DESIGN

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FROM CITY TO SHORE, THE FINE ART OF LAUDY LIVING

©2021 MICHAELSTAVARIDIS

DESIGN

HOME GAME

When it came time to design his Plantation home, former NFL quarterback Erik Rodriguez “E.J.” Manuel (who has passed the pigskin for such teams as the Buffalo Bills, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs) wasn’t about to let just anyone call the plays.

Now an analyst for the Atlantic Coast Conference Network (ACCN) and ESPN, Manuel tapped Eilyn Jimenez, founder and creative director of Sire Design, to tackle his 4,500-square-foot, six-bedroom home. Tasked with creating a modern, masculine, and sexy space, Jimenez (whose work can be seen on Netflix’s Designing Miami) used deep tones and pops of burgundy, burnt orange, and black throughout.

“If this home could be described in one word, it would be ‘sexy,’” says Jimenez. “With rich textures and deep moody colors, we designed a home that feels grown, masculine yet refined.”

The home features a wine cellar, billiard room with custom pool table, theater room, and full office equipped for filming, so Manuel can offer his analysis on any game, at any time from the comfort of his newly designed pad.

©2021 MICHAELSTAVARIDIS

“I was filming for ACCN during the COVID season and needed some sort of window treatment to help block light shining in,” Manuel recalls. “I called Eilyn, and within the week I had the windows treated so I could do my job without the hot South Florida sun barreling in or compromising the shot. I also love the wine display. As I’ve expanded my travels, my wife and I always bring home a bottle of wine from Italy or France to add to the collection. It adds a fun, personal touch to the home.” (siredesign.com) –Kristen Desmond LeFevre