Innovative Creations
Category: Dining room (featured image above)
Big picture: Charged with creating a chic, timeless space that capitalizes on views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Innovative team relied on its depth of design knowledge and international artisans to frame this dining room so exquisitely that it became a focal point of the residence.
The details: Polished, neutral-colored Botticino marble from Italy adds prestige to the room—as does the specialty wallpaper by Arte, an embossed motif over metal foil in light gold, champagne and cream colors. “We did not want to build walls around the dining room, yet we wanted to separate the area and make it unique,” says Katia Bates, president/creative director of the firm she launched with husband Tom in 1996. “So, we decided to [incorporate] custom-manufactured metal screens as partitions.” The screens are powdered coated in black, light gold, champagne and silver.
The transitional style and world-class craftsmanship inherent to the imported Italian dining room furnishings—high-gloss wood tabletop with inlays of light-gold decorations (the matching china credenza features a marble top)—deliver an architectural elegance to the space. Identical custom mirrors, also in high-gloss finish, serve as works of art. A clear glass crystal chandelier with gold accents completes the look.
Address: 1437 NE Fourth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Website: innovativecreationsusa.com
Ann Ueno Interior Design
Category: Master bedroom
Big picture: Ueno, lead designer at the Miami-based firm she founded, describes her vision for this penthouse bedroom in Brickell as “modern boho, erring neutral with a few pops of color.”
The details: The Persian carpet, with its coastal blue and burnt red shades, became the foundation for the space, adding a layer of dimension and interest. The blue and gold bench plays off the colors in the rug. “These are both unexpected moments in the space that were meant to elevate the personality,” Ueno says.
The Studio McGee blue-striped throw pillows add balance to the white bedding and bold floor—and also deliver a subtle layer of pattern. “The materiality story was a bit unique—gold with wood textures in the frames, earthy organic fabrics and a subtle pop of traditional marble in the table lamps,” Ueno adds. “It’s global meets traditional, bold meets natural, all coming together to bring my client a peaceful and beautiful master retreat.”
Address: 790 NE 97th St., Miami Shores
Website: annueno.com
Interiors by Steven G
Category: Living space
Big picture: Though the contemporary spaces in this sprawling setting seamlessly play off one another, inviting the outdoors inside at every turn, the emphasis here is on the living room and the greenery just beyond it. As a whole, the design concept by this South Florida firm with international cachet beautifully captures the understated elegance sought by the client, a blend of easy waterfront living and high style.
The details: Sculptural yet comfortable seating—featuring sink-in cushions from top Italian upholsterers—sets an unpretentious tone in the living room. “We wanted large pieces to balance the architectural backgrounds, so we designed a heavy, sculptural wood coffee table with a cantilevered floating sheet of glass,” says Sandy Fandre, the designer who worked on the project.
The purposeful mix of neutral colors involving the flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, stone, art, and accessories combine to create a warm, inviting and “effortless” look, Fandre says.
Then there’s the expanse of artificial turf, along with a towering faux palm (plus, a summer kitchen and dining area), that serves as a bridge between the family room and Florida room, further enhancing the already pronounced indoor/outdoor environment. “It’s all about a feeling of pampered luxury within a resort setting,” Fandre says.
Address: 2818 Center Port Circle, Pompano Beach
Website: interiorsbysteveng.com
