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.

Grupo Arca is the leading global platform in natural stones and raw materials of the highest quality. With showrooms in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Wynwood in Miami, it is a favorite of Mexico-based architects and interior designers, offering them premium building materials: wood flooring from France, an array of masonry bricks, Italian-fabricated engineered stone, and exotic natural stone from around the globe.

The Miami Gallery is Arca's current headquarters for its showroom. It marks the Mexican company's first commitment toward internationalization.

The Mexican company's Miami homebase is an absolute stunner and adds a lovely touch to the Wynwood community's aesthetic and appearance. The Danish artistic group, SUPERFLEX, was commissioned to imagine the Arca Wynwood's facade. The group is comprised of three artists known for blending art, science and activism. Titled “Like A Force of Nature,” the artists use ARCA’s ceramic tiles designed by Hector Esrawe to create an installation that explores the contradiction of the two phenomena of currency and color merging with the naturally recurring Fibonacci mathematic sequence of numbers. Following a color palette inspired by the tones of Mexican banknotes, the work of art underlines the overwhelming experience of our current economic systems as natural as volcanoes or tsunamis, almost like a force of nature.

Arca recently welcomed luxury interior designer Cara Woodhouse at their Wynwood Design Center.

Cara Woodhouse

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

Cara encapsulates the fundamental values of design such as form, function and symmetry. She combines luxurious comfort with unsurpassed customer service. A lover of any and all things marble, Cara frequently collaborates with Arca throughout multiple interior design projects.

Cara Woodhouse Interiors is a full-service design firm based in New York. The design service includes architecture consulting, contract management, spatial planning, material and finish selections, custom furniture, millwork and antiquing. While design is Cara's passion, it also happens to be her job. Cara strives to find the perfect balance in each space.

The Dinner held at Arca's Wynwood Arts District gallery was a fun and intimate evening to honor this successful and ongoing collaboration.

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

The intimate evening in Miami began with a beautiful selection of wines as well as tequila and mezcal cocktails.

Guests enjoyed a gorgeous menu exclusively curated by the renowned Chef Masayuki Komatsu of the lauded Hiyakawa Miami Japanese restaurant. Follow Hiyakawa HERE.

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

The dinner's menu included a lovely Miso Soup to kick things off. Shortly after, a stunning Omakase Chirashi was placed on the table. Next, guests enjoyed a refreshing Torched Salmon Temaki as well as a Negihama Temaki, followed by Amaimono and an optional offering of espresso (or carajillo cocktails, for the bold) to end the delicious meal.

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

The evening brought together friends and acquaintances, new and old. Guests got to learn even more about the wonders of the excellent marble sourcing Grupo Arca is involved with. It was a wonderful night that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Notable guests of Grupo Arca included Principal Designer at Bea Interiors Design; Partner at IG Workshop Interiors, Renata Vasconez; Owner of Fava design Group, Joseph Fava; Founder and Principal of Doo Architecture, Alexis Cogul Lleonart; CEO of Grupo Arca, Jose Fernandez.

Renata Vasconez, Bea Pernia, Jose Fernandez

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

Joseph Fava

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

Alexis Cogul Lleonart

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

If you wish to discover more about Grupo Arca and their work with marble, stone and natural elements, CLICK HERE. To learn more about Cara Woodhouse and see ways to book her for an upcoming project, CLICK HERE.

Photo Credit: IHC Agency

The post Grupo Arca Honors Cara Woodhouse At Design Center In Miami’s Wynwood Arts District appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Born in Kansas, the designer and TV star Joanna Gaines balances her life between being a wife, a mother, and a businesswoman. Gaines is not only a star in the hit television show Fixer Upper but also the co-owner and co-founder of the design and real estate company Magnolia. 

Her interest in design emerged after she graduated from Baylor University with a degree in communications. She worked as an intern in New York and fell in love with the profession. Her expertise and knowledge of design will often give people the impression that she had intensive training in the area, however, when she started flipping houses with her husband she had zero interior design background. 

Magnolia, Gaines’ personal project, was founded in 2003 when she also opened her own shop, Magnolia Market. Gaines and her husband, Chip, put all their love for design into remodeling and flipping homes. She mentions on the company’s website how Magnolia Market’s business idea was born out of a dream that was imagined impossible. She explained how it came to life thanks to her husband’s support and encouragement. After having their two kids, the couple decided to close the Market to focus on family, while also putting all their efforts into Magnolia Homes, where they learned the construction side of the business. After starting with the television show, she made the decision to reopen Magnolia Market, which turned into a great store in downtown Waco and an extensive online store.

The exceptionally successful company landed Gaines in the post of one of the most successful designers and businesswomen in the country. In addition to her own company, the television show Fixer Upper transformed her into a design celebrity. Currently, with over eleven million followers, she is one of the designers with the highest number of followers on Instagram. 

Joanna’s style, inspired by her Texan roots, can be defined as classic, simple, and fresh. She has a great eye for seeing potential in old and antiquated things and turning them into new pieces. A room designed by Gaines will most likely include wooden floors, wooden furniture, a cozy fireplace, and a big plush bed. Interestingly, Gaines revealed that her favorite space to renovate and design in a house is the laundry room, since it is often underestimated, and can serve as a great inspiration and comfort space if designed right. 

The post Step Into The Story Of Famous Interior Designer Joanna Gaines  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.

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Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle presents

This beautiful one-bedroom home within the Four Seasons Private Residences Seattle is a unique opportunity for anyone looking to take advantage of all the Four Seasons amenities as well as the city’s incredible restaurants, shopping, and cultural opportunities. The condominium home has floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning city views, a fireplace, and gorgeous stone and wood finishes.

The kitchen features high-end appliances, sleek black cabinetry, and beautiful granite counters and backsplash. The master bedroom’s en suite bath provides a spa-like experience with its refined travertine tile, deep soaking tub, spacious shower with frameless glass door, and double vanity.

Located in Downtown Seattle, residents enjoy the Four Seasons hallmark service that includes 24-hour concierge, valet, security, room service, fitness center, housekeeping, and an outdoor pool and spa. Come home to your personal resort every day!

For more on this home, visit: https://www.christiesrealestate.com/seattle/sales/detail/617-l-83872-f1571076092/99-union-st-unit-1905-downtown-seattle-seattle-wa-98101

Address: 99 Union St #1905, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: $2,395,000

For more information about luxury properties throughout Washington, please contact Scott Wasner at scottwasner@christiesrealestateseattle.com or 206-910-1410.

Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle is the exclusive brokerage representing the Seattle, WA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

The post Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle Presents A Four Seasons Private Residences Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.