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Hyde Hotel & Residences Groundbreaking Event

Photography by Alberto Tamargo Last week, an exciting new development in Miami broke ground to begin construction. Living within the growing community and popularity of Midtown Miami has just become easier with Hyde Hotel & Residences Midtown Miami by The Related Group and Dezer Development. Interiors will be designed by Arquitectonica, the Miami-based architecture firm, and the Rockwell Group. Located between the Miami Design District and Downtown Miami, the building includes 410 luxury condominiums, 60 hotel rooms, and 19,500-sq ft of retail space.

Business, Living, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Monica Venegas – Featured Power Broker of Miami’s Luxury Real Estate

By Angela Betancourt Photography by Korey Davis It’s hard to deny that Miami is experiencing a boom in the ultra luxury real estate market. This year the Wealth Report, issued by the London-based real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank, placed Miami in sixth place of the most important global cities for the wealthy. The demand for the Miami lifestyle and its growing influence on the world stage is attracting wealthy buyers and investors seeking the best money can buy. At the forefront of this growth is the Venegas International Group, a Miami-based international boutique real estate company that specializes in luxury acquisitions, project development, marketing, and property management services. Venegas International Group also provides guidance on risk assessments and portfolio diversification. The company was founded by real estate power house Monica Venegas who has spent the last 20 years successfully connecting real estate investors with high-end residential properties. Venegas has worked with high-profile developers in South Florida including the Terra Group, the Related Group, Millennium Partners, and the Château Group. Additionally, she’s offered pre-construction access to iconic buildings like Portofino Tower, Murano at Portofino, Icon South Beach, 900 Biscayne Bay, Trump Hollywood, Four Seasons, Château Beach, and Fendi Château Residences, among others. Her expertise in luxury residential, commercial, and international real estate has resulted in more than $3 billion in sales. “International buyers come to Miami looking for a lifestyle, and price is not the main factor,” said Venegas. “Rather, branded developments with service, design, amenities and location are the components that drive these elite buyers most. They want to know who is behind the project.” Most recently, Venegas International Group was entrusted with the launch, marketing, and sales of the new Fendi Château Residences in Surfside, which is slated to be completed for the summer of 2016. Venegas reports that the condominium is already 90% sold as of July. This much-anticipated project is the fashion house’s first luxury branded real estate property in the world. Its extravagant units range from $7 million to $25 million. “Fendi Château is the first Fendi Residences worldwide. It’s a boutique building with 58 flow-through private residences in 300-lineal feet of ocean front.” When complete, residents will enjoy amenities such as an attaché lifestyle with white glove service, amenities such as a private restaurant, kids club, screening room, a spa with an indoor European thermal pool, doorman, and much more. Venegas International Group was also responsible for the sold out Château Beach Residences in Sunny Isles Beach. This stunning 33-story ocean front property has 84 units priced from $1.5 million up to $25 million for the 9,050 sq ft, two-story penthouses. Some of the post amenities include a wine lounge, cigar bar, and indoor and outdoor wellness facility, and a private swimming pool. She has been part of the success of these two properties, consulting developers with her expertise in the marketing and sales of developments. With this, the success of these two properties doesn’t really come as a surprise to Venegas. She has seen Miami’s real estate market evolve over the years. “I’ve been a part of Miami’s history. Miami was once a small town and now it’s a cosmopolitan city on the world’s radar,” said Venegas. “As a result, Miami has become one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the world and there is an increasing number of clientele looking for the high-end lifestyle.” Thus, the Venegas International Group has worked hard to expand its global presence to meet the demands of international investors from new markets. “Europe used to be a strong market. Now the Middle East and Asia, especially China, are the markets that are most looking to invest in both residential and commercial real estate. Over the past seven years, we’ve paid a lot of attention to those markets. I have a very strong commitment with the Chinese particularly in Beijing and Shanghai. I go there 3-4 times a year,” she said. Over the course of the next several years, Venegas International Group plans to continue building a strong presence in China and further expand their services into new markets. Locally, the firm has expanded their services with the recent launch of their Sports, Arts, & Entertainment Division and partnership with tennis marketing company Premier Tennis. The two new ventures further cements Venegas International Group as an industry leader in Miami and the world. Venegas International Group Is located at 888 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 111, Miami, FL 33132 (786) 567-4122 For more information on Venegas International Group, please visit www.venegasinternationalgroup.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

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Miami Real Estyle: Chad Oppenheim World-Renowned Architect On His Latest Projects & Passion for Architecture

By Angela Betancourt When he was just seven years old, Miami-based architect Chad Oppenheim watched as his parents built a custom home. He became fascinated with the process and spent a lot of time with the architect learning and absorbing as much as he could. His interest grew throughout his elementary school years and by the time he reached the 8th grade, he was hooked and a lifelong love affair with architecture had begun. “While most of my friends were reading Sports Illustrated, I was reading Architectural Digest,” said Oppenheim. Oppenheim went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell University and in 1999 became the founding principle of the award winning firm Oppenheim Architecture. Today, Oppenheim has become one of the most sought after architects of his time. His firm has become globally recognized for socially and environmentally conscious architecture and has set trends in the sustainable and humanitarian sectors. “I have a deep respect for the natural world, place, and life, and design projects that support and enhance those experiences. I like to celebrate the sense of place for each project that I’m designing by using natural resources and elements such as light, air, water, sky, views and vegetation, as well as locally sourced materials that root the project in its place,” said the architect. “Nature in itself inspires me.” His intense passion for green architecture has made Oppenheim a highly demanded speaker and lecturer. He has lectured at some of most prestigious universities in the country and he is the recipient of more than 50 academic and career distinctions. Among all of his awards, Oppenheim is most proud of being elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Oppenheim Architecture has left its mark around the world. In South Florida, the fi rm is behind the Ten Museum Park, Bal Harbour House, Marriott Marco Island, Sonesta Key Biscayne, and dozens more. To say that the firm’s project list is impressive is an understatement. With Chad Oppenheim at the helm, the company has quickly risen to the ranks of one of the most in-demand architecture firms in the world. Between single-family residences, mixed-use commercial buildings, hotels, and urban projects, Oppenheim Architecture has proven it can tackle just about anything. Behind all of this success is a strong philosophy and culture about the industry that is the driving force behind Oppenheim’s work. His vision and mission also inspires his team who share the same sense of purpose. “We strive to create architecture of elemental means that achieves the maximum effect of building both urbanistically from the scale of the pedestrian, to the experience inside of the building. Modern architecture can sometimes be associated as being cold and absent of charm, but we strive to create the ultimate nurturing and comforting environment for the occupants of our architecture. We want to create buildings and spaces that support and enhance life,” explained Oppenheim. Creating to support and enhance life means a chance for growth. To Oppenheim, each and every project is an opportunity to evolve in ways that further connect to what he describes as “the spirit of place.” It’s the idea of creating and building structures that seemingly integrate to its surroundings. It’s how Oppenheim brings his philosophy to life and helps define his signature style. “I love working on projects that integrate themselves into their environment and that celebrate the natural ecology of the place. I enjoy projects of all different scales, and I incorporate my design philosophy into each project regardless of its size. My main mission is to enhance life and the way people live, which is a lot of fun to do with single family homes, resorts and multi-family residences. I love creating incredible houses and environments for amazing clients,” said Oppenheim. The firm has been keeping busy winning additional accolades and working on both domestic and international projects. They recently won the Asia Pacific 2015 Award for Net Metropolis, a 1,550,000 sq ft mixed-use commercial building. Located in the Philippines, Net Metropolis uses cutting-edge technology and exceptional quality coupled with green design. They also won the 2015 Architizer A+ Awards for Residential Interiors, Jury Winner. In Miami, they completed designs for a new Whole Foods planned for 1901 Alton Road in Miami Beach which will feature 55,000 sq ft of retail space, 281 parking spaces, and a green wall and planters to shield the garage. It’s a very exciting time not just for the Oppenheim and his team but also for South Florida and the world. Oppenheim’s projects will continue to set the bar in this city and beyond. Miami especially has come a long way. “I think Miami has notoriously been a place where great architects designed not-so-great buildings. Now we’re starting to see great architects come in and do great buildings. It’s exciting to see that there’s an added value to projects with good design. It is something that our firm has been a proponent about, especially with residential buildings, which for a long time didn’t get that attention. We are now seeing it globally where residential buildings are getting the highest level of architecture.” House on a Dune Photography by Karen Fuchs House on a Dune is a minimalistic, elegant, and comfortable beach house located in Harbour Island, Bahamas: an island of choice for many high profiled celebrities. The 3,000 sq ft waterfront private residence was designed to reconnect its inhabitants with nature. Its design celebrates the island’s natural beauty and inspires a powerful connection to place and time. The home was built with environmentally sensitive materials that include concrete blocks, recycled cedar, reused pipe, and milk paint. The home has sliding doors that are made of impact-resistant glass as well as a palm frond roof made of cedar shakes similar to the architectural styles of many of the homes on the island over the last several hundred years. The home also holds many technological tricks that cleverly hide any visible light fixtures,

LIFESTYLE, Living, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – The Miami River District™ – Blueprint for Transformation

By Angela Betancourt The Miami River District is experiencing a renaissance. Within the past several years the area has become the “it” location for businesses and developers eager to set up shop on the banks of the historic Miami River. Luxury residential towers, ambitious commercial developments, retail stores, and pedestrian focused projects are all on the horizon. “The revitalization of the Miami River District closes a complete lifestyle loop by creating a city within a city,” said Horacio Stuart Aguirre, the volunteer Miami River Commission Chairman. Art will also play a role in the renaissance. Aguirre and Brett Bibeau, Managing Director at the Miami River Commission, have shared that the commission is collaborating with the Nina Torres Fine Art Gallery to place monumental sculptures along the river walk before the year ends. All of these projects and developments are just the beginning of the Miami River District’s transformation. There are numerous other businesses and organizations, especially within the boating industry, that have already claimed their spot in one of South Florida’s most flourishing new neighborhoods. There will be no shortage of things to do at the Miami River Commission. For Aguirre, who has lived and worked in the district for years, these are indeed exciting times. “The Renaissance of the Miami River District is a cornerstone of our lives,” he said. TERRAZAS MIAMI Take Terrazas Miami as the perfect example. Located at 1861 NW South River Dr, just west of Sewell Park, Terrazas is on prime real estate. It’s located within minutes from one of the largest health districts in the country, West Downtown, which is an evolving hub for science and bio-tech research. It’s also very close to the Civic Center, the Miami Intermodal Center, and the up-and-coming River Landing Shops and Residences. Taking all of that into consideration, available units at Terrazas Miami currently start at $260,100. “Terrazas’ price per square foot is unbeatable at $320 on average as well as our maintenance fee that’s only $0.55 per sq. ft.; that’s why Terrazas leads South Florida in value with below replacement cost pricing,” said Terrazas Realtor Andrea Trujillo. Perhaps more important than the price, is Terrazas’ ongoing desire to provide its residents with a combination of value, luxury, and convenience. The residences are sleek and modern with porcelain tile flooring throughout, stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, spacious kitchens, finished closets, expansive terraces, and floor-to-ceiling windows in select units with flowing open living areas. Units also offer city skyline, park, and river views. The lobby and the 20,000 sq.ft elevated pool deck, equipped with two complete BBQ grills and lounge areas, were designed by the award winning Interiors by Steven G. Another one of Terrazas’ highlights is the 200 year old Kapok Tree at the entrance to the building which has been adopted as the company logo. Additional amenities include multiple outdoor lounge areas for socializing, a fully equipped business center, dog park, state of the art fitness center, 24-hour reception desk and onsite security. “Terrazas delivers an instant feeling of wonderful peace and tranquility,” said Trujillo. “All of this, of course, comes with an unmatched additional advantage over pre-construction properties because Terrazas is already 100% built and move-in ready with rapid closings for motivated buyers. Terrazas is a once of-a-lifetime chance to own in Miami’s next hot neighborhood at a smart buy,” she added. Terrazas Miami is located at 1861 NW South River Drive, Miami, FL 33125 For more information on Terrazas Miami, please visit www.TerrazasMiami.com RIVER LANDING SHOPS & RESIDENCES Among one of the latest new projects drawn to the Miami River District is the immense River Landing Shops and Residences. When complete, River Landing will boast 2.2 million square feet of regional open air shopping. The project’s 430,000 sq ft retail complex will be home to 315,000 sq ft of national retailers, 86,000 sq ft of regional and local retailers, and 29,000 sq ft of restaurants on its five levels. “We don’t have any retail here,” explained Aguirre. “This marks the first introduction of retail on the river and in the River District.” The $300 million dollar mix-use project is located at 1400 NW North River Drive, which is situated next to Miami’s Civic Center and Miami-Dade County’s court system. The River Landing Shops & Residences is located at 1400 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL 33125 For more information, please visit www.RiverLandingMiami.com MIAMI RIVER GREENWAY Situated directly on the river, River Landing gives shoppers access to the Riverwalk and the developing Miami River Greenway Project; a 10-mile scenic pedestrian friendly pathway linking neighborhoods and businesses along the banks of the Miami River. As of today, more than half of the pathway has already been constructed. Potential residents vying to live in the revamped district and take advantage of the Greenway and all the other exciting developments will have plenty of housing to choose from. And unlike other areas in Miami where a piece of the action often means spending a small fortune, the Miami River District has surprisingly affordable yet still luxurious condominium options. For more information on the Miami River Greenway, please visit www.MiamiRiverCommission.org FLAGLER ON THE RIVER Indeed, hot neighborhoods almost always attract hot restaurants and the revitalization of the Miami River District is no exception. Duck and Waffle and SUSHISAMBA have both announced their plans to open in “Phase II” of the new Flagler on the River commercial building development project. The building will be located at 40 SW North River Drive; the site of the former East Coast Fisheries. Phase II has received a lot of attention for its unique look. Itec Design, the architectural firm behind the project, designed the building to look like lobster traps used by commercial fisherman. The design’s creativity extends beyond its construction and into the way they made use of the property. “By today’s standards, they are on a tiny piece of land making it quite the challenge to build there. They have come up with a design that is exciting and interesting,” said Aguirre. “We applaud their initiative and we look

Living, MSM Online, Real Estate

Miami Real Estyle – Historic Sale for the Sunset Islands

By Zachary Devita Gal Erlichman is no stranger to big real-estate deals, and this month the founder and director of the Homeberry Group, a boutique real estate agency, added another innovative deal to that list. Erlichman closed 2830 Lucerne Avenue located on the Sunset Islands for $4.7 million.  This sale could prove to be historic as Erlichman sold the estate for 30% higher than the highest price per square ever paid on Sunset Islands. Only minutes from South Beach, this gated residence holds a pool, multiple lavish guest suites and a private second floor master with its own walk-in dressing room. Furthermore, it comes with a top notch security system that ensures ultimate privacy to the residents.  Originally built by Carlos Schoeppl, it was recently renovated and restored in 2014 by its previous owner. “After looking at numerous overpriced and under restored homes, this turnkey listing…was an immediate winner for my European client,” said Erlichman about the estate. He also stated that his client “was willing to pay top dollar for its prime location, modern updates, sophisticated details…and unusual unobstructed sunset views.”  The Sunset Islands are on the rise and their prices have gone up a moderate 13.46% this past year. The median listing prices of these four luxurious residential islands come in at $2.95 million and all but one of the islands offers direct access to the city, with Alton Road just five minutes away.  Erlichman’s sale could prove to be a very important turning point for the Sunset Islands and for those looking to live in a lavish community that is close to downtown Miami, look no further, just get in contact with the Homeberry Group.

Digital Edition, LIFESTYLE, Living, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle: Trending Homes in Miami

By Angela Betancourt As Miami’s economic landscape continues to improve, developers are not wasting any time building elaborate projects that have put the city in the global spotlight. World renowned architects, designers, and famous brands, have been sought to create some of the most luxurious homes and condos Miami has ever seen. Among the list of lavish and opulent residences are Paraiso Bayviews, The Surf Club Four Seasons, and Casa Playa; all of which are setting a new standard for luxury living in Miami. CASA PLAYA Located just 15 minutes north of The Four Seasons Surf Club is Casa Playa, the single-family mansion and private oceanfront retreat, in the prestigious Golden Beach neighborhood. Miami Golden, the developer behind Casa Playa recently held a private event for prospective buyers to get a glimpse of the home being built at 699 Ocean Boulevard. When complete, Casa Playa will have an impressive 8 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, access to a private beach, 6,000 square feet of terraces, 5,000-square foot home spa and fitness level, a home theater, a lap pool with a waterfall, a safe room, and numerous spa pools. A drawing room with a hidden staircase and staff quarters with a separate entrance are just a few additional highlights. The home is currently on the market for a staggering $36 million. One of the most important things to note about this property is its green factor. Casa Playa was designed by Chad Oppenheim who is known within the industry for his socially and environmentally conscious architecture. The temperature-controlled retreat has an energy-efficient green rooftop and a three story exterior ecowall that will feature 25 different plant species growing around a spiral staircase. Casa Playa is located at 699 Ocean Blvd, Golden Beach, FL For more information, please visit http://miamigolden.com/properties/699/ THE SURF CLUB FOUR SEASONS HOTEL & RESIDENCES Across the bay in Surfside, the Miami-based private real estate investment company Fort Capital, has joined forces with the Four Seasons to develop The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel & Residences. Located at 9011 Collins Avenue, The Surf Club Four Seasons is a luxury residential and hotel development project currently under construction on nine acres of ocean front property. The development is preserving the landmark Surf Club, which was designed by Russell Pancoast in the 1930s. For the past 80 years, the club’s old world charm and glamorous interior made it one of the most exclusive clubs in Miami Beach. Architect Richard Meier, a Pritzker Prize winner, is embracing that history as he creates modern new additions. When the building is complete, there will be two transparent 12 story residential towers, a private membership club, two restaurants, four swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa and fi tness center, more than 40 beach cabanas, and an expansive park and ocean-side gardens. The residences comprise 157 homes, including 12 penthouses with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Downtown. The units will range in size from 1,800 to 7,800 square feet with floor to ceiling glass walls and up to twenty-foot-high ceilings. The smooth “lift and glide” terrace doors lead residents to large terraces and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. Select rooftop residences have private swimming pools, atriums with private indoor courtyards, and outdoor showers and kitchens. Though all the units are being constructed with exceptional quality, the 12 penthouses are distinguished by their extraordinary design. They range in size from, 5,400 to 7,500 square feet with a vast amount of private outdoor entertaining and recreational areas. Rooftop gardens, private swimming pools, outdoor living and dining rooms, and private beachfront cabanas are just some of the extra perks. The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel & Residences is located at 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 For more information, please visit www.thesurfclub.com PARAISO BAYVIEWS 50 years ago, the Edgewater community, which begins just north of the Omni, was a vibrant neighborhood until it came into hard times in the 1990’s. Today, the neighborhood has found a new identity and has become a hot commodity for real estate. Paraiso Bayviews is the latest addition to Edgewater’s new luxury Paraiso Bay compound, a high-end development project being built by The Related Group. This building and its sister towers are credited for helping infuse new life in the Edgewater area and has become an attractive option for buyers looking for a resort-style environment. In a city dominated by million dollar condos, Paraiso Bayviews is garnering a lot of attention for its affordable prices which start at $340K. However, there are no sacrifices in amenities. Boasting 44 stories and 396 units, the building has a very contemporary architectural design that’s showcased throughout the property. There are lush gardens, outdoor lounge areas, and marina and boat slips. In addition to an onsite restaurant managed by chef Michael Schwartz, residents will also enjoy a private theater, fi tness center, rooftop pool, a tennis court, and much more; all with 1,000 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront as the backdrop. Each unit is move-in ready and showcases nine foot ceilings, spacious terraces, floor to ceiling resistant glass panels, and modern appliance packages. The project’s international interior and industrial designer Karim Rashid is recognized as one of the most important industrial designers of our time and evolved his trademark colors and bold shapes for a softer more natural approach to the project. Paraiso Bayviews is located at 600 NE 31st Street, Miami, FL 33137 For more information, please visit www.paraisobayviews.com If these three trending residential projects are any indication, it has never been a better time to explore Miami’s flourishing real estate market scene. From more affordable options to the double digit millions, Paraiso Bayviews, The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel & Residences, and Casa Playa, all showcase just how great Miami luxury living can be.

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Home Design & Remodeling Show

From March 27-30, the Home Design and Remodeling Show is back to showcase their services and products ideal for remodeling residential homes. The largest Southeastern home improvement and design event will include thousands of products and tips for decorating and much more. Most Anticipated Events: #Maximum Flavor Social Who: Chef Adrianne Calvo (Owner/Chef Adrianne’s), Author #Maximum Flavor Social When: Saturday, March 28th – 3:30pm Modern Latin Cuisine Using Old World Flavors Who: Chef Paulette Bilsky (Corporate/Private Chef), Featuring Milam’s Markets & ElectriChef When: Saturday, March 28th – 5:30pm Latin Flavors on Fiyah Who: Chef IRIE, Food on Fiyah, World Class Culinary Architect, Food Network’s Chopped and PBS’s Taste the Islands When: Sunday, March 29th – 12:00pm-7:30pm

Living, The Issue

Interior Design with #RichKids of Beverly Hills Star Roxy Sowlaty

By Angela Betancourt Photography by Aubrie Pick  A peach One Kings Lane Ava Settee couch basks in the warmth of the sun as it shines through the window on a perfect day. A mid-century brass vase glimmers on top of a West Elm marble box frame coffee table, while an ivory Moroccan Fez wool shag rug, beckons to be touched. For interior designer and TV personality, Roxy Sowlaty, these are the makings of a perfect living room, for the spring season. Roxy is one of the stars of E! Network’s #RichKids of Beverly Hills and the founder of her own interior design firm, specializing in high-end residential projects. Roxy is the product of a wealthy Persian family, and is the daughter of Acuprints CEO, Sam Sowalty. At just 26 years old, the Beverly Hills native is proving to be more than just another wealthy pretty face in the sea of reality TV stars. Roxy has worked in the design industry since she was 16 years old, when she started a clothing line with her sister, Tara, called RoxTar. She graduated from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, and later enrolled in Parsons New School of Design in New York City where she graduated with her Master’s degree in Interior Design. In addition to New York, she has designed a variety of homes in cities like Los Angeles, Aspen, and Bel-Air that ranged from 800-square-foot city apartments to extravagant mansions. Her style is timeless, yet never dated and her ability to infuse vibrant flair into any room is capturing attention nationwide. Despite what her ties to “rich kids” might imply, Roxy is passionate about helping others design homes they will love regardless of their budget. Redecorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and Roxy demonstrates that perfectly with her favorite interior looks for spring. This spring it’s all about warm pastels, white linens, Carrara marble, and lots of metallic accessories. Starting with the living room, Roxy recommends making things brighter and more vibrant by incorporating peach and coral colored fabrics and metallic accessories into the design. Replacing drab, lifeless pillows with new ones in fun, bright colors or patterns is an affordable way to bring spring into any room. Another quick and affordable way to give a room a lift is with a great area rug. An area rug is actually one of Roxy’s favorite design elements and it has often been the starting point for her decorating projects. “Rugs are usually the largest and most defining piece in a room. Going from a dark to light color can really change the look of the entire space,” she explains. The furniture that will be around this carpet is also important. Carrara marble furniture is one of Roxy’s favorite decorating items. This is the next best thing when your budget doesn’t allow for a full marble renovation. Carrara marble immediately gives a room a much more expensive look. In a blog post Roxy gushed that “Carrara marble makes anything look instantly sexy and beautiful.” If you opt not to buy any Carrara marble, the beauty of furniture is that it can easily be reorganized. “Sometimes just moving an existing side table makes all the difference.” One of the biggest mistakes she sees people make when it comes to furniture is buying matching room sets. “Buying a room set seems easy, but there is no dimension. You have to mix it up.” Rather than buying everything from the same location, Roxy recommends shopping around at various stores for great finds that will complement each other. “You don’t want things to look cookie cutter.” She recommends going to stores like West Elm, Target, Pier One, and Urban Outfitters to find unique and affordable pieces to bring home. “So many things are being massed produced and it’s more important than ever to connect to your true personality. We all have our personal style. But if you don’t know where to begin social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram are good ways to find and keep track of rooms that you gravitate to.” When it comes to picking the right furniture size, Roxy says that bigger is always better. It’s a common misconception that if you live in a small space you need small furniture. The opposite is actually true. “Bigger furniture can actually make a space look larger.” Her favorite springtime look for the bedroom also incorporates a lot of warm pastel colors, warm peaches, and creams. Intertwining metallic and pastel colors is her secret to creating a soothing yet vibrant space. “Use pastels as your base or accent color and add metallics like silver and gold.” No matter what your budget; revamping your home for spring doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some warm colors, the right accessories, and a bit of creativity can go a long way.   Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue.

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The Residences at Park Grove

By Angela Betancourt For the past several years there has been a lot of excitement about new residential and mix-use developments being built across Miami-Dade County. Brickell and Miami Beach often steal the spotlight with their billion dollar projects, luxury new residences, and all the opulent amenities that come along with them. However, there are several other neighborhoods experiencing their own share of new development projects, among them is Coconut Grove. This historical area is one of Miami’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Dating back to 1925, Coconut Grove is known for its parks and gardens, hammock trees, art festivals, shopping, and historical landmarks. Coconut Grove is located approximately 10-15 minutes from Brickell, yet this proximity has not had an effect on this neighborhood’s unique identity. These characteristics were part of what caught the attention of the Terra Group and The Related Group. The two powerhouse developers have joined forces for the first time to create The Residences at Park Grove on a 5.2 acre property directly across from Biscayne Bay. The architecture is led by OMA and Rem Koolhaas in collaboration with kitchen and bath designer William Sofield, and Enea Landscape Architecture. The project masterminds recently came together for a design talk event to showcase building renderings and discuss the vision behind the design. A crowd of 250 top-tier brokers, buyers and tastemakers gathered to hear legendary architect Shohei Shigematsu from OMA and famed landscape designer Enzo Enea, dis- cuss the past and future of Coconut Grove as well as their take on new trends in residential architecture and how they perceive design and development in Miami. Both Shigematsu and Enea revealed how their designs look at urbanism and historical elements specific to the Grove’s existing climate and culture; and their in- tentions to “elevate” Coconut Grove while honoring its historical elements. The hour-long discussion was moderated by Ted Loos, a design expert and regular contributor of Architectural Digest and hosted by co-developers of the property: David Martin, President of Terra Group and Carlos Rosso, President of Condo Development The Related Group. The Residences at Park Grove is set for completion in late 2016. The units will range between 2,500 to 3,500 square feet. Glass walls will give residents end- less views of the marina and Biscayne Bay as well as an abundance of natural light. From the expansive balco- nies, spacious living areas, airy dining rooms, and fully equipped kitchens, the designers did not cut any cor- ners. In addition to amenities that rival those found at any world class luxury resort, Park Grove will also have a private rooftop pool deck with views of the city. The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the individual residents and out into the buildings two- acre sculpture park where Enea set out to create a se- rene and lush garden for residents to enjoy. The Residences at Park Grove will increasingly draw more attention as it unfolds in one of Miami’s most established neighborhoods; bringing in new elements and establishing roots of its own. Photography Courtesy of THE RELATED GROUP AND TERRA GROUP Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.

Living, Luxury, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Living with Style – FENDI Château Residences

  By Angela Betancourt 9365 Collins Ave in Surfside will soon be the home to FENDI Château Residences, a 12 story condominium building with 58 exclusive waterfront residences that feature uninterrupted views along 300-linear feet of pristine beachfront. Miami luxury developer Château Group and FENDI, the Italian luxury house, have joined forces to build this new high-end development located just a few blocks south of the world renowned Bal Harbour Shops. Slated to be completed in the summer of 2016, FENDI Château Residences is the first branded real estate project globally for the FENDI Company, and as of December, is already 50% sold. “We are pleased to bring FENDI Château Residences to the Miami market place. The residences will allow residents to savor the pulsating life of Miami with its avant-garde art and design culture, as well as its sandy beaches and lush surroundings,” said Manuel Grosskopf, Château Group President. On December 2nd during Art Basel, the building ’s sales center held a special event to showcase a full model residence where invited guests had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the FENDI Château living experience. Every single detail was accounted for; the ultra modern kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, the elegant accessories, and the Italian marble finished bathrooms, were all depicted exactly as they will be when the building is complete. Grosskopf and FENDI Chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari were both in attendance to provide additional project insight and share their excitement to create this luxury project that will be unlike anything else in the community. “This has been a successful and enjoyable partnership. Both Château Group and FENDI share an unwavering passion for producing high quality products with an acute focus on design and creativity, underscored by the art of excellence,” said Grosskopf. The residences and penthouses range from 3,000 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet with prices ranging from $5 million to $25 million. Each unit comes equipped with plush amenity areas designed by FENDI and decorated with FENDI Casa fixtures and fittings. The building’s common areas include a library, business center, ballroom, kid’s club, reflective ponds, a relaxation terrace with aromatherapy, private cinema, lounge with gourmet kitchen, restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the ocean, bicycle storage, multiple beachfront pools with cabanas, and numerous other lavish amenities. Residents will also have access to “white glove” services, including a 24-hour multi-lingual concierge staff, beachfront and poolside service, and a doorman and valet. “This is a very important project for us,” said Beccari. Together with the Château Group, FENDI Château Residences further establishes the FENDI brand within the luxury private home sector. When the FENDI Château Residences are complete, it will add an entire new dimension of luxury living to the Bal Harbour and Surfside communities. Photography Courtesy of FENDI CHÂTEAU RESIDENCES Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 Issue.

Living, Luxury, The Issue

Artefacto Debuts Its First Fabric Collection During Art Basel

By Angela Betancourt Celebrating 35 years of design and innovation, Artefacto has established itself as one of the world’s leading creators of contemporary furnishings. At the helm is Artefacto’s CEO Paulo Bacchi whose vision made the company the preferred choice for designers, developers, and South Florida residents. Their continued success is a reflection of their ability to stay relevant and always on the cutting edge of the interior design industry. During Art Basel and Miami Art Week, Artefacto debuted its first-ever fabric collection titled Animal Prints by Lais Bacchi, a collection of three bold neutral prints in five original fabrics presented on natural velvets designed by Paulo’s wife Lais. A jewelry designer and fashion icon, Lais Bacchi has already gained a lot of recognition for her company LB designs, a hand crafted jewelry line manufactured by artisans in her native Brazil. With Animal Prints, Lais had the opportunity to apply her vibrant sense of style in a new way: making her and her husband a power couple of interior design. “I drew from my background as a stylist and a jewelry designer to envision Artefacto’s first fabric collection, Animal Prints. The punchy patterns add a little bit of flair to Artefacto’s usually neutral palette of light woods, whites and chrome by virtue of their rich, luxurious texture and versatile nature.” The fabrics will add an additional element to Artefacto’s design style with upholstered and decorative accent pieces. In addition to the launch of Animal Prints, Artefacto also unveiled the Projecto Cubos exhibit, a series of custom acrylic art pieces created by 10 celebrated Brazilian artists. The exhibit will run until the end of January and will then be donated for auction at the IV Gala Brazil Foundation in Miami. Artefacto also showcased the work of Miami photographer Daniel Azoulay who presented an exclusive collection of new work inspired by the movement of ballet dancers. The photographs were displayed throughout the entire showroom. To celebrate the launch of Animal Prints, Projecto Cubos, and Azoulay’s work, Artefacto hosted an invitation only champagne brunch and exhibition at their main showroom in Aventura. More than 100 guests were in attendance, among them the “who’s-who” of Brazilian interior designers, architects, artists, and stylists, who are some of Artefacto’s most important clients. Guests showed excitement as they admired the new fabrics and exhibits. They sipped on endless champagne and delectable bites, and networked amongst each other. Overall the launch proved to be an exciting affair. Artefacto’s ability to partner with artists, who so well complement the company’s aesthetics, is just another sign that they are on the right track to continued to success. Photography by BRETT HUFZIGER Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.

Living, The Issue

The Ligné Group Arrives

By Angela Betancourt  This fall, just in time for Art Basel, Miami will welcome the highly anticipated Ligne Ateliers showroom to Wynwood. The Ligne Atelier is a boutique furniture and lighting showroom that caters to the elite clientele looking for the finest in home décor. This will be the company’s first showroom to feature all of the luxury brands they work with and give their clients the opportunity to engage with their offerings on a new level. The Ligne Atelier will be open to the trade as well as the general public. Collections in the Atelier are from the finest craftsman and designers throughout Europe and South America with designs ranging from contemporary to transitional for residential and select commercial projects. Founded by Meredith, 29 and her husband Yuri, 28, the Ligne Atelier is their new endeavor stemming from the couples highly established Ligne Group, a luxury de- sign company that is focused on building, promoting and distributing global brands. The Ligné Group was found- ed in 2013 and consists of three divisions: Ligné Agency, Ligné Magazine and Ligné International. The group has become a driving force behind the market expansion of leading industry brands, and continues to develop their portfolio throughout Europe and the Americas. Both Meredith and Yuri founded the Ligne Group to fill a void within the industry. Within the past few years, there has been a massive shift on how the industry executes its business functions. End users have become much savvier, and designers are discovering new methods to promote themselves that are found outside of the traditional design centers of yesterday. Meanwhile the balancing act to respect the designer and satisfy the end user has become more challenging. In the midst of all the change, Meredith and Yuri recognized an opportunity to help bridge the gaps and fill a void. The Ligne Group was their answer. There was a need on the business side to help designers connect with new products while helping buyers connect with new designers. The Ligne Agency division offers public relations, marketing, brand development, graphic design, and other services to their luxury design clients. Ligne International is the group’s sales, distribution, and import and export division and the Ligne Magazine is a quarterly online publication for the luxury shelter industry that serves as a resource for designers and the press about what is happening within the Ligne group. Despite being so young, the Ligne Group exploded onto the scene and quickly became a major player. The company has since worked with some of the world’s most impressive designers as well as with luxurious and iconic brands. Their new Miami Atelier is a reflection of their in- dustry clout. Brands being showcased include collection’s from Vaheed Taheri, Louis Kazan, Byford and Veronique, and Windfall Contemporary Crystal Lighting. Windfall Contemporary Crystal Lighting is a dynamic contemporary chandelier brand which has set out to re-define the nature of crystal chandeliers. The couple’s decision to establish the Ligne Atelier in Miami was in part because of how well Windfall sales were doing in the city. Their original plan was to open in Los Angeles. However, with Miami’s growing prestige as a designer city combined with all the new residential developments and foreign investments; Meredith and Yuri knew Miami, rather than LA, was where they needed to be. “We were doing great sales in Miami and that made us increasing more familiar with the city so we went with the demand” said Meredith. “We were already doing business in Miami prior to the decision of opening the Atelier here.” The selection of the Atelier in Miami gives the Ligne Group some added advantages they won’t get anywhere else. The cities proximity to South America gives However, with Miami’s growing prestige as a designer city combined with all the new residential developments and foreign investments; Meredith and Yuri knew Miami, rather than LA, was where they needed to be. “We were doing great sales in Miami and that made us increasing more familiar with the city so we went with the demand” said Meredith. “We were already doing business in Miami prior to the decision of opening the Atelier here.” The selection of the Atelier in Miami gives the Ligne Group some added advantages they won’t get any- where else. The cities proximity to South America gives them easier access to reach potential clients coming to Miami from key markets in that region. Meredith also explains that Miami’s design tastes are also a good fit for the Ligne Group and their new Atelier. “Miami has a bigger appeal for the contemporary aes- thetic and for the Miami lifestyle,” she said. “The views are a part of the décor so designs usually have clean lines.” Miami clients like to have some WOW factor whether it’s with an extravagant chandelier, a piece of art, or a pop of color from artwork. They understand these trends and are able to accommodate them via their access to a network of highly talented designers. Access to this network of creativity, will now be even more accessible with the opening of their Wynwood showroom. The couple is very excited to finally materialize a plan that has long been a part of their Ligne Group vi- sion. The Ligne Atelier, in addition to being a compa- ny milestone, will also be a testament to the hard work and expansive knowledge the company’s two founders bring to the table. Meredith obtained her B.A in Art History from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and her M.A. in the Fine and Decorative Arts from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom. She studied architecture at Oxford University in England and traveled extensively through Europe while completing her dissertation. Her husband Yuri comes from the fashion industry. He’s worked with Fendi Case, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus where he was a couture buyer. Meredith met Yuri when she worked as Fendi’s art curator. It wouldn’t be farfetched to say that they are a design industry power couple. When they

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