Miami and Palm Beach designers reflect on the simple luxuries of home and designing for the moment.
Bea Pila
“When we need comfort, I turn to nature. The greens of a garden are a must.”
Anil Kakar
“Cozy and colorful kitchens are in. Add personality and charm with materials like wood, fabrics, bright colors, great lighting fixtures and different stone tops.”
Christopher Coleman
“Stroll through the Japanese Gardens at the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach. Experiencing the bamboo and Bonsai gardens opens the mind, and the creativity flows.”
Gil Walsh
“Shades of blue, coral, earth tones, sand and soft, buttery yellows bring about a sense of calm while uplifting the spirit. I especially love PPG Paints’ Everlasting and Blonde Beauty.”
Deborah Wecselman
“You can always buy a new piece of furniture, but without millwork or a beautiful architectural staircase, for example, a home is not as warm; it lacks soul.”
Ellen Kavanaugh
“I would love to install de Gournay’s Flamingos on Sepia scenic wallpaper in my entrance hall. Our home is a casual bungalow with a pale pink stucco exterior and cedar shake roof, so entering to that wallpaper would be unexpected.”
Ivonne Ronderos
“Lately, I’m really into warm grays, natural fibers and burnt orange and desert rose tones.”
Ivette Arango
“Art speaks to each person individually—it can feel one way to one person and entirely different to another. To own a piece of art is a matter of choice and a luxury.”
Jackie Armour
“I do two things for inspiration: I read design and travel books, and tune into the MasterClass series. I especially enjoy the Kelly Wearstler lessons.”
James Duncan
“A really great built-in or bookshelf packed with works and a few art pieces adds instant luxury and color—it signals education, curiosity and leisure time.”
Kara Miller
“The most nurturing spaces are filled with a mix of high and low. My go-to sources are Soane Britain, Quadrille fabrics and Fibreworks.”
Melanie Bock
“Creating art with different media is relaxing and cathartic. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. Just the experience activates my creative brain to other ideas.”
Leah Muller
“Barstools have become a real staple in our lives now as we try to maintain some semblance of normalcy. I love the barstools we have at Leah Muller Interiors, as well as Palecek and David Francis Furniture.”
Nicole White
“Wallpaper is such an affordable luxury option. It instantly elevates a wall, ceiling or an entire room. I love Arte International’s Sumatra pattern from the Expedition collection.”
Sara McCann
“I’ve refreshed our tabletop by mixing William Yeoward glassware with my favorite Medard de Noblat Ikebana plates and natural wood-handled silverware.”
