When we recently worked with Suzanne Costa on a feature about the four-condo project she oversaw at Parkview and Cambier Park, our editor-in-chief was inspired by the designer’s penchant for sleek, timeless styles. We asked Suzanne to share some of her favorite luxury goods, all pointing back to her love of horses. “[Equestrian culture] is a very understood signal to luxury,” she says. 

[caption id="attachment_68965" align="aligncenter" width="707"] Louis Vuitton Swing Chair by Patricia Urquiola (Courtesy Louis Vuitton)[/caption]

Louis Vuitton Swing Chair by Patricia Urquiola

This chair is for daydreaming. “If I were swinging in this chair, it’s like I would’ve already swung up in the saddle—free and riding my horse across a field in Ireland,” Suzanne says. “It’s just whimsical.” Each knot in the hand-knitted mesh resembles the fashion house’s iconic monogram, and the leather-coated handles nod to handbag straps. The limited edition chair, made in Portugal, comes in Caramel Cream and Purple Orange colorways.
us.louisvuitton.com

[caption id="attachment_68966" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Anchor Chain 17 by Hermès (Courtesy Hermès)[/caption]

Anchor Chain 17 by Hermès   

Long before the illustrious Birkin dropped, Hermès found its footing through handcrafted equestrian gear. Related motifs still pop up in the brand’s goods, like the lock print in this wool and cashmere blanket. “Those symbols—the bit, the stern, the stitching, the colors—all circle back to what I would find in a tack room when I ride my horses,” says Suzanne, who still rides twice a week. “I go in, and that’s what we smell, feel and see. It’s grounding.”
hermes.com

O’Lock Tray by Fendi (pictured above)

The gold lock on this smooth nappa leather tray quietly nods to equestrian life. Suzanne likes to use the piece as a bar anchor. “This deserves an antique crystal decanter full of great whiskey or bourbon and a couple of beautiful glasses,” the designer says.
fendi.com    

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After working for esteemed Lovetto Design in Naples, L.A. DeRiggi recently branched out with his Hudson Park Interior Design. Here, L.A. curates curving, sensual pieces that bank on natural materials for spaces that welcome prolonged conversations.

Annecy Sofa by Vladimir Kagan (pictured above)

This sloped sofa was one of the last pieces Vladimir Kagan released before passing in 2016. The furniture designer is known for his revolutionary work in the 1950s, with innovative, ergonomic furnishings that bank on organic shapes and sculptural forms. “Everything [Vladimir] creates is so inviting and sexy and functional,” L.A. says. The designer loves the Annecy Sofa for its subtle balance of masculine and feminine energies, as depicted in its dark wood armrest and buttery soft fabric.

carpentersworkshopgallery.com

[caption id="attachment_55168" align="aligncenter" width="713"] Blonde Drinks Cabinet by Christopher Kurtz (Photo Courtesy Sarah Myerscough/James Harris)[/caption]

Blonde Drinks Cabinet by Christopher Kurtz

While this floating cabinet appears to be melting off the wall, you can rest assured the handcarved tulipwood piece is fully capable of storing your prized bottles and glassware. “It piques your curiosity until it’s open, and you see what’s inside,” L.A. says. The designer suggests balancing the sculptural statement furnishing in a room with clean lines and soft upholstery to play up the cabinet’s fluid form. “This piece is exactly what you want in a drinks cabinet—it sets the tone when you’re gathering around it because it’s so playful,” L.A. says.

sarahmyerscough.com

[caption id="attachment_55169" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Infinity 16 by Atelier Alain Ellouz (Photo Courtesy Atelier Alain Ellouz)[/caption]

Infinity 16 by Atelier Alain Ellouz

L.A. sees alabaster lighting making its way into mainstream furniture design, and the designer points to Atelier Alain Ellouz’s pendants as a gorgeous example of the trend. The ancient material was used for window screens and stained glass before it made its way into sculptures and, eventually, lighting. “It’s a serene material that comes to life when it’s lit,” L.A. says. Leather straps contrast with soft, sloping stone for a modern take on organic materials. Part of the Infinity collection, Infinity 16 builds on previous models with a three-part loop that emits a dreamy, inviting glow.

atelier-alain-ellouz.com

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If you appreciate modern design with clean lines, luxe surfaces and rich textures, you’ll love the work of Naples’ EBL Interiors & Construction. Interior designer Audrey Healey masterfully blends all these elements, with a penchant for fine European craftsmanship and contemporary minimalism. Here are a few of her favorite things.

Fried Egg Chair by Warm Nordic (pictured above)

This asymmetrical armchair is a testament to Danish modernism. Audrey thinks about chairs’ role as a benchmark of design that’s often mused on and reinterpreted by famous architects and designers: “[Chairs] recall fascinating icons, have graceful shapes and are comfort-oriented.” In this 1950s model, midcentury-modern master Hans Olsen created a piece that’s whimsical and practical. From above, the shape resembles a fried egg. The curved armrest provides the ideal perch to prop up your legs. “We love them,” Audrey says about the Warm Nordic brand, which re-released the chair in 2018.

warmnordic.com

[caption id="attachment_53732" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Photo courtesy Courtesy Caccaro)[/caption]

Wall Pillars by Caccaro

Monoliths are so hot right now. And while massive stone structures may not fit through your front door or service elevator, this functional storage system gives you the impressive look of ancient Greek design without impeding on space. Audrey calls the vertical storage units “luxury closets.” Arrange the columns at whim to suit any area and need, with ample room for coat hooks, hat shelves and bag holders. “It offers everything you need to organize an entrance or service area,” she says.

caccaro.com

[caption id="attachment_53730" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Photo courtesy MandiCasa)[/caption]

Tau Kitchen by MandiCasa

Why not add a little rouge to the heart of your home? The recently launched MandiCasa fuses aesthetics with engineering to deliver kitchen surfaces that go the distance (think: scarlet cabinetry and marble-like counters that are low-maintenance and modernly stylish). The lynchpin is MandiCasa’s use of Fenix NTM, an extra-matte laminate that’s soft to the touch, fingerprint- and scratch-resistant, and easy to clean (even light scratches can be wiped away). Audrey considers the brand an innovator in the space.

mandicasa.com  

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If you like clean, expressive lines that perfectly blend sophistication with warmth and freshness, you probably already know Freestyle Interiors’ lead designer, Ana Oates. Forward-thinking without losing touch with the basics, Ana’s repertoire pulls in natural elements, sleek lines and a timeless quality that leaves us fully appreciating her favorite pieces. 

Galerie Glustin Bench

Sitting needn’t be boring—especially when you lounge aboard this wonderfully textured bench wrapped in a bouclette Dedar fabric. The sumptuous, looped fabric continues down the wide legs, adding an extra dose of coziness and whimsy.

Conceived by third-generation Parisian antique dealers Karine and Virginie Glustin, the piece showcases the designers’ knack for European antiques and decorative arts. “I love the asymmetrical curved back of this bench,” Ana says. 

glustin.net

Lake Doiran Mirror 2 by Aqua Gallery

Ana is drawn to the “unique sculptural forms of drama with pleated silk crafted by true artisans” in this interdimensional mirror. Israeli designer, Albi Serfaty of Aqua Gallery, often comments on environmental conservation through his work. With the Lake Doiran Mirror, he references the shrinking size of the namesake freshwater lake between North Macedonia and Greece. The hand-crushed silk shades (available in 16 colors) resemble the diminishing shape of the lake, while the mirrored backdrop beckons us to reflect on the fate of our waterways. “A true conversation piece,” Ana says.

aquagallery.com

BANG III by Markus Haase for Todd Merrill Studio

If you have an entryway begging for attention, you’d be wise to consider this powerful console by designer Markus Haase. The sculptor utilizes wood as a fluid substance in this furnishing that appears muscular and delicate thanks to its proportions. “The movement in the wood carving and marble is stunning,” Ana says. The American black walnut and Bardiglio marble piece is wall-mounted and outfitted with a storage drawer for optimal function.

toddmerrillstudio.com

Piegatto Corozo Dining Table

It almost doesn’t matter what you’re serving guests when the meal lands on this stunning work of art from Guatemala-based design studio Piegatto. “I love the base,” Ana says. “Elegance and sexiness all in one—a gorgeous dramatic statement.” Who could argue? The wooden foundation of birch and spruce was designed to resemble the Corozo plant, a religiously significant plant in Guatemala. Its shape sturdily props the tempered glass top and seems to cup the surrounding air, creating a tempting perch for your cat.

piegatto.com  

The post Freestyle Interiors’ Ana Oates’ Sumptuous Design Selects appeared first on Gulfshore Life.

Each issue, we tap local aesthetes to share their favorite global design finds. This month, Frank Ponterio offers his knack for laid-back sophistication. His influence stretches from his homebase of Chicago to Naples, where he recently relocated from Third Street South and opened a showroom in Naples Design District’s The Collective. First-generation Italian-American designer, Frank Ponterio, has an eye for architecture and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, leading to styles that are elegant, easy and endlessly appealing.

[caption id="attachment_50878" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Courtesy Eric Gushee)[/caption]

Exhalation Sculpture 

Otherworldly, powerful, delicate—all describe Chicago artist Eric Gushee’s Exhalation series. As you move through the room, wires seem to shift, leaping from their frame and mesmerizing the viewer. The sculpture instantly caught Frank’s attention. “Gushee’s works reflect architectural design as well as natural and social sciences,” he says. Drawing on traditional fiber art techniques and biomimicry, Eric creates sculptures that echo the complex, repetitive systems found in nature. The result is a breath of fresh air, with industrial undertones and an ultimately ethereal quality.

ericgushee.com

[caption id="attachment_50879" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Courtesy Laura Kirar)[/caption]

Guernica Lounge Chair

For those looking to repose in style and spark commentary, the Guernica Lounge Chair—by New York designer Laura Kirar, known for her Mexican-inspired furnishings and objects—is a comfortable conversation piece. “With its leather fringe and honeycomb caning, this dramatic lounge chair makes a statement in any room,” Frank says. It takes one artisan several weeks to craft the piece, with 3,500 handmade holes for the leather fringe. “I love the craftsmanship displayed in each knot, stitch and detail,” he adds.

bakerfurniture.com

[caption id="attachment_50880" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Courtesy BB For Reschio)[/caption]

Timeless Coffee Table

Like a remnant of a bygone era, this coffee table’s 54-inch bronze and brass top sits on an ebonized steel base. The top steps down three levels before reaching the open center, giving the illusion of movement. “The simple yet complex nature drew my attention,” Frank says. “The patinated bronze top provides a wonderful natural living finish that is unique to every piece. This is one of those pieces that will age well in any space.”

bbforreschio.com  

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Anna Karlin Dimple Lamp

A furniture, object and jewelry designer, Anna Karlin uses materiality to explore concepts of physical and emotional support through her Dimple Lamp. In the nearly 2-foot-tall piece, brass-plated steel provides a solid base for the soft-looking glass, which is propped up by a marble sphere. The softly lit fixture contains a dimmable LED bulb. “Although this functions as a lamp, it is a beautiful sculpture,” Renée says. “Her designs are all amazing, but this piece just speaks to me.” 

annakarlin.com 

[caption id="attachment_49927" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Courtesy Chris Wolston)[/caption]

Chris Wolston Cocorocha Chair

Known for his postmodern designs and collaborations with Fendi, Dior and Philip Lim, Chris Wolston reclaims and reimagines the lost art of weaving with an anthropomorphic twist. The artist has lived part-time in Medellín since moving there after graduation with a Fulbright scholarship to study pre-Columbian ceramics in the city. Chris’ work celebrates and supports Colombian culture and artistic traditions. Cocorocha—an evolution of his popular Nalgona chair—is woven of 100% Colombian wicker, ethically sourced in the Amazon. The furnishing seems to hug the sitter with its fleshy shape and wild limbs. “This chair puts a smile on my face,” Renée says. “It is a conversation piece perfect for Florida. The charismatic nature is refreshing and fun.”

chriswolston.com

[caption id="attachment_49926" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Courtesy Lauren Williams)[/caption]

Lauren Williams Sculptural Fibres 044

Hundreds of strands of bamboo, wool and Tencel (a sustainable material made from the pulp of eucalyptus trees) cascade from a base of brass and stained oak in Lauren Williams’ tapestry. Lauren dips the fibers in buckets of dye, adding layers of color as she moves downward and embracing the drip and movement of the dye. “Her process is truly mesmerizing,” the designer says, adding that she appreciates the interactive element. “She encourages you to freely run your fingers through it as you walk by.” Unlike most of Lauren’s other works, which stretch freely across the wall, the Sculpture Fibres series—done in collaboration with the revered Thomas Hayes Studio—takes a structured approach to textile art. The piped form creates tight clusters of flowing strands. At its longest point, Fibres 044 stretches 9 feet, making it an ideal anchor for a high-ceilinged room.

laurenwilliamsart.com

[caption id="attachment_49928" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Courtesy Malene Knudsen)[/caption]

Malene Knudsen Large Swan Vase

Inspired by her childhood days spent collecting flowers, shells, wood and stone in the forest, Copenhagen-based ceramist Malene Knudsen masterfully blends texture, tone and shading in her minimalistic designs. The made-to-order, watertight Large Swan Vase is crafted with clay, coarse-grained firesand and crushed bricks for a rough surface. The crooked neck, with its gourd-like resemblance, is familiar and otherworldly. “All of her ceramics are very natural in color, organic in form and raw in texture,” Renée says. “Every piece is unique and perfectly imperfect.” Like nature itself.

maleneknudsen.com

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Breeze Sofa

Mark Mitchell’s fluffy armchair for COLLECTIONAL is suspended on one side and appears to float above its carpet-like base. “I love pieces that are an artistic interpretation of everyday household items because people forget that art doesn’t only have to exist on the walls,” Dwayne says. The fact that it’ll look like you have a cumulus cloud as part of your living room set is just a bonus. “Clouds have this innate peacefulness hanging almost motionless above our heads completely unaware of the chaos below,” Mark adds. “It’s a quality we admire and aspire for in our own lives, to let the turmoil of life pass under us while we just float above.”

thecollectional.com

[caption id="attachment_48812" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Photo Courtesy Galeria Philia)[/caption]

After Ago Chair 

Timeless and sculptural, the After Ago Chair, by designer Richard Yasmine, has a hypnotic appeal. Made of concrete plaster, foam and acrylic, the furnishing draws from postmodern and Brutalist design. “The graceful black-and-white Art Deco lines mixed with the contrast of geometrical shapes make this chair a sophisticated yet playful accent piece,” Dwayne says. It’s black. It’s white. It’s curved. It’s flat. It just may be all things and as simple as a place to sit.

galerie-philia.com 

[caption id="attachment_48811" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Photo Courtesy Randolph & Hein)[/caption]

Lahar Coffee Table 

“The Lahar coffee table is a stacked work of art,” Dwayne says. The multiple surfaces of undulating craftsmanship create a cohesive flow that doesn’t compete with other design elements in a room. Tables can be purchased individually or in sets and come in either 48 inches in width and depth or 60 inches. Custom finishes and sizes are also available.

randolphhein.com

[caption id="attachment_48813" align="aligncenter" width="850"] (Photo Courtesy Kreoo)[/caption]

Kreoo Hug Washbasin

When space is an issue, but style is not optional, this 4-foot-tall freestanding sink, designed by Matteo Nunziati for Kreoo, is a powerful statement to the natural world. “It’s carved out of a marble block, and the wood shelving is added for accessories and storage,” Dwayne says. Pair two of them in a bathroom for his-and-hers functionality. Available in eight marbles and with walnut or eucalyptus wood inserts.

kreoo.com 

The post Dwayne Bergmann on the best contemporary design objects for the stylish home appeared first on Gulfshore Life.

We're tapping local design pros to share their favorite products from around the world. This Naples-based creative director shares decor with a natural and organic feel.

Natural Woven Rattan Hanging Bed

Let your worries dissipate as you hop onto this swinging rattan lounger from The Well Appointed House. The piece allows you to take an instant vacation, Kelli says. Reminiscent of Bali’s swings, this hand-woven rendition stretches 70 inches wide, perfect for swaying under a banyan tree or a breezy spot among your stylish alfresco spaces.

Fendi Roma Daybed

This geometric Fendi daybed is designed for expert-level lounging. “A chaise lounge adds such an inviting touch,” Kelli says. “The rounded curves and playful asymmetry add timeless post-mod appeal.” Luxuriously soft and banded with brass details, the piece is done in collaboration with the Milan-based, avant-garde design group and furnituremaker Dimorestudio. The chaise is an update on Dimore’s design for Fendi Palazzo Privé, the brand’s VIP suite—an opulent, ‘70s-inspired, design-lovers paradise at its flagship in Rome. [Pictured at top of story]

Kingdom Chandelier

Kelli is a big fan of lighting designer Lindsey Adelman. “Her material usage range and combinations, scale choices, and the organic multi-directional shapes impress a freedom that we could all use a good dose of,” Kelli says. She was delighted to come across this collaboration between Lindsey and Brooklyn-based designer Karl Zahn. Their 61-bulb Kingdom Chandelier is modeled after the burro’s tail succulent, with plump bulbs draped in a perfect arc—a reflection of our modern-day yearning for sleek elegance and the imperfect beauty of nature.

The post Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang’s Organic Selects appeared first on Gulfshore Life.

Phillips Collection, Outdoor Sculptures

“Our outdoor spaces in Florida are everything,” Pamela says. She likes to create plein-air living rooms with the level of sophistication typically reserved for interior spaces. To add art, she looks to Phillips Collection’s aluminum sculptures, which come in forms like The Bending Diver (pictured). Renditions can stretch up to 9 feet tall and are made of stainless-steel pipes, covered in aluminum. “These textured aluminum statues command attention and bring art to the outdoors,” she says. Though the metal is rust-proof, within a year, it oxidizes, creating the look of a long-held treasure.

Dax Chandelier

“I’ve always admired [designer] Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz,” Pamela says. “She’s an amazingly creative woman with an impeccable design sense, and her pieces are the epitome of sexy.” Even lighting has sensual appeal in the hands of the California-based talent, who presents gold-leaf rebar hand-twisted in a frenzied fashion for a statement-making fixture. “The Dax Chandelier is chaos and sophistication all rolled into one,” Pamela says. The fact that it is made in the United States is a bonus for her, as she likes to support American-made designs.

Monster Chair

Dutch designer Marcel Wanders’ Monster Chair presents a gorgeous spin on functional art. “Marcel is known for taking classic shapes and turning them on their side,” Pamela says. “I love his interpretation of a typical dining chair, with its puffed-up dimensions and diamond quilting.” The tongue-in-cheek monster embroidery adds to the artistry. The Monster family of products includes dozens of models (from dining tables to rugs to a basketball) and more than 587 fabrics, but Pamela is partial to the original black synthetic leather upholstery, which subtly showcases the embroidered creature on its backrest.

The post Naples-Based Designer Pamela Durkin Shares Artful Picks appeared first on Gulfshore Life.

We’re tapping local design pros to share the global finds inspiring them now. This month, Bonita Springs-based Leili Design Studio’s Leili Fatemi, who has an eye for sculptural furnishings, selects anchoring pieces that are artistic and functional.

Magna I Floor Lamp by Luxxu

With a good mix of glamour, modernity and an otherworldly edge, this lamp easily becomes the focal point in a room. It’s a weighty piece, stretching 55 inches tall with 88 pounds of brass and semi-precious crystal. “The stone framed in gold-plated brass is just a smart design,” Leili says. “It’s unique in that it’s both retro and modern.”

Symphony Pedestal Sink by Maison Valentina

Leili loves the Portuguese brand Maison Valentina for its over-the-top designs. Inspired by pipe organs, their Symphony Pedestal Sink has a high-gloss, brass-lacquered wood pedestal that supports a Nero Marquina marble sink. “Moments like this are what make powder rooms shine,” Leili says. “In this case, literally.”

Why Knot Bench by Kino Guérin

Using bent laminated plywood wrapped in oiled walnut veneer, Québec artist Kino Guérin applies the visual magnetism of knots and curves to furniture. His Why Knot Bench (available in 44-, 55- and 67-inch-long iterations) reimagines wood as a ribbon, with an airy design without legs, crossbars or supports. “His use of wood is imaginative and adds warmth to any space,” Leili says. “It’s a piece you can’t help but touch as soon as you see it.”

The post Interior Designer Leili Fatemi Shares Her Favorite Global Finds appeared first on Gulfshore Life.