CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...Otto Wagner designed this Armchair for the 1900 Paris Exhibition. Although similar in form to his designs for "Die Zeit" this chair is much more luxurious. Red-stained beech frame, upholstered seat, back and armrests with brass sabots.

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...Roberto Sebastian Matta took an acrylic textile-covered methacrylate frame with polyurethane foam upholstery and what looks like a piece of art is actually a chair called the MAgriTTA in 1970.

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...CHARLES AND RAY EAMES MOULDED FIBERGALSS-REINFORCED POLYESTER SEAT SHELL CONNECTED TO A META ROD AND BIRCH SLED BASE WITH RUBBER SHOCK MOUNTS TO CREAT THEIR RAR (ROCKING ARMCHAIR ROD) CHAIR IN 1948.

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

CHAIR OF THE WEEK... Frank Lloyd Wright designed this Peacock chair, he wanted an oak frame with a seat and back upholstered in oil cloth specifically made for the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo in 1921

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...Ingo Maurer took an enamelled tubular steel frame with an aluminium seat and made this very summery yard chair.

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...Arne Jacobsen "Egg" Fabric-covered, foam-upholstered moulded fibreglass seat shell on a swivelling cast aluminium base with loose seat cushion. On a rainy day like today you just want to snuggle in this comfy chair from 1957!

CHAIR OF THE WEEK... Joe Colombo's Tube Chair from 1969. The upholstered tubes of this chair could be joined in a number of combinations. The Tube chair was an early example of furniture that could literally be bought "off the shelf"

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

CHAIR OF THE WEEK... Anna Gili's Tonda Chair from 1991. This textile-covered polyurethane foam upholstered frame chair puts the funk in funky!

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

A laminated cardboard constructed chair by Frank O. Gehry called Wiggle from 1972. This chair is from the "Easy Edges" series and says nothing but relax, unwind take a load off!!

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...

...Oscar Tusquests Blanca; Gaulino 1987 Stained oak frame with moulded plywood seat upholstered in leather. So simple but so cool!

"I believe in doing the thing you feel is right. If it looks right, it is right."
Dorothy Draper

The color of the day is True Blue! Blue is the most widely accepted color out there. It can be either masculine or feminine depending on how it is used. For a more masculine take, use a navy shade paired with dark grays, crisp whites, and warm wood tones – envision the New York Yankee’s uniform. For a more feminine flair, use lighter shades – soft blue (like the color of beach glass), soft yellow or green (think nature inspired), light or dark wood tones, and light gray. Stay away from using light pink when using light blue or else your space will feel like a nursery. When in doubt, use three different shades of blue (light, medium, dark) mixed with neutrals and your space will look great every time!

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/trueblue

"Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment."
Claude Monet

The color of the day is Gypsy Pink! This shade of hot pink has just the right amount of attitude and demands attention without being overbearing or too sweet. A room painted white with pops of this shade will read as modern and ultra-cool. When put with white, black, and gray it is classy and confident. Pair it with light pink and brown if you want a softer approach. Either way, this color is sure to seduce anyone who is exposed to it!

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/gypsypink#ce_s=2077-20

THINGS WE LIKE...EASTER

Easter is a special time of year. Not only is it an important religious holiday for Christians, but to me it also signifies the coming of Spring. Growing up in Baltimore, I was never one for the cold weather. While some embrace the four seasons, once the leaves started turning brown, Fall always reminded me of death and the impending Winter. Like a bear, I would not have minded curling up and hibernating all winter. But school stood in the way of that. I remember counting the days until the ground hog came out and couldn’t wait until the first crocuses started to burst thru the thawing ground. Spring was always the beacon of light that got me thru the winter. Now living in South Florida, I am fortunate enough to mark the year with celebrations, not weather changes. This Easter, I was not able to make it home to spend it with my family, so I hosted a dinner for 7 friends. I love to entertain. It is the perfect way to bring a group together and to enjoy the company of old and new friends. It is also the perfect time to try new recipes and new holiday décor ideas. And this year was no different. Each person was asked to make something or contribute in some way. This is my favorite way of gathering, as it makes each guest feel more connected to the celebration. Prior to my friends arrival, the table décor was decided. After trying a few different options , from my Mother’s Spode to my Grandmother’s Noritake, then my Raynud, I opted for the whimsy of my Margherita pattern by Missoni. The bright colors were perfect for my Easter tablescape. After setting the table and adding my mother’s silver and crystal that I pilfered when she and my Dad downsized, my friend Andres added two large centerpieces bursting with colorful tulips. For hsi finishing touches he placed his freshly dyed Easter eggs( his first time dyeing eggs!) to complete the "Easter Extravaganza". My friend Whitney did an amazing job with her shrimp cocktail and crab balls. Whitney has a special recipe for her cocktail sauce that gave both the shrimp and the crab balls some added “ zing”! Nisi arrived with the perfect plated tray of asparagus and a surprise tray of deviled eggs. She uses capers for a twist on the classic. Darin and Pablo outdid themselves with a pot of fingerling or “salt” potatoes and Frank amazed us all with a Pavlova that would have made Martha smile. Joseph supplied the wine, an amazing Salmon and just in case, a tray of mini pastries. I had great luck with a summer salad with jumbo lump crab meat, papaya and avocado, but the lamb was a little stubborn. We had a great time laughing about it though! Everyone parted with leftovers for lunch today…and an Easter basket filled with some of my childhood favorite candies!

CHAIR OF THE WEEK...Alessandro Mendini's Proust's Armchair, a very fun and funky hand-painted chair from 1978

FAVA AND FASHION...THE COLORED JEAN

What's hot this season? Color... and specifically the colored jean. Orange, teal, purple, yellow...You name the color and most likely there is a jean to match it. I love Burberry Brit's faded lilac jean becasue it adds a pop of color while maintaining a worn and broken-in look that a favorite jean should have. J Brand spices it up with a pale orange that looks great with khaki or white and even Dockers is on board with a crisp green that is the perfect counterpart of a navy or purple Polo. Whatever your budget, there should be a colored jean in your Spring warbdrobe!

"An interior is the natural projection of the soul."
Coco Chanel

Electric Orange

 A pop of this shade brings a sense of fun and whimsy to any space. It is best viewed as a true, deeply saturated orange so stay away from the yellow-orange family – nacho cheese only looks good on nachos. The look can be sophisticated when used with navy or gray with white to add balance. For a bold look, it looks amazing paired with hot pink and would make a great scheme for a girl’s bedroom. Used with turquoise it becomes energizing. And of course, the vibe can go retro when paired with brown or yellow. A high-gloss or lacquered finish will make this color even more spectacular. If you’re looking for a color to add personality to a room, this is the one!
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/electricorange

Joseph C Fava chosen as one of DCOTA's "Star on the Rise" - Read more about it here!

Joseph Fava - Rising Star

What the Rising Star Award means to Joe Fava

THINGS WE LIKE...STEVE JOBS

THINGS WE LIKE...

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson...fascinating, motivating, inspiring...these are but 3 words that I think of when I reflect on the biography of Steve Jobs. Nothing short of a genius, Jobs was an innovator who would settle for nothing less than perfection. A visionary, he thrived when he was surrounded by his "A" team. He challenged others equally as he pushed himself, to be their best "selves". He believed that when we as individuals strive to be our best, "we contribute back to our species" and "add something to the flow". He recognized that we all have different gifts, and when we nurture those gifts, we not only benefit ourselves, but we have the power to change the world.

Some may scoff at Interior Design as superfluous, and to be honest sometimes I have wondered myself  if I should be doing more 'important' work. But each time I see the smiles and tears of joy on the faces of my clients as they walk into their new homes for the first time, I realize that I am doing my part to change lives one project at a time. And in my own way, I am changing the world. Jobs believed that "design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers".  And I believe that each project that I complete has a part of my soul embedded into it, shown thru each layer as they all come together to create the whole.  That "whole" is my reward. What can you do to change the world? What is your "whole"?
　
　

FAVA AND FASHION...LINEN

Linen is the hot ticket for  this spring, and my favorite place to see it is on... SHOES. Shoes covered in linen have been appearing on catwalks in myriad colors, such as black, navy blue and tan. For a dressier look, I like Ferragamo's  black linen Destin loafer with leather accents. It can be dressed up with white slacks ( no socks please) or for a casual look, they are amazing with a great pair of colored jeans. But for the true fashion renegades, my favorite is the Linen Espadrille from Prada. With a price tag as steep as their soles are high, these beauties are sure to make a statement. Starting with a grey tread, there is a layer of terra cotta and another layer of cream, followed by a thick woven layer completing the sole, culminating with the natural linen uppers. Perfect with a summer suit or a great pair of linen trousers, these shoes are the "Bentley" of mens footwear this season.  Who knows how long this trend will last, but for the time being, add a pair of linen shoes to your wardrobe and  enjoy!

THINGS WE LIKE...

Casa Tua Members Bar. I had drinks with a friend recently at the Members Bar at Casa Tua and I thought the space was fabulous. It is a well-done example of the "beachy chic" aesthetic that many clients are currently requesting. I loved the subtle pallet of off white and tan linens juxtaposed against the contemporary photography. Casa Tua is the perfect place to unwind with a group of friends and a great bottle of wine!

THE COLOR OF THE DAY

The color of the day is Water Drops from Benjamin Moore. This shade is an updated version of the "sea foam green" we are all familiar with. When paired with bold colors, it takes on the role of a neutral and acts as a soft backdrop to the more saturated colors, without being too stark of a contrast. When combined with softer colors it becomes more of the dominate focus. This color goes with practically everything (except peach!) so don't be afraid to incorporate it into your own home!


 http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/waterdrops

FAVA AND FASHION...TOM FORD

Tom Ford, the talent who saved the house of Gucci from near bankruptcy, took the fashion world by storm when he became the Creative Director of Gucci in 1994. His vision and sense of style, edgy and classic, infused a sense of glamour into the collections at Gucci that had long been lacking. Last Thursday , I joined a packed house at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to christen the new Tom Ford Boutique. His soft pallet and monochromatic ensembles reflected the new luxury, which is based on quality and simplicity. Gone were the bold Versace-Era patterns. Instead, he created fresh looks that were uncomplicated and richly appointed. Based on monochrome, he used rich fabrics in single colors to create the monochromatic look that he embodies. With the world is slowing rebounding from our worst recession to date, many of our clients are requesting a more subtle look, but still glamourous and never sacrificing quality. Much like Tom Ford's fashion.

THINGS WE LIKE...MY NEW NEPHEW " BABY FAVA"

Saturday, March 17, we welcomed my new nephew " Baby Fava" into our Family. Ten weeks early, he weighed in at a petite 2.7 lbs and  was 14'' long. How appropriate that the "surprise" Baby Shower that I hosted with Joy Eber  at Soho Beach House, was done in varying shades of green, silver and white...the perfect color scheme for a St. Patrick's Day baby. Some of the highlights of the decor were the amazing flowers designed by Andres Alguilar and the fabulous cake from We Take the Cake in Fort Lauderdale. Green was our highlighted color of the week last week and it is the perfect choice for a spring Baby Shower! 

THE FINAL PRODUCT

THE MOMMIE TO BE

THE CAKE

THE FLOWERS



WORK IN PROGRESS

FAVA AND FASHION...FENDI

In collaboration with theDe La  Cruz Collection, on Tuesday, March 13, Fendi hosted an exclusive, private showing of the Spring/Summer 2012 collection, in the Miami Design District. With the sleek, white walls of the De La Cruz space as its back drop, Fendi’s hottest looks for the upcoming season made their way down the Catwalk to the delight of this eclectic crowd.  VIP’s, Fashionistas and a Who’s Who from the Design world including friends Sam Robin, Claudio Faria and Matt Mac Donald, had the opportunity to see first hand what this esteemed Fashion House is bringing to the runway this season. With a nod to the 50’s, the collection was architectural and crisp, yet simultaneously casual and chic- much like today’s Interior Design aesthetic. While the palette remained neutral for the most part, with much of the collection in white, ivory, tan, and black,  silver and blue,  the hot colors  in Interior Design ( see our Master Suite in the 2012 Red Cross Showhouse as an example) , appear in this collection as well.  Some highlights were an apple-green dress paired with a coat created with navy, black and royal blue feathers, an amazing red, multi-striped dress and my personal favorite-  a spectacular black cocktail dress  which looked fabulous on the runway, but was  truly stunning on my friend and date for the evening Brandy, who wore it in  support of Fendi.

THINGS WE LIKE...

" LET THEM FEEL PINK!"

Saturday night I attended "A Site-Specific Installation" by CARLOS BETANCOURT in Wynwood in Miami. The night was amazing, and the color pink was resplendent everywhere, including Carlos'  Art, the tropical drinks by Absolut and of course, my shirt. I attended with my friend Whitney Donati of Stark Carpet, shown here in front of Carlos's work. DJ Mauricio Parra kept the crowd dancing, under a perfect Miami sky! 

Chair of the week 3/10/12

Chair of the week! Verner Pantons Sitting Wheel, circa 1974. In the words of Joe Fava, "Let's get rolling!!" Have a great weekend everyone!

More Military Makeover Press

Catch us and our spectacular Military Makeover in the latest Parkland, Weston and Coral Springs Lifestyle magazines!

Chair of the week March 5

Chair of the week! George Nelson's Kangaroo Chair, circa 1956. Another modern classic! 

Things we like…

The decor at Juvia, South Beach. Sophisticated and understated, we loved the accents of purple. The "amethyst" quartz bar inside and the petrified wood outside were show stoppers and a must see!

A new year, new beginnings

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 Channel 7 and Channel 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