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!

On my way back home from the beach I stumbled upon this wishing tree. A wooden box beside the tree holds pens and small paper tags inviting you to leave a wish.

I was inspired by the simplicity and sincerity of the wishes tied to the tree.

A perfect encounter for the first day of the year!

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 !!!

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.

"Like Nectar Attracting Bees" by Makoto Saito

"Lianes de Beauvais" by Sheila Hicks

by graffiti artist BANKSY

Truman Capote in his Studio

"Portrait de femme" by Constantin Brancusi

"Pollen" by Terry Winters on handmade paper

The texture on this was amazing. I was dying to touch it!

"Omphalos" by Dean Byington

"Parakeets" by Ryan McGinley

Video installation by Kate Gilmore

End result

"L'Academie Des Dames" by Francesca DiMattio

Close-up of a Picasso

"Untitled (Marguerites)" ca. 1900 by Eugene Atget

"Purple Beach" by Isca Greenfield - Sanders

Frank Gehry process model

Guillermo Kuitca

Saturday night I hit up NW 2nd Avenue with some friends to check out the bustling scene in Wynwood. It was enticing to see so many people from out of town as well as our locals come out to see what all the fuss is about.

The street art made it all worthwhile!
Many artists were working on murals well into Gallery Night. There was spontaneous breakdancing, a skateboard lit up with LEDs, and DJs blasting music on the sidewalk.

In the galleries some of my favorite pieces were The Horse at The Hangar Gallery for its ethereal nature and “Contemporanea” by Suzy Iglicki for addressing the pressing issues of poverty and urban sprawl in Latin American cities.

Outside, the murals at the Wynwood Walls stole my attention. Sixteen new works by International graffiti artists were added to the initial twelve. Though Shepard Fairey’s mural was one of the originals from 2009, I fell for it all over again!

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

Lovely ceramic plaque from mbartstudios is $35.00