Janus et Cie in Miami

One showroom that was a must to visit during my quick and dirty jaunt to the Miami Design District was Janus et Cie.

Beautiful outdoor furniture that is impeccable crafted and detailed isn’t easy to find, so when a high end project comes along that requires al fresco decor, one of my first stops is Janus et Cie.

My favourite collection is the Azimuth, which is so crisp and classy in the white vermouth finish. It is clean lined but still has enough character to blend in with more traditional decor as well.

The Forest side chair is quite the stunner in this coral red hue. These would make an unbelievable foil for a white lacquer dining table in a mod home…

 

The infamous faux-bois collections is so ethereal and unique – like a fairytale in your own backyard!

I was totally impressed with the showroom’s collection of accessories, which were all so fun and different! 

The Grecian pitcher and tray are so graphic and would lend a cultural kind of feeling to a vignette.

These silver barnacle sculptures would look divine in an outdoor tablescape by the sea.

These porcelain mini flowerpots are great to look at, but also fun to feel, thanks to their mix of the polished finish on the rim and matte on the base.

 

And here are some parting shots of the balcony of my family’s vacation pad in Miami where we recently had our own Azimuth suite delivered. We chose a pale aqua fabric for the cushions to match the building’s exterior glass. I can’t tell you how comfortable and gorgeous the pieces are! Next stop are some accessories to complete the new look!

The Rug Company in Miami

Everyone knows The Rug Company – how can you not considering the brand’s drool-inducing catalogue with its impeccably deigned roomsets… Even though I kind of know the catalogue by heart, I still find myself drifting into one of their showrooms whenever I get the chance and the Miami Design District location is no different.

Not to be outdone by the piles of rugs you can peruse with their enigmatic colours and patterns, the cushions are drool- worthy too– I find Vivienne Westwood’s and Tara Bernerd’s to be especially divine!

Of course the infamous LOVE wall hanging is also another reason to stop in and see the beautiful handmade works of art in person.

All the showstoppers are there to see and feel in the flesh; witness Paul Smith’s infamous swirl and the gorgeous yet slightly askew Papillon by Tara Bernerd..

One rug which was great to see in person was Peony by Helen Ann Murray- the texture is divine and you can’t truly appreciate the motif until you see it in its three-dimensional glory.

Highlights of the McQueen collection are everywhere, including the awe-inducing gold and black rug with its chinoiserie feel and the signature needlepointed skull cushions.

Now if only I could find room in my apartment (and in my pocketbook) for this, this, and this..

Miami Design District Highlights

As planned, I made my inaugural visit to the Miami Design District while I was on vacay. I had a pathetic 2 hours to try and squeeze it all in, but of course I missed tons so I am planning a return next visit ASAP for my next trip!

Not just for the trade, the design district boasts gourmet dining destinations and high-end fashion boutiques that draw a regular crowd of non-design professionals. I will share some more in-depth looks at a few specific showrooms later this week, but to kick off my adventures, here are some brief highlights:

The trompe l’oeil backdrop of the Maison Martin Margiela store.

The candy coloured furniture, rugs and cushions at Missoni Home.

The to-die-for black and white stripe étagère displaying lovely white china at Tomas Maier. 

The spotted fur throw at Raul Carrasco

The delectable antipasto feast my mother and I attempted to tackle at Fratelli Lyon (4 layers: cheese, meat, vegetables, and seafood…utter heaven!)

The King’s Speech

You must see this movie! It’s such a great story and is extremely well acted. Bonus for decor nerds like me: all the fabulous patterned wallpaper- especially in the homes belonging to Lionel- makes for awesome eye candy (as do the Wedgewood jasperware plaques on the walls of the Duke of York’s home). It took a lot of strength to not pull out my camera and start discreetly snapping flash-free photos of the sets!

Prettiest Party Dress and More at Valentino

The Valentino boutique in Bal Harbour has officially SLAYED me with it’s gorgeousness. The soft hues of blush, layers of lace and occasional zing of punky studs are too much to handle!

Unfortunately I cannot find all the drop-dead  items online, but here are two of my faves:

One Shoulder Lace Dress and  Jeweled Peep Toe d'Orsay Pump – both with super feminine detailing and plenty of sizzle to boot!