or prospective clients regarding which posts are preferred between professional and personal?

LR: I would say they like both because it gives them a peek inside of my personality before meeting me but if I venture to guess they like what they see because they are hiring someone that understands exclusivity and will not talk about a well-known client. My page does not reveal a narcissist.

HD: Are there any other social media platforms you like to use? Is Instagram your favorite?

LR: The other one I use is Facebook, but for creativity I use Instagram.  

The post See how Lakesha Rose Mixes Deadline Day and Date Night on Instagram appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Jasmin Reese

Photo Credit: Shin Photography

Jasmin Reese recently discussed her view on how to adequately use color in interior design projects and renovations.

Haute Design: How much does your artistic background influence your interior design?

Jasmin Reese: My artistic background definitely influences my interiors- from paintings, to vintage movies, books and travel. For instance, looking at vintage European train cars is a major inspiration for a custom closet on which we are currently working for a historic residence, and looking at images from the gym on the Titanic for a new gym with a whimsical scene, or looking at a Dutch still-life painting and using it to design an entire kitchen in moody hues but with rich finishes. It all starts with a Style Session where I pull images from a James Bond movie, or views from hotel lobbies that spark a conversation.

It is a genuine emotion/vibe that you can sense that we try to convey.

HD: With the rising trend of neutrals and minimalistic design, how do you show your clients that you can indeed have fun and use colors in your home?

JR: All-inclusive rooms are a lot of fun to incorporate even with a full house that is mainly white. Below, you can see a music room that is right off of the main entrance to the house - it is an encompassed room of green with kaleidoscopic wallpaper on the ceiling and the couple are both surgeons who find this music room calming and artful.

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

Another example is to elevate the mundane with a bold neon color, like this chartreuse laundry room:

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

Similarly, you can use color sparingly with just a bold gesture on the ceiling. If you cannot commit to bold moments, you can always accessorize like this styled dining room server:

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

HD: Do certain colors play better for different areas of a home? For example, what hues or tones work best in bathrooms or kitchens?

JR: I don’t totally buy into certain colors only for certain rooms. In fact, I came across a blog once with my bedroom in red saying “what NOT to do” because it's “too aggressive of a color for a bedroom” when in reality, the client has house guests that adore this room, it is super cozy, and a lot of people have connected with the space.

I think color affects people differently - I painted my own kitchen cabinets blush, and then I have really modern black lighting, it’s a push-pull of traditional and modern, feminine and masculine that gives the space verve.

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

HD: How much artwork is too much artwork inside someone's home?

JR: It really depends on the scale of someone’s home and the quality of the art. If they have high ceilings and beautiful pieces, you can pack them in Salon style, mixed with high quality furniture for a layered look. However, if you take the same space and put in terrible cheap prints it could look like a lifeless commercial space.

HD: Which area of the home have you realized clients are most willing to take a risk and really go for some daring artwork or bold colors?

JR: Interestingly enough, the powder room is the room in the house where your guests are completely alone. It’s a space they will definitely go and you can use any color, any style, ANYTHING and have it completely unrelated to the rest of the home. The monkey wallpaper below is sophisticated whimsy.

Or you can go a little more edgy. Basements can also be a fun theatrical space like this jungle-inspired basement:

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

Furthermore, you can take an old attic like this picture below, and convert it into a screening room:

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

Photo Credit: Michael Alan Kaskel

The post Haute Design Expert Jasmin Reese Shows How To Use Color In Interior Design appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

Cozy recently shared her thoughts behind separating work life and personal life in a conversation with Haute Design.

Haute Design: As you know, the design and architecture industry's "hours of operation" are anything but standard. How do you find the balance between career and personal life?

Cozy Salazar: I still struggle with this on a daily basis. I really love what I do and sometimes I have a hard time separating my 'work life' with my personal life.  I tend to bring work home with me regularly, but as long as I leave the more stressful aspects of this job at the office, everyone is happy (or at least they pretend to be).

HD: Your children are often featured in your Instagram stories at work. Do they enjoy going to work with mom? Are they old enough to understand your line of work?

CS: I had my first daughter when my career started to pick up and that was tough. At the time, I did not have a full-time nanny, so Gianna went with me everywhere. I think it's because of this that she is so interested in everything I do. I bring her into the office for a couple of hours every week because she loves to be here. There are times where I'll be at a presentation and we find pieces of wallpaper and fabric samples that have little drawings on the back, which always makes me smile. Chiara, my youngest is only two, but I can already tell she has a good eye based off the shoes she picks out of my closet!

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

HD: Did you have a similar experience growing up? Would you ever go to work with your parents?

CS: Yes, my mom was always a working mom. I did not get to spend every minute with her, but the time we spent together was always special. She would take me into her office when I got out of school and I would always find ways to entertain myself there. She would always take me out for dinner afterward or sing in the car with me on the way home, and would always read me a book before bed.

HD: Have your girls expressed any desire to follow in your design footsteps? Do they ever share design input?

CS: They're still very little but I would love for one of them, if not both, to catch the design bug! It would be so special for me to teach them what I know, and to leave this to them one day. My oldest is very opinionated when she comes into the office, and although she may not know what she is doing, she definitely knows what she does and does not like, which is a crucial asset for decision-making in this business.

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

The post Cozy Salazar Shares Her Thoughts Behind A Work-Life Balance appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Guimar Urbina, founder of Guimar Urbina Interiors has over 15 years of experience and has cemented herself as one of the most notable modern interior designers in the South Florida market. The eclectic and international expanse of her work provides for an extremely tasteful and worldly perspective.

Besides her interior design business, she is also the co-founder of The Wallpaper Company a boutique wallpaper company specializing in unique designs. Headquartered in the beautiful City of Miami, The Wallpaper Company maintains a regional network of showrooms and sales representatives worldwide. Today, the company stocks more than 5000 wallcoverings including papers, vinyls, fabrics, naturals as well as many unique hand-crafted specialties.

Guimar recently debuted her second wallpaper collection with The Wallpaper Company at Boutique Design New York, the leading trade fair and conference for hospitality’s boutique and lifestyle design community. This year the fair returned to New York’s Javits Center November 14-15, 2021 for its 11th year and was co-located with ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) + WantedDesign Manhattan, as well as HX: The Hotel Experience Powered by AAHOA.

Guimar's newest collection was specifically focused on sustainability and included exotic textures, raw patterns, and unseen finishes that will for certain transform any space into a unique experience. Thousands of the world's best interior designers, architects, consultants, purchasing executives, hospitality property owners, and operators stopped by her booth to check out the unique collection.

"New York is the gateway to the world!" Guimar says about the experience.

For more information about Guimar Urbina, please click here.

The post Guimar Urbina Debuts Brand New Sustainable Wallpaper Collection At Boutique Design New York appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Luciana Fragali and Andre Wanderley, architect and interior designer, respectively, at Design Solutions Miami, had several sketches for living spaces ready before they were hired any a Los Angeles couple to design their new Coral Gables home. Throughout an interview, Fragali and Wanderley listened to the prospective clients' desires for privacy from adjoining houses, their wish to capture the family's passionate spirit, and  to balance her preference for raw, edgy architecture with his favoring of refined sophistication. The DS Miami duo's sketch pad quickly filled with outlines of what would eventually become the Coral Gables residence, which so effortlessly seems to unite all of the above.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The clients were drawn to the structure's architecture - a contemporary gem in a traditional neighborhood - as well as its location. The grounds are lush, and the residence is closely located to prominent schools for their children. That said, the interior still needs plenty of work in order to provide a level of personalization and reflect the owners' fondness for sophisticated, modern design.

"We had to look at every detail in the roman enhance it," said Fragali. "It was a full gut job requiring major renovations." The DS Miami team began by looking up. The interior designers removed the standard recessed lighting, remodeled the soffits for a cleaner look and selected - or designed - sculptural fixtures as statement features throughout the home.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

One such piece, a custom bar/staircase the duo dreamed up, illuminates the dining and family room, a space that would have been traditionally used for additional storage and often forgotten. "People often pass by the dining room in their home," said Wanderley. "So, to truly use it and not take it for granted, you have to really make it a cool space." In order to do so, Wanderley paired four natural cane-woven Colony armchairs with a vibrant indigo rug and sculptural organic butterfly-shaped glass dining table, all curated by Anima Domus Miami. Wanderley went on to explain, "you see the table from the entry, so I wanted a see-through scene to the living room, but also something sculptural."

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

When designing the interior layout of the space, Fragali wanted to ensure that each space had its purpose while fusing it modern, yet edgy design. The first-floor flows as an elongated tunnel, combing the living room, kitchen and dining room in one lengthened space. The first space to greet you is the lounge area. The family enjoys regularly hosting guests and throwing dinner parties. For that reason, it was essential to have an informal area to hang out and entertain.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The DS Miami duo knew the entry lounge would have to be a firm representation of the couple's innovative and edgy style. With the help of trusted partner, Anima Domus, they brought in two vital pieces to the space. The first, being the original 1227 floor lamp in crimson red by George Carwardine, and the second being a 77-inch Odino mirror by Moltenu & Baron, which leans of the 24-foot entry wall. "The mirror is massive," said Fragali. "And it makes the most dramatic first impression."  The former gives an illusion of color and the latter creates an illusion of depth.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

That same attention to detail inspired the duo's thoughtful use of materials throughout the residence. Walnut paneling, used generously and to great effect, warms this modern kitchen designed with black Marquina marble and top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. The same walnut wood was used on the top kitchen cabinets, as well as on the butcher block-topped island. It also presents itself as a "floating frame" around the kitchen, separating the lounge and the living area.

"I love the color, balance and tightness of the walnut's grain," said Fragali. The wood balances sleek counterpoints such as the Venetian plaster encasing the entire floor and the main level's matte black Marquina marble wall.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The result is a study in bold yet comfy furnishings, such as the living area's Pixel modular sofa - upholstered in a linen and low-profile chenille blend - adjacent to which, sit two extremely comfortable Belaire armchairs for ultimate relaxation, which add a harmonious contrast as well.

When deciding whom to trust with the furnishings of this magnificent residence, it came as no surprise that the DS Miami team enlisted the help of Anima Domus Miami. After a decade-long friendship and over 100 design collaborations, it was apparent that this partnership was built for success. Design Solutions was tasked to create a modern, edgy and welcoming environment, while Anima Domus would provide the luxurious furnishings seen throughout the spaces.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

"The point here, was to create drama or a showpiece," Wanderley adds. The living room's TV wall unit was designed with this principle in mind. The black-slatted wood paneling and mirror-backed shelves re as unique as the home itself. Likewise, the house exists to enrich the daily lives of the owners. "When a home is contemporary, you need to be careful not to make it untouchable," Fragali added. "I would call this edgy contemporary, but also, soft. To me, it feels like the right reflection of the people who live here."

The post Thanks To Trusted Partner, Anima Domus, Design Solutions Miami Does It Again With Coral Gables Home Boasting Wood and Metal Accents appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Headquartered in Miami, FL, Pedini Miami provides customers with Italian-designed furnishings of the highest standard and style. The Pedini process gives clients the most personalized and trustworthy service in the industry while keeping you informed each step of the way. The Pedini Miami company identity aligns with Cuban-American Native Designer, Alex, of mr. alex TATE Design. Alex has an eclectic and fascinating background in the design and entertainment industries. He recently featured on Bravo TV's hit design competition series, "Best Room Wins." His room was judged by design maven and host, Genevieve Gorder, Elle Decor editor-in-chief, Whitney Robinson, and design icon, Jonathan Adler.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

The project was designed for a Washington DC residence.

"We thoroughly enjoyed working with Alex on this collaboration," said David Rousso Jr., Pedini Miami Vice President. "The project beautifully reflects the excellence that Pedini Miami and mr. alex TATE Design are known for delivering on a consistent basis."

With the use of Pedini's MOKA Collection, the Cucina Armonia Nera project offers some of the highest quality and most gorgeous designs. The complex blend of materials and accents throughout convey a refined and luxurious tone. Santos Beige wood finishes and stainless-steel doors on the upper cabinets above the range compliment the black matte aluminum frame glass doors with LED lighting, beautifully.

The stone island and its porcelain doors are Nero Greco laminar finishes. The gorgeous range is from none other than La Cornue.

Pedini Miami's MOKA Collection is a flexible and functional system with simplistic cabinetry, which complement the architectural details of the kitchen space. In fact, it is Pedini's most popular collection due to the fact that it is a design system with infinite compositional possibilities.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

The post Pedini Miami’s Cucina Armonia Nera Project Embodied Through mr. alex TATE Design Collaboration appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Lakesha Rose

Photo Credit: Katrina Wittkamp

L Rose Interiors is an allied ASID and IIDA member and a full-service interior design firm that manages projects throughout the country. They have a comprehensive understanding of custom furnishings, antiques, textiles, and fine art. L Rose Interiors specializes in high-end residential and commercial build-outs, sharing solid relationships with some of the industry’s most talented architects, contractors, and vendors.

Founder and Principal at L Rose Interiors, Lakesha Rose, recently sat down with Haute Design to share valuable design insights.

Haute Design: Did you always want to become an interior designer? What was you "aha" moment, when you knew this was the right path for you?

Lakesha Rose: When I was young, I was always creative and my outlets were, and still are, interior design, cooking and entertaining at home. My 'aha' moment came when I was working for developers in Chicago as the selection designer for the high-rise condominiums while simultaneously attending a local college for interior design courses. I was able to attend school and operate in the real world of design at the same time.

I am not sure the instructors always liked it because I normally had additional questions about what was being taught in class. That was back in 2002 and I have been going ever since.

HD: If possible, describe your interior design style in three words.

LR: Timeless, understated, elegant

Photo Credit: Katrina Wittkamp

HD: What is your favorite part of your career?

LR: The referrals. It tells me the truth about how I am doing.

HD: What is the best and worst aspect about designing in Chicago?

LR: The best part is that I am in a large city that has so many clients and the possibilities are endless. I do not have a worst aspect because I am grateful that people trust me to design their most personal spaces.

HD: What sets L Rose Interiors apart from the competition?

LR: I treat my clients like the concierge at their favorite hotel. I try to always remain a step ahead of their expectations.

HD: Where do you see L Rose Interiors in five years?

LR: Still operating successfully and continuing to expand.

The post L Rose Interiors Is Always A Step Ahead Of Clients appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

April Donelson and Alirio Torrealba

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Haute Living presented the latest installment of its Haute Leaders Dinner Series in collaboration with MG Developer and Pedini Miami at the brand new Althea Row Residences in Coral Gables. Haute Living's exclusive network of the best of the best business leaders from multiple industries throughout the country continues to expand. The Haute Leaders Dinners consistently turn out to be magical evenings where these leaders of their respective industries can connect and network in a laid-back and pleasing atmosphere. The latest installment of the Haute Leaders Dinner, hosted in collaboration with MG Developer and Pedini Miami, was no exception.

MG Developer is based in Coral Gables and has been responsible for the development of "Biltmore Square" since its founding in 2015. MG Developer is committed to excellence and is proud to be part of the growth of "The City Beautiful". Their work with The Biltmore Square is a testament to the enhancement of the traditional beauty of the Coral Gables neighborhood.

Pedini Miami provides customers with Italian-designed furnishings of the highest standard and style. Their process gives clients the most personalized and trustworthy service in the industry while keeping them informed each step of the way. The Pedini Miami design team aims to create the ideal design solution, mixing superlative functionality and design, with top-spec materials for the ultimate living statement.

Alirio Torrealba, David Rousso, Seth Semilof

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

MG Developer's recent Coral Gables project, Althea Row, was revealed in full display to all present at the Haute Leaders Dinner. The gorgeous multi-story residence that hosted the event served as the model home for residences in Althea Row. Guests were welcomed with glasses of wine as they appreciated the stunning setting that would serve as the evening's gorgeous backdrop.

Chef Manuel Garcia

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

The gorgeous meal was provided courtesy of ZUCCA's Head Chef, Manuel Garcia. ZUCCA is located in the iconic Saint Michelle Hotel in Coral Gables. The Italian fine dining restaurant offers authentic regional Italian cuisine, artfully executed. As an appetizer, guests were served foie gras cylinders with quince puree, with prune and spiced brioche dust on the side. The entree for the evening was a beautiful braised wagyu beef cheek with truffle polenta. To cap off the spectacular meal, Chef Garcia provided an exquisite "dulce de leche" panna cotta with chocolate and hazelnut soil and coffee mousse.

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

The evening resulted in a great experience where a community of industry leaders was able to connect and enjoy themselves in one of the most beautiful homes at the heart of Coral Gables.

April Donelson, Anita Tzinker, Daniel Tzinker and Seth Semilof

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Kirk Ivy and Elena Ivy

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Yvette Horsley, Andrea Gutierrez, Erik Haase, Emily Wriston, Stefano Balli

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Peter Ancona, Dr. Paul Durand

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Giovanna Ingletto and Guest

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

MG Developer and Hinda Yassin

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

The post Haute Living, MG Developer, And Pedini Miami Host A Magical Haute Leaders Dinner In Coral Gables appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

When he started his own firm, Ivey Design Build, Kirk Ivy started building his great reputation for his trustworthy, honest and ethical way of conducting business. Kirk has worked in international markets, using his expertise in construction, interior design, and information technology architecture to thrive in this industry.

Haute Design reached out to Kirk to learn more about the luxury experience Ivey Design Build provides within the construction industry.

Haute Design: At what point did you realize you had a passion for design and architecture?

Kirk Ivy: When I was in college, I wanted to be an aircraft engineer, but I quickly realized I did not have a true passion for it. That's when I switched my studies toward architecture. However, from the beginning, it was all triggered by the desire to help my mother remodel our home.  I was overseeing the project and I quickly realized it was something I truly enjoyed doing. From there, I helped a friend manage a small plaza project, which led me to what I now call home, Ivey Design Build.

HD: You hail from Kingston, Jamaica and are based in Miami, FL. Do you believe your Caribbean upbringing and heritage lends itself to a better understanding of what is necessary to construct tropical and sea-side residences?

KI: Absolutely, there is a great synergy between Florida and the Caribbean!

Miami is a magical destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and for those who wish to enjoy tropical sunny weather throughout the year. The relaxed environment in the beautiful homes we build, with emphasis on open spaces which allow for as much natural light as possible, taking advantage of our constant proximity to the ocean.

The layout process is always thoughtfully planned so that it adequately relates to the ocean and surrounding. After all, views are the main focus in our custom build spaces. Thanks entirely to due time spent deliberating upon every last detail before taking action. We deliver an impeccable and tailored experience to our clients. Our mission is to satisfy each of our client's unique taste and style, to ensure we deliver an IVEY Experience every time.

Photo Credit: Lifestyle Production

HD: It has been said that your goal is to improve and provide a luxury experience throughout the construction industry. Could you tell us a little bit more about that?

KI: We emphasize on consistently providing our clients luxury concierge service. This way, the client can experience the construction process seamlessly as it is perfectly tailor-made to their expectations.

HD: What do you think makes Ivey Design Build stand apart from other design firms?

KI: Ivey Design Build is always in search of exceptional talent in order to make every home extraordinary. Custom is what we do - always setting the standard for superior craftsmanship and an exceptional finish. We play by the book and always conduct business in a trustworthy, honest and ethical way - clients value that.

Photo Credit: Lifestyle Production

HD: Where do you see your firm five years from now? What vision do you have for the future of Ivey Design Build?

KI: The vision is to not only maintain our high standards and expectations but to continue to build upon them and make them better. With the right technology and the right people beside me, I believe we will grow in the right direction and continue to give our clients the best service and nothing less.

Photo Credit: Lifestyle Production

The post Ivey Design Build Strives To Deliver The Best Service And Nothing Less appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Karlee Coble

Photo Credit: Ian Coble Photography

Karlee Coble Interiors is an elevated interior design firm that specializes in luxury residential and commercial interiors.  For the past 18 years they have been celebrating the art of living and experiencing refined interior spaces.  Their projects range from San Francisco to Seattle including single family residences and urban hospitality.

Founder and Principal, Karlee Coble herself, recently took the time to give Haute Design a glimpse into her thought process regarding her firm's future, when she knew she wanted to begin designing and her design philosophy.

Haute Design: Have you always wanted to become a designer? If you were not the esteemed and notable interior designer you are today, what would you like to be?

Karlee Coble: By the time I was seven years old, I knew would be a designer. I would rearrange my room, play with fabrics from my mom's sewing room, and spend hours in my dad's wood shop, trying to build things. It was things at the time, since I really didn't have the skills to use a saw or even a hammer. I was never really sure why I was so girly at times, and yet such a tomboy at others, but the first time I walked onto a construction site, it all became very clear.

In my free time, I love to be near the ocean. As a child, I collected facts about marine life as a result of my complete fascination with the sea. If I had to switch feet and do something different, I would definitely find myself studying ocean life.

HD: Describe your own interior design style. 

KC: I don't have one.

I know it sounds funny, but I love all styles and find myself wanting to paint a project every color of the rainbow one minute, and the next project I design can have a space that is completely neutral, without a speck of color. For me, it comes down to how my clients want to live in their spaces, what makes them feel like it is THEIR space and what works with the existing geography and architecture of the house or building.

Photo Credit: Ian Coble Photography

HD: You are based in the San Francisco area. Is your environment and surrounding reflected in your work?

KC: I work on several projects from Seattle, to San Francisco, to San Diego. We are currently working on a single family residence in Portola Valley and a 13,000 square-foot house in Montecito, CA. It all inspires me up and down the West Coast. I love the urban grit of West Coast cities and the cool, calmness of the oceanfront landscape. It is heavily reflected in my work, because my clients almost always want that coastal vibe or the urban West Coast city style.

HD: Describe your ideal customer experience.

KC: We prefer to have our clients be a part of the process the entire way, through design and construction. This creates the ideal customer experience, resulting in a completely satisfied client. We think it's a good thing if they are pushed just a touch out of their comfort zone.

HD: Do you have a favorite part of a home when working on a private residence project?

KC: I love powder rooms. It's the one little part of the house where everyone is willing to have a little too much fun. It's just the powder room...

Photo Credit: Ian Coble Photography

HD: What is the main thing that distinguishes your firm from the rest?

KC: We like to make the client laugh throughout the process and we really strive to put ourselves in the client's shoes. Creating a calm and happy space for our client is our job and why not have some fun along the way?

HD: Where do you see Karlee Coble Interiors in the next five years?

KC: Continuing to create elevated interiors for homeowners and building owners up and down the West Coast.

Photo Credit: Ian Coble Photography

The post Karlee Coble Wants To Put Herself In Your Shoes appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Haute Design Network by Haute Residence brought together four designers from across the country to sit down and discuss the collaborative effort that goes into to each and every design project.

"It Takes a Village" webinar was hosted by Haute Living Media Group Senior VP, April Donelson and included the following designers: Julia Wong of Julia Wong Designs, Michele Salazar of Cozy Salazar Interiors, Hafsa Burt of hb+a Architects and Michael Miller of Centaur Interiors. Principals and Designers may get all the limelight, but they will also be the first to admit that there is a massive team behind them throughout every step of a design project. Haute Design Experts revealed just how collaborative of a process this truly is.

Here are some of the highlights of the conversation:

April Donelson: Before becoming a designer, did you enjoy working in teams or group projects?

Hafsa Burt: I would say it's just part of the culture, to work in teams. But in college, we would have to work in teams for projects. In most cases, I would lead those design teams. I was able to inspire those design teams. I did not lead by force but certainly by inspiration. So, over time, you just learnt that you have to work in teams. Anybody who is a professional in this environment just knows you cannot exist merely on your single discipline or single focus. And, of course, the more you work in teams, the larger the project becomes and the more production happens and collaboration leads to successful outcomes.

AD: If ____ were not by your side, you would not be able to finish the project. Fill in the blank.

Michael Miller: I have a site superintendent that has been working for me since about 1999. So, we've got about 22 years if history, his name is Pepe. We have pretty much worked on everything together so he's probably done close to 100 projects of ours.  At this point, we're on the same wavelength where we need minimum conversation to understand each other. I can tell just by his face and he knows what to do and he's got it.

He's a working superintendent so he's like a master craftsman but he can do everything: finished carpentry, drywall, painting, taping, electrical work, plumbing work, you name it.

And just to note, I have some clients who we have worked with for a long time, some of which we have done maybe three times for, and we all know that we can even leave Pepe with our kids if we have to go to a meeting or something last minute. So, it's good that the clients have trust in my team where they almost treat us like family.

AD: While collaboration within the execution of a project is critical, do you ever prefer to work in solitude while conceiving a layout design or do you prefer to collaborate then as well?

Julia Wong: I tend to start the design process by myself. I tend to go away to the design center or to my own office and being to put the story together so that when I do meet withy my team, I have a good direction on where we're going. Because there are so many components to the design, that there is not a lot of time to spend on the creative side. We would love if that were the case. People think we just sit in our office and design and go and pick out colors and things like that. The reality is, we have a lot less design time that people imagine.

So, I definitely need to sit by myself first to get my thoughts together, so that when I do present to my team or the client, I have a good sense of where we're going. Once we get the ball rolling, I enjoy the teamwork aspect a lot more.

AD: Who would you say are the unsung heroes in the design industry as a whole, who deserve more recognition?

Michele Salazar: Any one working in production right now, despite who frustrated we may become with that realm of design, they're really getting the thick of it.

When people get fed up or become impatient, they get really upset because this is a very personal business. There are multiple businesses around the world but when it comes to your home, at least for those of us who do residential, it's very personal. So, I think that those who are on the other end of things and dealing with impatient people are the unsung heroes, because for us, the designers, we can relay that unfortunately certain things are out of our control. But at the end of the day somebody is deemed responsible and they do have to answer to these complaints and they are having a tough time right now.

Watch the entire conversation below:

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Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

By toeing the line between contemporary and modern style, Luciana Fragali of Design Solutions Miami, gives everyone something to talk about. The client for this particular project was a young bachelor who entrusted the DS Miami design team with the interior of his lavish Miami condo. His request was clear - bold, unique colors and pieces were a must.

The DS Miami team set out to maintain a playful edge in their bold colors and eclectic approach, creating hand-crafted products and ensuring that non two pieces are ever alike. In the living room, a custom bar unit in terra-cotta dominates the room, adding a unique flare, indulging the senses while offering style and practicality to match.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The living room's contemporary design lies in certain essential pieces such as the Italian Tulles sofa from desirr'e, the Lou Reed armchair from Driade, and the colony accent chair from Miniform, all curated at Anima Domus. The modern aspects are embodied in pieces such as the custom organic sculpted coffee table and gorgeous decorative accessories, which become chic conversation-starters. Each item is an intriguing piece of artwork that boasts exquisite detail and sophisticated design.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

Nearby, the dining room opens the sense with approachable furniture that is as functional as it is fun. The DS Miami team selected a smoked glass dining table to open the area and paired it perfectly with the Flos Aim pendant. Nostalgic concept accessories in the kitchen accentuate the area beautifully as you enjoy the panoramic skyline views.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The high standard goal of using bold color and creating pure sophistication in a diverse array of rooms is not always attainable to accomplish, but this project turned out to be a memorable experience for interior designer, Luciana Fragali. "My goal here was to create a variety of vibrant and sophisticated spaces to match the passions of this cosmopolitan owner in this luxurious downtown residence."

Never one to shy away from experimentations, Fragali admits that this residence became one of her favorite projects because the homeowner allowed her to be adventurous with so much color. "I created a glamorous, yet comfortable home, which is very sexy and fitting with the sophistication of the owner," says Fragali.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

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Rita Chraibi

Photo Credit: Juan Pablo Castro

Rita Chraibi launched International Designers in 2013, introducing her European design expertise and French “Art de Vivre” influence through modern, luxury designs to residential and hospitality projects in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Rita recently took the time to share a bit more of her design background as well as predict design themes for 2022 and beyond.

Haute Design: Could you share a bit more about your upbringing and your background in design?

Rita Chraibi: My background is one of opposition between art and discipline, creativity and duty. Growing up in Morocco, my father was one of the few officers in the Moroccan Army to have studied at Saint Cyr, in France, which is the highest training available for the military.  In fact, it is the same education General de Gaulle had. My mother on the other hand, had a degree in philosophy. So, while it was always my dream to be a fashion designer, my parents felt I needed to study in a more intellectual field. My dreams to draw, create, and work with colors and textures were dashed when I acquiesced and got my law degree. I felt my artistic soul had been crushed.

I worked at a law firm for two years until an opportunity to work as a design intern presented itself through a family friend, Hugo Torrico at Villarroel Torrico, a renowned design firm with offices in Spain and China, and I took it!

Not only did this experience make me fall in love with the world of interior design and architecture but it made me realize that many of my passions found within fashion could be translated to interior design, in terms of colors, textures, fabrics, drawing and volumes. You can "dress up" an interior and evoke many feelings, create and reconsider space. It's magic!

Eventually, in 2013, I opened my own firm, International Designers by Rita Chraibi. I chose to not name it exclusively after myself because although many of the projects derive from my inspiration, there is an exceptional team of designers behind me and I wanted to pay tribute to them.

Photo Credit: Juan Pablo Castro

HD: How would you describe your personal design style?

RC: I am not a fan of giving my style a label or committing to one for my firm because I think every good designer knows that each project has a soul of its own. Whether it is a hotel, office or residence, each property has a story, which I want to help convey. While each project guides me by way of style, I do have core values which I always strive to respect.

My spaces must feel elegant regardless of the style in which they are designed. That said, I have a good mastery of classical European, contemporary, Art Deco and Arab-Moorish styles, perhaps in part due to my French and Moroccan roots. "Haute Couture" would be another way to attempt to describe my styles I do take plenty of inspiration from the world of Haute Couture fashion, be it Christian Lacroix or Chanel.

I look at interiors in a similar way a fashion designer would look at their models. This does not just mean using fashionable furniture lines like Hermès, although I do that as well, it is also a way to humanize the interiors and express their personality. Fashionable and chic homes should not mean cold. It is very important to me that interiors are warm, livable and friendly. Achieving interiors that are simultaneously chic, sophisticated, warm and cozy is a challenge that I enjoy rising toward.

Photo Credit: Juan Pablo Castro

HD: What direction do you feel that design is moving toward?

RC: We are all learning to live for longer periods of time at home than we were previously used to and this has to be factored into residential designs moving forward. Interiors will need to be arranged in a manner that is more family-friendly while also allowing for solitary moments in order to allow for reflections as well as real work done.

Design will probably move toward comfort above trendy, which is a good thing in my opinion. Anything that is too trendy is further from authenticity and truth. There is a certain hypocrisy in imposing a current color or style on everyone so I simply avoid to do so. I feel we are going to get closer to the "real" and have closer as well as more frequent connections to nature. Conversely, there will be more technology incorporated into design, which may, in some ways, help with these environmental connections.

Photo Credit: Juan Pablo Castro

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Dr. Humza Arif

Photo Credit: kliniko

A devotee of art and architecture seen through the lens of dentistry, Dr. Humza Arif of kliniko, provides full mouth rehabilitation encompassed in an unsurpassed clinical experience. Through his elevation in the dental space, so too has the profile of clientele that travel to sunny South Florida. “The people are as eclectic as the city’s architecture and art. We create an experience made tangible in every smile and every experience my patients go on to create on their own thereafter. It’s an ongoing gift that maintains humility in service to my patients.”

Dr. Arif gave Haute Design a peek into his traveling philosophy after returning to Miami from some time abroad.

Haute Design: You were recently out of the country. Where did you go? How long were you away?

Dr. Humza Arif: The mission of the kliniko brand inspires perspectives, and with it, new experiences naturally come to fruition. Ukraine was my most recent international visit and it was an immersion of several weeks. Because of the multiple collaborations that exist, I want to ensure the culmination of perspectives for my patients at kliniko.

HD: Did the trip pertain to anything kliniko-related?

DHA: Because kliniko is an extension of the creative space in oral health/dentistry, I find all trips have something to do with kliniko. This trip in particular revolved around embracing team dynamics and infrastructure in regard to the experience that will culminate in March 2022. I am thrilled to share it.

HD: What particular things do you pay attention to while overseas?

DHA: I could not name one certain set of things. As an individual who shares the passion found in form and function, it is important to remain open and receptive. There is so much to see, understand and appreciate. Pay attention to everything, for in every detail is a world to experience.

HD: What are five essentials you carry with you when traveling?

DHA: The essentials I carry are consistent with the senses I have implemented at kliniko. Products that I have come to appreciate are Grown Alchemist Chapstick, Aesop Reverence Aeromatique hand balm, Mancera Rose Vanille Eau du Parfum, Dr. Paul's Patchuli Musk Toothpaste, and one of my Nikon cameras.

Dr. Humza Arif

Photo Credit: kliniko

HD: Ultimately, what benefits does travel provide to your overall design outlook?

DHA: Travel is such an integral part to the perspectives and outlooks we all share. The tapestry of design and architecture is an inspiration of what we all share. It all comes together at kliniko, and our patients will not only feel inspired themselves, but they will leave with smiles that will inspire others as well.

HD: Do you have any plans for your next trip?

DHA: There is something to be said about spontaneity when it comes to travel. It helps you keep an open mind and keeps you prepared to receive all the beauty around us. As of right now, we at kliniko plan to embrace that concept and we will be happy to share what comes next in the months to come!

The post kliniko Goes Abroad: Dr. Humza Arif Shares His Traveling Philosophy appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Chasity Centeno

Photo Credit: Brooklyn East Photography

Whether you are building, remodeling or redecorating, Riese Design can transform your home or business into a beautiful space to call your own. Riese design commits to provide satisfaction in each project while relaying a level of trust with clients in order to grant them peace of mind. You can rest assured the results Chasity Centeno, Principal at Riese Design, delivers will be the results you expect.

Chasity recently spoke to Haute Design about the opportunity Riese Design was given to participate in the hit TV show, George to the Rescue.

Haute Design: Congratulations on the big TV announcement! Tell us a little bit about how this came about. When were you working on these projects and filming the series?

Chasity Centeno: NBC reached out to me directly, about six years ago, when I first started. I am currently filming my eighth episode. We recently filmed 'Maggie's Mission' in the summer, while simultaneously juggling about 15 clients. We usually do one a year but this year we had the honor and pleasure of filming three episodes. One episode was filmed in the winter, and the other two were filmed in the summer and fall, respectively.

HD: For those who might not be aware of George to the Rescue, could you briefly explain the premise of the show?

CC: George to the Rescue is a home improvement show, which airs on NBC, and focuses on home renovations and makeovers for deserving families. Contractors, designers and tradespeople alike, donate their services to help out for the greater good of the family, with one main goal in mind - providing a space that heightens the functionality of the home by accommodating the corresponding family's wants and needs.

Photo Credit: Brooklyn East Photography

HD: Was this one of the more gratifying experiences of your career?

CC: Each and every episode that I work on, and the families I help, are gratifying all the same. Design is more than just making a space pretty. Design is about changing someone's life for the better, in the most important place they could ever be - their home.

HD: How much did these projects differ from your other projects?

CC: The scope of the project wasn't all that different from other projects that I take on. The biggest difference is the timeline where we squeeze what would be a three-month project into about four weeks. All the products need to be purchased, inspected, delivered, designed and installed in about a month's timeframe from start to finish.

Photo Credit: Brooklyn East Photography

HD: How and when can we tune in to watch the episodes?

CC: The next episode will air Saturday, October 9th, at 9:30am and 7pm ET in the greater New York area on NBC. The show is nationally syndicated. Our 8th episode, which we are filming this fall, is set to air in the Spring of 2022.

HD: Would you be willing to do more television appearances on similar programs?

CC: Yes, as long as it is for a good cause!

HD: What was your biggest takeaway from this experience?

CC: The reward you get from helping someone is not always about a dollar sign, it's more about what's at the heart of why you do what you do.

Photo Credit: Brooklyn East Photography

The post Riese Design Joins Forces With George Oliphant On Home Improvement Show appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Welcome to the world of Pedini Miami. The world class quality of Pedini kitchens and modern cabinets comes to Miami, bringing chic, ergonomic, contemporary kitchen design that is aimed to be functional for any person or family. Pedini Miami's level of excellence and quality of design concepts raises the bar in the kitchen design industry, setting a new standard of creativity, quality and beauty.

The Pedini DNA is present throughout the Casa 7800, a brand-new transitional estate which is nearly ready for occupancy. This stunning one-story home welcomes residents and guests alike with a great foyer, high ceilings and an expansive open floor plan which features a living room and dining room.

"It was an honor to be able to leave our mark on this beautiful residence while still fulfilling the client's vision," said Pedini Miami Vice President, David Rousso Jr. "Thankfully, our resources and the client's concept of an ideal home went hand in hand. The result is truly outstanding."

One of the stars of the home is the gorgeous, spacious eat-in kitchen with Thermador appliances and Zephy wine cooler. However, what truly elevates the kitchen space is the Pedini Cabinetry throughout. Pedini Miami's special cabinets are at the root of design and technology via the service of functionality from the research of the entire Pedini team. Pedini creates appliances that can serve multiple functions for a luxury home. To explore the wide range of cabinet designs and options Pedini Miami offers, CLICK HERE.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Kitchens are certainly not the only space where Pedini Miami elevates the luxury and functionality of your dream home. Pedini Miami applies luxury Italian sensibility to its custom bathroom pieces. With their range of Archeda bathroom design, you can finally have the dream bathroom you have always envisioned.

Pedini's Archeda bathroom designs include a vast array of lines which provide flexibility for any and every taste or design philosophy. Bathroom Gola, for example, is an elegant and timeless design that interprets contemporary style. The sleek patterns breathe in new life, complemented with lacquered colors and accessories. Or perhaps Bathroom Linea is more to your liking. Here, the aluminum profile handle in titanium and satin-finished aluminum can be implemented to the full range of decorative, wood and lacquered color coatings made by Archeda. Learn more HERE.

Casa 7800's master suite offers oversized his and her closets, a resort-style bathroom with double vanities, and a huge shower. Casa 7800 is the perfect luxury home for the single family looking to move into the Pinecrest area.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

The post Introducing Casa 7800: Boasting Pedini Miami’s Custom Cabinetry appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Pedini Miami provides customers with Italian designed furnishings of the highest standard and style. Pedini's process gives customers the most personalized and trustworthy service in the industry while keeping them informed every step of the way. Pedini's design team aims to create the best possible design solutions, mixing superlative functionality and design with top-spec materials for the ultimate living statement.

Pedini Miami welcomes you to the Knoxville Manor, Shenandoah's ultimate luxurious, recently-updated designer pool home and garden oasis. Magnificent arched custom doors greet you at the entrance of this spectacular, bright, and airy living space. A first impression so stunning and impactful, you will think you walked into a move set.

The Knoxville Manor boasts a delightful open dining area and large gourmet eat-in chef's kitchen courtesy of Pedini's Italian custom countertops.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Pedini Italian kitchens flawlessly integrate a functional and stylish kitchen into every modern Miami home, creating your very own dream kitchen. Every collection showcases an exciting place to cook an allows you to simplify the design, selection and improvement process.

With nine spectacular collections, Pedini Miami's kitchen offerings are second to none in variety, functionality and beauty. For example, the Moka collection is a functional and flexible system with simplistic cabinetry to compliment the architectural details of your space. In fact, this happens to be Pedini's most popular collection due to the fact that it is a design system with infinite compositional possibilities. Perhaps your sensibilities lean toward the elegant and sophisticated Quadra collection, which evokes the retro charm of iconic furnishings from the past. To explore the full range of Pedini Italian kitchens, CLICK HERE.

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

When you're not entertaining or cooking a lovely meal in your gorgeous Pedini kitchen, unwind in the main suite retreat with a designer spa bathroom and walk-in closet, or slip out to escape to the private covered patio to relax over by the glorious tucked away waterfall pool.

The Knoxville Manor incorporates absolute attention to details including custom chandeliers, impact window doors, Legrand lighting, updated plumbing and electric, as well as lushly and illuminated gardens throughout. "It was a pleasure to work with our client and to realize his vision for how the home should feel and look," says Pedini Miami Vice President, David Rousso Jr. "We understood his expectations and made sure we met them down to the smallest detail."

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Welcome to Shenandoah redefined.

The post Pedini Miami Presents Shenandoah’s Ultimate Luxurious Pool And Garden Oasis appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Laila Colvin and Rafaela Simoes

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

While 2id Interiors has stood out as one of Miami's premier luxury interior design companies, perhaps most are not acquainted with the 2id origin story. Co-Founder and Creative Director, Rafaela Simoes shares the beautiful origin of her amazing partnership with Laila Colvin.

Do you know those people whose parents went to school together and created a bond where it would make it inevitable for their children to become best friends? Eventually, those children grow up side by side and dream of becoming partners and building their own company when they get older.

Cool, isn't it? Well, guess what? That's not our story.

Our mothers did indeed know each other for many years. They went to school together in Brazil. However, we defied the odds and both our mothers' efforts to get us to meet one another and we did not instantly form a friendship. In fact, we never met each other while we lived in Brazil. Incredibly, our story only began once we both ended up moving to the U.S.

Laila realized we had both moved to Florida and her mother convinced her to give me a call. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We immediately bonded over our similar backgrounds and our shared passion for interior design.

I believe we were meant to support each other here in the States and eventually work together, even though it was never in either of our plans. One of the magical things about life is that it is unpredictable. Because not only is she now one of my best friends, but she is my pattern in work and in life. We even got pregnant almost at the same time and now our kids have grown up together.

Working as a duo can be challenging, but for us it is a blessing. Since day one, we had similar visions for the business and every obstacle we have overcome since then has only made us better partners. We recognize our individual limitations and we respect what each other brings to the partnership.

Laila is more pragmatic, practical and rational. She is better with numbers and budgets, so she is the one who brings some sense when we are going too far and keeps us on track with finances. I am more emotional, intuitive, approachable (but not early in the morning, please) and outspoken.

Working as a pair allows us to share our tasks, while each of us specializes in areas we're best at and enjoy most. By sharing the labor, we can lighten the load. This allows us to take time off when needed, as we know there will always be a trusted person to hold down the fort and this has certainly had a positive impact in our personal lives.

2id Interiors

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

Another advantage of our partnership is that we have a multidisciplinary approach with our clients. We work in a way that allows them to not get confused with both of us. If Laila begins a conversation with a client, she will be the one that will continue assisting them in that manner in order to ensure clear communication. The same applies if I am the one to begin the conversation. This avoids confusion and clients always know who to speak with. That said, we always share and discuss key pieces of information for every project to make strategic decisions that are best for the business.

All of these processes ensure harmony and clear results. I believe that our skill sets combined is what makes up the 2id recipe for success, along with the amazing team that we have, not behind us, but rather working by side by side with us. This way, we create a stronger, more balanced, and happier workplace.

The story of how we became 2id Interiors

The name of the company was something we struggled with. It was difficult to think of a name that included both of us and that also sounded good. I previously had my own company, the RS ID, which stands for Rafaela Simoes Interior Design. Laila made its logo and I was so in love with the "id" component that when it came time to think of a name for our company, I was not giving up on it.

We brainstormed ideas to include our initials but nothing was working out. Eventually, Laila had the idea of adding the number 2, to "id," symbolizing two interior designers, as a provisional name, but of course, it ended up being our permanent name. It's simple and conveys the idea that we are two people in this amazing journey together.

The post Partners At Work And In Life: The 2id Interiors Story appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Dr. Humza Arif is one of South Florida’s native cosmetic and restorative dentists. Graduating from Nova Southeastern University, this aficionado of experience elevated his education and trade by focusing on rehabilitative dentistry. It is in this way minimal invasive dentistry is able to restore natural aesthetics, both mechanical and cosmetic, to their true form. For this reason, the vision of his space kliniko merged flawlessly with Yodezeen Architects. This partnership culminated the senses into an impressionable patient experience and is the “fusion of what we experience as felt through our eyes, the function of oral health and the confidence encompassed in the totality of form. It is why I am ecstatic to bring it to the people of Miami," shares Dr. Arif.

Dr. Humza Arif recently sat down with Haute Design to speak about the construction developments of kliniko's Miami offices.

Haute Design: Your office, kliniko, is currently undergoing construction. Is there an estimated date for the office to be ready?

Dr. Humza Arif: kliniko has been an ongoing development in design, form and operational excellence. The culmination of the three will come together in March 2022.

HD: How much of the design is prepared or completed before this step, if any?

DHA: The design of kliniko was integrated with the form and function of the practice. The architectural development has been in tandem with everything our patients need for the most bespoke experience.

HD: Would you say this is the part of the design process wherein you needed to exercise the most patience?

DHA: Anything beautiful in this world is built with others. Nature coexists and the inspiration from that essence coalesced with the development of leading experts. The architectural design and material of the physical practice inspired the infrastructure and development team, and vice versa. This allows the craft of dentistry to to emerge in an unseen, unexperienced way, more than ever before - something the people of Miami truly deserve.

HD: If you could describe the design style we can expect to see in three words, once the offices are ready, what would they be?

DHA: Three words alone could never capture what the senses will experience. Rather, I am looking forward to hear what my patients think and feel in March 2022.

The post kliniko’s Humza Arif Shares What A Design Process Looks Like During Construction Phase appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Moka Living Space

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Pedini provides customers with Italian-designed furnishings of the highest standard and style. Pedini's process gives clients the most personalized and trustworthy service in the industry while keeping them informed each step of the way. Pedini Miami's design team aims to create the best possible design solutions mixing superlative functionality and design with top-spec materials for the ultimate living statement. Pedini Miami's design style aims to be functional above all else so that their homes are not only aesthetically pleasing, but suited for clients' everyday life.

Moka Kitchen Space

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Pedini Italian kitchens flawlessly integrate and cantonal and stylish kitchen into every modern Miami home. Each kitchen within Pedini's extensive collection showcases an exciting place to cook and allows clients to simplify the design, selection and improvement process.

The Moka kitchen collection, for example, is a flexible and functional system with simplistic cabinetry to complement the architectural details of the client's living space. The Moka Collection is Pedini Miami's most popular due to the fact that it is a design system with infinite compositional possibilities. Thanks to the wide range of finishes and careful technological research, Moka represents the perfect link between kitchen and living.

The Moka also incorporates Pedini's eclectic and industry-leading cabinet offerings. Their cabinets are at the root of design and technology in service of functionality. The Miami-based firm creates appliances that can serve multiple functions for a luxury home.

Moka wall units

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Omnia Gemini Closet

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

When it comes to Pedini's walk-in closets, the Gemini collection is second to none and technology is the star of the show. Its prerogative is one step ahed of the rest thanks to an ultra high-tech integrated lighting system, producing a visions that clearly exploits each and every detail. The extremely versatile rack solution enables clients to create the closet of their dreams by combining the classical lines of the frame with the design of its last generation components.

The secret lies in the closure mechanism which features sliding doors, as well as how the color is matched. The flamed oak wood pairs effectively with the grey metal finish of the aluminum component. Its beauty is enhanced but the smoky glass effect mirrors.

Bathroom Gola

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

Pedini Miami provides luxury Italian sensibility to its custom bathroom cabinet pieces. An excellent example of this, is the Gola bathroom collection. Gola is an elegant and timeless design that interprets contemporary style. The sleek patterns breathe own new life, complemented with lacquered colors and accessories.

Eclipse Bedroom Furniture

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

The Ambra collection of the Eclipse bedroom furniture offerings by Pedini Miami boasts an original, tailored design. With its simple, clean look, Ambra features a series of integrated, curved drawer handles that add a sense of warmth and welcome to any environment. Ambra also comes with a set of specific features, such as metal or self-standing feet, making for a super chic environment.

So, from the kitchen, to living spaces, to closets and bedrooms, Pedini Miami has functional and flexible furnishing that will suit any kind of client or lifestyle. If you wish to learn more about Pedini Miami, CLICK HERE.

Moka Living & Kitchen Space

Photo Credit: Pedini Miami

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Dorothy Alon, founder of prominent Los Angeles-based design firm, Sophea Interior Designs, has established herself in the last decade among Los Angeles developers, contractors, and other thought leaders in real estate. Dorothy has built her reputation as someone whose intuition and insight comes through in every project that she undertakes.

"We do things a little bit differently," says Dorothy. "About 90% of my clients are developers. After becoming familiar with the scale of work that I have done, along with my extensive experience in the field, they have developed the trust and understanding that we are a team and we are in this together. I think they appreciate that I'm not only focused on 'making things look pretty.' Instead, my approach is more like, 'yes, make this look pretty, but make it functional as well'."

Sophea Designs does not only handle the design aspect of a home, but it also participates in the planning and building process.

"Ideally, the architect gives me the floor plan before even going to the engineer," Dorothy explains. "Because we try to insure that all the interior built-ins and functional spaces are accounted for in order for us to not be limited by the structure itself."

Photo Credit: Sophea Interior Designs

"While interior design is a broad spectrum and entails a multitude of specialties, I decided early on to focus on spec homes and new construction projects. This kind of business requires the interior designer to be involved early on in the process. Typically, we are getting the floor plans after the architect's first draft and we are looking at the house placement on the site map. Then we check that all the main spaces are sufficient and proportional to the scale of the house, both in space and return on investment. We proceed by verifying every window and door size and location. Lastly, we are making sure all standard furniture works in the space and we have enough wall space for cabinets, storage and art. Once this is complete, we continue with designing and selecting finishes. If we have any comments throughout this part of the process, we send it back to the architect to hear their thoughts. We respect the work they have done so far and would like to make sure we are giving our client the best product possible in terms of architecture and interior. In essence, the architect is the conductor and we are the orchestra. We work with all architectural softwares to make it easy for them to quickly respond and keep the work streamlined."

Photo Credit: Sophea Interior Designs

Dorothy's passion in describing the ins and outs of her work and her company's functions is palpable. "I think about everything," she says. "I think of every house we work on as my own investment and as if I were going to live in each and every one of them. That is how I think. This is my mentality toward every home I have designed. I have worked on hundreds of houses and I start every project with the same amount of excitement. The passion toward what I do is what keeps me going. In that sense, we are different. We care. We really care about what we do."

Photo Credit: Sophea Interior Designs

If you wish to contact Sophea Interior Designs for a prospective project or want to learn more about Dorothy Alon's work, CLICK HERE for more information.

The post Sophea Designs Cares About Each And Every Design Project As If It Were Their Own Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Regarded for their relevant and skillful approach to design, 2id Interiors in Miami is an award-winning leading interior design firm that provides in-depth service to clients who are amongst today's well-known names in professional industries and entertainment spanning across South Florida, the U.S., and around the world with projects in Canada, Europe, and Brazil.

Founders and Creative Directors Laila Colvin and Rafaela Simoes recently completed this stunning private residential project in Miami Beach. While this project initially presented challenges such as integrating eye-catching accessories and furniture into the spaces, Laila and Rafaela were up for the task and the Brazilian duo was confident the work that would go into this 6,000 sq. ft. tropical modern home would be well worth it.

With the mentality that a home reflects who its owner is, 2id Interiors knew this house could not be average, by any means. With that in mind, the 2id team made the home unique, unparalleled, vibrant, and filled it with eclectic art and bold patterns.

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

Because they we aware they would be designing a home that was made for entertaining guests and hosting plenty of gatherings, Rafaela and Laila made sure that each space feels inviting to all. The 2id Interiors designers carefully selected materials and furniture that not only would flow well from room to room, but would also highlight the client's art collection.

The entry to a home should always make a statement and the 2id duo made sure that this home would certainly follow this edict. The welcoming foyer vignette leads guests into a close-to-nature dining room, which immediately catches your attention. True to their Brazilian heritage, Rafaela and Laila love bringing the outdoors in, whenever they get the chance.

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

The bedroom is proof that Laila and Rafaela were not afraid to go big. "We had the pleasure of designing this very sleek and modern bedroom for our very cool client, " Rafaela said. "We were able to design a contemporary and edgy masculine bedroom." Laila added, "The powder room is also powerful and the kitchen turned out to be a stunning space for cooking, entertaining and eating."

Typically, a dark setting is not the first theme that would come to mind when designing a kitchen. The traditional or stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright-colored kitchens. However, 2id Interiors considered, "What if your kitchen broke the mold?" Here, shades of black and green add what white kitchens cannot - a seductive style that is both memorable and sophisticated.

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

It seems the 2id design team checked all the boxes in this project because after wrapping up this Miami Beach home, they have already gotten to work on a second project for this client.

If you wish to look into contacting 2id Interiors or learning more about their interior design work, CLICK HERE.

Photo Credit: 2id Interiors

The post 2id Interiors Bring Lush Tropical Miami Beach Vibes Indoors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

While many may think of the design life as a glamorous career path, we know that a lot of sacrifice, time, dedication and talent has to go into it if you want to be successful. Several Haute Design experts took the time to reveal what it is about their job that has them waking up with a smile on their faces every day.

Haute Design: What is the best part about being an Interior Designer?

Kelly Dunn, designer & founder of FATHOM Design Company: The best part about being an interior designer (besides shopping for a living!) is specifically the hunt for unique finds. I love searching for that perfect statement piece and collaborating with other craftsmen/women to create something special. Working with other creatives that love their skill is a privilege and an honor. We push each other to think more outside the box and the result is always stunning. For this bedroom design, I worked with talented glass blowers, lighting technicians and woodworkers to create one of a kind pieces that when blended together, tell an eclectic story.

FATHOM Design Company

To learn more about FATHOM Design and Kelly Dunn's work, CLICK HERE.

Luciana Fragali, CEO & Owner of Design Solutions Miami: I love that I get to solve my clients' problems in such a beautiful way. Each day brings a set of new and exciting challenges. I love that, in this industry, you get to interact with so many different people and teams. From clients, to artisans, to brand representatives, to electricians (who are magicians, by the way), to architects and builders. It is so collaborative and inspiring! Together we make the impossible, possible. We take the well-executed dreams and the crazy structural ideas and poof! We successfully design and deliver projects that are treasured forever.

This career has taught me tough lessons, shown me my full potential and allowed me to have a flexible schedule with my family. I have dozens and dozens of homes that are living proof of ideas I created and nurtured in my head for so long, and many happy clients who get to live their best lives in those spaces.

Design Solutions Miami

CLICK HERE to learn more about Luciana Fragali and Design Solutions Miami.

Hafsa Burt, Studio Head at hb+a Architects: The best part about being an architect is that we’re given tool sets of a problem solver/an inventor that we utilize on a daily basis to imagine new functional solutions and create objects and spaces. I am also able to see a space in my head and get a sense of what works and what doesn’t and I attribute that to my training  and experience as an architect.  Spaces can tell a story and evoke emotions and I love having such an abstract medium of expression at my disposal.

hb+a Architects

Photo Credit: Doug Birnbaum

If you wish to learn more about hb+a Architects and Hafsa Burt's work, CLICK HERE.

Chasity Centeno, Founder and Designer at Riese Design: The best part about being an interior designer is creating spaces for clients to enjoy for years to come as well as building great relationships throughout the process. Not only do we address the client's pain points, we also deliver a product that is both functional and beautiful. As a result, at the end of the project you have someone you can call a friend. Personal relationships are key and each client should be treated in a way that makes them feel as though you, yourself are investing in them. At Riese Design, our clients are part of a family!

Riese Design

To learn more about Riese Design, CLICK HERE.

The post Haute Design Experts Reveal Their Favorite Part About Being Interior Designers appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.