POSTCARD PERFECT

This 1931 Spanish Mediterranean abode had been featured on a Miami postcard back in the day, reveals client Chris Paciello, and it had long been a favorite of his. When it came on the market, the Anatomy fitness centers owner didn’t hesitate to snap it up. Soon thereafter, he enlisted longtime collaborator and House of One founder Brittany Farinas to give it a fresh look while still preserving its original character. Or, as Farinas puts it: “We wanted a new old feel.”

“When we first got into the house, the architectural detailing was overwhelming,” says Farinas. “There was lots of mosaic, heavy molding, and dark woods.” While some of those features, like the original tile flooring, were left in place, many others came out in favor of more contemporary materials. After redesigning four homes together, the designer and homeowner had found their stride. “Chris never gives directions per se, but he’s very involved in all projects,” says Farinas, who’s currently working on two other houses owned by Paciello. “We work through the details together, walk through each room, throw out ideas, and then I come back with renderings. He lets me be creative, and I know what he likes: a tailored, masculine, minimalist design.”

For his part, Paciello has become savvy about design and construction after 20-plus years operating nightclubs, restaurants, and gyms, and renovating multiple Spanish Mediterranean homes like this one. “I’ve always loved the style, and that’s perhaps because I used to live in Southern California and it reminds me of Old Hollywood,” he says. “I guess I’m an old soul.” (houseof1.com) —Judy Martel

Amped Up Appliances

WHEN IT COMES TO APPLIANCES, THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO GO. FIRST, YOU CAN MINIMIZE THEM BY PANELING TO MATCH THE CABINETRY—A POPULAR CHOICE ESPECIALLY FOR REFRIGERATORS AND DISHWASHERS. OR, YOU CAN GO THE OPPOSITE ROUTE AND MAKE A STATEMENT. MANY BRANDS LIKE CAFÉ APPLIANCES, SAMSUNG, SMEG, AND TRUE RESIDENTIAL OFFER CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS WITH FINISHES AND COLORS THAT ARE A STRIKING ALTERNATIVE TO STAINLESS STEEL.

Dazzling Details

Hardware is often said to be the “jewelry” of cabinetry—a finishing touch that really pulls the design together. Make a statement in unique materials like stone or leather. On the flip side, there is also the option to have no hardware at all (another big trend). This look, which is often referred to as channeled cabinetry, works nicely in modern kitchens.

Captivating Cabinetry

BY DESIGN