Apr172012

Favorite Spaces Series: Dining Rooms

In some homes, a formal dining room is seldomly used but I suspect my favorite dining rooms featured below have witnessed many an entertaining dinner party, countless lingering meals and indelible memories. Breaking bread with friends and family is ultimately a nourishing occasion – figuratively and literally.

This was surely the case in my favorite dining rooms selected here.

Sleek, Contemporary Dining Room

Dramatic simplicity seems incongruent but is perfectly conveyed in this striking dining room. Although not featured in this photo, spectacular water views also elevated the setting for exquisite meals here.

 

Grove Casual Dining Room

This vintage Grove home gave a nod to the past with its character-filled wood floors and vintage photographs while tipping its hat to modern sensibilities with it contemporary chairs and paired down surroundings.

 

Study in Contrast

This colorful dining room was cheery and inviting without taking itself too seriously as was evidenced by the playful goldfish fabric on the parson chairs.

 

Regal Dining Room

With its wood clad ceiling and park-like views, this regal Coral Gables dining room evokes a warm elegance.

 

Grove Isle penthouse dining room

This Coconut Grove penthouse in Grove Isle was expertly updated. The dining room exuded an understated elegance which allowed the stunning water and city views to join guests for dinner.

Missed any of my Favorite Spaces Series? Be my guest: view them here.

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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Apr042012

Favorite Spaces Series: Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. I’m sure you’ve heard that repeatedly but when you see my favorite bathrooms below and revisit my favorite kitchens, you’ll see why. Getting ready for the day is sometimes the only “ME” time one gets in our hectic lives. That’s why a luxurious or serene bathroom always wows potential buyers.

These bathrooms wowed me:

Snapper Creek Lakes Contemporary Bathroom

This contemporary bathroom remodel in Snapper Creek Lakes was a knock out! Top notch materials at every turn, all framed by nature beyond the windows. Really stunning.

Crisp Coral Gables Bathrooms

This Coral Gables bathroom offers a freshness and whispers serenity as homeowners enter. The touch of blue evokes a spa-like retreat.

Spacious Old Cutler Bathroom

This luxurious master bathroom offers ample space to get ready for any event. Additionally it offers his and hers commode rooms.

Fresh Palette

This bathroom struck me as a high end hotel bathroom. The spa blues and the mix of materials showcase great design and sensibilities.

Wood Detail in Coconut Grove Bathroom

This bathroom is a terrific example of transitional style – hints of contemporary can be found in the horizontal tile stripes in the shower while the woods used were warmer, leaning toward a traditional style.

So what’s the takeaway of this post : upgrading your bathrooms to resemble spa-like retreats will not be flushing your money down the toilet! It’s a priority on buyers’ wish lists.

Missed any of my Favorite Spaces Series? View them all here.

 

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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Mar262012

Favorite Spaces Series: Foyers

“You Had Me at Hello”. Foyers set the tone for a home and greet you the moment you walk in.  They give the visitor a moment to pause and to wonder what is inside.  As part of my favorite spaces series, I thought I would share a couple of my favorites with you:

Classic Foyer

It’s all in the details:  fabulous entry doors, gleaming hardwood floors, and gorgeous columns offered a quiet glimpse of what was inside.  Very special.

Old Cutler Foyer

 

 

 

 

 

This Coral Gables estate is pure drama once you step inside the doors.  The dual sweeping staircases, chandelier, and volume ceiling allow a peak into a privileged life.

Zen Foyer

 

Nothing says warmth like wood and this foyer was no exception…

 

Snapper Creek Lakes Foyer

Brazilian cherry wood floors with marble inlay, an impressive front door, chair rails and crown moldings…the rest of the home was just as beautiful in its details.  It took this family two years and umpteen craftsmen to finish the house.  No one says it will be easy….

 

Coconut Grove Eccentric Foyer

The unicycle and the bench scream whimsy in this 1920’s Coconut Grove home.  In typical Coconut Grove style, the house is casual and informal and never disappoints as you turn each corner.

 

Old Spanish Foyer

Old Spanish never gets old.  It is timeless.  I sold this home in 5 days.  This foyer was just one of the reasons it sold so quickly.

Missed any of my Favorite Spaces Series? View them all here.

 

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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Mar022012

Favorite Spaces Series: Family Rooms

I love writing my favorite spaces series and, of course, family rooms are worthy of special attention as they have become the heart of the home, perfect for watching “The Voice” or the latest movie, for playing Scrabble or Pictionary, reading a book or doing homework.  The five I have selected are all very different but all are fun in their own unique way.

Coral Gables Golf View

Whether watching the Masters on TV or watching someone swing their golf club outside the picture window, this family room overlooking a golf course in Coral Gables had a HUGE wow factor.   The built-in cabinetry was stunning and the large screen TV and surround sound were just the icing on the cake…or the hole in one, as golfers might prefer to say.

 

Expansive Family Room

Blissful luxury exists in this Coral Gables estate home.  Soft comfy couches, large coffee table for snacks and drinks, coffered ceilings, graceful arches, and surround sound…what a way to spend an evening!

 

Tree House Family Room in Coconut Grove

Imagine sitting in a tree house with 360 degree wrap around balconies and watching “Survivor” or “Castaway.”  It is the unexpected that makes Coconut Grove so special.  This family room was delightfully original.

Largest TV I've Ever Seen!

The ultimate Man Cave.  It had possibly the largest TV screen I have ever personally seen in a home with a unique projection system and, of course, surround sound that could blow the roof off the house.  The owner and his friends spent countless hours there rooting for the home teams: the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Heat, the Miami Marlins, University of Miami… ANYTHING Miami.  Let there be no doubt, this is a sporty family room in a sporty city.

Snapper Creek Lakes Family Room

This family room in Snapper Creek Lakes estate felt like an upscale cabin in New England.  The warm wood floors, the interesting beamed ceiling, and the built-in bookshelves cocooned and cosseted. The home has a state-of-the-art-electronics system so the music emanating from the sound system could be controlled throughout the property.

Missed any of my Favorite Spaces Series? View them all here.

If you’d like me to find you the perfect home with a memory-making family room, reach out! You can text, email, tweet, Facebook me or simply call. I’d love to chat!

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithMiami

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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