Blog

TAKE A HEALTH RETREAT IN MIAMI THIS JULY

This July is Miami Spa Month so you must take advantage of what this great city has to offer! Greater Miami is recognized for out luxurious spas around the world!

I just love bringing my readers current events and fun activities to do in Miami. So take a break and indulge yourself with pampering and relaxation before August 31st.

Check out some amazing health retreat ideas fromShape Magazine so you can treat yourself even more!

Start of your pampering by getting good nights sleep. Check yourself into the Surfcomber in South Beach surrounding your self in the heart of Art Deco
Take advantage of this spectacular boutique hotels yoga mats or hit the beach for some group runs.

Gear up and take a ride across SoBe on easily accessible and free PUBLIC bikes.

Take your cardio to the water and take some surf lessons with SoBe Surf School or you can rent a kayak or kiteboard located near the Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne. For less of an adrenaline rush you can rent a paddle board and head over to the natural oasis of Matheson Hammock Park.

Reenergize yourself with a delicious meal at Basil Park, a healthy options with local fresh food in the Sunny Isles.

Of course treat yourself with retail therapy and stroll along the famous Lincoln Road and pop into the many shops.

Get a massage at the Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel.

End your fabulous spa day with a sunset cocktail on the balcony of Area 31 restaurants located at the EPIC hotel in Downtown Miami.

You can read the full article here.


INTERIOR DECORATING FAULTS TO AVOID

We have shown you cautionary interior design stories, common mistakes, and decorating tips. Today’s topic has to do with the many common interior design faults that everyone manages to do at some point.

Use these 4 points to help avoid such decorating disasters!

Holding on to items you hate
Even is it’s a gift, you do not place objects that do not fit. By giving in and doing this you can ruin the entire space. The only way to get rid of this problem is to get rid of the junk you’ve been holding onto that you know you do not need. With a clear space and clear mind the design possibilities are endless!

Through the wires
Cables. Everyone has more than they know balled up into an endless maze of exhaustion and can barely tell what they are even for! My advice is to keep everything orderly. Try choosing a cord that matches the wall color or try drilling a hole in the back of furniture so the cord can go through. Store your unused wires and label them properly. Staying clutter free means staying stress free.

Too many photos
From family photos, baby pictures, vacations, and reunions, the amount of pictures people can collect is insane! Of course pictures are treasured memories but if there are too much it can cause them to be less special. Just pick out your favorite photographs and display them in fabulous frames.

Positioning furniture wrong
You can admit that not everyone is perfect at placing down your furniture. Not everyone has the eye. Fret not there are many free resources and tools out there that can help. Try some of these helpful Interior Design Apps out for your spacing needs. Or get some professional help and have it done with expert finesse!


CALL FOR GUEST POSTS THIS SUMMER

Calling all bloggers, Miami lovers, and interior design gurus!

We would like to hear from our readers for a change!

Of course I have a wonderful time, sharing with you our tips and views on high end interior design. We will keep this blog going but it is time to spice it up!

That said we’ve gotten to know so many quality interior design bloggers as well as realtors, developers and fashion mavens over the last year. The many talents brought onto DesignTV with Steven G. also amaze us!

That’s why we’re putting out a call to any blogger who writes about high-end interior design, luxury, Miamilifestyle, or real estate to submit a guest post to us. We’d like to feature your work here so that all of our fans, readers, and clients can see all the great talent out there.

Submit your guest post email and suggested topic to my personal account at intbysteveng@gmail.com or Tweet to @intbysteveng.


TRANSFORMATION OF MIAMI BEACH LIFEGUARD TOWERS

Miami is full of unique neighborhoods and historic décor. From the Wynwood Walls to Little Havana there is an amazing architecture and culture.

Today we are going to take you to the beach where the iconic lifeguard towers have been the voice and beacon of the beachscape for years.

Architecture and interior design go hand in hand especially when it comes to Miami. Today I am going to give you an inside look at the transformation of the lifeguard towers over the years and why they are so important to the essence of the city.

Due to temperamental climate being on the Atlantic Ocean, South Florida has taken the brunt of many forceful storms. Miami Beach’s lifeguard towers have suffered as well. Before Hurricane Andrew in 1992 hit, the lifeguard towers were very basic and dull and could easily be from any average beach.

That changed when Miami architect William Lane volunteered to rebuild the destroyed towers into conversation pieces that captured the soul and originality of South Beach and Ocean Drive. After the 2005 Storms, towers by other designers were added to the beach as well to create the artful beach oasis.

These quirky and whimsical towers became a staple of pop culture in Miami Beach. They are a true reflection of the Art Deco history. Susan Russell has beautifully photographed the towers for your coffee table reads in South Beach Lifeguard Stations.

That salty sea air and father time really took a toll on Lane’s towers, but luckily enough the newest structures were upgraded with better connecters, larger decks, stainless steel, and impact windows. They now also rise 8 feet high.

Soon enough we are hoping that even more towers will be updated and replaced with even more spectacular designs that spread joy to visitors from all over the world!

You can read even more about the makeover here.


HIGH END INTERIOR DECORATION INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK: IRIS APFEL

We have brought to you amazing lifestyle bloggers, authors, and athletes, today I am going to introduce to you legendary interior designer and fashion icon, Iris Apfel.

This native New Yorker has been on the design scene her whole lifetime, so I just had to spread the knowledge of this remarkable woman with you!

Iris has been in the interior design and fashion world since the 1950’s, and has been a style icon ever since! Though retired, Apfel is still making appearances and spreading her influence at the age of 93!

Two years after Iris Apfel was married her and her husband launched the textile firm Old World Weavers. From 1950-1992 the Apefel’s took part in many design restoration projects including work on the White House for 9 presidents. Those included Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton.

In 2014 the documentary Iris was composed of her life and you should definitely check it out! Let her lifelong energy and iconic style inspire you!

After coming across this interesting Forbes Article I had to shed light in this magnificent icon.


INTERIOR DESIGN AND YOUR CEILING

You have picked your color, painted your walls, and chosen your furniture. Now look up! What’s missing? Your ceiling!

When redecorating a space many people are quick to overlook there ceiling. The ceiling is actually a very important part of a room that deserves just as much attention.

Your ceiling can accentuate the space in many different ways and today I am going to talk to you about a few of them!

Painting Your Ceiling
Try using a color that complements your wall color. Maybe use a shade or two lighter or darker then your walls. This can bring balance and harmony to any room.

Decorative Molding
You can find decorative molding available at a local building supplies warehouse or a specialist-molding supplier. Choose your mold and watch is change the texture and aesthetic to the room. We suggest hiring a contractor when installing.

Wood Plank Ceilings
I would consider installing a wood plank ceiling for a more rustic and country look. In a space with high ceilings plank and groove are elemental options.

Ceiling Tiles and Pressed Ceilings
Ceiling tiles and pressed ceilings are an inexpensive to bring flair to your ceiling. Tin ceiling tiles provide a more lux style. All three options are reasonably simple to install and can disguise a textured ceiling.


INTERIOR DECORATION INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK: TROPICAL STYLE

We pull inspiration everyday from all walks of life to fill your home with a little magic, but today we are going to draw your muse from our very own oasis of Miami.

This summer we are noticing a very popular trend of tropical patterns. We are seeing them in high fashion, accessories and now in your home.

Let’s take this tropical style and showcase ways to blend it in your living space!

Tropical interior design can involve the use of many natural materials, such as wicker, rattan, bamboo and teak. You can also go tropical with fabrics featuring palm leaves, lattice prints and flowers.

Tropical Bedrooms
Who doesn’t want a bright and cheerful tropical bedroom! White walls, a palm leaf fan, and bamboo blinds and furnishings keep the space fresh and breezy.

You can create this look by using palm leaf wallpaper, or green and white lattice-print wallpaper in the bedroom. This green and white theme is the perfect setting for vivid accents in colors like electric blue and sunset orange.

For a sheik take on a tropical bedroom, try a coastal mural in earth tones. Let the light shine through your glass windows and let the rich greenery flood both inside and outside the space.

Tropical Bathrooms
You can also make a bold tropical statement in your bathroom. We see it all the time and there is nothing wrong with a themed bathroom. A modern twist on the tropical theme can include leafy wallpaper, a wooden or bamboo mirror and a cane tissue box cover. Place some yellow calla lilies in a vase and your look is complete!

Don’t forget the more plants the better!

Tropical Kitchens
There can be many different ways you can approach decorating a kitchen. Tropical kitchens often have a lot of rich foliage. This space is also perfect for displaying bowls of delicious fruit. White trim gives your kitchen a punchy edge while your leafy ceramics and bamboo accessories will also standout.

Choose a room and try this look out for the summer!


A FRESH LOOK TO SOUTH BEACH’S LINCOLN ROAD

One of the most beloved streets in Miami is getting a makeover and we are here to give you the scoop!

Lincoln road is not only a tourist attraction but is truly the heart of the South Beach where arts and culture meet.

Stroll past some of the best restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries that Miami has to offer!

Lets take an inside look at what the developers have in store for Lincoln Road.

  1. Organizing cafe tables along the inner spine of the walkway, leaving a minimum of 15 feet of grayer sidewalk open for pedestrians in front of businesses. Umbrellas for the tables would be either uniform or picked from a small selection of styles.
  2. New public art exhibition space under some of the Lapidus structures along the mall.
  3. A new folly would be constructed at the Washington Avenue entrance to the mall, providing shade and allowing for performance space at night. Similarly, at the Euclid oval, a flat-water fountain would be added where there’s currently turf. The fountain could be turned off and set up as a stage at night with new lighting overhead.
  4. Organizing cafe tables along the inner spine of the walkway, leaving a minimum of 15 feet of grayer sidewalk open for pedestrians in front of businesses. Umbrellas for the tables would be either uniform or picked from a small selection of styles.
  5. The black-and-white, piano-key design of the center would remain. Laying down new material that wouldn’t require yearly coats of paint would bolster it. In a few areas, more of this design would be revealed as planters are redesigned and seating is added.

5 DECORATING TIPS FROM LIFESTYLE BLOGGER EMILY SCHUMAN

Last week I brought you some professional kitchen tips from New York Times Best Seller Nate Berkus, today I am going to bring you even more of the best guidance you’ll find on the internet!

I know it can be hard to find the crème of the crop when it comes to high-end interior design inspiration and luxury lifestyle on the Internet or in literature, and that is why we bring you the best on our blog!

Today I am going to share with you 5 spectacular decorating tips from lifestyle blogger and author Emily Schuman.

Many of you may have heard of Emily from her blog Cupcakes & Cashmere. Schuman’s blog was started in 2008, encouraging and inspiring readers through fashion, food, beauty, and interior design. Since then she has been a national best seller and has most recently published her second book Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home.

Check out some decorating tips from Cupcakes & Cashmere here!

Search and Use Free Resources
Decorating advice can come from a professional but when designing on a budget it is extremely help full to use free tools that are available. “These free websites helped us to plan and lay out the rooms in our home,” Emily recalls. “The inspiration boards we created were a crucial part of honing in on exactly what we wanted.” You can read the top interior design applications here.

Let the Green In
The importance of letting the outside, in your home cannot be stated enough. The elegance of natural beauty cannot be replaced. “Pretty plants and flowers can add inspiring splashes of color and extra texture to a room,” Emily maintains. Schuman also suggests hanging plants from the ceiling; this can avoid taking up too much floor space.

Use Unexpected Artwork or Conversation Pieces
When is comes to choosing artwork for you walls try thinking outside of the box. Try using personal mementos. “Art can be expensive,” Emily contends. “So I dip into drawings from childhood, concert posters, or mementos — like a wedding speech written by my best friends — to get framed.”

Pay Attention to the Little Things
“Don’t discount the little things,” Emily advises. Small details can make or break a space. Emily suggests taking a closer look at cords, outlet covers, lampshades, and knobs. By simply reassessing those tiny design details, you “can breathe new life into your home for not a lot of money.”

Buy a Bar Cart
Bar carts are a simple way to make a room look lavish and formal! “They’re so festive and can fit in with any home,” Emily believes. “The best part is that they occupy a small footprint and are a good way to conceal an unsightly corner.” If you don’t want a card try being more mysterious with a bar in the globe!


INTERIOR DECORATION INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK: BLUE CERAMIC

This week we are bringing you one of the hottest tile trend inspirations! Blue ceramics create the perfect combination of freshness and grace. Classic blue and white ceramic hues are making a come back in a big way.

This bohemian yet elegant trend is making a comeback in the interior deign world and today I am going to share it with you!

First I am going to get into the history of ceramic tiles. Blue and white were brought to the historical kitchens and bathrooms of palaces in the 17th century. These materials were bought from China, and then built into tiles by Italian immigrant artisans. In addition to floral patterns and traditional geometric styles, many design schemes also included landscapes with windmills, plains and seas.

Through out the years a harmony grew between traditional and modern style ceramic tiles. This growth was achieved by the blue and white combination and the patterns of the past. The combination of modern decorations in the mix of design and geometry creates a contemporary version of this historical trend.

To create an artisanal look, Spanish ceramic tile manufacturers created wall tiles with hand-made details. These tiles blend perfectly with the blue hues to achieve a seamless vintage look. This makes the tiles unique and gives them a sense of elegance and refinement.

As you can see these beautiful tiles are timeless and can be a conversation piece. They have been around for centuries so why not try and add a classic piece of history to your home.

Try and use this inspiration in your next decorating project!


CORPORATE OFFICE
2818 CENTER PORT CIRCLE
POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064
954-735-8223
Not Open to The Public, By Appointment Only

Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required
Privacy Settings
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Youtube
Consent to display content from - Youtube
Vimeo
Consent to display content from - Vimeo
Google Maps
Consent to display content from - Google