Miami is well known for its stunning white beaches, blue ocean, and sky. But interior designers Jay Britto and David Charette say that that placid, natural landscape is the perfect pairing for the city’s bold and vibrant style. Britto and Charette describe Miami as “a place to party, to be seen, to show off, to flaunt possessions, affluence, and fashion.” That attitude carries over into the city’s general aesthetic. The designing duo have developed a keen sense of Miami style over the decades they’ve been based in the city, working on luxury interior designs around the globe through their firm, Britto Charette.
Britto and Charette say their city’s style is heavily influenced by its prominent Central American, South American, and European communities, who all value modern touches. Neutrals are the starting point, though. Just like the city’s pure white beaches, their buildings’ interior and exterior walls emphasize a neutral palette and natural elements like wood, stone, and marble. From there, it’s all about drawing the eye to certain areas of the home by adding risk-taking accents, like vivid splashes of color or bold pieces of modern art. “Accent is the key word,” Britto and Charette say.
If you’re looking to introduce some of Miami’s striking modernism into your own home, Britto and Charette say a spartan mentality is key. Start with neutrals–they suggest painting the walls with Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White, then adding off-white and silver linen wall coverings from companies like Maya Romanoff. For flooring, marble or wide-plank, sand-blasted woods will create the neutral, natural look that’s totally Miami.
Attention-grabbing modern art is the perfect way to liven up those neutrals, the Miami duo says. Fabric accents are a great addition for color as well, whether in rugs or upholstery; for these, Britto and Charette recommend the eye-popping polychromatic designs of Kyle Bunting or Missoni. In no time you’ll have an attention-grabbing aesthetic that reflects the look of Florida’s wildest city.
Image courtesy of Alexia Fodere.