For more than four decades, Joyce Rey, who heads the Global Luxury Division for Coldwell Banker, has proven herself indispensable in the refined world of international luxury real estate. She is nothing short of a legend—among her celebrity clients, her professional colleagues, and the community she serves. One of the most respected names in top-tier real estate worldwide, Rey has amassed nearly $6 billion in career sales. With a dazzling list of accolades, awards, and sales records, she is known, most of all, for her incomparable knowledge of the luxury marketplace, her acute ability to negotiate even the most complex transactions, and her particular talent for putting clients at ease.

Recently, Joyce talked with Haute Residence about the Beverly Hills market and where she sees real estate trends going in the future.

Haute Residence: What is unique about your market?

Joyce Rey: What makes Beverly Hills unique is that it almost exclusively deals with luxury homes, and I have been involved in this luxury segment of Beverly Hills my entire career. I have, on several occasions, sold the most expensive house in the United States, and in 1979, I started the first division in the world to only handle million-dollar houses. In today's market that doesn't seem that impressive but back then no one could believe there was a company only handling million-dollar houses. It was very exciting and made news around the world. I would say that's the single most unique part of the market I deal with, that the geographic area lends itself to these beautiful estate properties.

670 Hot Springs Road, Montecito, CA 93108

HR: What kind of trends have you been seeing recently in the market? Has COVID affected the market?

JR: The first trend improved our market. All of a sudden the household became the focus of people’s lives because they were living in their homes all day long and doing their work from home. I actually predicted that when COVID first hit and we had the first lockdown. I would say the prevailing thought among realtors was that we were going to have a tough time and that we wouldn't be able to sell houses during the pandemic but I tried to look for the silver linings. The first was that there was no traffic on the roads. I thought that was fantastic! I could always get to my appointments on time! Secondly, I looked at my own situation and I never used to spend any time in my house during the day unless I was sick. I was out and about all day long and then I would go out in the evenings, so I was largely in my house sleeping. All of a sudden I was locked up in my house for three weeks and I’m thinking it’s not just me who's looking around their house and realizing how important it is and the things I could be doing with it… this is going to be prevalent amongst everyone. They're going to want to have a larger place to live, a home office, a gym, an outdoor area, etc.

HR: Are there any other trends that have been happening recently now that we’re beginning to come out of COVID?

JR: Well we’re coming out of COVID but we’re coming into a difficult time in the economy with inflation hanging over our heads. Typically, real estate does well in times of inflation, though one concern, of course, is interest rates. Usually, the federal government will raise interest rates to tamper down inflation, so it’s kind of a catch-22. Another thing is the luxury market is the strongest it's ever been, presumably because people are searching for safe places to put their money and traditionally real estate is one of the safest. Especially if you’re spending more time in your home, what better place is there to have part of your savings than in your personal residence?

9152 Janice Pl, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

HR: What do you see happening in the future for your market?

JR: Most people would say that there has to be hills and valleys and since we’ve been on a 10-year up-trend there could be cloudy skies ahead, but I just don't see any indication of that in the marketplace. People are generally optimistic right now, though it has been harder for developers to find projects because the prices are high. We are in a seller’s market, so it’s hard for them to find projects where they can see a profit at the end. That certainly is problematic, though ultimately that means less supply, and less supply means rising prices, so right now most people are thinking that 2022 is going to be a favorable year for real estate—especially for luxury real estate.

Joyce Rey is the exclusive agent representing the Beverly Hills, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here. For more information, please contact Joyce Rey at 310-291-6646 or joyce@joycerey.com.

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Mother-daughter team Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto recently sold their luxury listing at the Four Seasons in Surfside, Florida. Unit 511S was put on the market at $24M and sold for $23,000,000 making it the highest resale sold price of the building ever. Not only that but with a price of $4,927/sqft, this unit is also the highest price per square foot ever in Miami-Dade county.

The Four Seasons at the Surf Club has a sparkling reputation and many stars have graced its hallways over the years including Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Winston Churchill. Located along a 9-acre stretch of beachfront in the district of Surfside, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club exudes effortless elegance and timeless values. Designed by Pritzker prize-winning Richard Meier, the Four Seasons is an exclusive beach sanctuary

Unit 511S is a one-of-a-kind, turn-key, oceanfront corner residence in the Four Seasons at The Surf Club. Classic & contemporary, this condo was designed by Brazilian architect Carolina Proto and features custom millwork, gourmet Boffi kitchen, SubZero & Miele appliances, Italian travertine floors, Ornare closet cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling windows, a 1,300 sqft terrace, private foyer & more.

For more information, please contact Roberta or Giovanna Ingletto at 305.778.7343 or roberta@rgirealty.com / gio@rgirealty.com.

Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto are the exclusive agents representing the Pinecrest / South Miami, FL real estate market as members of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo credits: RGI Realty

The post Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto of RGI Realty Make Record-Breaking Sale At Four Seasons Residences in Surfside appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Christian Horan

Hidden away on the North Pacific end of the tiny country of Costa Rica is a peninsula, a jungle paradise in the Guanacaste Province known as Peninsula Papagayo. With hotels that need no introduction including Four Seasons, The Andaz, and the (soon-to-be-built) Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo offers a vacation like no other. Referred to as “part sophisticated resorts, part primitive playground,” this apt description only touches the surface of the fun to be had on the Peninsula’s 1,400 acres of private community. A world-renowned golf course, nearby zip-lining and UTV riding, surfing and paddleboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving, wildlife adventures with the Papagayo Explorers, newly built pickleball courts, and a soon-to-be-built $25 million sports complex are just a few of the endless opportunities available. 

Photo Credit: Oliver Pilcher

The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Peninsula Papagayo is one of the most desirable locations for the brand in the world and with good reason. It is all of the refinement, luxury, and excellence of service the Four Seasons is known for wrapped inside of a tropical paradise. The grounds include two beaches to choose from, five restaurants,  luxury boutiques, four pools, and a fleet of golf carts armed with men in crisp white uniforms able to take you wherever your heart desires. The Four Seasons Residences are just as luxe, but with even more mesmerizing views. Marking the mountainside of Prieta Bay, the residences offer the best views of the ocean, and with their limited availability, an exclusively luxurious Costa Rican lifestyle. 

Photo Credit: Christian Horan

This standard of luxury is also upheld by The Andaz, soon-to-be Ritz-Carlton Reserve Hotel and Residences, and exclusive Bahia Residences by Antoine Predock. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be named Nekajui which comes from the language of the pre-Columbian Chorotegas, Guanacaste's original inhabitants. The English translation, garden, inspired Nekajui's singular open-air venues that will welcome guests to step into a natural wonderland containing more species per square mile than any other country on the planet. A secluded beach house, reserved for hotel guests and residence owners, is situated steps from magical grotto pools and sea caves in Pochote Bay.

Predock’s Bahia Residences will have only 13 family compounds that are architecturally designed to move with the natural topography of Costa Rica. With no two residences looking the same, these hot on the market homes start in the low $6 millions and are soon to be sold out. As can be seen, the real estate market on the Peninsula is booming, with closed sales of luxury branded residences at Peninsula Papagayo having exceeded $328 million since the beginning of the pandemic.

From the largest developments down to the smallest event decorations, every piece of Peninsula Papagayo is also heavily focused on sustainability and community service. Their most recent event was the third annual Peninsula Papagayo Golf Invitational that served as a fundraiser for Creciendo Juntos, a charity the Peninsula has supported for over 20 years. The final night also featured a gala where it was announced that over $190,000 was raised for the charity specifically to build a technology lab that will bridge the gap for every child who doesn't have access to the internet or a device for remote learning during the pandemic. And once the night was over, all decorations were recycled and every live flower that hung beautifully from the ceiling was carefully preserved and replanted, with nothing going to waste. 

With a UNESCO World Heritage Site at its doorstep protecting one of the last tropical dry forests in the Americas, Papagayo focuses on sustainability and community service as much as it does comfort and luxury. Costa Rica is a gateway that harbors 12 major life zones, 500,000 species, and 5% of the life forms found on the planet. It is also home to peaceful, happy people who teach the language of Pura Vida, pure life—the gift of grace that’s all about living in the moment.

From the monkeys and iguanas walking next to you to the beautiful oceans and mountains views, it’s easy to see why the New York Times named Costa Rica one of the top 3 places in the world that people are looking to buy real estate. The land of Pura Vida,  Peninsula Papagayo, is a one-of-a-kind destination for the adventurous spirit and luxuriously refined. Are you ready to visit? 

Photo Credit: Oliver Pilcher

The post Into the Wild: Luxury and Simplicity in Peninsula Papagayo appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

“There is a renaissance happening on the Sunset Strip in LA. The Strip is poised to become a new center of modern luxury in Los Angeles,” - Tina Necrason, Executive Vice President, Residential, Montage International

Pendry Residences is the newest addition to West Hollywood and offers the ultimate experience for exclusive luxury living. Developed in partnership with AECOM Capital, the investment advisor of global infrastructure firm AECOM, and Combined Properties, a full-service real estate firm, the opening of Pendry Residences West Hollywood is the culmination of over $500 million invested in the overall development and brings an unparalleled level of luxury residential living to Los Angeles. Comprised of 40 luxury residences and located next to Pendry West Hollywood, this newest residence was designed by acclaimed Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC) with interior design by Martin Brudnizki. 

Photo Credit: Justin Coit

“Situated in a private enclave adjacent to the hotel, 40 private homes epitomize today’s California dream. Terraced along Olive Drive, the Residences offer incredible LA views, exceptional design, and personalized service,” continues Tina Necrason.

Pendry Residences West Hollywood by Montage Hotels & Resorts offers residents one-one-of-a-kind amenities such as a private rooftop pool deck, wine tasting room, garden deck, fitness center, boardroom, and lounge. Residents are also guaranteed the utmost privacy with every home being only accessible by private or semi-private elevators.

Photo Credit: Justin Coit

“Unlike a typical condominium, Pendry Residences West Hollywood was built without interior corridors, allowing each home to be accessed via two private elevators (one passenger and one service) that take the owner from the secure parking garage directly into their individual home providing the utmost in both security and privacy. Visitors enter through a lobby overlooking views of downtown Los Angeles and travel through the lush resident garden park to reach a series of elevator lobbies offering secure access to the individual homes.” Says Steven Ehrlich of Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC)

Residents are also given full access to the amenities at the adjacent Pendry West Hollywood which includes several restaurants helmed by legendary two Michelin-star chef Wolfgang Puck, an exclusive membership to The Britely, a private social club, a 24-hour gym, screening room and more.

Photo Credit: Christian Horan Photography

“With polished comfort, personalized service, and a fresh expression of luxury, Pendry Residences West Hollywood by Montage Hotels & Resorts elevates the Sunset Strip to a new level of sophistication for those who call this home.” Says Tina Necrason.

Following a limited pre-completion offering, Pendry Residences West Hollywood is already recognizing significant market placement with over 50 percent of residences in the first release sold, including reaching new real estate pricing benchmarks, exceeding records within Los Angeles luxury condominium offerings. Exceeding records for the highest price per square foot in Los Angeles, two Terrace Estates have been sold at groundbreaking prices, the highest of which sold at over $4,800 per square foot. Terrace estate 706 sold at $13 million, with a PSF over $4,800 and terrace estate 804 sold at $13.3 million, with a PSF of almost $4,500.

For more information on Pendry Residences West Hollywood, please visit their website here: https://pendryresidencesweho.com

The post Pendry Residences West Hollywood Brings A New Level Of Sophistication To The Sunset Strip appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Sandra Fiorenza just closed on her listing 530 Arvida Parkway on Gables Estates on Tuesday, September 7th. The power couple Sandra and Randy Fiorenza started building this two-story Italian marble mansion in 2009 and moved in at the end of 2012. Randy is an aviation executive and owner of Pam Am flight academy. Sandra marketed and sold the house under her brokerage One Sotheby’s Realty.

This two-story Palatial/Neo-Classical Italian-style villa was designed by renowned architect Ramon Pacheco. The property is 43,123 sq. ft comprised of 14,500 square feet of adjusted living area and 4000 Square feet of covered terraces facing south on a wide Gables Estates lagoon with marble veneer walls and custom carved stone elements. The exterior is completely done in marble and custom carved stone elements throughout. The house has 8 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, a wine cellar, a huge gym, two offices, 
and a covered outside kitchen.

The post Top Agent Sandra Fiorenza Closes On Her Beautiful Italian Marble Mansion In Coral Gables appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Have you ever wondered what the apartments of the ultra-wealthy look like? Or who develops and designs the types of homes that attract billionaires? Meet MV Group USA, an award-winning Design-Build firm that specializes in building for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy. Located in Miami, FL, and founded in 2007 by President and CEO Manny Angelo Varas, MV Group is ranked as the top builder for residences over $6M and ranked #2 for Top Florida builders by Build Zoom.

Today, Manny Angelo Varas has given Haute Residence a peek into the world of billionaires and is letting us see the beautiful and spacious apartments his company has developed for its high-end clientele.

Jade Penthouse

Jade Penthouse

The sky is the limit in this superb 2-story 5 bedroom and 5.5 bathroom waterfront Penthouse crowned by a spectacular rooftop terrace and stunning bay and ocean views. This property is 4,300 square feet internal and 1,800 square feet outside.

This unit contains a leather upholstered private elevator foyer into a gracious open living/dining room and a sensational chef's kitchen featuring Poliform cabinets and Wolf/Subzero appliances. The Master Bedroom suite includes beautifully appointed walk-in closets and a luxurious bathroom. The second floor features a family room with a wet bar and a huge terrace with an outdoor theater projector.

Jade Penthouse

Jade Penthouse

Residences by Armani Casa - Units 1100 & 4800 

Armani Casa Unit 1100

Residences by Armani/Casa is the creative vision of two modern design icons: Cesar Pelli and Giorgio Armani. Internationally acclaimed for their elegance and restraint, they came together for the very first time to create these dreamlike homes floating between sea and sky. MV Group USA has had the pleasure of designing and building multiple units in this luxury building, including unit 1100 and unit 4800.

Unit 1100

In typical Giorgio Armani fashion, no corner of unit 1100 at Residences by Armani Casa went unbeautified. Harmonizing sculptures and sophisticated interior décor make the impeccably modern unit an oceanside refuge, vastly open to unparalleled ocean views through walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and an elongated wraparound balcony.

Direct access to the terrace by the sea, from the fully-equipped master bedroom with a spa-like en suite and spacious walk-in closet. Bringing you to ever more heights of sky mansion living, world-class amenities of the prestigious condominium include a spa, fitness center, business center, swimming pool with sundeck, children's play area, theatre, cigar, and wine rooms, oceanfront restaurant and bar, beachside service, 24/7 concierge services, security, and valet parking.

Unit 4800

A 3,325 square foot residence at the prestigious and luxurious Armani Casa. This unit has 4 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms in addition to its expansive ocean and bay views.

This beautiful unit was sold to Malaysian billionaires Kim S. Thai and Bee G. Tan, who made their fortune as the largest rubber glove makers in the world; a business that boomed during the pandemic.

Paramount Residences - Ft. Lauderdale Beach Unit 1006

MV Group USA built an elegant & ultra-modern high floor 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom unit in Paramount Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach. This premier new building offers 5-star amenities, a 3rd-floor pool overlooking the ocean, full beachside/pool service (chairs, umbrellas, towels) & a soon-to-open signature oceanfront restaurant. The kitchen includes impeccable Italian cabinetry and Sub-Zero and Wolf & Bosch appliances. The apartment includes marble baths with air massage and an ultra-whirlpool tub & rain showers, motorized window treatments, custom closets, modern lighting. This unit allows residents to enjoy dramatic views of the ocean, Intracoastal, downtown, and beautiful Florida sunsets!

For more information about MV Group USA and its luxury projects, visit their website here.

The post An Inside Look With Manny Angelo Varas At Condo Residences Built For Billionaires & The Uber-Rich Who Are Relocating To Florida appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Most recently, MG Developer partnered with home staging company Artefacto to put together a model apartment at their latest development - Althea Row. A mix of Mediterranean architecture with modernist finishes, Althea Row is a combination of the past and the present, creating a unique residence in the heart of the Gables.

“It's been different working with MG Developer on this,” says Pietro Bacchi, Third Generation of the Bacchi family who founded Artefacto. “And it was nice to see someone stray away from the white box/modern cube and go into the traditional Mediterranean. It was amazing for us because we got to showcase products that we usually wouldn't with finishes that aren't necessarily commercial, but they are beautiful. MG really did an amazing job finishing this as a home instead of a spec for sale.”

Located at 739 Almeria Avenue, Althea Row’s exclusive set of five townhouses is designed by Coral Gables-based De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists. Having recently opened its European-inspired model unit to much fanfare, Althea Row is inspired by George Merrick and original Gables architects H.George Fink, Phineas Paist, and Richard Kiehnel. The 3-story townhouses include four bedrooms, four bathrooms with one-half bath, a four-car garage, a private elevator, and private terraces with crafted loggias that bring the best of outdoor Gables living. Featuring 7,000 square feet of exceptional modern living, Althea Row starts at $3.8 million and has already sold its model unit.

“We’re thrilled to have introduced Althea Row to Coral Gables, a high-end community for those who appreciate the finest details of luxury living and lush surroundings of the City Beautiful,” said MG Developer CEO Alirio Torrealba. “Our goal is to always bring a sophisticated product that exceeds expectations while also complementing the aesthetic of the local community. It’s simply part of the fabric at MG Developer and a standard that we hold high.”

MG Developer is “building the city beautiful” and enhancing the Coral Gables neighborhoods with their luxurious residences. In all of their projects, they pursue a ceaseless quest for quality, value, and intelligent design which is reflected in the beauty of the Althea Row Residences.

As a member of the Coral Gables community, MG Developer is committed to the beautification of the city and supports its Art in Public Places program, recently commissioning an original stone sculpture at Balboa Plaza called “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The firm is an advocate of public exhibitions throughout Coral Gables that enhance the area’s unique lifestyle and design and is also a proponent of philanthropic efforts and organizations that elevate the city’s standard of living, including the Coral Gables Community Foundation and FundaHigado.

Althea Row, designed by Coral Gables-based De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, indulges the senses with European-inspired luxury and craftsmanship. Inspired by George Merrick and original Gables architects H.George Fink, Phineas Paist, and Richard Kiehnel, the 3-story townhomes include four bedrooms, four bathrooms with one-half bath, a four-car garage, private elevator, and private terraces with crafted loggias that bring the best of outdoor Gables living. To book a tour, call 305.422.1189

The post MG Developer And Artefacto Come Together For Iconic Coral Gables Townhomes – Althea Row appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Editor’s Note: Haute Designer Hafsa Burt has been practicing architecture for 22 years. She has an undergraduate degree and a professional Master of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). Burt has been running her own studio, hb+a Architects since 2006. Her portfolio includes work at the San Francisco Airport, institutional buildings, multifamily buildings, hospitality, retail, medical office buildings, and custom single-family homes.

She also founded a development arm for the firm called Box Lab which is focused on active research and development in product and space design and zero energy/zero carbon buildings. A passionate environmentalist, Burt adopted the 2030 challenge a decade ago and is a huge proponent of high-performance buildings. Her focus includes eliminating toxins with indoor air quality as a specialty. She actively speaks on the topic of indoor air quality as it relates to the practice of architecture and is an industry expert on “Healthy Building Practices”.

Here, she talked with Haute Design about her architecture firm, favorite design projects, and her sustainability and environmental goals for the future. 

11 luxury townhomes at Stonebrae golf community

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

How did you get started in design?

I come from a family who, despite having advanced degrees in science, were creative and have relatives who are also engineers. Growing up, conversations were about creativity, problem-solving, and theories, and so it was a very creative and intellectual household. There was a lot of importance given to academics. I was particularly interested in physics, and in high school, I also got interested in the arts, specifically sculpture. Architecture just seemed like a natural fit, given those interests and my background growing up.

Tell us a little bit more about hb+a Architects as well as Box Lab.

I worked for larger companies before I started the design studio. It was a natural next chapter once I got my license. Most of my colleagues that were starting their studios were doing smaller jobs, but right from the beginning I started collaborating on institutional projects with other architects. So that led to projects such as working on the San Francisco Airport, and other institutional work, that really helped the business develop.

The idea for Box Lab came because I've always been interested in real estate development. Sometimes your ideas get kind of squished when you're working for clients, because it's their vision, and it's your job to make their vision become a reality. With Box Lab, I can put my own visions out there specifically as they relate to environmental sustainability. Zero carbon or carbon neutrality has been a focus of mine for 20 plus years, and most projects just address what's needed by local mandates. I thought there was a need to develop actual zero carbon prototypes. It took a while, but it came about in 2019, and since then, we've done a few projects.

Mei Apartments in San Leandro, CA

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

What have been some of your favorite design projects that you've worked on so far?

I would say different projects have different favorite moments. For instance, in the single-family residence for Box Lab, we set out pretty ambitious goals for carbon neutrality and zero energy, and also construction efficiency. These goals were met very successfully. 

I also did a retail store for a client way early on when I had just started the studio, and their budget was extremely strapped, but the owner had this unique personality and I wanted to give it a unique flavor without burning her budget. It was a good exercise in terms of finding materials and objects and turning them into fixtures for her retail store to give it its own individual character. 

What would you say are some of the biggest accomplishments that your firm has accomplished so far?

I think it's a work in progress. I do like the fact that for just starting the studio in 2006, we were able to scale to much larger projects. That's a big one. We also are focused on carbon neutrality and zero energy, and we've kind of pioneered that. We also started the discussion of healthy buildings and indoor air roughly a decade before the pandemic. These are some of the things that I would say I'm proud of because we were ahead of the time. Everybody's talking about climate initiatives right now because it's so crucial for the industry, but for 20 plus years that's been our focus, we're not just trend-driven. It's a larger philosophy in terms of how buildings are built. I am proud of having done thoughtful work embedded in environmental and social awareness throughout my career instead of being trend-driven.

21 unit mixed-use project in Oakland, CA

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

What do you see for the future of your company and the industry in general?

Based on what the scientists are telling us, we have to reduce the greenhouse gases all over the world by 65% in the next nine years, and that's a pretty strong deadline. I'm hoping that that's where the industry would move. There is a bigger sense of urgency than, say, 20 years ago when we were talking about it. Some people may be caught by surprise in 2030 when it's too late, but ideally, that's where the industry is moving. 

As for us, we're just going to continue on the innovation path, and keep experimenting and keep looking at how we can innovate products, furniture, fixtures, or equipment and systems for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality so a building has minimal impact on the planet and its people. Social equity is going to be very important. For instance, in a multi-family project, conversations will be about inclusivity. There's a lot at play and I think we will see it more and more in the industry.

The post An Interview With Top San Francisco Designer Hafsa Burt Of hb+a Architects appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Minimalist design does not mean boring or basic. It may appear simple, but that’s just an optical illusion architect, designer, and artist Luciana Fragali has been perfecting for decades. The Brazilian-born designer produces exceptionally luxe spaces as a result of her innovative way of thinking and the unique materials and techniques she utilizes. “A project is not about decorating, but about figuring out the DNA of a space,” she says.

For this 7,718-total-square-foot oceanfront residence at Surfside’s Fendi Chateau, Fragali was tasked with giving this 5 bedroom 7 bath home a relaxed feel while emulating elegance and grandeur. The clients, who she met when they popped into her Miami-based architecture and design firm Design Solutions, had purchased this residence as a second home but while they knew they wanted warm and cozy elements – had no idea how to achieve it. Fragali’s architectural background and experience made her the perfect choice. Plus, she shared the clients’ appreciation for a minimal aesthetic that encompasses a sense of timeless beauty. “Clients know I’m going to give them a home that’s a reflection of their needs, personality, and culture,” she says.

Photo Credit: Barry Grossman

Although the owners appreciated the high-rise building’s modern architecture by famed Florida-based firm Arquitectonica, they preferred a softer design for their own space. To set the tone from the outset, Fragali covered the walls in the foyer and great room—which contains the living and dining areas—with a mixture of fluted and non-fluted wooden panels. “It adds a softness, but it still has strength,” she says. The warm, tactile result counters the modern edge of the gleaming terrazzo marble flooring.

Inside, Fragali pays homage to the cerulean ocean and verdant landscape with a limited yet sophisticated natural palette of materials and colors. Leather, linen, glass, walnut, light, and shadow all take center stage here without visually competing. To add symmetry and simplicity to the unit, Fragali designed an elaborate system of invisible doors. The flawless systems seamlessly integrate into space so that they disappear when not in use. In the living room, she created a custom recessed wood ceiling in a sharp-edge architectural design that resembles delicate pieces of origami with integrated LED lighting as a way to make them seem higher.

Photo Credit: Barry Grossman

Throughout the home, furniture is sourced from all over the world and from trusted partners such as Baxter, Poltrona Frau, and Artefacto. Unique pieces from these stores were responsible for adding that much-needed charm for example the statement piece selected for the ocean-facing living room displayed Artefacto’s natural wood coffee table, perfectly accompanied by Poltrona Frau’s Archibald lounge chairs – offering the perfect combination of substance and form. For Fragali, the dining room is the heart of the home. Here, she chose an oversized white lacquered table paired with Artefacto’s white leather- Infinity chairs that seat guests in the center of it all. Imagine a stunning display blooming above you, enter two Sky Garden pendants making a powerful impression with their sheer size- standing beneath it, you will see the intricate design that gives this piece its name.

Photo Credit: Barry Grossman

The unit has a flow-thru plan from east to west, which allows the clients to enjoy both Atlantic Ocean views and western sunset views over the bay and Intracoastal Waterway. In the hallway leading to a masterfully designed family room, Fragali strategically placed a full-length mirror resting on wooden panels for depth accompanied by captivating artwork emitting tranquility and charisma. Emerging from this enchanting corridor you will be met with a modern yet earthy fashioned family room where earth tones take center stage. “Earth tones are inviting, relaxing, and lend well to a lot of different decor styles. The best part about earth tones in decor is you can switch up your decor easily without removing the bulk of your furniture.” Says Fragali. Earth tones are usually browns, beige’s, greens, and grays. When done right you can have a contemporary, modern, or bohemian room look well put together and be a relaxing environment. The trick is to keep almost everything neutral but to have just a few things that stand out. Here Fragali used the fierce crimson red offered by Lumen’s Twiggy floor lamp for that pop of color while also relying on textiles, fabrics, and accessories to tie in the room.

Photo Credit: Barry Grossman

When asked to design the ultimate tv wall unit Fragali turned to her trusted millworker Diego Fulia of Fulia Inc, after 15 years of partnership – he was able to anticipate her needs and fabricate exactly what Fragali envisioned. Using a mixture of textured wallpaper, fluted wood panels, and natural wood for shelves this vision came to life – add the accessories and what you ultimately have is a family room your guests won’t want to leave and two exceptionally delighted clients left to enjoy sunset views over the bay.

The post Design Solutions Walks Haute Design Through Luciana Fragali’s Project The Fendi Chateu Residences appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.