Set up comfortable seating for socializing, is a great way to make your outdoor space feel more like a part of your home is with large, soft outdoor sofas. Your backyard can truly be a second living room when you add some comfortable outdoor accent chairs and sofas.

Opt for a large sectional around a cozy fire pit, or even install a built-in bench for extra seating. You’ll have more space for conversation, and your guests will greatly appreciate the lounge-like feel.

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Nunez

Adding visual interest with landscaping, it may seem obvious that a backyard would need some plants, but how you landscape your outdoor space can help to define space. Rather than just mulching one corner of your yard and adding a few small plants, or planter also consider adding multiple landscaped areas.

Add plants around your seating area to separate it from the rest of the yard. You can also go vertical by adding climbing plants or multiple levels of plantings to add interest to space. Landscaping is also a great way to bring color into your space.

Include protection for when the weather is not what you were hoping it would be, having a covered area in your outdoor space is a real lifesaver. A pergola or a covered patio will allow you to continue enjoying the outdoors even when Mother Nature may not. Also, free-standing structures like these are another helpful way to define separate spaces in your yard and make them feel more intimate.

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Nunez

If you have the space for it, a small kitchen in your outdoor space can take entertaining to the next level. Many homeowners nowadays want to have the ultimate backyard party space, and a fancy grill and a few small appliances are a great way to achieve that dream. Keep it simple and opt for a small counter with all of your needed appliances, or add an island and ample seating for the perfect outdoor dining setting.

To really make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your living room, bring in some accessories that you would find indoors. There are great selections of outdoor furnishings from most home goods stores, from lamps to blankets to pillows. Add an outdoor rug to your seating area to ground the space and soften it up. You can even hang artwork.

Lighting is one of the finishing touches to space, and your backyard shouldn’t be any different. You can keep it casual by hanging string lights throughout the space for a simple feel, which will also connect the whole yard. Or hang an outdoor chandelier for a fancier feel. You can also add a mix of lighting for a different layered feel. Whichever way you decide to go, having lighting in your outdoor space will really bring that homey feel outdoors.

The post Design an Outdoor Living Space to Be an Extension of Your Indoor Living Space appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Vanessa Nunez Allez has a 14+ year portfolio of diverse designs and project executions. After receiving her Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Nunez continued to follow her passion by moving to Miami and working for renowned interior design firms. Today, Nunez is the founder of Nunez Interiors a luxury full-service design firm. Nunez sat down with Haute Design to discuss her journey in the field, her favorite design trends, and what sets her company apart from others.

HR: How did you get started in interior design?

VN: After I pursued International Sciences studies, I decided to follow my passion since I have always been attracted to Architecture and design. I attended the University in Uruguay where I completed my bachelor’s degree in interior design.

HR: Describe the overall design of your home? 

My home is welcoming with a great flow. It has an eclectic design with a blend of special pieces that I picked throughout the years in my career.

HR: Where do you find inspiration from?

VN: Traveling is the best way to stimulate my imagination. I'm always searching for new ideas and because I like to create spaces for modern life, the internet is the foundation for my biggest inspiration.

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

VN: As a designer I really appreciate every trend, but my favorite is modern mid-century, gold metals with dark color, diverse textures, and prints.

HR: What sets Nunez Interiors apart from other design services?

VN: Nunez Interiors is a company dedicated to creating interior designs that unite form and function into a single concept, reflecting your own personality and style. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling an existing one or redecorating your corporate office, the designers at Nunez Interiors can assist you with every facet of project – from the master plan right down to the last doorknob.

HR: Which celebrity home would be your ideal home to decorate?

VN: I love Miami, so the Wade Family would be my favorite.

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

VN: Every space is my favorite, however the open space concept is my best, so the living room, dining room, and kitchen is, for me, one big room.

HR: What is the most challenging space to decorate?

VN: I think closets are the most challenge for me, because we design the smallest space in the house to fit the most quantity of personal items we can.

HR: Describe your designing philosophy in five words?

VN: “Excellence is never an accident.”

HR: What advice would you give those looking to break into the interior decorating industry?

VN: They have to be persistence and responsible. Interior design is amusing but it could be overwhelming, since there is a lot to be accountable for.

Photos courtesy of Vanessa Nunez Allez 

The post Vanessa Nunez Allez Shares Her Interior Designing Journey appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Vanessa Nunez, of Nunez Interior Construction & Design Services is no stranger to elegant surroundings. That’s why a young couple from Mexico chose her to design their three-bedroom Jade Ocean Condo in Sunny Isles.  

Nunez developed her signature style as a result of her international upbringing and creative sense of aesthetics.  

Nunez Interior is a boutique interior design and construction firm that provides clients interior design and architectural services. ” The purpose of Nunez Interior is to provide clients with interior design services for high end residential and commercial clients. We have a strong commitment to serving our clients with quality work from concept to completion,” said Vanessa Nunez   

The couple that hired Nunez wanted their Miami residence to be comfortable, stylish and modern. “This client wanted their home to be somewhat classic in style, yet modern, but not too fancy,” said Nunez, “they also wanted it to have a sense of minimalism.”  

So that is what they got. “We made this Jade residence minimal modern and contemporary. The walls in the hallway are covered with different shades of oak wood so they appear textured. It was custom made by my carpenter,” said Nunez.  

The result is a comfortable living space with warmth and texture. The sensation of symmetric forms was created by the wood paneling. The entire condo has a soffit drop ceiling to create a special light and sound system.  

“I utilized many elements that helped me give the perfect synchronization in time, budget and design. The cream Limestone flooring was installed in all the common areas, changing into hard wood in the master and guest rooms, with carpet in the children’s rooms.  

The open kitchen also has dark wood paneling in order to keep a uniform flow from room to room. The cabinets were made in dark Oak wood and the kitchen has modern minimalist lines. The countertops are made of off-white quartz gives an elegance touch of European look.   

The master bedroom was designed with simplicity and elegance, to make the room savvy yet classy Nunez used Crocodile wall paper. To create a comfort level and simplicity she designed a custom-made bedroom set and wood wall unit. “The idea was to make every space a special area for them to live,” she said. “We used glass doors are costume made in all bedrooms.”  

The furnishing from Fendi Casa provided a fantastic leather and watermark fabric back rest couch. There are also two club chairs and a spectacular area rug in the same natural color. Violet pillows and Murano glass accessories were used for accent colors.  

“A spectacular amber Murano glass side tables give the final touch,” said Nunez. “In the living room we used a Kenzo Maison zebra wood coffee table and matching side tables.  All light fixtures are the gorgeous chandelier on top of the dining table was crafted by an Italian artisan.”  

There is also modern contemporary art on the walls from local artists - adding elegance and a chromatic touch.  

The children’s rooms have tan wool carpeted floors and custom-made (and designed) furniture by Nunez Interior. They also made sure the design and products in the children’s rooms is child safe, user friendly and ergonomically designed.  

The furnishing in the balconies is sweeping with Sunbrella fabric and the planters area has an automatic floral watering system  

The automated technical system was one of their key requirements. To accomplish this, every room can be remotely controlled from one control system. The Lutron window treatments, the Apple TV’s, the sound and the lighting are kept in one tower, with the equipment hidden from view.  

“From the beginning to the end an empty space was completely re- designed to satisfy this charming young family. The Jade Ocean property in Sunny Isles Beach is a prestigious condominium designed by Uruguayan designer Carlos Otto and we wanted to create an interior that matched the beauty of the outside,” said Nunez.  

Nunez Interior Construction & Design Services - Vanessa Nunez, 786-252-5340, www.nunezinterior.com 

Photos courtesy of Vanessa Nunez 

The post Stylish And Modern Details Inspire This Elegant Condo appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.