Welcome to our blog! Fava Design Group is embarking upon a New Year, which means new beginnings and fresh starts. 2011 was one of our busiest and most successful years yet, and we plan on making 2012 even better.

Kicking off the year was an event for which we are honored to have been selected for. The whole experience was truly enlightening for each member of our staff who participated.

Fava Design Group was one of 9 designers selected by Luxe Magazine in conjunction with the Dania Beach Design District to participate in an amazing event. Each Designer was paired up with a US Military Veteran recognized by their respective Broward County community to do a room make over. It was like extreme makeover, but for local South Florida Veterans.

Fava Design Group was paired with a family of five who lives in Sunrise. The patriarch has served the US Navy for 24 years in the reserves. He was called up right after 9-11 and was in the covert missions department in Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. As he was self employed prior to going to war, he lost his business. His wife, who was employed with the business, lost her job as well. They have 3 amazing kids who are so proud of their father. Even after the hardship this family has been through, when designer Joe Fava asked them if they would do it again, all answered "yes" simultaneously.

So originally, we were asked to do one room, the Family Room. But we decided to go above and beyond and do the Family Room and Dining Room, which basically encompassed 80% of the first floor of their single family home. We decided to reverse the existing locations of the Family and Dining Rooms so as to better utilize each space.

The design concept was to open up the space a bit. We started by removing the wall between the two rooms. This really allowed for more flow! We then removed the faux stone veneer over the wall adjacent to their kitchen to give it an update. Once the wall was smoothed and painted, it fit into the design scheme more appropriately.

Next we laid high end faux wood flooring for a clean look. We removed the existing popcorn ceiling and painted the new ceiling a classic off white. The walls were painted a neutral sandy color. A designer fan with light was installed in the new Family Room, and hi hat lights were added for additional lighting. The family had a great vintage style chandelier which we decided to reuse in the new Dining Room.

Classic cream linen draperies were installed on decorative bronze iron rods, and rugs were laid. The rooms were really starting to come together!

The entire project was pro bono with no cost to the Veteran or his family. We received donations of high end furniture, fabric, area rugs, construction labor, flooring labor and materials, drapery labor and materials, accessories, and some monetary donations from local showrooms, businesses, friends and former clients.

The exciting part came when furniture was delivered, and art and accessories began to adorn the space. Much of this process was captured by local South Florida news channels 7 and 10. The news stories aired on January 24, 2012.

Channel 10 coverage

Channel 7 coverage

Here are some photos of the completed project. The family is very happy with their new space and we at Fava Design Group are happy to have created it for them!

Family Room overview Dining Room

Family Room bar

Family Room

The Veteran and his family with Principal Designer Joe Fava and his staff

Fava Design Group

A new year, new beginnings