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SW Florida Articles

A Tropical Flavor by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article With a northern residence at the Jersey Shore, designer Kira Krümm’s clients decided to purchase a second home at the high-rise condominium The Trieste in Naples. “The clients wanted an interior that would suit their tastes, which leaned toward classic and traditional," explains Krümm. "We decided to give the residence a more tropical flavor through the use of ebonized wood that contrasts with light, crisp colors. Each room has a monochromatic color scheme and we focused our attention to detail on custom millwork, all of which is finished in a crisp, clean white.”
Hardwood Not A Hard Choice by Tiffany Sawyer See Entire Article When factory-finished floors first appeared in the hardwood flooring market, they were seen as a novelty. Few homes boasted hardwood flooring, with only a small selection of manufacturers and products. Wood flooring has come a long way in the past few years. Consumers want choices and convenience, and the wood flooring industry has met the demands of the changing American culture. Today, there are more styles, colors and species of wood flooring available than ever. No matter what your décor, you’re sure to find a color and style to fit your home at your local Abbey showroom.
Outdoor Silks by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article Lately, the trend to bring both living and entertainment spaces outdoors has been growing by leaps and bounds. Firepits, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and built-in entertainment centers have all become lanai mainstays in new home construction, while older homes are being renovated to add these must have spaces.
French Country Ambience by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article When interior designer Pam Novakovich of Novakovich & Associates was first given the assignment of designing the interiors of a private residence in Mediterra, she was given the task of achieving a French Country feel for the home and of incorporating many of her clients existing antique pieces into the design concept.
Friends by Design by Paula Robertson See Entire Article Sometimes, the relationship between interior designer and client spans many years, several homes and states, and numerous environments and styles. Such is the story of Norris Furniture & Interior's designer Dean Farris, Allied Member A.S.I.D., and a very special client.
A Dream Come True See Entire Article Joanie and Jerry had a dream to create the most beautiful silk garden in Naples. With topiaries being Joanie's personal favorite tree, Silk Topiaries Plus was born. It began with watching the evolution of silk plants and wanting everyone to see how beautiful and life-like trees, topiaries, floral arrangements and ledge gardens had become.
The China International Furniture Expo in Shanghai by Kira Krümm See Entire Article Shanghai is renowned as the commerce capital of China. When people go to Shanghai, they are fascinated with the architecture, the history, the people, the culture and the energy that combine to make up modern Shanghai. With more than 15 million people, the city, with its strong French and English colonization and flavorful Chinese citizenship, is truly an international synthesis.
A True Retreat by Melissa Neal See Entire Article For an interior designer who is working with a new client, the first step in the design process is getting to know the homeowners’ likes and dislikes. When a designer and a pair of homeowners have been collaborating for a long time however, the designer develops an intimate knowledge of his clients’ tastes.
Sophisticated Sanctuary by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article A private home located in Shadow Wood’s Glen Lakes neighborhood at The Brooks, this casual yet sophisticated and elegant sanctuary exudes charm and warmth. With a total of 1,156 square feet of well-designed living space, it is filled with a plethora of beautiful interior appointments. Just as all the elements of a great painting do not compete but complement, visitors are drawn into this home with a desire to experience its total sense of serenity and character.
Captivating Interiors See Entire Article If ever there were a title of “Wonder Women of Design,” the team at Captivating Interiors would own it. Why? Because these three women have combined unique talents and skills to work together on design projects to create only the best in design for homeowners.
Urban Chic Meets Marco Beach by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Located on the 24th floor of a luxury high-rise building at the tip of Marco Island, the most remarkable characteristic of this beautiful condominium is the total sense of emotional and physical tranquility that it exudes.
Fashionable Lobby Facelifts by Helena Wellsley See Entire Article The overall look and feel of a condominium lobby is one of the most important considerations when developing a design concept. An impressive lobby serves to offer up the first impression of the condominium, the owners and their guests. Realizing this fact, the owners of several landmark condominiums recently hired Agostino’s Design Group and presented them with the challenging assignment of updating their buildings’ entry lobbies and social areas.
Focus On The Family by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article Interior Designer Jinx McDonald’s latest project is the stunning Olde Cypress residence of Mr. and Mrs. Don Goens. An initial consultation revealed that her clients wanted a modern style home, neutral palette with accent colors to add warmth and furnishings in keeping with the current trend toward simpler, more contemporary lines. Above all, this spacious single-family residence, constructed by Phoenix Homes, had to be comfortable and livable, as the family includes three young adults.
Easy Living on the Caloosahatchee by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article As owners of the INTERIORS by Decorating Den franchises for Coral Gables, Naples and Bonita Springs, Cliff Welles, and partner, Judy Underwood, and their staff of four experienced decorators, have been creating real homes for real people for more than fifteen years.
A Perfect Balance by Nanci Theoret See Entire Article There’s a subtle play of contrasts at work throughout The Monserrato III model in Fort Myers’ Renaissance community - a balance of casual and formal elements, traditional and contemporary design and a focus on both inside and outdoor spaces. Designer Pam Novakovich, president of the award-winning Novakovich & Associates design firm, weaves glacier blue throughout the home’s nearly 4,000 square feet of living space, letting it serve as a backdrop to punches of cinnamon in a guest room, champagne in the living room, and spun gold in the master suite.
Quality Craftsmanship Defined by Andrea G. Rollin See Entire Article Whether building those mahogany library shelves or custom cherry cabinetry to complete your dream kitchen, having custom millwork or cabinetry created is an option more and more people are considering. Ceilings can be brought alive with definition, eye appeal can be added to walls and floors, living area’s more clearly defined and character added to all areas of a home or office.
Long Distance Design Poses Unique Challenges See Entire Article Debbie DeMaria, President of Vogue Interiors, has garnered countless design awards, as well as maintaining a 7,200-square-foot showroom and design studio that is an combination of classic style and contemporary trends. She has a large local clientele and her work on area model homes has received accolades. Why then would DeMaria step outside her comfort zone in order to tackle long distance design jobs complete with logistical problems and supply pitfalls?
Mother Earth's Natural Beauty by Claire M. Kingsley See Entire Article Stone quarries have served the world since the beginning of time and there is no end to the beauty and versatility of stone. Towering trees have been felled in the world’s forests for centuries and their hardwoods used for both functional and artistic purposes. Now the two are brought together as the foundation of the stunning products of Adagio, Inc. Adagio, specializing in unique products for the kitchen and bath, creates an environment of simple beauty and elegance using these most elemental of materials.
Decking Your Holiday Halls by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article When the holiday season arrives in this sunny paradise we call home, Southwest Floridians, longing for the crisp wintry bliss of the north, embrace the traditions of decorating their homes with such unabashed passion as to create virtual winter wonderlands, sans snow.
The Right Rug Makes the Room by Alice Caponi See Entire Article The purchase of an area rug can be a very involved process. Each type of rug, whether it is a hand-knotted Oriental, a custom-made rug or a machine-made rug, each has certain characteristics that can make it more or less suitable for one’s needs.
Complete Design Inside And Out by Sam Moser See Entire Article Since 2000, Gigi Design Group has been realizing custom interior and exterior designs for both residential and commercial clients. Gigi and Ermina Matic, each of who worked in various areas of the design business while living in many European cities, own the firm. The Matics’ combined experience has resulted in a unique flair for design and places Gigi Design Group in the enviable position of being able to offer a complete design service, including the execution of both interior and exterior projects.
Adding Holiday Sparkle by J.R. Dubler See Entire Article The holidays are filled with sparkling lights, colorful wrappings and shiny decorations. You can keep that look and feel in your home all year long by accenting your home with glass tiles or mosaics.
House of Holiday Dreams by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article When Alfred Hoffman, American Ambassador to Portugal since 2005 and founder of WCI Communities, Inc., and his wife, Dawn, purchased their home in the Gulf Harbor Golf & Country Club community in Fort Myers, they named their Mediterranean-style residence Casa de Suenos, or House of Dreams.
The Design Process by Kira Krümm See Entire Article Interior design has become a valuable industry to homeowners and builders in Southwest Florida, where development is thriving. Some people are building homes or buying new condos for their primary residence, others are purchasing properties to use as vacation homes.
Behind The Scenes At High Point by Kira Krümm See Entire Article From its pine tree-covered hills to its home-spun hospitality, North Carolina is recognized as more than just home of the Tarheels. Among those working in the interior design trade, it is more widely known as the location of High Point, a small town that has made a big impact on the interior design industry. High Point is what most consider the world’s largest furniture and home goods exposition.
More Than Just A Family Affair See Entire Article When relocating to Florida, many people have the misconception that they will be enjoying live potted tropical plants year-round (and with little maintenance) in their new homes. What they don’t realize is that tropical plants require a lot of heat and humidity and central air conditioning, a necessity for people, is actually harmful to plants, drawing moisture right out of the soil, causing the plants to wilt and die.
Art From the Earth by Sam Moser See Entire Article In interior design, two elements move people like no other: striking displays of color and beautiful products of nature. Sky blue, baby blue and midnight blue are examples of shades that catch our attention and possess the innate ability to calm any setting. Natural stone is the perfect material, the ultimate complement to any décor.
The World Is Her Oyster by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article It’s been said that some people don’t see the forest for the trees. But that old axiom doesn’t apply to Margaret Miller, who as president and chief executive officer of Miromar Development, has a vision for growing the Southwest Florida region beyond all expectations. In her quest to develop the once-sleepy coast into a world-class destination, Miller knows no boundaries.
Not Your Ordinary Furniture Store See Entire Article Looking for that one-of-a-kind accent piece that distinguishes your home from your neighbor’s? Need a special gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend? If so, you need to check out Import Market Furniture & Accessories. The uniquely decorated 3,000 – foot showroom is located on Andrea Lane, south of Daniels Parkway, off of US 41 in South Fort Myers.
Bedazzling Your Home by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article How do we love our home? Let us count the ways… By dressing it in its best, imprinting it with our personality, scenting it with appealing fragrances, decorating it with our favorite colors, embellishing it with the sparkle of crystals and jewels, enhancing it with enjoyable textures and accentuating it with luxury.
World Class International Design Source Showroom to Open In 2006 by Susan Sokol See Entire Article Emilio Sadez, president of International Design Source, a Naples trade-only furniture showroom, is building a state-of-the-art second location within The Design Parc, a comprehensive trade center in Estero. When completed, the showroom will be one of the largest to-the-trade venues in the state.
Unique Style with Sophistication See Entire Article EPRO Interiors brings a sense of style and completion to your home while keeping you in mind. “I have been designing in Southwest Florida since 1993 with more than 25 years experience,” says president/owner Pat Estevez. “I’m proud of our design team – Jacqueline St. Croix, Irish Hafke, Patti Miller, Cyndy Hintze – offering a wide range of experience and expertise and accolades from their clients.”
Superior Surfaces in Tile, Stone and Glass by Sam Moser See Entire Article Gulf Tile, a family-owned and operated business serving Florida for more than 45 years, has arrived in Fort Myers at a time when the need for a professional supplier with a proven track record could not be stronger. Founded by Frank L. Garcia in 1960, Gulf Tile has nine locations and close to 100 employees.
Designers Mart – Designer Smart by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article In an industry flooded with large department stores and national brand-name stores, Designers Mart has been an important part of the design community since 1982. With an extensive inventory featuring more than 400 manufacturers, this North Naples gem is the worry-free, one-stop choice when accessorizing and setting up a home.
The Portals of Paradise by Bonnie Brownell See Entire Article A home’s front door has no words to inform visitors about what lies within, but its size and style speak volumes. Entries create the first impression of a home and the homeowner’s personality.
Waste Not, Want Not by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Consumer demand drives product popularity and new product development. Accor-ding to Steve Agius, general manager of Creative Tile & Hardwood Floors in Naples, “Manu-facturers continue to make technological and design advancements in hard-surface materials.
Floored by the Choices by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article Floor coverings are essential to the character and comfort of our homes. Now, in the 21st century, we have a host of flooring options to choose from. Centuries ago, however, the first floors were simply made from dirt, which was strewn with either sand or sawdust and topped with mint leaves.
Trust, Respect, Communication by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Working with an interior designer is parallel to flying. A designer, just like a pilot, is a highly trained and knowledge-able professional with a level of expertise in their chosen field. Trust and respect your designer and let them fly with the project.
Walls that Glitter by Sam Moser See Entire Article Whether you choose to hang paper or hire artists to create masterpieces, there is no shortage of wall coverings available to transform even the most ho-hum surface into a sophisticated backdrop.