Design Talk
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Multitask Your Space
Spatial limitations call for creative solutions. Just ask Maria Elena Holguin, design director for Robb & Stucky, Coral Gables. “For this model home inside a Brickell high-rise, the developer wanted to show how one space can be used for multiple purposes,” says Holguin. “When done correctly, you can dine, work and entertain all in one room.” The living area, which opens right off the kitchen, offers a great opportunity for lounging, but also for a functioning workspace. “I used ottomans instead of chairs near the balcony and a glass desk with an acrylic chair for translucency. You can do it all without obstructing the amazing view.” 4711 S. Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables; 305.667.5609; robbstucky.com
Memorable Moments, Subtle Sophistication
When your goal is to create enduring spaces, turning to classical design ensures you will never go wrong. “Subtle sophistication, which is timeless, is the cornerstone of classical design,” says Jaime Blomquist, founder and principal of Jaime Blomquist Interiors. She uses architectural details such as ornate moldings over doorways, windows and wall paneling, keeping them crisp white and pairing them with complementing colors like gray as a simple way to accentuate the intrinsic beauty of a room. “Melding traditional features with simplicity achieves clean, timeless spaces that linger long in your memory,” she adds. 1780 NE Seventh St., Fort Lauderdale; 954.999.5601; jaimeblomquist.com
Cruelty-Free Design
Deborah DiMare is an accomplished interior decorator, speaker and global influencer for the “compassionate design” movement. After learning about the inhumane treatment of animals within the skin and fur industries, she transitioned her eponymous design firm, DiMare Design, into one of the nation’s first 100 percent compassionate interior design practices, omitting wool, fur, leather, silk, down and any other materials derived from living creatures. Here are a few pointers we picked up from her new book, Vegan Design: A Lifestyle, Home Edition, about “veganizing” your decor:
- Humane design is gentler on the senses, especially for those who suffer from allergies or asthma or are sensory sensitive.
- Rethink your bedding: Bamboo sheets and down-alternative pillows can feel just as comfy and look just as good.
- Faux fur throws are more durable than real skins and hides, and they are just as luxurious looking.
- Materials such as cork, hemp and linen are not only vegan, but are perfectly suited to fit today’s popular organic motifs.
1835 NE Miami Gardens Drive, North Miami Beach; 305.423.6604; dimaredesign.com
The New Palm Beach
The fact that the heavy Mediterranean look is behind us isn’t exactly news; however, some people aren’t sure how to transition out of it. Having trademarked the phrase “Designing the New Palm Beach,” Krista Watterworth Alterman, creative director for Krista + Home, is in favor of “deleting the vibe” brought about by the thick drapes, ornate details and jewel tones that characterize the stereotypical Palm Beach aesthetic of the past, while emphasizing the importance of preserving some of those elements that give Palm Beach its beloved charm. Here, Alterman paves the way for her “New Palm Beach” style.
- Paint It White: Turn-of-the-century architectural details such as crown moldings and deep tray ceilings should be maintained, but if you paint them white, they become elegant features without “screaming” at you.
- Don’t Fake It: I am not a fan of faux anything. Columns fabricated from man-made materials might appear grand, but they’re not authentic. Instead I go for the real thing, like using beautiful marble for fireplaces and floors.
- Treasure the Tropics: I love sophisticated, calming neutrals as a backdrop, but since we live in a tropical environment, pops of color like salmon, aqua and magenta are the perfect ode to the nature that surrounds us. I use them in florals and even introduce real greenery to add life. After all, that fresh, airy, vibrant energy is what makes people want to live here.
4880 Donald Ross Road, Suite 100, Palm Beach Gardens; 561.530.3983; kristahome.com
