SoFlo Home Project visits Privé
In this episode of SoFlo Home Project, Steven G gives Martin Amado and viewers a tour of this extravagant Privé residence.
Big Commercial Interior Design Trends in 2017
Commercial design is one of the most important fields in the industry. In today’s post, I wanted to share some of the biggest trends in commercial interior design and give you some tips on how you can start integrating them into your office or business.
Creating A Sense of Community in the Workplace
The workplace has changed! People no longer work alone in their offices or at their desks. Today’s work culture is all about community…and so is commercial interior design! Commercial designers aim to create comfortable and inspiring spaces where people can congregate. How are they doing it?
- Communal Office Tables – Commercial designers are bidding adieu to the traditional desk and chair, and are instead opting for longer, communal tables around the office. This design choice encourages collaboration and community building by creating an open and inclusive space. There are myriad of beautiful and affordable options out there suited for any business. Try incorporating some pieces with pops of color and patterns to add even more fun and whimsy to the office.
- High-End Recreation – Community driven design isn’t only reserved for office spaces and corporations. Hotels, restaurants, bars, lounges, and everything in between are starting to conceptualize recreation spaces where customers, guests, and employees can unwind and recharge. This can be anything from small libraries and game rooms to break areas and sleeping quarters.
Mid-Century Modern Is On The Rise
Mid-century modern is one of the most celebrated and sought after styles…so it’s no surprise that this motif is a rising star in the commercial property interior design industry in miami. Here’s how to start fusing mid-century modern elements into your business:
- Go Geometric – This style is famous for its simplicity, clean lines, asymmetrical angles, and geometric shapes and patterns. You can incorporate these elements in a multitude of ways, including area rugs, wall and window treatments, light fixtures, artwork, and of course, furniture. Speaking of furniture for commercial design…
- Use Mid-Century Modern Furniture Pieces – Mid-century modern furniture looks sophisticated and feels timeless; making it the perfect addition to the design of a commercial space. These pieces also work seamlessly with other styles if you want to mix things up! Mid-century modern furniture has minimal ornamentations, and comes in a variety of natural materials including wood, leather, and polished metals. This time period also celebrated industry and manufacturing, so pieces in plywood and molded plastics are also popular (and durable) choices for furniture in today’s commercial design.
Go Natural!
Fusing a bit of nature into your commercial designs will look beautiful, feel tranquil, and give your customers, guests, or employees that needed spark of positive energy.
- Start Small – You don’t need to plant an entire garden in your office or business to feel closer to nature. You can start small with easy-to-manage plants and flowers. Succulents are a popular choice for commercial spaces because they are low-maintenance plants that grow in a variety of colors and shapes.
- Go Big – If your budget allows for bolder commercial design choices, consider incorporating a show stopping wall feature in stacked stone or a cool water feature into your business design plans. Designing a commercial space with large windows, lots of natural light, and hardwood or bamboo flooring is another way to let the outside in.
- Use Earth Tones – Painting and decorating in earth tones is one of the hottest trends in commercial design, and it’s another clever way to make an office or work space feel more natural and organic.
Eco-Friendly Design
Conserving the planet is important to everyone…and commercial interior designers are doing their part! There has been an explosion of eco-friendly options in commercial real estate design in recent years. A lot of designers are starting to integrate recycled materials and furniture pieces into their concepts. Reclaimed or repurposed elements are also a prominent design trend for businesses because each piece possesses its own unique features.
What is Commercial Interior Design?
Commercial interior design plays a pivotal role in the success of any business…but what is it exactly? In today’s post, I reveal the ins and outs and the importance of commercial property interior design for businesses.
What is the difference between residential and commercial interior design?
While residential interior designers focus on homes, commercial interior designers conceptualize spaces for businesses. This would include hotels and lounges, restaurants and retail spaces, offices, banks, theaters, hospitals and examination rooms, libraries, schools, country clubs, spas, shopping malls, and everything in between.
Is the distinction really that important? Yes! Homes and businesses have different design needs. Residential interior design is all about creating welcoming and livable spaces for homeowners, whereas commercial design seeks to increase functionality and elevate style for financial gain. Whether it’s a luxury hotel developer or a small business owner, it is up to the commercial interior designer to translate the client’s vision in ways that are practical, profitable, and of course, chic. Because the scope of work is much larger than residential projects, commercial interior designers in Miami usually take on more responsibilities.
What does a commercial interior designer actually do?
Commercial interior designers are trained to prioritize functionality and safety without sacrificing style or aesthetics. For example, a luxury hotel needs to accommodate a certain amount of guests if it wants to maximize profits. But in order to do so, the hotel has to impress guests with spacious rooms, lavish bathrooms, and breathtaking views. It should wow guests with its lobby, and make room for high-end amenities including spas, saunas, gyms, outdoor spaces, pools, and a restaurant and bar.
It falls on the commercial interior designer to make all of these requirements come together into one usable and beautiful space…and they are more than qualified to do so!
Commercial interior designers know how to space plan without surrendering design. They are also trained to ensure that everything within the physical structure is safe and up to code. They are heavily involved in the renovation and construction process, and work closely with contractors and manufacturers to make important structural decisions including architectural details, lighting, floor and ceiling design, window placement, and technological upgrades. Commercial interior designers also define the project’s scope of work, draw schematics and blueprints, select the right materials, and oversee budgeting and scheduling, along with other important duties.
Once the construction phase is complete, the designer then transforms the physical structure into a living and breathing space in the decorating process. Commercial interior designers choose motifs and styles that suit the needs of the business, and then bring it to life with the right color schemes, furniture, fabrics, wall and window treatments, artwork, accessories, and finishes.
A talented and experienced commercial interior designer has the power to transform a failing business into a booming one. They thrive on fast-paced projects, can communicate the needs and visions of various businesses, and have the innate ability to conceptualize large spaces that everyone from clients to guests to customers will love.
Investor Interior Design Tips for Flipping Your First House
Whether you’re rehabbing an older home or simply making a few cosmetic changes, you’ll need to make smart (and cost-effective) decisions if you want to add the most value to your investment. In today’s post, I reveal some of the best interior design tips for flipping your first house as an investor.
Flip the House Not Your Style
The first thing you should do is check out the surrounding homes in the neighborhood. What kind of houses do you see? Are they contemporary or modern design? Mediterranean? Victorian? Having a comprehensive understanding of your neighborhood comps will help you gain insight into what homebuyers are looking for in that area. This will also help you manage your budget, plan for landscaping, and choose appropriate (and affordable) materials that will help add to the value of your investment.
That being said, your motif should celebrate the original style of the home you’re flipping. If you’re remodeling a traditional space, consider using more ornate elements such as crown molding, dark woods, built-in cabinetry, wood paneling, coffered ceilings, and jewel-toned accents. Larger furniture pieces in European silhouettes with paisley, floral, and striped upholsteries are also popular elements in traditional spaces.
Contemporary homes are famous for their open concepts, minimalism, and geometric forms. Eliminating walls, incorporating fewer (and smaller) furniture pieces, and adding simpler finishes are wise investments when renovating contemporary spaces and a great way to impress potential buyers.
Keep Buyers Happy With A Neutral Color Palette
You want your house flip to have personality, but you don’t want to turn off homebuyers with bold and distasteful design. Designing a space in neutral color palettes will make it feel warm and inviting. It will also give you myriad of decorating options to incorporate into your investment.
You can infuse pops of color through artwork, photography, accessories, window treatments, and even plants. Incorporating a feature wall in wallpaper, accent colors, reclaimed wood, stack stone, or other materials is a fun way to add visual appeal and value to your first house flip.
Investing in New Flooring
Investors tend to underestimate the important role flooring plays in home design. Would you want to purchase a home with old, dirty carpeting or stained hardwoods? Of course not! Most flippers need to be prepared to spend time and money on new flooring. You’ll need to rid your home of old carpeting, linoleum, chipped and fading tiles, and other dilapidated flooring.
Expensive neighborhoods should have lavish flooring such as marble, high-end porcelain, or hardwoods, but there are a lot of affordable flooring options out there if you do the right research. For example, refurbishing hardwood floors is a much more affordable property investment option than purchasing new ones.
Having the same flooring throughout the home will make it seem larger, especially if the home is only one level. Some buyers prefer carpeting in the bedrooms, and some favor a more seamlessness transition from room to room. Again your neighborhood comps will help you choose the right style, color, and materials for your home.
Bathroom and Kitchen Remodels
Kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a house flip! Homebuyers will expect large kitchens and luxurious bathrooms with high-end upgrades. Check out this previous post for some great investor renovation ideas to learn how to create dream kitchens and bathrooms at affordable costs.
Avoid Cookie Cutter Renovation Options
Homebuyers want special houses. They want architectural details and furniture pieces that look and feel one-of-a-kind…even if they aren’t. If you can avoid buying mass-produced pieces that can be found in hundreds of homes, then do so. Nobody wants bland, common, and inexpensive elements in their homes! Instead try to find more unique pieces that will appeal to a broad range of homebuyers’ design preferences.
Hire an Interior Designer Before Selling
If you’re new to the house flipping game, then you should hire an interior designer to help your flip come to life. We make better renovation decisions than investors, and have exclusive resources that can help you see a higher return on your investment. Homebuyers are looking for perfection, and interior designers plan for everything from major renovation projects to the tiniest finishes. We can transform even the most neglected of spaces into dream homes that are easier to flip and buyers will love.
Interior Designers Vs. Interior Decorators: What’s the Difference?
Interior designers and interior decorators…is there a difference? Contrary to popular belief, these descriptions are not interchangeable. In today’s post I break down the real differences between interior designers and interior decorators.
Training and certifications.
While there are several distinctions between interior designers and interior decorators, the most important one is training. Interior design requires formal training, as well as licensing and certification in most states. Interior decorators do not need to complete training because their work centers on aesthetics. Decorators are not involved in the design or renovation process because their role takes place after all architectural work has been finished.
Interior designers have more expertise.
Because designers complete more comprehensive training, they have far more expertise than decorators.
Interior designers study everything involved in both the design and decorating process. This includes space planning, architecture, drawing and blueprinting, lines, light, scale, color schemes, styles and motifs, building codes, furniture, fabrics, and everything in between. This encyclopedic knowledge and experience is what sets interior designers apart from everyone else in the industry. Designers also work hand in hand with architects, developers, and contractors. They can lead the charge in any structural work that needs to take place in the home.
Interior decorators are all about visuals. They can reinvent a room by helping homeowners with color palettes, wall and window treatments, furniture, lighting, fabrics, artwork, and accessories. Interior decorators are not proficient in actual design and architecture, and are not qualified to make any structural decisions.
Interior designers also have access to exclusive resources. Because their work is so extensive, home designers build important relationships with vendors, contractors, manufacturers, and showrooms. Interior decorators also cultivate relationships, but not to the extent of designers.
Why does the distinction matter?
While there are many talented interior decorators out there, you’ll need to hire an actual interior designer if you plan on making more than just cosmetic changes to your home. Interior designers possess the necessary skillsets to renovate a space from top to bottom. If you’re simply looking to give your home more of a quick touch-up, then an interior decorator may work for you. Interior designers are more expensive, but they have unparalleled expertise when it comes to creating functional and stunning spaces for homeowners.
Why Investors Need Interior Designers
Investors and house flippers need to hire professional interior designers in Miami if they want to see the biggest return on their investments. Having an interior designer in your corner will save you time and money, and will lead investors to bigger rewards. Today I reveal why!
Interior designers have the best resources.
Interior designers have exclusive access and connections to resources that investors simply don’t have. By cultivating longstanding relationships with showrooms, drapery and upholstery manufacturers, furniture designers, and contractors to name a few, interior designers have access to high-end furnishings at lower costs.
Designers make better renovation decisions.
Adding a bedroom and knocking down walls doesn’t necessarily mean your investment will sell at a higher price tag. Certified interior designers have unparalleled insight into what increases – and decreases – the value of a home. They know how to transform neglected and distressed properties into covetable spaces.
Interior designers use their expertise to improve a home’s functionality and create beautiful spaces. They will tell you when it’s appropriate to take on major renovation projects such as demolishing walls, remodeling kitchens, and building additions. They can identify which architectural details and features will get you the biggest bang for your buck, and seasoned interior designers also know which styles, colors, appliances, and finishes appeal most to homebuyers.
They also take care of the nitty-gritty. Interior designers are meticulous with dimensions, specifications, timelines, and budgets. They know when and where to allocate funds, and they will save you time, money, and effort by taking care of these finer details. They also have a deep understanding of popular and outdated interior design trends that investors usually lack. (Nothing is more unattractive than an old-fashioned home!)
Investors also tend to renovate properties with mass-produced furniture and decorations to cut costs. In truth, these “cookie cutter” options drive prices down. Interior designers have the knowhow to create spaces that feel both special and accessible at affordable costs.
Investors think for themselves. Interior designers think for the homebuyer.
Investors tend to decorate homes that match their personal tastes. They are also so focused on keeping costs down, that they fail to think about the big picture – the homeowner! All roads lead to the homeowner! A temporary property for an investor can be a “forever” home for a buyer, so they need to make design decisions that look and feel personal, timeless, and of course, expensive.
Enter the interior designer! They always design spaces with the homebuyer in mind. Interior designers know which styles, ornamentation, furniture pieces, and amenities homebuyers are looking for. Designers are more thoughtful with room flow and furniture placement, artwork, accessories, and other design elements than investors. They know how to make your property stand out from your competition while also appealing to a diverse group of homebuyers.
It all comes down to this: having an interior designer as part of the renovation process will lead to beautiful homes with excellent functionality…and this means bigger payoffs for investors.
What is Transitional Design?
Transitional interior design is a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. It borrows from the best of both worlds to create a balanced and sophisticated space attuned to your needs, tastes and lifestyle.
If you swoon over the classic shapes and silhouettes of traditional design, but just can’t get enough of the minimalism and open concepts of contemporary, then transitional style is for you! Today I’m sharing the characteristics that define transitional design so you can start incorporating them into your home décor.
Neutral Colors
Similar to contemporary design, transitional spaces tend to have neutral color palettes. Designing a home in shades of tan, beige, taupe, ivory and grey will make the space feel peaceful and comfortable. Neutral wall colors also serve as the perfect backdrop for your furniture, accent and statement pieces, and artwork.
Refined Furnishings
Furnishings are a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Transitional furniture pieces tend to have more classic shapes and silhouettes, but are smaller in size with less ornamentation. (You might even find a few antiques!) You can play around with patterns and accent colors in your upholstery, wall treatments, and accessories. Have fun!
Simple Lines
Similar to its contemporary counterparts, transitional style home design celebrates clean lines and simple architecture. This style has a wonderful mix of straight and rounded profiles to achieve a balance of feminine and masculine design elements.
Natural Elements
Touches of natural elements will make any space feel warmer and more welcoming…and this style is all about serenity!
Accents of rich woods are a prominent defining characteristic in transitional design to complement the neutral color schemes and add more visual interest. Borrowing from traditional design, transitional spaces often have built-in cabinetry. Wood paneling can also be found in this style as a wall or ceiling feature. Again, hints of wood add even more warmth to the room. This style also incorporates stone, granite and marble, as these materials work beautifully with both contemporary and traditional features.
Neutral Floors
Neutral colors aren’t just limited to the walls! Light hardwood floors and tiles are popular choices in transitional décor. Just like in traditional rooms, rugs are used in this style to make the home that much cozier. This gives you the opportunity to have fun with shapes, patterns and textures!
Minimalism
Transitional spaces take a more minimalist approach when it comes to decorating. You’ll find simpler ornamentation, fewer accessories, and elegant finishes.
Understated Sophistication
With its simple lines, refined furnishings, and neutral color palettes, transitional design could be defined as the epitome of understated sophistication. It’s no wonder this style has become a Miami favorite – it takes the best elements from both contemporary and traditional design to create a warm, elegant, and timeless space.
The Best Renovation Ideas That Give You A Return On Investment
Investors can make big money by renovating and reselling distressed and neglected homes. That being said, not all renovations are created equal. Today I reveal the best renovation projects that will get the highest return on your investment.
Add Some Curb Appeal
Investors become so focused on the interior design of a home remodel, that they often overlook the exterior. First impressions are everything! Would you want to purchase a home that has a dying yard and dilapidated siding? Of course not! Curb appeal is extremely important when it comes to selling homes. Make sure to budget for landscaping, exterior renovations, and additional architectural elements. Similar to interior renovations, there is a wide range of cost-effective options for exteriors that look and feel expensive.
Incorporating a beautiful entryway into your home is another way to make a lasting impression with homebuyers. Investors should also consider high-end amenities including outdoor living spaces, gardens, and swimming pools.
Remodel The Kitchen
Kitchens are the heart of every home! To see the best return on investment, you need to impress homebuyers with a stunning and functional kitchen. Here are some of the best ways to make your kitchen renovation a stand out:
1) Go open concept – Most homebuyers are looking for open concept living, and the kitchen is no exception. Knocking down walls is a smart way to make a small kitchen feel larger. To create a timeless space, choose a simple design and floor plan that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home.
2) Islands – With an open concept kitchen, you will need to maximize storage without sacrificing sightlines. Adding a large island will create that touch of sophistication every homebuyer is looking for. More than just visual impacts, kitchen islands improve functionality, have additional storage, and provide additional seating.
3) Beautiful kitchen cabinets – Cabinets play an essential role in a renovating a kitchen. What is the condition of your existing kitchen cabinets? Giving your existing cabinets a make over is a great way to cut costs while still creating a refined space. But remember, only move in this direction if your cabinets are in terrific condition. Buyers will expect the best. No cutting corners!
There are plenty of affordable, high-end options out there if you need to preplace your cabinets entirely. Make sure to pick cabinets that stay true to the style of the home. Shaker style is great for traditional homes, and flat-door designs are perfect for contemporary spaces. To add more visual interest, try experimenting with glass-front cabinets and open shelving.
4) Don’t forget the finer details – Choose affordable materials and finishes that look elegant. Quartz countertops are less expensive than marble and granite for example, but look just as beautiful. (Quartz is also a favorite among homebuyers.) Be thoughtful with your selection of hardware, architectural details, accessories, and color palette. What are buyers looking for in your neighborhood? Remember, no detail is too small. Buyers also expect energy efficient appliances in high-end homes.
Upgrade The Bathrooms
Beautiful bathrooms are must-haves for homebuyers, and another great opportunity to make money as an investor. Here are my tips for creating an opulent bathroom:
1) New and contemporary – Similar to kitchens, homebuyers are looking for upgraded bathrooms in contemporary styles. To impress buyers, you will need to replace the toilets, bathtubs, and possibly the vanities. Renovating your bathroom in a neutral color palette will make the space feel bigger, brighter, and cleaner. Look for contemporary faucets and hardware, elegant finishes, and cabinetry that look expensive and make life easier for homebuyers.
2) Freestanding bathtub – Nothing says luxury like a freestanding bathtub. You want to create a peaceful space where homebuyers want to unwind after a stressful day. Again, you can find affordable options in a wide range of styles that look upscale. Depending on what buyers are looking for in your specific neighborhood, you can punch up your bathroom with wallpaper, glamorous lighting, and pops of color.
3) Refined showers – Create an elegant oasis by incorporating unexpected tile design, showerheads, and even technology. Rainfall showerheads are a cool design feature that provides a luxurious showering experience. If you have the space, open showers and benches are also a favorite among homebuyers.
4) Maximize storage – Organized bathrooms are attractive to homebuyers. His and hers vanities and contemporary wall units provide plenty of storage without compromising design.
Build A Master Suite
No flip is complete without a master suite. Walk-in closets, spacious en suites, and lots of natural light are features every investor should consider when renovating the master bedroom. High-end flooring is also important for resale. Hardwood or tile floors are more expensive than laminates and carpeting, but are more popular with buyers.
Again, keep a neutral color palette. Buyers can be turned off by bold interior design. Keeping the space neutral will help them envision how their style would translate to the home.
Steven G’s Record Breaking Design for Seasons at Naples Cay
Steven G just made history.
The Seasons at Naples Cay just sold the most expensive furnished penthouse of all time…and our very own Steven G designed it!
Complete with 360-degree ocean views, this breathtaking unit sold for a record-breaking $14.7 million. Steven G renovated this penthouse from top to bottom, and it is 13,000 square feet of pure luxury. The home features five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, lavish walk-in closets, and a 1,750 square feet balcony for spectacular outdoor living. The penthouse also has a private elevator, fitness room and sauna, and its own automation system to control lighting, audio and room temperature.
When it comes to interior design, nothing was too luxe for this soft contemporary home. Steven G used beautiful striated Italian porcelain flooring throughout the penthouse (inside and out) for cohesion, scale, and to accentuate the home’s fresh and warm color palette. The kitchen features dazzling white quartz countertops, custom millwork, and sleek Italian melamine.
Comfortable, high-end furniture and one-of-kind accent pieces (including a baby grand piano) helps the home capture that cozy yet luxurious atmosphere.
Touches of natural wood and organic elements make the space feel serene and welcoming, and bold artwork is featured throughout the home to infuse pops of color. This penthouse is the very definition of sophistication and elegance… no wonder it made history!
Visit the gallery to learn more about Steven G’s exquisite, record-breaking design.
The Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Interior Design
Modern or contemporary design…is there a difference? This question has been haunting homeowners for years! Today I’m going to set the record straight and help you decide between contemporary or modern style designs for your home décor.
Contemporary design is all about now.
Contemporary interior design is all about the here and now. It flaunts what’s happening in today’s world of interior design. It is constantly evolving – it plays around with conventions, embraces new ideas, and takes on different forms as each season comes and goes.
While contemporary design stays in the moment, modern design lives in the past.
Modern design showcases a specific era in time.
Modern interior design actually refers to the styles of the early to mid–20th century – specifically the 1920s through the 1950s. For this reason, modern design never changes. It is meant to capture and celebrate the style and mood of a specific era. It is the very definition of timeless!
While these time periods can be anything from art deco to Bauhaus, mid-century modern style is considered the crown jewel of modern interior design.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern is one of the most prestigious and sophisticated styles in interior design. This aesthetic is famous for its ease, open concepts, clean lines and minimal decoration. Mid-century modern decorating is all about the beauty of simplicity. This uncluttered atmosphere gives more importance to the modern style architecture, and makes its mid-century furniture the focal point of the space.
Other essential design elements that define a mid-century modern space are:
- Open concept floor plans – We have seen a major resurgence of open concept spaces in recent years, and it’s all thanks to mid-century modern! This style is the godfather of open concept living. Having fewer walls creates a smoother flow from room to room, gives you more opportunity to play around with furniture placement, and makes your home feel significantly larger. Mid-century homes also tend to have bare floors, which blend beautifully into the idea of open, airy living.
- Strong angles and lines – This style prides itself on its sleek lines, geometric shapes and distinct angles in everything from mid-century modern architectural details to furniture to works of art. Asymmetry is also an important feature of mid-century design.
- Fewer furniture pieces – Empty spaces can be just as powerful as full ones. Featuring fewer furniture pieces emphasizes the mid-century idea of easy living. When it comes to this style, less is more!
- White walls – Mid-century homes utilize white walls to keep things fresh and make its furnishings and architectural details pop! White walls also transcend seasons and trends, so your home will always look cool and feel current. Again, it’s all about simple sophistication.
- Natural materials – Modern design always has a touch of natural elements to make the space warmer and more welcoming. This would include wood, leather, wool, linen and polished metals. This was also a time period that embraced industry and manufacturing, so pieces made of molded plastic and plywood were popular choices in mid-century homes.
- Lots of windows – One of the most important philosophies behind mid-century modern design is forming a connection with nature. Designing a home with large windows (and plenty of them) was a thoughtful way to marry outdoor and indoor living spaces – not to mention providing an abundance of natural light!
Ultimately, it all comes down to this – modern interior design is all about seizing a moment in time, while contemporary design observes the present moment. Whichever style speaks to you, both are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.