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: Shutterstock

Eco-Style interior design is the perfect alternative for someone who values being in nature and environmentally friendly. Walking barefoot on a wooden floor and breathing plants and flowers on your balcony is the gist behind the eco-style interior design, which has the purpose of building an earthy environment that promotes relaxation and comfort. 

At the same time this style reinforces the use of natural components, it also praises the careful use of energy and resources, such as solar panels and a smart home system, which saves gas, electricity, and water. Eco-style supports minimalism and the idea of using natural materials that can be recycled and reused. 

A way to accomplish an eco-style home is to use lots of plants. If you live in a big country house, then planting a vegetable garden, setting up greenhouses, building a pond, and including plant vases inside your house is a good method. If you live in an apartment, the idea of an eco-home can seem challenging, however, great ways to adhere to the style is to plant a vegetable garden on the windowsill, using pots and the right lighting and temperature, or using decorative touches that match the style, such as a florarium or making a plant frame for a mirror to decorate your walls. You can also arrange a green balcony, by hanging pots of plants over your head, including lots of flowers, and enjoying your weekend morning coffee in the shade of plants at a small wooden table. 

Another important element of the eco-style is a natural color palette. To bring about an atmosphere filled with light and air, it is ideal to paint the walls white or pastel colors. The spaces should have a big amount of natural light, as well as shades of yellow, blue, green, and brown. This style also uses wood for flooring and furniture, stone, cork, terracotta, ceramics, glass, and paper as decoration attributes. 

 For an eco-style design, the environmental impact of a product should be assessed through its entire life cycle, including extraction, production, transportation, and disposal. Materials that renew quickly can be a good option, such as bamboo or cork. The materials should not only be safe for the environment but also for humans. It should have a minimum content of toxic substances and zero toxic emissions of compounds that can harm your health. 

The post Eco-Style Interior Design Is The New Trend appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Balli Group

We expect growing demand for expansive, open floor plans with seamless connectivity to the exterior elements. South Florida is fortunate to have some of the best year-round weather that allows our homes to embrace their surroundings.

Photo Credit: Balli Group

Photo Credit: Balli Group

Photo Credit: Balli Group

The post The Balli Group On 2021 Design Trends appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Welcome to Casa Ultimo Sueno, the house of your dreams!

Perched on the front ridge facing the prime Costa Rican attraction, Whales Tail, in the coastal town of Uvita. Casa Ultimo Sueno has been designed to offer the perfect luxurious oasis for even the most discerning home buyers. The views in this iconic community are world-renowned, and visitors to the Golden coast region often remark about the stunning tropical sunsets, the abundant wildlife, and the postcard-perfect ocean views of the world-famous 'Whales Tail' beach, which is a naturally formed structure in the shape of a whale’s tail, that jets out into the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. This home boasts the best views of the “Whales Tail", and some of the most dramatic sunsets on the western coast.

Casa Ultimo Sueno was designed and built by an award-winning builder from the United States, who has lived in Costa Rica for some time. This is worth noting, because the quality of construction is impressive, and from the moment you arrive at this remarkable estate, you will appreciate the placement of the main building, the layout of the exterior entertaining spaces, the inviting and tropical pool design, and the creative and inspiring landscaping. All of which were designed and constructed to maximize the coveted views and the tropical breezes. A lot of planning went into not only the design of the home, but also the location. The builder went through great lengths to secure and purchase this particular property, and in order to protect the privacy and to maximize the enjoyment of this world class home, he has also included the neighboring lot with this sale. Casa Ultimo Sueno is built on a 2483m2, but this package also includes the adjacent 2378m2 lot. You can leave this lot natural to protect your privacy, or you may decide to build an additional home on this ocean view, fully serviced lot. The decision is yours!

The interior spaces at Casa Ultimo Sueno are all generous in size, very well appointed, and luxuriously constructed. Every detail of this estate is impressive and the craftsmanship is unparalleled. It is a joy to experience, and an absolute honor to own. The main home has 4 bedrooms on 2 levels. The open concept design not only offers the best layout for entertaining; the design concepts also incorporate the lush and natural rainforest to create a seamless transition from the outside in, harmonizing the lush jungle environment with the impressive living spaces. Natural light from the glass windows and wide glass doors draw your attention to the rich finishes and stunning craftmanship in every room all while looking out at the amazing views that have been carefully opened throughout.

The exterior spaces of this ocean view estate are nothing short of extraordinary. The rich tropical landscaping highlights all of the wondrous plant life of Costa Rica. The placement of the construction maximizes the ocean views and the wonderful sunsets, but the crème de la crème of this amazing home is the custom pool area. “impressive”, “expansive”, “well designed”, and “inviting” are just a few of the words that can help describe this astonishing space. The visionary planning of this space has resulted in a sensational spa-like retreat that is both soothing and invigorating. It is perfect for entertaining large groups, or smaller more intimate gatherings with a great bottle of wine. It is ideal for exciting pool parties, or the perfect place to unwind, meditate, and reflex on all that is great in this world. You will be inspired by the stories that are shared, and by the stories that are made in this area of the estate.

Inquire about this property before it is too late.

Address: Uvita, Puntarenas, CR - 60504

Price: $1,359,000

For more information please contact Blue Zone Realty International at (506) 8446-0275 or tim@bluezonerealty.com

Blue Zone Realty International is the exclusive agency representing the Costa Rica real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Blue Zone Realty International Photo Credit: Courtesy of Blue Zone Realty International Photo Credit: Courtesy of Blue Zone Realty International Photo Credit: Courtesy of Blue Zone Realty International

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