Home & Decor — 06 October 2012
Contemporary design is cool again

BY CHARLYNE VARKONYI SCHAUB

South Florida designers say their clients are asking for clean, uncluttered spaces. Typical upholstery choices are neutral with a pop of color used in accessories and art. Many also use metal accents – a part of the reflective surfaces trend.

 1. French finesse 

This desk may be inspired by the industrial age, but the chrome finish updates its look to today. It features two curving open compartments and a slide-out panel to expand workspace or to use a laptop. The 60-inch desk is $1,895 and the 74-inch desk is $2,195. Also available in gunmetal finish protected by clear lacquer. See www.restorationhardware.com.

 2. Modern classic 

The Kobi, by French designer Patrick Norguet and Alias, is reminiscent of the classic Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia. Upholstery options include a choice of leather or fabric cushions for seat only, seat plus back or full shell. Legs can be selected in aluminum with colored or chromed shell or oak-veneered aluminum with shell lacquered in different colors. Prices start at $633 for indoor option, with cushions starting at $98; $765 for outdoor, with cushions starting at $163. Available at Poltrona Frau Group, Miami, 3800 NE Miami Court, Miami, 33137, 305-576-3636, www.poltronafraumiami.net.

 3. Four-poster fantasy 

Forget thinking a four-poster bed has to look like it came out of an episode of Downton Abbey. This black tuxedo bed from the Metropolitan Collection fuses a traditional idea with bold modernism. Rich channeled leather and a hand-polished stainless steel canopy frame brings a classic into the 21st century. It is available in king ($6,495) or queen ($5,495) from Tui Lifestyle, 18000 State Road 9, Miami, 33162, 305-652-0232; and 3886 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33137, 305-573-5411, www.tuilifestyle.com.

 

 4. Cocoon comfort 

Graceful curves make the Cocoon Bed by Scan Design a work of art as well as a place to sleep, read or work on your laptop. It is available in black or white eco leather in king and queen, with prices starting at $2,998. Available at Scan Design at 4150 N. 28th Terrace, Hollywood, 33020, 954-874-3888; and 3025 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, 33160, 305-944-8080, www.scandesign.com.

 5. New direction 

The director’s chair has always been a classic and this creative twist makes it perfect for now. The Poltrona Topkapi Crocco has a steel frame with crocodile embossed leather. It sells for $4,800 at Artefacto, 17651Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 33160, 305-931-9484; and 4440 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1600, Coral Gables, 33146, 305-774-0004, www.artefactousa.com.

 6. Color blocking chic 

Most contemporary design relies on neutral tones as a base. Lyrics gives you a chance to add color to break up a wall unit. Add coordinating throw pillows to echo the color. It comes in six wood finishes with eight lacquer colors. You can create your own configuration or chose from 25 preset arrangements. As shown, it sells for $7,845 at Sklar, 6300 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, 33487, 561-862-0800, www.sklarfurnishings.com.

 

 7. Brazilian beat 

Another interesting way to pump up the volume in a neutral room is to add a colorful carpet, like this bold geometric design from the Optica Collection. The 5-by-8-foot carpet is made from quality leather in Brazil and sells for $5,699 at ABC Carpet & Home, 777 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach, 33445, 561-279-7777, www.abchome.com.

 

 8. Roundabout redux 

You have probably seen this seating in hotels, show houses and some magazines. It’s modern, modular and perfect for a large room used for entertaining. The design features button tufting on the seat back and a polished chrome detail on the bottom. The lightweight and sturdy modular pieces can be transported easily. Available for $3,995.95 at Modern Line Furniture, 1320 Stirling Road, Unit # 9A, Dania Beach, 33004, 954-594-3922, www.modernlinefurniture.com.

 

 9. Etoile sophistication 

No wonder Natuzzi named this sofa Etoile – it has star quality with an open base, height adjustable headrest and goose-feather fill. Price available upon request. From Natuzzi Italia stores, The Galleria, 2568 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 33304, 954-561-6999; and 18187 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 33160, 305-932-007, www.natuzziamericas.com.


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