From the moment you enter this sprawling Spanish Colonial home, almost a hundred years old in age, you are transported to decades past. You are enveloped with curiosity and admiration for the essence that makes this home a bridge between the here and now and the heyday of a 1920’s South Beach. This home evokes the wonder and desire of "if walls could talk." You can’t help but conjure visions of what life might have been like with each passing decade and the lives this home has seen.

When the new homeowners undertook the kitchen remodel, their primary goal was for the new kitchen to hold the same undeniable magnetism. They approached our firm with a very specific vision of details that drew from deco and Spanish influences. The palette envisioned would complement the warmth and richness of the natural materials employed through the home as well as feel like an extension of its glamorous character and coastal proximity. Under the design direction and project management of our very own Oscar Corona, their new kitchen was everything they had hoped for and more.

The custom pattern of the cabinet door style is reminiscent of the stepped outlines in art deco architecture. The sink wall is free of wall cabinets for simplicity. The interest and detail of the cabinet doors are balanced by their colors, which steer the design into a timeless and neutral take on deco decadence. A deep shade of navy is used for the tall cabinetry and the island, adding elegance and a subtle reminder that this home is steps away from the ocean. The appliances are from Dacor’s Modernist Collection. This new collection of graphite stainless steel appliances lends itself to be seamlessly integrated into the design, both physically and visually. The commanding visual presence of the dark cabinetry and appliances is contrasted by off-white cabinetry along the perimeter. These brighten the edge of the room, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. Above, open wood shelves in a custom finish, to match the floor, heighten the sense of lightness and openness while adding Old World charm. Undoubtedly, the focal point is the hand-painted tile that borders the island, almost like a carpet, continuing on the floor up to the cooktop and over on the hood wall. This design statement is kept to one section. All else recedes in elegant restraint to allow this gesture to become the dramatic, focal point of the kitchen.

Through meticulous execution of details and finishes, careful thought and creative design, we were able to bring to life a kitchen of simultaneous striking singularity and retro nostalgia. It is a kitchen that feels organic to the original home and becoming of the present day.

Photos provided by The Kitchenworks

The post The Kitchenworks: Dreaming Of Deco appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The existing oak floor was bleached to a white-washed tone. The walls were coated in an ever so slightly creamy shade of white that radiates brightness and warmth. The cabinets are finished in a powerful balance of contrasting colors- a taupe-y off-white and a show-stopping brown-grey hue. The dark color is a bold and refreshing choice that deviates from readily used neutrals, a choice that makes all the difference. This new kind of neutral sets this kitchen apart; it has a commanding presence that completes the warm scheme. The countertops are white quartz, albeit not the starkest of whites. The hardware is a brushed brass, reminiscent of a soft casting sunset glimmer. Every finish holds a warm undertone, carefully selected to be discernibly crisp- a more contemporary take on a neutral palette.

The kitchen layout follows much of the original footprint. The location of the kitchen, already having an open plan surrounded by windows overlooking the lush landscape beyond, the pool and waterway, was an attribute that made this home a hidden gem. There was no need to move the location of the kitchen to another part of the home and undertake extensive renovation.

Perhaps one of the most impressive elements in the kitchen is the dining built-in. This piece is comprised of a working tall pantry cabinet flanking the left end and a matching false pantry cabinet to flank the right end. This false cabinet is made up of tall doors to disguise the entry into the pantry room. The built-in is meant to read as a symmetrical piece that occupies the focus of the wall. It keeps the composition of cabinetry as clean as possible without the visual break of an opening. The center section of the built-in features glass door cabinets with doors in the contrasting finish, a continuation of the two-tone contrast concept in the kitchen.

The cabinets in the kitchen and dining area keep these two spaces reading as an extension of one another. These are supporting elements, part of a remodel impeccably and tastefully done, but most of all, successful because it reveals everything that this home had to offer.

The post A New Take On Neutral For This Kitchen Remodel By The Kitchenworks appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Susan Rocco, president of Kitchenworks, specializes in providing luxury designs, quality products, and a design team who ensures each clients vision in executed flawlessly. While Kitchenworks provides exceptional designs for kitchens, bathrooms and other spaces, it also is a source for luxury appliances, ensuring its status as a well-rounded company. Rocco sat down with Haute Design to discuss where she finds inspiration from, her favorite designing trends, the most challenging space to decorate and much more.

HD: Describe the overall design of your home? 

SR: We remodeled our 1958 ranch home about twelve years ago. Even though we have lived in our house for over thirty years, that remodel gave us everything we ever wanted in our house. It's an Old Florida Style, with coastal influences like clapboard porches, clean columns, and painted cypress tongue and groove ceilings around the exterior. I would describe the interior as collected and comfortable. It's a paired down, clean-lined traditional.  I wanted our house to be a reflection of who we are, what we love, and what is important to us. It has an open floor plan with wood floors throughout, louvered interior doors, detailed casings and trim, light colored walls, paired with a blue horsehair wallcovering. This gives an interesting texture and is the perfect backdrop for colorful artwork.  We have detailed beamed ceilings in the family room and kitchen and clearstory windows that allow a flood of natural light in the kitchen.  We have a variety of comfortable seating options, and in a variety of fabrics- so there is a seat for everybody. The kitchen with the connected family room is my favorite part of the house. The cabinetry is done in finishes that will hold up to a large family and grandchildren... it gets a lot of use and abuse!  It's the place where we enjoy cooking, relaxing and having fun with our family and friends. I hope the memories that are made here will last a lifetime!

HD: Where do you find inspiration from?

SR: I am inspired by geographical design styles. I am moved by the different feelings evoked by each of these styles. With travel, the internet, magazines, we have access to an immense database that allows us to admire design as it varies by area and see what other designers in other parts of the world are doing. That is just so inspirational. When your clientele is diverse, the advent of being able to relate to them through a worldly knowledge of design is indispensable. A client can request a relaxed, coastal inspired kitchen and immediately, I think of the travels and images that transport me to that location and the can think of the elements that I can incorporate in order to deliver that same feeling.

HD: What are some of your favorite decorating trends right now? 

SR: I am enjoying seeing contemporary being paired with natural finishes and organic elements. Though it may feel like it’s trending at the moment, this timeless combination will never go out of style.

Also, we are starting to see the embrace of a paired down, traditional decorating style. It's clean lined but exudes the warmth and comfortable feeling of traditional decor.

HD: What are clients typically looking for when seeking your services? 

SR: Our clients are looking for the highest degree of customer service and individual design that reflects their own personal tastes and needs. They are looking for professionalism, creativity and knowledge. They know that we value quality and they look to us to deliver the kitchen of their dreams that they can trust will stand the test of time.

HD: What sets Kitchenworks apart from other design services? 

SR: We strive to provide our clients with the same kind of individualized service we would all want to receive when undertaking such a personal project and large investment. We know just how important a kitchen is to a home and to our clients, who come to us with the desire to create their dream kitchen. It means that every step of the way should be enjoyable and as stress-free as possible. We want them to feel confident through the process and trust that the end result will in fact be their dream kitchen. We are driven by personal attention, by a commitment to quality products and by a goal to excel in our professional duties. All of these motivating factors have kept us in business for over thirty years continue to set us apart from our competitors.

HD: What is your favorite space to decorate in any home? 

SR: The kitchen of course is number one. Nothing better than to have a kitchen that everyone wants to be in!

HD: What is the most challenging space to decorate?

SR: The living room because it sets the tone for the rest of the house. It gives the first impression. It's very telling of the type of persons who live there. The style and items they are drawn to, be it formal, casual, bold, quirky, sentimental, artistic, all of these- tell a story, typically revealed the moment you walk into the first main room in the house, the living room.

HD: Describe your designing philosophy in three words?

SR:  Functional, Inviting, Authentic

Photos courtesy of Susan Rocco

The post Susan Rocco Shares Where She Finds Her Design Inspiration appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

A palette of subdued neutral finishes and touches of subtle natural patterns come together to make a space that exudes a feeling of serenity and sophistication. This recently completed kitchen is an example of a white kitchen that can simultaneously be as much of a classic anchor in a home as the star of the home. It comes off as impactful but also relaxed, chic, yet easy-going.

Oftentimes, the reason for opting to do a white kitchen is because of its timeless charm. They are classic and provide a neutral backdrop allowing surrounding elements to pop. In South Florida, a white kitchen is complimentary to our bright and airy climate and coastal influence. This white kitchen certainly compliments its waterside setting while subtly infusing interesting accents and design features. It balances the subtlety of thoughtfully edited elements with striking details to create a cohesive tailored design.

Light floods the space through large windows and doors that can slide open to the outdoors. The brightness is reflected off the white cabinets and gleaming white countertops. Exquisite finishes add to the elegance of this kitchen such as the captivating rift-cut white oak wood accents, the Neolith porcelain surface having the look marble without the upkeep. Attention to detail defines the character of this kitchen with notable elements such as the statement-making custom metal hood and a matching "secret" swing door into the hidden pantry that keeps continuity with the cabinets.

This clean lined kitchen reads both serene- evoking comfort and easy living, and sophisticated- elegant and luxurious.

The post Serene And Sophisticated Designs Inspire This Elegant Kitchen appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo courtesy of Brianna Bitton of Bitton Design Group

The comeback trend of 2019:

“Art Deco is back but with a fresh look to it.” -- Natalia Neverko of Natalia Neverko Design.

The colors and patterns to look out for:

“A lot of brighter colors with an earthy twist. I’m thinking mossy greens, dusty blues, ochre, and of course coral (Pantone said it first.)” -- Brianna Bitton of Bitton Design Group and the interior designer behind Halsey's Los Angeles home. 

Best item(s) to splurge on:

“Art. Every penny you spend on artwork will always yield a return. It’s one of the best investments you can make toward achieving a truly beautiful and meaning interior design.” -- Sandra Diaz of EOLO A&I Design.

Photo courtesy of eolodesigns.com by Sandra Diaz

What will be the aesthetic of 2019?

“Unapologetic. People are less afraid to decorate with the things that make them happy, to defy traditional design expectations.” -- Susan Rocco of the Kitchenworks.

The number one design tip:

“Listen to your heart, spend time filling the space and sketching around. Don’t make fast decisions, don’t rush it. Everything will come to you if you read and interact with the space. Trust yourself.” – Pepe Calderin of Pepe Calderin Design.

Photo courtesy of Pepe Calderin

Where do you see the market trends heading into the new year?

Bolder furniture and unique original pieces will be the trends of this year. People are looking more and more for handmade object that stand out from the mass-produced items. -- Sergio Mannino of Sergio Mannino Studio. 

The post 6 Interior Design Professionals Weigh In On The Design Trends and Tips Of 2019 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.