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EXPLORE MIAMI THIS WEEKEND BEYOND SOUTH BEACH

When it comes to Indulging in the culture and arts of a city consider me first in line at the next big event! When you’re living in one of the most lively and luxurious cities in the world it would be silly not to explore your surrounding’s and bask in the art!

Every week I try to inspire you with design and also get you involved in Miami or New Yorks activities. Whether it being the hottest art exhibit in Chelsea, New York, or a pop-up gallery in Miami Design District I am happy to present them to you on my blog!

Now it’s time to explore even more that Miami has to offer that’s not only South Beach!

Sunny Isles Beach
About 30 minutes north of South Beach you will find the Sunny Isles. Locals often refer to this family-friendly getaway as “Florida’s Riviera”. The Sunny Isles was once filled with must old motels but is now lined with a variety of luxury beachfront hotels and restaurants. One of my favorite scenic spots is the Beach Bar at Newport Pier! Get some retail therapy at the famous Bal Harbour Shops at 9700 Collins Avenue, just a short drive away.

Little Havana
Step into Miami’s vivacious Cuban and Latin American community in Little Havana, located on SW 12th Avenue to SW 17th Avenue just west of downtown Miami. Along the neighborhoods main strip, Calle Ocho, you will find Cuban coffee and cigar shops, fruit stands and botanicas.

And of course you must try the delicious Cuban food! Sample some amazing and authentic Cuban cuisine on The Little Havana Food Tour!

Wynwood
This hipster oasis is filled with unique graffiti murals, art galleries and trendy cafes, a great place to spend a sophisticated Saturday. You absolutely need to stop and take a gander at the one of a kind Wynwood Walls, located on 2520 NW Second Ave. These walls are a rotating “museum of the streets” created in 2009 by late developer Tony Goldman and co-curator Jeffrey Deitch. The provocative murals made by acclaimed street artists like Shepard Fairey, Futura and Swoon are free and open to the public.

For a taste of Wynwood, take the Wynwood Food & Art Tour. To see more innovative art, designer shops and chic restaurants, visit the neighboring Miami Design District!

Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest and possibly the most laid-back neighborhood only 20 minutes outside of the city. Take a trip out to this carefree bayside village for its museums, parks and gardens, and the popular open-air CocoWalk Mall.

For a more cultural adventure step back in time at Vizcaya Museums & Gardens and take a glimpse at a lavish European-inspired estate built in 1910 by millionaire industrialist James Deering.


INTERIOR DESIGN APPS YOU HAVE TO TRY

You know that I get very excited when I come across the latest innovations in the world of interior design. There is a multitude of high-end interior design applications out there that you can download on your smartphone or tablet.

For you tech savvy readers I have scoped out the latest and most amazing interior design apps to help any homeowner looking to make a change or renovate a room. These apps can aid your interior design needs in the palm of your hand.

Use these apps to inspire and provide you with essential information regarding your decorating needs and turn your home into the high end space you are looking for.

Obviously these apps wont give you the same quality you can get from hiring an interior designer but you can get a glimpse of some amazing results!

Check the Apps out here!

HomeStyler Interior Design

  • When you have the floor plan ready, and all you need is to place the right furniture in each room the HomeStyler app will come in handy! All you need to do is click a picture of the room, import it into the App and start designing your interiors. You can test out wall colors, home accessories, and products from real brands that are on the live market.
  • HomeStyler is simply amazing for creating your space with a 3D visual aid before committing to anything. This Autodesk app is available on both, Android and iOS. This will inspire you to convert your home into a design studio. You can also connect with a professional for tips and tricks.

MyPantone

  • Various color combinations can make or break any room; this is where MyPantone comes in. We have talked about the power of pantone colors before and now you can access their product in the palm of your hand. This App gives you access to over 13,000 colors. You can find the shades of your dreams! You can create color palettes and use AirPrint to print it out as reference of your painter. You can even click the picture of a color you have liked and upload it to the app to find its closest match. The app even gives you the exact specifications of the color you have chosen, in CMYK, so that you can be sure to get the right paint from the store.
  • Pantone is the ultimate color authority out there. When it comes to disputes on whether a shade is turquoise or teal, they have the final say. They are the historic leaders that have standardized library of colors into a convenient app that allows you to accurately communicate your color choices to decorating professionals, designers and manufacturers alike. It also identifies the colors in your photographs and expertly generates complementary palettes.

Chairish

  • If you are looking for beautiful, unique antique furniture for your home you have to check out this App! The app allows you to search for the perfect home accessories from any era, whether it’s seating, mirrors, or tables.

SnapShop

  • Want to see what new furniture would look like in your home before you buy it? Download SnapShop Showroom! This app allows you to browse through furniture from major retailers and create a virtual gallery to save and share. Mix and match and come up with some amazing interior designs.

LikeThat Apps

  • See some furniture or decor that you like while you’re out and about? Snap a photo and the LikeThap App can help you shop for it in seconds. Access millions of items from thousands of merchants and read reviews. This app is very helpful when you spot the perfect item!

ColorSmart

  • Free on iOS and Android. This App allows you to upload a photo and then watch as the app generates a color scheme based on that image. Use it on your favorite art pieces to design a room around them. This app is only for getting painting ideas for your house and interiors. It will suggest you color schemes, patterns, matching colors, etc. You can also create a workbook and develop your own color scheme.

Photo Measures

  • $6.99 on iOS and $4.99 on Android, but both have free Lite versions. You won’t need to get room measurements and try to visualize how things will look like when you are in the store. Photo Measures allows you to put all of the dimensions of walls and flooring, directly on the image of the room. Now you can visualize putting any home accessories inside first without physically doing it.

Cataluv

  • Free on iOS. It brings home décor retailers onto a single digital catalog. You can also view pictures inspired by designers, click on the products and buy them all in one spot. A unique way to shop at the palm of your hand for your home decorating needs.

Living Room Decorating Ideas

  • Be it your living room or bed room, the ideas on this app will transform the look and feel of it. There are many designs and patterns you can get inspired from.

Home Design 3D

  • In this app, you can create your own design using different tools and see if it will work out for your house or not. This gives a 3D perspective of your room.

MagicPlan

  • With the MagicPlan, you will never get stuck outside with a piece of furniture that won’t fit through the front door again ever again! This app transforms the meticulous ordeal of mapping out floor plans and taking measurements into an easy process. You can seamlessly compute distances within a space simply by the app analyzing a snapshot. You can annotate photos of your space with the height of the ceiling or the width of the hallway!

Curate

  • For those of you with an extensive art collection Curate is the app for you! You no longer have to imagine what your artwork would look like in your new home. This app allows you to virtually display each piece! All you have to do is simply upload a photo of any blank wall and the app will give you a concrete idea as to how it will look there. You can also use the app to browse pieces from your favorite artists and galleries to search for your next statement piece inspiration!

TOP 5 BEST FREE INTERIOR DESIGN APPS

  1. Houzz– This app is amazing! We are even featured on their website! It is the largest database of home design ideas on the Internet and this app allows you to have them all at hand! Inspiration and visuals are very important when creating your dream home. Houzz has the largest possible database of over 50 thousand high-resolution photographs of anything you can think of in a home. Essentially use this App as Pinterest for your home with only the best interior design database there is!
  2. iHandy Carpenter – This is truly a great all-in-one pocket-size tool kit. An essential app used for undertaking any home-improvement task.
  3. Zillow Digs – This cool app was created by Zillow, an online real estate website. Use this app to explore and share stunning interior design photographs with family and friends.
  4. EasyMeasure – This fantastic app allows you to have a tape measure at all times with the touch of a button!
  5. Remodelista – This remarkable app can be used as a trove of inspiration for your interior decorating needs. It will help stimulate your creativity!

I hope you enjoyed reading about these spectacular apps. Now get that downloading started!


5 BEST HIGH END INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR OLDER HOMES

Every week I share with you various luxury interior design ideas and advice that will bring your home to the next level.

Decorating an old home can be challenging, so today I am going to share with you some tips to help resolve issues with an old home.

There are so many articles and interior design blogs out there that it can be hard source out the best ones. That’s why we sorted through them for you so you only have to look at the best

Check out some of the top 5 tips when decorating an old home:

Use drapery to cover obscure windows. Older homes often have eccentric windows in unusual places, but a full wall of drapery can be the perfect way to subtly clean up the look of the room. It will also help avoid completely removing the windows and blocking all light.

Paint the Walls, Ceiling, and Trim One Color. Doing this will help hide any imperfections there may be. The trim of an old house often expressed the character of the room but a simple coat of paint will help highlight these details.

Embrace Simple & Modern Furnishings. Overall, keeping it clean and simple with contemporary furnishings is a good tool for bringing a sense of modern life to a traditional home.

Use Airy Shelving Units. Open and airy étagères (shelving units) are a stylish way to display your valuable collectibles or conversation pieces and of course adds more storage! These open shelves also have a certain gallery-like appeal that fits older homes despite feeling like a modern touch.

Celebrate All Stained Glass. If you’re lucky enough to have beautiful stained glass windows, simple white walls will give them the freedom to act as art and bring a pop of color.


WHY THE KITCHEN IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT TO YOUR HOME

Every room in your house or apartment has a purpose and sentiment. From the Entry Way to the Attic, every place exists for a reason whether it being greeting guests or storing memories.

Today we are going to talk about ways the kitchen is an elemental part of your home and why you should maintain it!

The kitchen is not only a place where you cook meals and eat them, but also a place where you meet with your loved ones and catch up on your day. The kitchen holds great value for bringing people together…and of course who doesn’t love to eat!

The kitchen is also a key place where a buyer will look and judge the rest of the house based on it. The bathrooms are also a place to judge as well. The kitchen interiors are looked upon to represent the overall character of the house.

This is why it is important to ensure that your kitchen is looking its best. You want to keep you décor updated and looking fresh. These renovations are worth every penny!

So if you are looking to sell your home, keep these pointers in mind!


CELEBRITY HOME DESIGNER JESSICA SIMPSON SHARES INTERIOR DESIGN ADVICE

As you know there are many celebrities that love to dabble in the world of Interior Design. Many of them actually run successful practices.

In the past we have spoken about South Florida’s wonder Venus Williams and her amazing work in luxury interior design. Oh how I love when the world of Interior Design is in the limelight.

Today I am going to share with you the interior design ideas from the talented singer and entrepreneur Jessica Simpson!

Jessica Simpson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, reality television personality and fashion designer who made her debut in 1999.

We have seen her on television and have listened to her on the radio; Jessica Simpson is a true talent and has also shared her love for interior design within her social media pages.

Here are some of her personal home decorating ideas!

The Family Den
If you have a family create a space fir everyone to gather, like a fireplace or a family den. This will bring everyone together and share the love day to day. It will bring real coy vibes into your home.

Don’t Forget Personal Mementos
Don’t forget to add personality to your home by sharing your favorite moments or accomplishments with everyone. Any trophy’s or photographed of epic adventures— add them to your bookshelf or blow up your images and frame them. These will add pizazz and character.

Embrace Chandeliers and Unique Home Accessories
Have an iconic and outstanding antique or conversation piece? Take it out of the attic and find it a home in your living room!


SIMPLE SUMMER DECORATING IDEAS

The summer time is here and it is a glorious time of the year to enjoy. There are so many outdoor activities and tons of events, especially here in Miami. Every season has a purpose as well as energy.

The great thing about interior design is being able to recreate a space over and over again. Lets soak up the summer vibes and let the light shine into our homes!

Today I am going to share some simple summer decorating ideas with you!

Lighten Up the Dark Side
Take a look at any room in your house and try painting the darkest wall in a brighter shade that is in the same color palette. This will give a great bounce of light to it and open up the room. Remember one simple change can completely transform a space.

Add Pops of Color
Be brave and add pops of color around your house. Bright décor will create exciting contrast in any alcove or small area, the inside of a window, or as a simple stripe along a skirting board. Try it out on home accessories like vibrant mandarin throw pillow or kitchen placemats.

Use Some of Many Inspirations
Don’t forget to source out some of your inspiration from our blog! Almost every week The Psychology of Design shares with you a new inspiration relating to the world of design. Whether it being other design websites or fairy tale dreams there is something for everyone to get excited about!

Last Year’s Summer Interior Design Trends

We love sharing with you the upcoming trends of the season! This year so many fun things kept popping up it can be hard to keep track. Here are some of our top picks from Internal Panel Systems 2016’s Top Interior Design Trends!

Smart Appliances
There are many household appliances that include savvy technology. There are internet-connected ovens and tumble dryers that have all become a reality.

There are many competing products out there from established appliance brands such as Breville and Samsung. Smart appliances are way more than just technology; they make a statement about your whole home style.

Statement Mirrors
While mirrors have must needed home functions they also can do some pretty magical things to a room. Statement mirrors are all the rage this year bringing together a truly avant-garde yet classic design aesthetic. Of course grand mirrors can make your cozy apartment look larger than life!

Warm Metal Materials
Warmer metals are making their way into many of today’s most modern homes this year! Brands like Dornbracht have made materials like copper and gold, once dated, come back full circle. With bathroom and kitchen fixtures, countertops, and industrial furniture, warm metals are extremely eye catching in a glamorous way this year.  Keep them in mind when you are choosing your new home accessories!

So grab some inspiration this summer and get decorating!


LEAVE AN IMPRESSION WITH YOUR ENTRY HALL

In the world of luxury interior design first impressions mean everything. The entrance to your home sends the message about the rest of your homes decorum.

Today I am going to discuss ways to ensure a warm an inviting experience in your own entry hall design.

Entrance halls of any home or apartment serve many purposes. They are functional spaces that allow room for grab and go storage as well a meeting place for guests. These halls are the transition to the home full of beautiful furnishings and adornments.

Now just how do you pick and choose what fits in the entry hall? Always remember that everything needs a purpose and a function and you wont run into any issues with clutter. For example a stool or table can be fixed to the wall to hold keys, mail, or cell phones.

Having the entrance walls pained the same color will help create unity. When choosing a paint color think about any accent colors that are within your decorating scheme of your entire home. You can use these walls to help reinforce the color of the living rooms sofa or chairs or the drapes on the windows.

It also helps to avoid pale colors since the entry way will have a lot of foot traffic resulting in some wear and tear. Also adding a rug will help soften the blow of unwanted rain, snow, or mud.

The entrance should be well lit. You can add a lantern, chandelier, or lighting fixture depended on your ceilings height. Even a floor lamp will work.

Now you must add your own zest and flair to your hall. Whatever makes your personality unique bring why not let it show. You can add a whimsical floral arrangement of a shelf of your favorite novels. Also having access to a mirror is key for when you or your guests are on the go!

Remember that your entrance hall can easily get and upgrade so you can constantly keep it fresh.


TOP 3 HOME DECORATING MISTAKES

Among the midst of our home designing pillage, we must take a step back and reflect on all of our interior choices. There are of course many challenges involved with creating a space. Sometimes there are internal struggles with partners and sometimes it is what your budget allows.

Today I am going to share with you the top 3 most common decorating mistakes and enable you to avoid these obstacles.

Whether it is advice on paint colors, or rug size, Steven G is always here to help your high-end interior design needs!

Choosing that Bright Yellow Couch
Bright and bold colors can be very harmonious when decorating a space as long as they have reason and purpose. If you are to choose a bright colored sofa you may want to reconsider based on the ebb and flow of the rest of the room.

If you did pick that banana colored couch you are now forcing the room to always carry this loud aesthetic, which takes away from any diversification in the future.

However if you choose a subdued colored couch you’ll have the ability to interchange different colored home accessories such as blankets and throw pillows. You can re-arrange and stylize the room over the years without being stuck to one look. So go neutral when sofa shopping!

Not Testing Out Paints Before Your Purchase
You simply cannot just purchase your favorite color you see at the store! This is because every color can look differently in any room. This is due to many natural lighting causes.

I recommend testing the colors beforehand. Test out various swatches on different walls and compare how they look under certain light. You will be much happier with your color choice when you see the best-suited color based on the wall.

Rushing Your Decorating
You do not have to finish your entire home decorating at once! Rushing will not bring you your dream home. After living in the space for a while, certain design issues begin to surface. You may notice that your curtains do not block enough light or that the guest bedroom should be moved. Your home will evolve and grow with your needs and surroundings.

You want to make sure you do your research to avoid design mistakes! You have already made the right choice by reading this blog!


WHAT ART GALLERIES TO VISIT IN SOUTH FLORIDA THIS SUMMER

As you know I love sharing with you the most amazing art exhibits to visit every season.

The fine arts inspire design and technique and are directly linked to high-end interior design.

Well summer is finally here so I am going to share with you some of the best shows to check out in South Florida.

  • Diana Lowenstein Gallery reveals two shows this month with an opening reception Saturday, June 13, from 6-9 p.m. “Collages & Drawings” by Alejandra Padilla and “My Parallel Universe” by Chu Teppa will showcased through July 31st. They are located on 2043 N. Miami Ave., Miami. 305-576-1804. The gallery is open 10-5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (with the exception of Art Walk).
  • Yo Miami is launching a site-specific spinoff of its monthly Average Joe Art Sale at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 13, with works by six artists and live painting at the new Concrete Beach Brewery, 325 NW 24th St., Miami.
  • Sprayskull has a solo exhibition by graffiti and urban artist Remote It is on view for three nights from 6-10 p.m. June 11-13 at 3801 N. Miami Ave., Miami.
  • M+V Art is celebrating its second anniversary with “Abstracting the Grid,” an exhibition showing the work of photographer Leo Matiz and artist Ramon Laserna in a side-by-side arrangement. The show is on view through Aug. 21. Open to the public 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 2750 NW 3rd Ave., #11, Miami.

There are so many new art openings in Miami so add them to your itinerary this weekend!


HOW TO IGNITE YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER

If you have avoided sprucing up your garden this spring the time is now to get back down in the dirt.

Garden and yard care are very important elemental pieces to an outdoor space. You can really show off your individuality with your flow choices and of course beautify your year.

In the world of high-end interior design when you are recreating a space you really need to acknowledge the whole picture.

Here are some of the best ways to bring life into your garden this summer!

  • Repurpose Old Furniture: Everyone has old chairs or benches in their basement just sitting there. Get innovative this summer and why not repurpose them! You can personalize old pieces to design something fresh and irreplaceable. Try customizing pots and planters to really make your flowers contemporary!
  • Add Pops of Color: Bright colors will create a focal point in your garden. Color can make your outdoor area look fun and inviting. Make a colorful walkway or mix and max your planters. Grab a paintbrush and get craft! These changed will make a real visual impact.
  • Be Smart with Lighting: In any outdoor space, lighting is one of the most important design elements. You can transform your garden into a fairy-tale like space at nighttime with elegant types of lighting. By brightening up your outdoor space at night you can also be making a space party ready!

TOP 3 PIECES FOR YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE THIS SUMMER

1. This chaise lounge called St. Bart is by Artefacto. Roast some s’mores while you lounge around the fire in this cushy outdoor piece.

2. This Restoration Hardware textured rug will be a fabulous fit to center your outdoor space.

3. Brown Jordan’s Loop fire pit is wrapped in marine-grade nautical rope and is a perfect spot to gather your friends around and share laughs this season!


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