HOTEL SEZZ by Christophe Pillet
February 20th, 2012 § 1 Comment
Designer Christophe Pillet’s Hotel Sezz is a modern beauty along the French Riviera. Olive trees, stone walls, azure waters and royal palms on the outside reveal you are in St. Tropez. But inside, the clean minimalist lines, updated wood paneling, colorful accents, and mid-century inspired furniture creates a bright Californian vibe.
Besides the charming location, I’m loving the minimalism with pops of reds and chartreuse, the double height brushed aluminum shutters and the smooth gray stone flooring found throughout the hotel. Sometimes modernism can make spaces distant and serious but here I feel it does just the opposite. I could just see guests lounging, dining and relaxing in a cool layed-back vibe. As a matter of fact, I could REALLY see myself on one of those loungers having a mimosa while reading a good summer book…
My New Home: THE DEN
January 22nd, 2012 § 3 Comments
I’ve started 2012 in a new home! We closed January 3rd, moved in January 4th and slept here for the first time on the 5th. It’s now been almost 4 weeks. Naturally, the more time passes by, the more ideas pop into my head for what the spaces can become.
First of all, I realize I have completely contradictory tastes. There is the minimal modernist in me that came from my days in architecture school. There is this love for everything natural and vernacular from my childhood in Rio de Janeiro. There is this inexplicable love for nostalgic and old things that I believe can be traced from my love for history and travels abroad. There’s also my feminine side that’s attracted to shiny, soft and pretty things like silk, cashmere, crystal, flowers, colors, and ornate patterns.
How do I mesh all those things into 1 home? Well, I’m guessing it might be a bit tricky, but it’ll be a fun challenge.
Today I used my den for the first time. I now have a white Parsons desk, a reading lamp and a camel leather office chair. I want to paint one wall with chalkboard paint (an idea I’ve been drooling over for sooo long) and place the Distressed Wood Bookshelf from West Elm immediately adjacent to it. In front of the bookshelf I want to create a cozy reading spot with a beautiful leather butterfly chair, a fluffy pillow and a floor reading lamp. The desk area will have two Parsons desks with Ikea Besta cabinets above and under-cabinet task lighting.
So here’s my take on creating a modern vintage vibe (a marriage of my loves) while providing all the necessary storage for my den.
Hope you like!
Happy New Year from Trace!!!
December 31st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Last Minute Table Decorating for New Years!
Whether you’re hosting a large soiree or an intimate dinner tonight, make it unique by adding some fun touches…
1. White on white – This informal setting is just perfect with lots of white ceramic and hints of red.
2. Crystals - To bring a bit of glam to your party get out the bling!
3. Candles – For instant effect, layer different size candles and supports on your table.
4. Paper Goods – Bring interest to the decor at your table with some home-made embellishments like origami, theater masks and pom poms!
5. Hanging Strands – Find these at stores like West Elm or make your own out of pendants and mirror mosaics.
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Cheers to a wonderful 2012 !!!
THE SHOP: Design Bar
December 30th, 2011 § 3 Comments
On Friday, December 16th, one of my favorite design boutiques in town had a relaunching party: Design Box became Design Bar.
This shop has vintage and handmade objects for the home from all over the world. From old polaroid cameras to handmade cards, stitched fencing masks and delicious French incense, Design Bar is a gem. In a place like Miami where glam and glitter abounds, it’s refreshing to meander through their collection of unique objects. Each item seems to have a story to be told, a home left behind, a previous life.
It also helps that Design Bar is located in one of the most charming parts of town. Next time you’re in Coconut Grove, stop by to meet the lovely shop owner, Leslie, and pick up some beautiful unique treasure for yourself or a close friend. Prices are incredibly reasonable so there’s no reason to be shy.
They also constantly change out the collection of items so it’s always worth a re-visit. I find something new and extravagant every time I do.
PROJECT FEATURE: Weathered in Miami Beach
November 4th, 2011 § 1 Comment
This past August I had the chance to collaborate with Lead Designer Lisa Whyte and the new Lead Designer of Dkor Interiors, Karina Donadel for the design and project management of this beautiful apartment in Miami Beach.
We wanted to evoke a sense of timelessness that would bring both comfort and luxury to this family of five.
For this we used many different textures like this fine silk wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries, to the cool honed travertine we wrapped around the central pod, to the soft ivory cowhide rug from Artefacto, the weathered wooden planks of the dining room walls and the huge custom shag in the family room from Carpet Boutique. We wanted to create a tactual experience for the daily user so the tonalities are very neutral allowing the forms and textures to become the main features of the design.
You’ll notice several forms like chairs, occasional tables, the stunning master bed, and especially the art create the sense of framing space without overtaking it with volume. And then we also included key sculptural pieces like the one-of-a-kind floor lamp in the Living from Jalan Jalan and the root dining table base from Sharron Lewis.
In these living room shots the 3 black and white photos are limited series fiber prints by quintessential Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher. These were originally shot with large format black and white film and are each handmade by the artist in his dark room. The mixed media piece in the living room is an impressive 8′ x 5′ and was purchased from Michael Dawkins Home in the Miami Design District. Last but not least, in the dining room we placed an original limited series photograph from the talented local artist and very nice guy, Rafael Balcazar.
In the teenagers’ bedrooms we wanted to continue with the weathered concept while making them more fun and modern. The main attractions of both rooms are the custom canvas wall panels with the black and white photography (which Karina and Ivonne will attest to being the bane of my existence for about a month and possibly the worst great idea I’ve ever had). Upon first meeting our clients one of the first things they mentioned was their absolute devotion to the Yankees, thus the Babe Ruth action shot in the eldest son’s bedroom.
One of my favorite rooms in the apartment was the smallest one – the girl’s room. We chose to make her room an interpretation of the industrial weathered glam we were trying to create in the rest of the apartment with a feminine twist. Here we paired the ivory leather tufted headboard (West Elm) with a slightly metallic khaki grasscloth wall covering (also from Phillip Jeffries) with a glass links chandelier from West Elm and an ivory cowhide rug from Serena & Lilly .
Last but not least, I cannot fail to mention the gorgeous horn wall tiles we installed in the Master Bedroom (Porcelanosa). The day I walked into the job site and saw those installed I had one of those “aha” moments. Priceless!
*** Photography by Renata Bastos
From Etsy with Love:
November 3rd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Lovely ceramic plaque from mbartstudios is $35.00
Bringing Home the Greek Terrace
October 27th, 2011 § 2 Comments
One of the many places I have yet to visit is Greece. I have always been attracted to those images of the white stucco walls with the blue wooden doors mimicking the Mediterranean. There’s something of the exotic though fresh and crisp about them. Though you may not have the sweeping views of the Sea from your apartment, you can still bring some of this charm to your outdoor space by incorporating some of these key elements:
1. Paint walls and concrete flooring white.
* The best paint for exterior concrete floors are high gloss, polyurethane based paint (ValSpar makes a good product), or an epoxy designed to withstand the elements.
2. Create the look of built in furniture by placing colorful floor-cushions against a wall with decorative pillows
* Check out some of these great FLOOR CUSHION FINDS !
3. Hang fabric or curtains from overhangs for some romance
* For a soft look use sheers in pale whites and ivories. For a more bold effect try colorful exotic patterns.
4. Place a potted bougainvillea plant to bring in that touch of hot pink to contrast with the blue and white.
5. Choose laid – back and low – key furniture pieces.
* Foldable canvas chairs and charming bistro style pieces make for perfect extra seating options!
6. Last but not least, don’t forget to light up your space at night with some beautiful lanterns.
* These porcelain ones from West Elm should do the trick!
NEW FIND: Dering Hall
October 18th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Dering Hall allows designers to sell their furniture and accessories directly to the public. It’s a great place to find the best quality for that one of a kind look. Sure, sure the pricing follows but, if you need something unique and budget is of less importance, then this is a great place to look.
They say it’s geared towards the regular consumer but really I think it’s a great find for designers seeking that special piece!
You can also follow your favorite designers and save your favorite product selections once you register to the site.
These are some of my favorite finds:
Desert Collection Low Lounge Chair by Marmol Radziner $4,200.00
Seal Beach Coffee Table by Tim Clarke $2,620.00
Bleached Wenge Credenza by Tamara Magel $5,400.00
MacLaren Dining Chair by Richard Wrightman Design - price on request
Lucite Waterfall Cocktail Table by HB Home $5,200.00
The Right Desk by Cullman & Kravis $30,500.00
Butuie Settee by R 20th Century Design, price on request
Red Chow Nesting Table by Downtown, price on request
The Zoid Console by Meier/Ferrer $6,800.00
Montelargo Banquette by Remodelista $1,250.00
Low Lounge by Marmol Radziner $5,420.00
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Snowflake by Richard Shemtov $19,750.00
Milk Drop Illuminated Sculpture by R 20th Century Design $10,000.00
Branch Illuminated Sculpture by R 20th Century Design, price on request
Water Series 36 by Gianetti Home, starting at $650
XOXO,
SECOND LOOK: The Setai In Miami Beach
October 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
In 2005 Hotelier Adrian Zecha and designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International Architects collaborated in bringing to life the swanky Setai Hotel in Miami Beach, FL.
This week I had the pleasure of revisiting the hotel as our firm is working on the interior design of one of the residential penthouses. As I was waiting in the hotel lobby I observed the multitude of materials that refer back to Asian architecture. The weathered black pavers on the floors are reminiscent of Chinese roads. The rhythm in the wooden panels reminded me of the proportions of screens in Japanese temples. The play of what is seen and what is hidden behind intricately carved wooden panels and a sensual lighting (even at 11:30 AM) help establish that mysterious silence which is so characteristic of Asian architecture.
I was so absorbed by that 15 minute experience that I felt the need to come home and find the drawings and photos of the project to study it at a closer glance! If you’re not familiar with the project then prepare to be delighted. If you are, take one more look! I promise it’ll be worth your while!
