Date Archives: September 2017

A home's design should be a reflection of its inhabitants — either refined and elegant, eclectic and artsy, or anything in between. Interior designers make it a priority to create an environment that speaks directly to his or her client's personality through the color scheme, furniture choice and overall aesthetic. John De Bastiani, based in New York City, is one such designer. Drawing inspiration from his client's preferences and the surrounding landscape, he creates stunning yet approachable homes all over the country — some of which have made it into publications such as Traditional Home, House Beautiful and Boston Globe Magazine. We spoke to him about his background, his inspiration behind a stunning Miami project, and current trends he admires.

Premier Estate Properties: How did you get your start in interior design? Has design always sparked your interest?

John De Bastiani: I started out working for Brunschwig & Fils, a leading industry fabric house, in the 90's. [Interior design] was always a great interest of mine, and really grew into something that I wanted to pursue as a career while working in the business for B & F. I love the creative process and seeing "the fruit of your labor" in a relatively short period of time.  

PEP: Can you tell me about your firm?

JDB: I have a pretty small firm. It's just me, an assistant and a bookkeeper. I share an apartment in New York City with my partner, and have a home office there which I work out of when doing projects on that side of the country. Right now I have several clients on the east coast so I've been spending about 2/3 of my time in New York, and the remainder in Los Angeles.  

PEP: What is one big trend in interior design right now? How do you feel about it?

JDB: I think the biggest trend hands down is mixing modern with traditional. You see this a lot in new construction — especially developer residential construction. Things like "farmhouse modern" or taking a traditional house and changing the interior finishes to create a more contemporary or streamlined look. You see this a lot in kitchens and bathrooms especially.

PEP: Tell me about this project in Miami. What was the client looking for? How did you help bring their vision to life?

JDB: [This project] was done for a Silicon Valley mogul. The client wanted a modern look, but not one full of Italian, glass and chrome furniture. They wanted the house to have its own personality. I took cues from their other houses and interpreted them into a more coastal, organic and modern design. Many have commented that it looks like "the Hamptons meets Miami." We also had the benefit of using our client's wonderful art collection.  

PEP: It looks like the art collection is made up of abstract, statement pieces. Would you say that decorators should stick to a certain theme when decorating their walls?

JDB:  I'm not one just to mix things just for the sake of mixing, it must work and have some relation and congruity. The room can take on a "dog's breakfast" look if things do not marry well. It also helps bring together the soothing palette if art is in the same color range.

PEP: The color palette incorporates so many shades of blue! Would you say blue acts as a neutral in this case?

JDB: I love blue, and I do use it almost as a neutral. It has a calming effect and also worked well in this case with the ocean right outside the windows. I also wanted to highlight the main art piece in the living room, the overcalled Massimo Vital photograph. It's a wandering European beach scene that incorporates lovely blues, grey, and sands colors, pretty much the living room colors.  

PEP: How do you typically go about choosing color palettes for a project?

JDB: I typically pick an overall palette after meeting with my client and finding out what colors they enjoy. Many people are attracted to my work because of my use of blue, so often people choose a blue color palette. I try to not do blue in every room though, but break it up a little with something else.

PEP: Does the landscape of a community influence your designs at all?  

JDB: Yes, absolutely. I would not decorate a ski lodge the same way I would decorate a seaside home. Oftentimes, looking to nature is a great way to be inspired for a design concept.  

PEP: Would you say you have a signature in your design projects? Or a rule you always follow? (In other words, what sets you apart?)

JDB: I think my look is not fussy, always comfortable and usable. I incorporate clean lines, and usually stay in a blue color range. Whether the project is traditional or modern, I think this carries through all my projects. I think there is oftentimes a tranquil feel to my projects — your home should be an oasis from the ever-increasingly hectic world.  

PEP: What are your design plans for the future?

JDB: I am really looking forward to doing more work in Florida. We are about to begin a great project in Palm Beach soon, and [I have] a few things in Boca Raton coming up. It is very easy for me to work anywhere in the country and it's something I am very used to. I also design and make most of the furniture these day for all my projects — that way my clients are getting something unique for just them.  

We Hope You Enjoyed Getting to Know a Design Legend!

Learn more about his work and see his latest projects on his website.   All photos courtesy of John De Bastiani.  Save Save Save Save Save Save

Residents of the South Florida region were significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma, which left many without power and water, and caused damage to homes, cars and streets. A number of organizations are stepping in to assist those in need, providing financial assistance, donations of essential supplies, and hands-on volunteer service. Below are just a handful of ways you can assist those affected by the tragic devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. Your financial contribution and hands-on service are the best ways to help those in need.  

DONATE MONEY

  While sending supplies may be helpful in some cases, keep in mind that the best way to help in the wake of disaster is by sending a financial donation to organizations on the ground floor of the recovery process. Critical needs can change rapidly, so it is vital to make sure you are not adding additional stress by supplying unneeded goods. This may burden a local organization's ability to meet survivors' confirmed needs, drawing away valuable volunteer labor, transportation, and warehouse space. Instead, an organization can purchase the most-needed items in bulk with the money you donate, assisting the largest amount of people with the least amount of resources spent. According to FEMA, "The best way to help is with cash donations to trusted organizations. Cash is efficient, flexible to use, and requires no packaging or transport. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery."  

Complete Lists of Organizations Accepting Donations

1) National VOAD, or Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is an association of organizations assisting in relief efforts after Hurricane Irma. National VOAD is able to foster a more efficient delivery of services to communities affected by disaster. For a full list of organizations accepting donations for Hurricane Irma, visit National VOAD's list of members. 2) Other reliable organizations are listed on Charity Navigator's list of charities providing assistance in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Charity Navigator evaluates charities across the country, administering an assessment based on a rating system examining two broad areas of a charity's performance — their Financial Health and their Accountability & Transparency.  

The American Red Cross

One of the most trusted organizations in times of disaster is the American Red Cross, which is accepting donations online, by phone, by mail, and even through text — simply text "IRMA" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your financial gift will significantly impact the amazing hands-on work the Red Cross is doing.  

Feeding Florida

Feeding Florida operates a statewide network of food banks equipped to mobilize and provide relief to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Irma. Join in their efforts by donating, as every single dollar will be directed to their food banks serving those who have lost access to food and water.  

Volunteer Florida

Volunteer Florida is the state's lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. In response to Hurricane Irma, Volunteer Florida is mobilizing volunteers to staff our state's shelters and other disaster relief organizations. Helping this organization financially will equip their volunteers to assist the communities affected by the disaster.  

VOLUNTEER

Sacrificing your time, energy and physical labor is one of the best ways to assist those in need in the wake of a natural disaster. However, it is important to not self-deploy, as unexpectedly showing up to any of the impacted communities may create an additional burden for first responders. Instead, register in advance to ensure you are sent to the correct location and your arrival is expected and planned for. Volunteer Florida is mobilizing volunteers to staff the state's shelters and other disaster relief organizations. Be a part of their relief efforts by signing up as a volunteer. The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to staff shelters, load and unload trucks, serve food, provide comfort, and set up facilities. Sign up as a volunteer to help with whatever is needed! Habitat for Humanity deploys volunteers to perform basic cleanup work, and eventually repair and rebuild structures in affected areas. This process will take months and could take years to complete, so they will need volunteers now and down the road! Airbnb is in search of volunteers willing to open their homes and rentals free of charge to those displaced by the hurricane. Open up your home to those in need!  

It is never too late to help!

Even if you are reading this months after Hurricane Irma struck, it is never too late to help. In fact, sometimes the rebuilding process is most understaffed and underfunded after the media attention dies down in the months ahead. Keep the victims of Hurricane Irma in your thoughts and prayers in the next few months — and even years — as they start to recover, rebuild and regain strength after tragedy struck. Please don't let timing discourage you from lending a helping hand. On behalf of those affected by Hurricane Irma, thank you for considering the ways you can help your neighbors in need.

The coveted Coral Ridge community is conveniently nestled near the heart of Fort Lauderdale, yet the neighborhood's exclusive vibe makes it feel like it is worlds away. Coral Ridge is a vibrant and secluded slice of paradise, and is perfect for yacht enthusiasts as it offers easy access to Intracoastal Waterways and an unparalleled amount of space to dock vessels both small and large. These are all incredible perks, but of course, the homes are what make Coral Ridge truly exceptional. Here are seven estates for sale in this desirable zip code.

A Yachter's Dream Home

This home is for sale at 2875 NE 36th Street | Listed by Ron Lennen and Maureen Rotella

A dramatic sweep of the Intracoastal Waterway sets the stage for modern living at this stunning estate. Enjoy fabulous indoor and outdoor spaces that embody resort-style living, a serene garden courtyard, abundant natural light, and much more. Additionally, yachters will enjoy the ample space for vessel dockage on the shoreline.  

Luxury on the Intracoastal Waterway

This home is for sale at 1900 Intracoastal Drive | Listed by Matthew Bobby and Rory Vanucchi

This beautiful, spacious estate on the Intracoastal Waterway provides direct views of Birch State Park. Enjoy the luxuries of a tumble marble drive with electronic privacy gates, polished marble floors and a coral-stone fireplace. On warm days, take a dip in the backyard pool with stunning water views.  

A Beautiful Home at Water's Edge

This home is for sale at 2881 NE 24th Street | Listed by Matthew Bobby and Rory Vanucchi

Nestled on an intersection of the Intracoastal Waterway and a wide finger canal, this gated waterfront estate offers direct ocean access and a comprehensive vision of the classic Florida lifestyle. The renovated two-story, four-bedroom home offers stunning views from nearly every room, a heated pool, lush landscaping and more.  

Swoon-Worthy From Every Angle

This home is for sale at 2832 NE 24th Place | Listed by Matthew Bobby and Rory Vanucchi

This impressive, Mediterranean-inspired estate is not only a striking example of architecture, but also a wonderful place to call home. With plenty of docking space, luxurious indoor and outdoor living spaces, a marble finished garden terrace, a home theater, elegant detailing, and a gourmet kitchen, this home is swoon-worthy from every angle.

A Mediterranean-Style Haven in Coral Ridge

This home is for sale at 2880 NE 26th Place | Listed by Matthew Bobby and Rory Vanucchi

The epitome of a luxurious yachting lifestyle in Coral Ridge, this impressive seven-bedroom estate is filled to the brim with covetable features. Take for instance the stunning views that stretch to the Intracoastal Waterway, the enchanting, lantern-lit exterior, or the exquisite Mediterranean-style architecture. There is so much to love about this home!

A Beautifully Appointed Estate

This home is for sale at 2841 NE 35th Court | Listed by Matthew Bobby and Rory Vanucchi

This beautifully appointed, five-bedroom estate has it all. Owners of this property will enjoy ample space to dock an 80-foot vessel, a spectacular resort-style pool and terrace, Brazilian cherry plank and marble flooring, lush tropical landscaping, and so much more.  

The Perfect Home for Entertaining

This home is for sale at 2829 NE 24th Place | Listed by Matthew Bobby and Rory Vanucchi

Designed with equal emphasis on comfort, quality and aesthetics, this stunning estate is fresh and classic. The open layout is ideal for entertaining, as is the walk-in wet bar and luxurious patio.

Which Estate is Your Dream Home?

We would love to hear about it in the comments!