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.

Originally founded in 1998 in New York City, MS2 Design Studio, Inc. is a full-service design firm that specializes in high-end residential design. The firm specializes in custom built-in cabinetry, project management, unique wall, and floor coverings, innovative lighting systems, and custom furniture design, while always looking to the future for the newest materials yet still staying true to the classics. With a combined 30 years of design experience, you can be assured that MS2 Design Studio will help you create the home of your dreams.

MS2 Design Studio's Principal, Michael Scigliano, recently took the time to sit down with Haute Design to discuss a range of topics including lessons he has learned in the design industry and what he believes sets MS2 Design Studio apart.

Haute Design: What was your first experience in interior design? How did it go?

Michael Scigliano: My first job in interior design was with J. Robert Scott in NYC. I was the assistant to the showroom manager. I got the job offer after touring the D&D with a designer who befriended me and took the time to walk me through the building. I had no formal training, so to be offered a position with one of the top furniture designers was beyond what I could have hoped for.

That experience shaped the rest of my career and life. I learned about textiles, veneers, furniture construction, space planning, and how to combine colors, all from the best in the field. All of the top designers shopped at J. Robert Scott, so I got the chance to meet them and interact with them on their projects. The projects I was blessed to have worked on would always show up in publications and that was a very rewarding experience.

Photo Credit: MS2 Design Studio 

HD: What are three major lessons you've learned since then?

MS: The top three lessons I learned are:

• You can be a talented designer but if you do not possess good people skills, your career will go nowhere. Most projects include two spouses who are building their dream home. Each with their own personality and approach to the design process. Not to mention the children, the architect, the contractor (and their subs), the A/V company, the pool and landscape designers. So, the majority of your day is making conversation and discussing design. If you are unable to convey your design and manage all the personal relationships that come along with making your design become reality, you will never make it in this field.

• You are your brand. Your projects are an expression and an extension of your personal style and the way you live your life, is part of that expression. The places you travel, the people you surround yourself with, the way you treat your body and mind, the charities you support, etc., this all becomes part of your company's brand.

• Lighting can make or break your project. The amount of lighting, the fixtures, the aperture, the temperature, the angle, all of this in unison can make a project shine (no pun intended). A talented lighting designer is a crucial part of any high-end project. Light can change the shape of a room, the mood it conveys and the overall experience.

HD: You design in both Miami and New York. What are the starkest differences in terms of designing in either city?

MS: The first major difference that comes to mind is scale. The scale in Florida is big. The homes are larger, the rooms are larger, common areas are larger, the land they sit on is larger. Everything is big. Even the larger homes in NYC tend to have smaller scale rooms, which leads to smaller scale furnishings.

That said, considering that Miami is NYC's unofficial sixth burrow, the aesthetic of our modern clientele is similar. They all tend to like edited, open spaces, with integrated features and a neutral palate. This combination brings to life a modern home which is interesting to be in and cozy enough to enjoy.

Photo Credit: MS2 Design Studio

HD: Designers tend to say that the customer is always right and that they design for the client rather than for themselves. Would you say that part of your work subconsciously reflects who you are? If so, do you believe this to be the case with all designers?

MS: The comment I hear most when interviewing with a potential client is that the designer they worked with in the past, or previously interviewed with, did not listen to them. I hear this all the time. I've processed that comment and have tried to do my best to do the exact opposite for my clients. By the end of our time together, they need to be happy in their new home. I make this known to them from our initial interaction.

I do listen and I do my best to include as many of their ideas as possible. At the end of the day, it's an MS2 Design Studio project and it reflects my vision for the client but it also includes their personalities. Sometimes, this might be a personality the clients themselves did not know they possessed. That's the fun part of designing for a client that trusts the designer's judgement and experience. The client gets something that blows away their expectations.

Is the client always right? No. I have had ideas passed by me which I would never allow in an MS2 project. Part of being a design professional, is to teach your clients what works and what does not work. This knowledge was earned through decades of experience. A designer cannot expect their client to have the same knowledge as them, and therefore, when ideas which we know will not work are expressed to us, it is our job to explain why.

HD: What sets MS2 Design Studio apart from other design firms?

MS: Going back to the previous question, I would say that the biggest thing that sets MS2 Design Studio apart from other firms is that we truly listen to our clients. We are not pushing our own agenda. Yes, we want to design an amazing interior for each client and we want to express our vision (which we always do), but in doing so, we listen to our clients and we incorporate their ideas along with our design concept.

Photo Credit: MS2 Design Studio

The post Michael Scigliano Reveals What Sets MS2 Design Studio Apart From The Competition appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Enter model unit 4403 at the Residences by Armani Casa and you will see interior finishes that are simple yet elegant, clean yet refined, and views from each room which are nothing short of extraordinary. It came as no surprise at all when Luciana Fragali, Principal at Design Solutions Miami, was contacted by Paulo Bacchi of Artefacto. After a decade-long friendship and over 100 design collaborations, it was apparent that this partnership was built for success.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

Luciana was tasked to create a warm, elegant and welcoming environment for potential buyers who might enter the unit, while Artefacto would provide the luxurious furnishings seen throughout the spaces. "When we first received this project, it was as basic as they come - white, are walls and there was scarcely any overhead lighting. But we knew it had tons of potential," says Fragali. The Design Solutions team's work began at the foyer where they skillfully treated each wall with textured wallpaper, representing the sand of the beaches directly in front of the unit. This element comes through most when paired with the fun and colorful accessories and artwork, which also serve to bring that contemporary touch that every unit needs. The Artefacto "Pipo" armchair by Piegatto brings an organic feel courtesy of its curved wooden design.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

Step inside, where you are greeted by wave blue wooden panels meant to mimic the fluidity of the ocean views throughout the unit. This panel was created by Casa Metier. Instinctively, your eye is drawn to a spacious open concept living room where the design team of DS Miami had one mission: integrate ocean views with natural elements. The first step was to create a shell or foundation with a mix of earthy materials including stone, wood, leather, linen and natural raffia.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The corner kitchen can give the illusion of a tight space. With that in mind, Luciana and her team created a bar unit to serve as an extension of the kitchen, consequently opening the room. The dark grey stone by Modern Porcelain Works brings a modern vibe to the unit while the lighter wooden shelves add warmth. LED strip-lighting hidden behind the shelves, along with Artefacto's Annecy ottomans in nubuck leather, add the perfect touch of charm to this bar unit.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

Over the dining room, a Moooi Pendant takes center stage over Artefacto's JUD II dining table and Chiara chairs. The caramel color of the Chiara dining chairs serves as a natural pop of color, perfectly accentuated by the lively artwork by artists Eduardo Rezende. The metallic finish of the natural raffia-textured wallpaper behind the artwork ties the room together, giving it the contemporary feel the design team was aiming for.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The mirror wall along the living room was strategically designed to add continuity to the unit, allowing the Atlantic Ocean coastline to pour into the room. This also works in harmony with Artefacto's elegant furnishings characterized by clean lines and intimate ooziness. A plush sofa with surfaces that reflect the condo's ever-changing light envelops the area and yields a fluid ambience. The media wall is covered in a natural raffia wallpaper with an iridescent finish, reminiscent of mother of pearl. Silk accent pillows continue the playful shimmer.

This project was a difficult one due to its time restrictions. The Design Solutions team had only 40 days to create an execute the project. Luciana adds that there was not even time to apply for permits. "We usually like to drop the ceiling to add more recessed lighting," she says. "With only 40 days, we had to think outside the box." For additional lighting to the large living room, the design team turned to Fadecci Architectural Lighting, whose team able to source a unique floating track for the 10-foot ceiling, eliminating the need for a dropped ceiling.

Photo Credit: Design Solutions Miami

The master bedroom offers breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views through four-to-ceiling windows. This room was designed exclusive with Artefacto furnishing, the crown jewel being the Piet king-sized bed and headboard. The well curated, clutter-free decor sets an ambience that is relaxing, warm and luxurious. Get ready to be swept off your feet by the panoramic views afforded to you by expansive 10-foot-deep private balconies with glass ailing and exquisite Artefacto outdoor furnishings.

To see all of Artefacto's stunning offerings, CLICK HERE.

For more information about Luciana Fragali's work and Design Solutions Miami's availability, head to their website HERE.

The post Design Solutions Miami And Artefacto Collaborate For A History Of Success appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Michele Salazar

Photo Credit: @YSV_Photo / Yara Virreira

Michele (Cozy) Salazar was born in Miami, Florida, daughter of Suzanne “Sissy” De Maria and Joseph De Maria. Her childhood nickname “Cozy” stuck, evoking the warmth and charm she exudes. "Cozy" eventually evolved into her burgeoning brand name.

Michele recently took the time to formally introduce herself and explain a bit of her design philosophy and what she envisions for the future of Cozy Salazar.

Haute Design: If you could describe your design style in three words, what would they be?

Michele Salazar: Traditional meets contemporary.

HD: When was the first moment you realized you wanted to become an interior designer?

MS: My mother says my birthday request was always to redo my bedroom growing up. We still have my "dream bedroom" I drew when I was about 10 years old!

HD: What would you consider to be the most crucial moment in the design process?

MS: I would say the important stages are:

• Establishing your clients' wants and needs while managing their expectations.
• Remaining organized throughout the duration of the project. Organization is vital to a successful outcome. In design, there are so many moving parts, so keeping everything tight and organized is the best way to avoid any unnecessary complications or misunderstandings.

Photo Credit: @YSV_Photo / Yara Virreira

HD: Describe your ideal relationship with a client. 

MS: It's so important for me to connect with a client. My ideal relationship with my clients is one where they feel heard and understood, that way they know their wants and needs are my priority when working on their project. When a client knows you have their best interest at heart, they are more comfortable and as a result, more trusting of your vision. Trust is key! If the client doesn't trust you, they won't be willing to stretch out of their comfort zone, and that is where the magic happens!

HD: Which is your favorite space to design in a home? Why?

MS: Every room is so important. I suppose the kitchen or dining room. Both spaces bring people together and offer up a unique set of requirements. For example, a client with small children who wants a very formal dining room but needs practicality, or a couple with conflicting ideas for their kitchen (one spouse wants minimal design and the other, a chef's kitchen). Each special request offers up a fun challenge and allows us to stretch our creativity.

HD: What is your vision for the future of Cozy Salazar?

MS: I would love for our team to continue to grow. Every project is more exciting when there are multiple creative minds working together. It's always incredible to look over the progress of a project from our initial vision to the final. This is often due to collaboration and different perspectives. Additionally, it's important to me that we stay true to our style and edge. We are not 'one style fits all' here. We are constantly mixing looks and styles, which is what makes us unique.

If you are interested in booking Cozy Salazar Interiors for an upcoming project or wish to earn more about Michele Salazar, CLICK HERE.

The post Michele Salazar Shares Her Vision For The Future Of Cozy Salazar Interiors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.