BNO Elle Decor Project

ELLE

DECOR PUERTO RICO!

MODERN & CLASSIC A STUNNING TRANSFORMATION OF THE PEREZ FAMILY’S NEW HOME

Puerto Rico Flavor New York Style APRIL 2015 USA $5.99 ELLEDECOR.COM

The Magic of the Terrace

CONTENTS

ELLE

DECOR

APRIL 2015 VOLUME 22 NUMBER 6

FROM TOP: Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is constantly stealing the hearts of many with his gorgeous interiors ON THE COVER: The interior design of the Perez home is found in the Planation Village development in Puerto Rico.

RIGHT: Another inspiring space by BNO design

Projects 3

Meet the Client

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Research

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What’s Hot

Introduction to the Perez Family The Wine and Dine of Design Find out what’s hot in the Perez family’s new residence

11 Staircase Inspiration

Check out the most savvy staircases around

13 Shortlist

Top 12 Things Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz can’t live without

17 Floor Plans

An overview of the entire Perez residence

19 Spotlight

The bespoke staircase of the Perez residence

21 Spotlight

The “black tie and barefoot” living room

23 Spotlight

A Yves Klein inspired dining room

25 Spotlight

The final touch of a unique terrace

ELLE DECOR 1

THE ICONIC EAMES LOUNGE

LUIS’ FIRST PAIR OF CONVERSE. THE COLLECTION OF UNIQUE SHOES HAS GROWN DRAMATICALLY SINCE.

THE FAMILIA

BLACKTIE AND BAREFOOT

The Perez family goes from formal business to playtime in five seconds flat-and often.

Luis Owens Perez is a man of men. Luis knows how to dress, how to act, and how to have fun. He met Alisa, his wife, on a business trip to Russia and fell for her immediately. Alisa is bold, daring, and knows exactly what she wants. Luis brings out the fun in Alisa, while Alisa has helped her husband find success through organization and confidence. The two are definitely what you would call the “power couple.” When asked what iconic chair he would be, designer Paige

Kirschbaum answered, “Without a doubt, the Eames lounge chair. He may appear all business but is often laid back and relaxed.” Luis, originally from the beautiful Puerto Rico, cannot wait to return to his roots. His sense of style is unparalleled. His own take on the “business man” appearance comes with the most fabulous shoes. “I like to add a fancy sneaker with my business suits to seem approachable,” says Luis about his staple shoes.

TEXT BY PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANONYMOUS / PRODUCED BY DARRIN BROOKS 3 ELLE DECOR

LUIS OWENS PEREZ Luis is a well-known business man working in a particular area of work-trading money.

His prominence does not affect his down to earth nature and love for his family.

ALISA PEREZ Alisa loves Luis and Louis (Louis Vuitton that is). Alisa undoubtedly has her own style and has passed that love on to her daughter.

ADELLA PEREZ Adella is Alisa’s mini-me if there ever was one-even if she would never admit to it.

STYLE WATCH THE GIRLS DAY OUT Nothing can hold these girls back. Full of confidence and passion, the Perez girls take on the world one country at a time.

Alisa Perez is who she is. She has no tolerance for wasting time. Every moment counts for something. So when communicating with Alisa, don’t waste her time. Get to the point.

This character trait was very important for designer Paige Kirschbaum to understand and she respected the trait entirely.

Design meetings with Alisa were direct and purposeful. Luis, on the other hand, could talk about design for days--which presented its own challenges. Even with challenges, designer Paige Kirschbaum says of the couple, “They were a dream to work with. A client with style and an opinion.

Couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Adella is her own person. She has many similarities to her mother, including the desire to be one hundred percent original.

Adella has the adventurous side of her father and can’t wait to begin a new life in Puerto Rico. Adella has done modeling before and loves being in front of the camera.

Even when there isn’t a camera. Adella wants the room’s attention no matter where she finds herself. Adella is definitely a daddy’s girl.

When asked what her favorite activity was Adella replied without hesitation, “Sunday drives with father.”

Now that you know a little bit more about the client, how will that relate to the design?

Well, number one: Family is important.

This space is not only for entertaining well established names but for welcoming family and friends. The three-some make it a point to spend as much time as possible together along with their day to day tasks.

They all loves going on vacations together, as they do often. Their Puerto Rican home, in fact, was originally meant to be a simple vacation home for the family. But once the design began, it became the main center of the Perez lifestyle.

They simply could not part with it.

ALISA ON FIFTH AVENUE IN NEW YORK AUGUST 2014.

ALISA SPORTS A GORGEOUS FUR COAT, ONE OF A KIND, MADE FOR HER IN RUSSIA.

A GLIMPSE INTO ALISA’S PERSONAL COLLECTION OF LOUIS VUITTON.

What will designer Paige Kirschbaum come up with? Just wait and see. In her words, “It’s sure to be fabulous.”

PRODUCED BY DARRIN BROOKS

ADELLA HAS DONE A FEW MODEL SHOOTS IN RECENT YEARS

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SHORTLIST 1 / GIULIA MANGANI CERAMIC Alisa couldn’t imagine losing this piece.

A lifesize figurine by one of her favorites Giulia Mangani

2 / GIO PONTI COFFEE SET

1. Ceramic monkey by Giulia Mangani

A gorgeous collection of Gio Ponti sterling silver can be found with the Perez coffee set. Yes, they use it daily but they also like to keep it out for display.

3 / MURANO GLASS VASE

2. Gio Ponti sterling silver coffee set

Signed by F. Amadi, the murano glass vase is a piece the Perez family definitely could not live without.

3. Murano glass vase signed by F. Amadi

4 / NEW LIGHTING “We are always seeking out new lighting to add to our home, it’s our favorite finishing touch”

5 / KISSEL A famous russian desert that the family makes weekly

6 / Caroline Cheng’s piece is so full of life she has become one of the family’s favorite artists.

7 / RUSSIAN DECANTER A gorgeous Sotheby’s piece, this silver rooster has character and class

8 / MONSTER CHAIR

LUIS AND ALISA PEREZ

By far the favorite product designer for the Perez family would be Marcel Wanders, hence two pieces on their top 12 are by him.

5. Kissel, a delicious russian dessert

12 THINGS THEY CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Luis and Alisa have a very unique taste due to their wonderful travels abroad. They have developed a very sophisticated style of global interest. Alisa, from Russia originally has many stunning pieces that she hopes to see worked into the design of their new home. Particularly her silver animal pieces. Luis is from Puerto Rico and can’t wait to return. As a family along with their daughter, they have lived in Spain for the past while and have loved the passion and color that they have found there.

They have developed a sense of gorgeous art and hope to have their new home express the elegance and sophistication of their lives. They hold many “black tie” worthy events in their own home and hope to impress. However, when the parties have gone away, they also want the space to be liveable and functional. Their travels and the life they lead have brought with it these items that they couldn’t live without.

BY PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM

5. Tricycle rides in the Philippines

8. Monster Chair by Marcel Wanders

7. Russian Silver Decanter 9. Marcel Wanders Can-Can lamp

9 / CAN CAN LAMP A feature that will be seen in the guest bedroom, the can can lamp is a favorite Wanders piece.

10 / THE BEACH Of course they love the beach, why else would they be moving to the gorgeous Puerto Rico

11 / ANCIENT ARTIFACTS There is something enchanting about old works

12 / LOUIS VUITTON The closet is filled with gorgeous pieces by the favorite Louis Vuitton. Every chance she gets Alisa is out shopping for Vuitton

6. Caroline Cheng art piece, Hidden Virtues

Entertain Me

The importance of basic product knowledge as an Interior Designer Yes, we’re talking booze here. Design is much about the idea of entertaining and it’s our job to not look like a fool in front of our clients. What does that mean? You know what they know. In this case that

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means alcohol. This spread is to educate you on the basics. What you need to know. From tulips to trumpets, white wine to red, here is a glimpse into another side of this crazy world of design.

RESEARCH

GOOD WINE MAY BE A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE Let’s go over the basics. The rim of the glass differs based on if you want to keep the bubbles from escaping or perhaps to allow the wine to breathe. The stem refers to the thin part of the wine glass that you hold. Take care that you do not warm the drink in the process. The bowl of the will change with what wine you are drinking.

A large bowl is necessary for dry red and white wine so you can appreciate aroma and swirl the drink without spilling. The foot is the base of the glass upon which it all stands.

Next we need to go over the top three most important elements to reference as you pick out your glassware. First, the size.

The bowl of a dry red or white wine glass should always be large. Small glasses may be used for sherry or desert wines for they are consumed in smaller quantities and you do not need the space to smell the aroma. The following will give you a better idea for glass sizes. Red wine: minimum 12 oz. (16-24 oz. ideal). White wine: minimum 10-12 oz. Sparkling Wines: 8-12 oz.

Second, comes the shape of the glass.

Wine glasses range from very round bowls to elongated, narrow bowls. The following are the different names you will find in reference to wine. The tulip is shaped for champagne and other sparkling wines. A tall, long, and narrow-rimmed glass with a wider middle, the tulip is shaped to hold the bubbles of the wine so they do not escape. The flute is also used for sparkling wine but is much less ideal. The trumpet widens at the mouth which can be elegant, but not ideal for sparkling wines. Avoid the

trumpet shape and go for the tulip as often as possible. The occasional flute is allowed.

There are many other shapes such as apple shaped, side bowl for some white wines. As a rule of thumb “which shape and size works best for which wine has to do with issues such as how the glass’s shape controls the flow of wine onto your tongue.” No, you do not have to buy every shape of glass right away, nor do you have to switch out glasses every time you want to try a new wine. The tips and tricks we have gone over in this article are to increase knowledge and basic understanding of glassware and the effects of size, shape, and thickness. As well as to go over the basic anatomy of the wine glass.

Hopefully you find this information helpful in your future endeavours.

Paige Kirschbaum, Editor in Chief elledecor@hearst.com Follow me on Instagram: @paigekbdesign

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WHAT’S HOT 1 / FORM AND FUNCTION Perfect for entertaining and perhaps lounging, the Allonge sofa designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis for J. Robert Scott is sure to delight. Allonge is shown in upholstered silk tweed color - Mace. Measures 90”l x 39”d x 34”h and cost is available to the trade. 2150-09800; jrobertscott.com

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2 / TESTOSTERONE Wegner’s famous Ox Chair is sold by the Danish Design Store in this gorgeous black EJ leather. Measuring 35.5”h x 39”d x 39”w the Ox Chair costs $13,661 and comes in various colors. EJ 100; danishdesignstore.com 3 / BRASS NESTING Creating dimension, this elegant set of Lucite and Brass nesting tables offered by Derive on 1stdibs costs $2,800. Measurements differ by table. LU9935891211; 1stdibs.com 3

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4 / RETRO SHAG Marc Phillips amazes us again with his stunning creations. His Delta rug is shown here and all further information is available to the trade. marcphillipsrugs.com 5 / SCULPTURAL FUN Hattakitkosol Somchai’s (1934-2000) Brass Fish Sculpture has been found on 1stdibs for the Puerto Rican element that has been missing and much needed. The metal sculpture piece stands only 6”h x 5”w 3.5”d but is sure to amaze at $595.

LU108401598672; firstdibs.com

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4 / MYSTIQUE Gareth Mason’s stonewear piece brings so much character to the space. 30”h x 23”w x 21”d and is availabe for buy.

MAG001; jasonjacques.com

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IN THE SHOWROOMS

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THE GREAT ROOM - MADE FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND LUXURY 1 Remains has delighted us once again with the Eric Swing floor lamp, shown. The “crisp rope and bead details accent the torchiere-form candle holders of this swing-arm floor lamp”. Designed by Steven Sclaroff this lamp is 11”w x 11”d base with a shade of 10”h x 10”top diameter x 12” bottom diameter as it has a slight taper. FL1032.S; Found on remains.com 2 We love this stunning parisian side table by Serena & Lily. At $795 the table in both ebony (shown) and white. Used as a bar cart the two glass shelves have been gilded antiqued silver leaf. The top doubles as a removable tray.

Found at serenaandlily.com 3 What better to glam up a space than a tribute to Florence Knoll herself.

This Florence Knoll Lounge Chair found on Knoll was designed in 1954 and remains a classic piece today. The piece is 32”w x 32d x 31h and costs $4803 on knoll.com. 4 The premiere piece, the Mano lamp found on FontanaArte was designed

by Pietro Chiesa in 1932. Measuring 12.2” x 27.5”, it can be bought in Milano or New York. 5 Every coffee table needs some sexy books. Both books can be found at barnesandnoble.com. Tom Ford at $92.29 and Louis Vuitton at $55.25. 6 Truly a treasure, the Tavolo Scultura coffee table is sure to drop some jaws. It can be found with Gabriella Crespi but cost is unavailable as it is a collector’s piece. The great room is made with the luxurious.

All products and services available to the trade only.

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THE IMAGERY

STAIRCASE INSPIRATION

As the staircase design was becoming a reality, the designer decided to research stunning designs that had already taken place in the design world.

It all began with a focal interest in unique shaping of the staircase itself. In the Perez home, the staircase is the very first impression of the home. It was vital that the design was awe-inspiring. Looking into past works was an important step in receiving inspiration for a staircase that needed to go beyond what had been done before. Inspiration was also taken from the infamous Zaha Hadid’s golden sculptural elements. A statement was made with the columns rather than a

simply a structural element that is a necessity for the space. First, there was exploration with the top left inspiration photograph and the suble and sensual curving. From there there was a more direct and harsh approach with the zig zag and sharp turnings.

The other photographs play with this idea of a sharp turning with a straight approach. The final design was successful because of the research phase, the materials used, and the unique shaping of the peice.

TEXT BY PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANONYMOUS / PRODUCED BY DARRIN BROOKS 11 ELLE DECOR

TOP LEFT The first inspiration picture for the project explored the lovely shape of the curve.

The picture is quite successful in creating a lasting emotion through the use of shape

BOTTOM LEFT The exploration of different shaping can be seen with these pictures. One takes the curve and dramatizes it while the other creates an illusionistic design.

ABOVE All three play with the line in different ways helping with the final design of the staircase.

SHORTLIST 1 / ANTORCHA SCONCE This sconce was designed for Nessen Lighting by Benjamin. It reminds Benjamin of the torches of his childhood seen in Puerto Rico.

3. Funky Flatware 1. Memories in a stunning sconce

2 / THE PALE OF MEMORY “It made me nostalgic for places I used to go”, says Benjamin. Set in New York circa 1990, the book speaks on marriage equality

3 / ARNE JACOBSEN FLATWARE Benjamin is “intrigued with the scale and shape of these beautiful objects” as they “look good in modern as well as period interiors.”

4 / PINK FLAMINGOS As seen in the Showhouse for Casa Decor, Benjamin adds an element of fun to interiors with a flash of pink

5 / THE BEACH “The beach is a constant place for inspiration to me.”

6 / LUCITE FURNITURE The stunning silhouettes in many of Benjamin’s interiors have been achieved by his beautiful use of lucite furniture that create an illusion of lightness

2. A must read

BENJAMIN NORIEGA-ORTIZ

4. A unique touch of fun

12 THINGS HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Beginning at eight or nine years old, Benjamin was drawing up floor plans for his favorite type of home, ones with interior courtyards, on the graph paper notebooks his mother would buy for him. At his first chance he painted his entire room pure white. And so it began with a pure white room and red detailing; a career of award winning spaces with a minimalist touch and an exploration of fantasy within his interiors. A graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico, Benjamin found such a love for design, art, music, photography, and dance.

It didn’t stop there though, Benjamin continued his education with a second master’s degree in Urban Design from Columbia University. However, it truly all began with his placement at John Saladino. Benjamin has a wide portfolio of designers he has worked with, clients, shows he has been a part of, and of course his own works. All these experiences have led to the successful designer that Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is today.

BY PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM

7 / THE MASTER OF WHITE Benjamin is known for his art of using white in his interiors

8 / CLASSIC DONGHIA CHAISE A piece that as Benjamin says is, “gracious but not loud”, the Donghia Chaise is full of style and comfort.

9 / SHEER DRAPERY What better to create a feeling of fantasy than a sensual sheer

10 / ABYU LIGHTING Benjamin knows how to bring fun to an interior, especially through his use of ABYU lighting.

11 / MONGOLIAN LAMB FUR Comfort and classic, what else does a room need?

12 / SALADINO’S BOOK A reference to the master 5. Inspiration from the beach

9. Sheer drapery

6. Lucite furniture

8. Donghia Chaise

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7. White paint

SHORTLIST

1. Stationary from Mara-Mi

1 / MARA-MI STATIONARY The little details found within the Mara-Mi line are impeccable. Stationary with heart and a touch of funk excites me.

2 / THE EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR I have a fetish for iconic chairs in general, but there is something about an Eames piece that pulls at my heart strings, particularly the Eames Lounge.

3 / HELLER DINNERWARE After watching Design is One, I can’t wait for the day that I can get my hands on a Heller dinnerware set.

4 / MANG INASAL

2. A fetish for iconic chairs

I have been craving Mang Inasal ever since we left the Philippines.

So delicious! And inexpensive!!

3. Heller Dinnerware set by Massimo Vignelli

5 / TRICYCLE RIDES There is nothing more fun than riding around a village in the Philippines in a tricycle. Just shoot the guappo sign and your famous and so loved!!

6 / ELLENOS GREEK YOGURT 4. Mang Inasal

Seattle brought many fun memories, but one of the fondest was the gem of Ellenos Greek Yogurt on Pikes place.

7 / BOSE HEADPHONES

PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM

A necessity for rocking out in the studio, my Bose headphones clear out my mind and get me in the zone.

12 THINGS SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

8 / DESIGN MAGAZINES

Paige Kirschbaum has been drawing up floor plans since she was ten years old. A love for design that begun early in life has sustained her through the years. Paige finds passion in many aspects of design from graphic design to interior design to product and package design--it all excites her and fuels her fire as a designer. Her top 12 favorites are listed in this article from the pen she is using to exotic travels to the Philippines. A third year student in Utah State University’s Interior Design program, Paige looks forward to her time she will be spending in New York City this summer as Vicente Wolf ’s intern. An exciting time to be jumping into the field of design, Paige can’t wait to graduate and begin her work as an Interior Designer.

Her travels, best reads, style, music, and food choices are all found right here so what are you waiting for? Find out what’s going on in Paige Kirschbaum’s head!

BY PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM

Stacks and stacks to keep me on my toes.

9 / SEXY WATCHES The perfect completion to an outfit, in my eyes, is a unique and bold watch.

10 / PACKAGE DESIGN There is something so beautiful to me in package design done well. Love me some good graphic design.

11 / PRECISE V5 PEN I’m completely lost without it. I use it for everything--notes to renderings--it’s a necessity.

12 / CRIME AND PUNISHMENT To date the best novel I’ve ever read.

8. Stacks of inspiration

5. Tricycle rides in the Philippines

12. Crime and Punishment

11. Precise V5 pen

10. Package design done well

7. Bose headphones for getting in the zone

6. Ellenos Greek Yogurt from Seattle’s Pikes Place 9. Marc Jacobs watch

FLOOR PLANS

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CAREFUL AND PRECISE SPACE PLANNING HAS LED TO A PERFECTED FLOOR PLAN

SPACE PLANNING

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PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM

SPOTLIGHT

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

This rug was just too difficult to resist when it came to picking out the final stair runner.

The soft natural side of this piece, contrasting with the starkness of materials was the perfect juxtoposition.

PAIGE KIRSCHBAUM INTERIORS LOGAN, UT

PUERTO RICO

THE FIRST IMPRESSION COMPANY The Rug Company

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RETAIL price available upon request

INFO therugcompany.com

IVINS&KIRSCH.COM

GILDED LUXURY

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THE MAJESTIC FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE PEREZ FAMILY’S NEW PUERTO RICAN HOME

irst impressions are everything. As guests walk into the Perez home the initial eye candy is surely the staircase.

The Perez family constantly entertains within their home and they needed a breath-taking impression with their staircase. The Zaha Hadid sculptures (left) were the inspiration for the funky columns.

Hadid’s style was the perfect adjustment to the already standing columns--such a fun detail for a load bearing column. The juxtaposition of the different materials create visual interest and texture throughout the entire space.

Glass, black coated steel, and a soft monarch butterfly custom stair runner complete the facade of the first impression.

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SPOTLIGHT

CATCH THE VIEW

Argentine Leather Rug Stark Carpet Design: 69848A 21 ELLE DECOR

Tavolo Scultura by Gabriella Crespi Belgian Black Marble

Gareth Mason 2010 English Stoneware 30”H x 23”W x 21”D

DIVINE ARTISTRY

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WHEN IT COMES TO THE NEW LIVING ROOM, GO AHEAD, WALK IN AND RELAX

ore than any other space, the living room radiates the concept of “Black Tie and Barefoot”. Each piece of furniture in the

space from the Ox chair to the Allonge sofa is made to enrapture its occupant. As you sit in the ox chair its arms enfold you as you snuggle up to the mongolian lamb fur pillow in crisp white. The Perez couple radiate artistic youthfulness as does the living room. With punches of color and multiple references to fine art, the space completes the personality of the young couple. A reflective ceiling brings an unexpected element to the space, capturing the dimensionality of each element within.

Custom window treatments bring both comfort and elegance to complete the divine art that is the final living room design.

Allonge Sofa

by Sally Sirkin Lewis 90”L x 39”D x 34”H

Wegner Ox chair

by Hans Wegner Black EJ Leather ELLE DECOR 22

SPOTLIGHT

A ROOM OF INSPIRATION

Aegean Filet Dinner Plates L’Objet Design: AG5104

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Phantom Dining Table GRAFT for Stilwerk Limited Edition

Fordham & Faulkner 18th century candlesticks Christie’s

INSPIRE WITHIN

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INSPIRATION PULLED FROM YVES KLEIN IS FOUND IN THE STUNNING DINING ROOM

ves Klein is a masterful artist whose use of gold and blue has inspired this gorgeous dining room.

The use of sculptural furniture creates a unique

elegance that helps in the final design of the etnire home.

The smoke chair is the perfect compliment to the Phantom dining table that will fit the Perez family’s need for a full house made for entertaining. Sicis was the avenue for the final design of the back wall. Their beautiful tiles create a custom glimmering wall of depth and interest. Reflective surfaces in pure white create another dimension of the final dining space.

Smoke Dining Chair

by Maarten Baas Moooi

Stupa Silver Rug by Suzanne Sharp The Rug Company

Broom Light by William Brand & Annet van Egmond Sold by BONLUXAT

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SPOTLIGHT

EXTERIOR PARADISE

GIGI Lounge Chair Janus et Cie Outdoor Ivory 25 ELLE DECOR

Maya Coffee Table Palecek 31.75"d x 17"h

SARI LIGHTS III LAPIS Stephanie Odegard Collection

a breath of FRESH AIR

Capsule Side Table Janus et Cie Palladium

Anish Kapoor Convex Mirror Sculpture

Panton Side Chair DWR Black

THE BAREFOOT SIDE OF THE CONCEPT “BLACKTIE AND BAREFOOT”

Brighton Dining Table Palecek 84"w x 44"dp x 30"h ELLE DECOR 26