September 2016 • Interiors by Steven G

Monthly Archives: September 2016

DECORATING TIPS OF THE WEEK

Check out these helpful starting points when decorating your home.

Make sure your base neutrals match…
When it comes to colors you should start with choosing a base palette that allows for some flexibility. Warm or cool neutrals are the perfect bases to build on. Just make sure you pick the temperature and base the rest of your color scheme off of the base. Painting is the simplest, yet more transformative way to update your home. You accent walls will really stand out against your neutral base.

Try and avoid fully themed rooms…
You might be in love with a Scandinavian look right now, but trends fade as time goes by so it is important to incorporate a theme without overdoing it. Entire rooms built around one theme will become dated quickly. What you should do instead is mix it up, and combine features of different looks and make them work together and develop your own style.

Bring out the pops of color…
The perfect room to add a pop of color would be the dining room. The spaces where many people gather, usually at night, are a perfect time where bold color can really stand out. Bathrooms are another great place to add pops of color!

ART EXHIBITS TO CHECK OUT THIS FALL

Here are some great art shows to check out this season in Miami!

“The Pursuit of Abstraction,” Oct. 7-April 16, 2017, at The Wolfsonian-FIU, Miami Beach. wolfsonian.org.
This show, drawn from the permanent collection, surveys the origins of fine and decorative art that transformed the modern aesthetic age.

“Narcisco Rodriguez: An Exercise in Minimalism,” Oct. 9 – Jan. 8, 2017, Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum FIU, thefrost.fiu.edu
Fifty red-carpet fashions by Cuban-American designer Narcisco Rodriguez will be displayed in an exhibit marked by firsts: Rodriguez’s first solo museum show, and the Frost FIU’s first couture exhibit.

”Julio Le Parc: Form-Action,” Nov. 18-March 19, 2017; Pérez Art Museum Miami, downtown, pamm.org
Along with the current blockbuster revealing unknown notebooks of the late Jean-Michel Basquiat (through Oct. 16), PAMM will showcase more than 100 works by kinetic artist Julio Le Parc in the Argentine artist’s first U.S. museum survey. Included are installations created between 1958 and 2013. Many of the works are participatory, breaking down the traditional barriers between artwork and viewer. One of the segments from the show will be three light-drenched rooms, intended to disorient gallery-goers.

“Alexis Gideon & the Glacier,” Nov. 19-Jan. 21, 2017, at Locust Projects, Miami Design District, locustprojects.org
A video opera by the Pittsburgh artist, with animation and paintings on glass; and installation from the Huffer Collective, including works by locals Ahol Sniffs Glue, Swamp Dog and Jason Handelsman.

Check out more exhibits here.

DECORATING WITH FALL COLORS

Summer days have come and gone now it’s the time of year to ditch the pastels for moody deep hues. Rich fall colors bring warmth to your interiors as the weather changes. Whether you choose to paint your rooms to reflect the season or you are just adding colorful accents, fall colors are perfect!

There are some changes when it comes to decorating for the fall. For one, it is the time of year to embrace softer earth tones. Darker charcoals and oxbloods are great colors to accessorize your home with to really set the fall scene.

There are many ways to display fall colors without repainting a room. You can start by painting the risers on a staircase with an autumn hue. This will help truly define the stairs while also disguising any scuff marks. This paint job is decorative yet not too overwhelming.

There are many rooms that are great for displaying fall colors. Entranceways are perfect for transforming for the season. Your hallway color scheme serves two purposes. One is to create a first impression for guests, and second, its sets the town for the entire home. The hallway can unite different parts of the house and create a smooth transition between various rooms.

HOME DECORATING MISTAKE TO AVOID ON YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Mistake #1: Do not go overboard on matching
It can be easy to fall into the trap of buying the same furnishings and start matching everything. This can make a room feel overwhelming, what you should is mix up accessories to add character to each room. This will bring uniqueness.

Mistake #2: Do not use poor lighting
Lighting is a very important element to the functionality and feeling of a room. You have to think about the color of light, the quantity of light and where to place it. When you have lighting in layers you can build more light based on the time of day and add dimmers. Now you can have the ability to adjust your lighting for any mood you want.

Mistake #3: Not testing paint colors
It is very important to test out you paint color choices before taking the dive. Avoid too much intense color. Make sure you also mix up colors and test them out. Swatching is key to finding the perfect color.

Mistake #4: Don’t place all furniture against the walls
Instead of having your living room furniture stand pressed against the wall, try moving it f inward to create a warm seating arrangement for conversation. The furniture should be arranged to allow for guests and family to circulate through the space. Just add the perfect area rug and you can unite all furnishings.

Mistake #5: Do not ignore scale and proportion
It is very important to determine scale and proportion when designing a room. Scale is the size of things, and proportion is the relationship of those sizes to each other and the room as a whole. Making sure you add the right furniture and create feng shui will bring peace to a room.

ADVICE FOR STYLING YOUR CREDENZA

Start off your décor with functionality
Adding a lamp to you credenza is very sensible and will add both height and light. A lamp will add both height and light to your credenza. Get a fabric lampshade to show off your personality and add a fun pattern.

Create Levels
Get out your favorite book that have been stowed away and showcase them on your credenza. This can help create levels on the surface while expressing your favorite literature choices.

Mix it up
Add in accessories such as candles, vases, and artwork. When the accessories vary is texture and size it will create a lot of dimension on your credenza. This will also help you bring out the whole rooms color palette. Having a consistent color palette will make everything look pulled together.

Bring out your personality
By adding personal item on your credenza you can really show of your personality. A framed photo is a perfect way to do this! Top it off with your favorite succulent or flower and you are on your way to a perfectly personal piece of furniture.

Here you have it! Your perfectly styled credenza is ready for the world to see!

HIGH END INTERIOR DECORATION INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK: POWDER PINK

Today we are going to share with you one half of pantone’s duo color of the year as fall color inspiration!

This year powder pink looks great as a monochrome look or even a simple accent These strong shades of blush and fuchsia is the power color of the season!

In the photo pictures above you can see this bold all-pink restaurant Pietro Nolita. It is already being addressed as the Pepto-hued backdrop for the New York Fashion Week scene—even though it has yet to open. Bringing this inspiration into your living space is a key fashion trend to try.

Powder pink is often misjudged for its girly undertones or neglected for its lack of neutrality. The power of pink should not be overlooked when it comes to your interiors. Test out decorating your shelf with a pastel glass pitcher to bring pink into your décor. Large or small, energetic or gentle, there’s real power in pink.

Whip out your rose-colored glasses and try envisioning your home in a new shade this season!

FOUR FALL DECORATING IDEAS FOR THE OUTDOORS

We are so excited that fall is around the corner! This summer flew by and now it is time for some fall decorating inspiration, particularly with your outdoor space.

These fun fall ideas are budget friendly and easy to do!

Decorate your door with an old a cotton wreath to welcome guests into your home and transform your porch.

Grab a lantern and fill it with small acorns, miniature pumpkins and leaves. All you need to do next is place a candle safely in the middle and now you have a perfect display for your patio table.

You can try creating a vignette using a basket full of grapevine balls, a lantern and a pumpkin. The pumpkin adds the glow of lively color and a feeling of happiness, which will have everyone loving the season.

Line your windows up with beautiful and fresh fall planters! Small narrow evergreens such as arborvitae are a great fit for the season! Add a some mums and pansies and your on your way to a beautiful flower collaboration.

TOP INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS TO TRY THIS FALL

When decorating a home, it is important to tell your story and garnish it with unique pieces that match your style. Today I am going to help you share your story by sharing some top trends of the season!

Don’t be afraid to accessorize!
You can personalize your space with items that you love and truly pull a room together with accessories. Currently, there’s a trend towards pieces that are vintage, rustic and very French. Items like late 1800s champagne bottle carriers and bottle stands are a hot accessory right now! Decorative bottles and vintage hat racks can really transform a room and take you back in time!

Add flair with painted pieces!
Painted antique goods can really add panache to your living room. Painted antiques and fine reproductions are very en vogue. Some of the simplest pieces that aren’t heavily carved add the most personality.

The rug makes the room!
It is important to make an investment on the right rug to help embellish your floors. Neutral rugs have been on-trend for the last decade and it will not be changing anytime soon! Washed out and muted colors and styles are very popular. Traditional carpet styles, in hues of red and orange, are also in high demand. Make a bold statement with an abstract rug and turn your floor into a modern art piece!

TOP ART SHOWS IN SOUTH FLORIDA TO SEE THIS WEEKEND

Even though Art Basel is here yet, doesn’t mean you should stop your search for design inspiration in South Florida!

Miami is booming with various galleries and design studios that go all year round and today I am going to share with you some of the top shows to see this fall.

The Pursuit of Abstraction
Oct. 7-April 16, 2017
The Wolfsonian-FIU, Miami Beach

This show, drawn from the permanent collection, surveys the origins of fine and decorative art that transformed the modern aesthetic age.

Anselm Kiefer from the Hall Collection
Nov. 21-Aug. 27, 2017
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale,

Plus expanded acquisitions of Anselm Kiefer works at Margulies Collection at the Warehouse.
Oct. 19.-April 29, 2017

Narcisco Rodriguez: An Exercise in Minimalism
Oct. 9 – Jan. 8, 2017
Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum FIU,

Fifty red-carpet fashions by Cuban-American designer Narcisco Rodriguez will be unveiled in an exhibit marked by firsts: Rodriguez’s first solo museum show, and the Frost FIU’s first couture exhibit.

DESIGN INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK: DUBAI SKYLINE

There are so many beautiful cities in the world but nothing adds up to the city of Dubai. This city is always emerging architecturally and luxuriously. Dubai’s latest skyline update is today’s design inspiration!

Dubai is one of the world’s fastest growing metropolitan areas, ranked 5th in 2015, according to a Brookings Institute Global Metro Monitor Report. Real Estate performance in Dubai still ranks among the top global cities.

Dubai’s rapid development and high-end housing market has attracted some start-studded architects, who’ve made their mark on the skyline.

Some examples include the gleaming Opus, by Zaha Hadid, the forklike Index Tower by Norman Foster, and the new Super Potato and SOMA Architects development, One at Palm Jumeirah. These buildings have served as a magnet for luxury buyers worldwide. Unlike London or New York, architects and developers in Dubai are not just building single buildings, but entire communities.

Most of the latest developments to the Dubai skyline are very modern and contemporary. Attention to tradition is very important when is comes to the developers concepts when building in Dubai. Many buildings pay homage to Islamic culture and design motifs. You can find this in the new Tower at Dubai Creek Harbor, the cornerstone of this development and the new Dubai skyline.

We would like you to use this cityscape as inspiration to express how one city can remain amazing, exhilarating and innovative, while mixing the past and present.