Elaine Pasekoff and Derek Hewitt purchased several condos in a high rise in Miami Beach. They are a short walk to the beach and the balconys of the condos offer an amazing view looking south towards Miami. The first condo they decorated was in an African theme. Derek’s mom did a large painting of an elephant for the spot above the couch in the living room. Crown moldings, a fresh paint job and a carefully planned window seat gave the place an old world feel. Patterns for draperies and pillow covers make the place feel like an African retreat. Over dinner at Smith and Wollensky, the interior designer offered more options and insights.
Another condo was given a French flavor. Elaine hits antiques fairs to find French knick knacks. Whereas the African suite was filled with warm earth tones, the provincial French suite has a cool blue tone throughout. Elaine found a series of French paintings that incorporated three layers of glass. The foreground elements are on the top glass layer, then middle ground items are on the middle sheet of glass and the background elements are on the lowest level. This gives the paintings a simple parallax that hints at depth. This is easy to accomplish and I’m considering trying it out with some of my sketches. Elaine and Derek are generous and open the second condo as a guest room when Terry and I swarm down to Miami for Art Basel.