A clever and astute designer knows how to work within the parameters of existing collections and succeed. Such was the case for Daniela Saliba when she took on the redesign of a 4,300-square-foot vacation home in Bal Harbour that called on her to incorporate art and furnishings from the clients’ New York residence. Saliba welcomed the challenge and delivered a space that’s as charming as it is individual.
What was the design directive for this project?
The homeowners wanted to renovate the house without changing the existing marble flooring. The project included installing wood flooring in the bedrooms, remodeling all bathrooms, and incorporating some existing furniture from their New York apartment.
What was your inspiration for the design?
I was inspired by their New York residence, which I had an opportunity to visit, and which gave me a better understanding of how the clients lived.
One of the first things one notices in this home is the art collection. Did you have a role in that?
The clients already had an extensive art collection in their New York home from which I selected pieces to incorporate here. I also suggested some new artworks, which include a painting by Beatriz Milhazes for the dining room, some photography for the primary bedroom, and a small photo by Denilson Machado, who photographed these interiors, which we placed in a hallway next to an antique chair.
How did the art influence your design?
It played a major role. My cues for the decor came from the art, which reflects the history and memories of the clients. They wanted a home full of personality and meaningful pieces, and the art was key in achieving that.
What was your approach to palette?
Because the artworks are so colorful, I chose a neutral scheme and introduced subtle accents through rugs and furnishings.
What about textures?
Wood, wood, and more wood. We used different types to bring warmth to the social areas where there’s marble flooring.
You mentioned the marble flooring was an existing feature of the residence. Did you have to do anything to it?
We refinished it to remove the shine and give it a more relaxed, less formal look.
Tell us about your furniture strategy. What direction did you take?
I opted for a contemporary style with a mix of Brazilian, Italian, and Danish pieces. I enjoy the balancing act of different genres to achieve an original result.
What was the most challenging aspect of this project?
It would have to be the remodeling of the dining room with the existing marble flooring and fitting two desks into the home office, which was originally a service bathroom. Both had successful and surprising outcomes.
What was the reaction of the clients to the finished residence?
They told me they truly felt at home right away. That’s the best part of my job, delivering a project the owners love because it was designed with every detail of their lives in mind.
Story Credits:
Text by Florian Jouin
Photography by Denilson Machado
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