September 22, 2011

VIVIR CON LUJO por Paige Farrey

Un lujo es definido por el diccionario Webster como “algo costoso o difícil de obtener, algo que provee comodidad, placer y gusto, pero que no es esencial para vivir; una manera suntuosa de vivir”.

Después de ver The Real Housewives of New Jersey y lo que ellas consideran como “lujos” en sus hogares, pensé: ¿que percibimos como “lujos” en Miami? Miami es un verdadero paraíso, donde tenemos un estilo de vida lleno de “lujos”, como sus hermosas playas, la arena, la ciudad, las palmeras, etc., y no nos podemos olvidar de la incomparable arquitectura del Sur de la Florida, con una amplia selección que incluye grandes casas estilo Mediterráneo, y condominios que varían desde lo tradicional hasta diseños ultramodernos e innovadores.

El diseño de las casas estilo Mediterráneo proporciona espacios muy amplios que permiten albergar los más grandes artefactos, desde candelabros de alabastro hasta los extravagantes candelabros con cristales de Swarovsky, majestuosas piezas que pueden ser utilizadas en la entrada y en la mesa del comedor. Actualmente también existen pequeñas versiones de estas piezas, que son utilizadas en las islas de la cocina y en los tocadores.

Cada habitación de tu hogar debe tener un toque único de lujo en lo que a la iluminación se refiere, pues no hay una mejor manera de agregarle tu estilo personal al diseño de tu hogar, ya que la primera cosa que uno nota cuando entra a una casa es la iluminación, primero en la entrada, luego en el comedor, en la sala, los baños y alrededor de toda la casa, así que impón tu creatividad con estas piezas.

El estilo de vida de los condominios tiene más restricciones debido al tamaño y a la altura del techo, pero esto no significa que debas escatimar en referencia a la iluminación de tu hogar. En el diseño Mediterráneo, los candelabros de alabastro y de cristal están disponibles en menores tamaños, que ofrecen la misma suntuosidad sin abrumar. Además de utilizar lámparas de alabastro y otros artefactos de luz, recuerda mantener texturas y colores vivos alrededor de la casa, incluyendo los pasillos, tocadores y cuartos.
Debido a la altura de los techos en el nuevo estilo de condominio tipo “loft”, esto se presta para utilizar elementos de diseño mas contemporáneo, donde tienes la oportunidad de fijar un punto de enfoque a medida que entras al hogar, o también puedes optar por utilizar un adorno de luces que cuelgue del techo del bar con una imponente lámpara de pie.

Tu casa es tu estilo. Mereces tener lo mejor y vivir suntuosamente. La clave para iluminar cualquier casa, sin importar su diseño, es crear un balance entre las luces. No esperes que tu única iluminación venga del candelabro, pues ese solo no logra cumplir con la tarea, así que añadir lámparas de mesa, de pie y de techo es necesario para realzar la profundidad de la luz y crear las diferentes atmósferas deseadas. Si luces las mejores joyas, ¿por que no vestir también tu hogar con las mas finas?

September 21, 2011

How to choose an Overall Look for your Bathroom

Traditional, transitional, contemporary or modern… What is your style? Still don’t know…

Courtesy of Dornbracht
When you are planning on renovating your bathroom, you have to think what style best fits your lifestyle. For example, if you have a family, your needs would be so much different than the needs from a couple. The style of the rest of your house also influences the decision of the look of your bathroom.

If the house has contemporary features, then a bathroom with a contemporary style will be the best choice to make since it will compliment the rest of the décor of your home.

It is very trendy now seeing older houses with a contemporary look. Renovating your old bathroom with contemporary fixtures gives you the ability to enjoy the commodities of the new technology maintaining the overall traditional glance of your home.

Our best advice here is to go with a bathroom look that is durable and won’t become out-of-date quickly. A popular look this year can be out of fashion in the next year or so. Simple lines and classic styles will last a lot longer.

Choose Your Bathroom Sink Faucet First


Courtesy of THG
Another good way to determine the style of your bathroom is by choosing the right bathroom sink faucet. Picking the right faucet is the key for the overall look and functionality of your new bathroom.

The number of choices of bathroom faucets will depend on whether you are just replacing your bathroom faucet or remodeling completely your whole bathroom.

There are several faucets’ types available; you can find faucets with widespread, centerset, wall-mount, countertop and single hole configurations.

Widespread – these sink faucets have separate handles for cold and hot water installed in either side of a central sprout. On the other hand, a centerset lavatory faucet usually has 4” of distance between the handles. It can be used with smaller sinks, maintaining a simple classic look that a wide set does.

Wall-Mounted - this type of lavatory faucet offer a very dramatic look; therefore, it is very popular in contemporary and minimalist style spaces. It can be combined with vessel sinks, wall-mounted sinks and under counter sinks without hole drillings.

Single Hole - Very simple style, it has a single mixing handle that works perfectly in small bathrooms and/or powder rooms.

Also, bathroom sink faucets can be found in different shapes, sizes, materials, and finishes. You can find basic finishes such as chrome, brass and nickel; but also you will find brushed copper, oil rubber bronze, matte black, satin gold, etc.

Match your faucet with your Sink

Courtesy of Graff
Obviously faucet and sink work together, but keep in mind that if you are replacing just the lavatory faucet, the sink will dictate the configuration of your faucet since you have to choose a faucet based on the number of holes in the sink. On the other hand, make sure that your lavatory faucet will actually work with your favorite sink.

Whatever style of bathroom you decide for will ultimately come down to your taste, preference and budget.

Visit Farrey’s showrooms for inspiration and guide with our professional consultants. A bathroom style that suits your needs will offer many years of satisfaction.

September 14, 2011

Farrey's Top Selling Bathroom Products

Bathroom ideas can be found in many places, such as: magazines, books, and even on the internet; but, when you are planning to renovate your bathroom, this task becomes frustrating. With so many choices and ideas out there it makes it very hard to decide which one is right for you.

This week Farrey’s experts want to share with you the best selling bathroom products; many of which cannot be found easily anywhere else.

HANSA CANYON FAUCET- Blend elegance with functionality

Photo Courtesy of Hansa
The cool technology of this faucet is not only chic but also functional, offering you a complete unique water experience. The faucet is activated by touch. The water flow is illuminated and it changes color as a function of water temperature, so you can see when it’s hot or cold.

MTI ANDREA – Your perfect Tub Choice

Photo Courtesy of MTI

Add or remove options and create the tub that is perfect for you. Andrea tub has a clean and sleek line that makes it the most versatile and popular tub. This complete brand is renowned for its remarkable customization options- and the possibilities for Andrea are no exception. Doesn’t matter if you want an air bath or a combination whirlpool/air bath, with MTI the possibilities are endless.




AXOR STARCK SHOWERCOLLECTION –It’s time to redefine your Shower!

Photo Courtesy of Hansgrohe/Axor
Express your unique personality and taste in your bathroom by installing this innovative shower system designed exclusively by Phillippe Starck. Allow yourself to transform your bathroom into a living space full of warmth and personality as well as high functionality.


The shower system’s modules can be installed as individual units, loosely arranged or closely regimented groups. Again, the design, functionality and space interact with each other in a stunning combination allowing you to transform your shower into a custom-made spa.

DURAVIT SENSOWASH STARCK TOILET – A Modern Toilet Seat

Photo Courtesy of Duravit
Sensowash is an advanced and innovative toilet seat that combines a toilet and bidet in one piece bringing personal hygiene to the next level. This wonderful piece comes with wash and dry settings, an infrared sensor, and an integrated seat heating. It also includes a special LED night-light function to supply direction and safety in low light.







VILLEROY & BOCH BATHROOM VANITY– Function & Beauty in One Piece

Photo Courtesy of Villeroy & Boch
It doesn’t matter if your style is traditional, transitional, contemporary or modern; Villeroy & Boch has innovative pieces that are elegant, useful and unique, offering you the flexibility to decorate your bathroom according to your personality and lifestyle trend.

Vanities can be found in different materials that range from glass, acrylic, wood, granite, stainless steel metal, dark wood, white, modern black, and more.

Photo Courtesy of Villeroy & Boch
One of the most popular and beautiful lines within this brand is Subway 2.0. With its ample variety of color options will bring lots of freshness, functionality and style to your home.

After reviewing these amazing bathroom products, we are sure that you have a better idea of what you would like to have in your bathroom. Keep in mind that this is a place of beauty and consciousness and where you can leave everyday life behind and gain new energy; so it is important to choose always the best.

If you want more tips and information, feel free to contact us. Farrey’s experts will be more than happy to participate in the creation of your spa.

September 12, 2011

Discover the Top 7 Bathroom Remodeling Trends

Do you know what direction to take when it comes to transforming your bathroom?

Bathrooms have always been considered the most intimate area of anybody’s home and deserve a special attention. Therefore, Farrey’s bathroom experts are here to share with you what’s in and what’s out.

If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, you probably have asked yourself; What are the new trends? What would be good to have? Where should I start?

Today, when you flip through an interior design magazine you find thousands of articles talking about the latest bathroom products with different finishes and style décor, but there is always a question that comes up: what is the best for me? Many interior designers say that a home style is defined by consumer’s taste, but the majority of the times, consumers don’t exactly know what is best for them, because there are many choices, and all of them beautiful.

It is a fact that today’s world is led by technology and strong competition causing stress and many hours of work. Therefore, having a place in your home where you can relax, enjoy and disconnect from the world is a must. This is the reason why the interior design industry is observing how bathroom trends are moving towards a style that reflects a calm, peaceful and relaxing environment while incorporating a modern touch. Traditional styles are also coming with a touch of modern and green technology.

So… let’s talk about these 7 great bathroom renovation trends…

1. Colors that reflect a relaxing environment

Transforming your bathroom into a sanctuary can be done easily by choosing neutral and light colors such as beige's, olives, and pale tones that are known for maintaining a soothing environment. These colors are very easy to match with any style décor and also promote a peaceful setting.

2. Replacing your old bathtub

Photo Courtesy of MTI
Transforming your bathroom into a real spa is the major trend. Replacing your old tub with a spa-like tub is what’s in. Multiple jets, whirlpool action and air bath technology are the options that provide the ultimate relaxation.


3. Stylish sinks

Photo Courtesy of Stone Forest
Today the focus is on vessel sinks that rise up from a base providing an innovative and sleek look to the bathroom. Other options include under mounted, self-rimming, wall-mounted, or pedestal sinks. Sinks can be found in a round or square shape, made from wood, natural and man-made stone, glass, and porcelain materials.






4. Distinguished designs of lavatory faucets

Photo Courtesy of Dornbracht
Even though the technology of today’s bathroom is very advanced, the style of faucets is going back to a classic feel. Incorporating the latest technology with a simply traditional style creates a look that combines the best of both worlds.




5. Bathroom high-tech gadgets

Photo Courtesy of Axor/Hansgrohe
Incorporating technology to enhance this personal space is one of the hottest trends. Shower systems, multimedia systems, and infrared faucets can create a functional and soothing environment.

Shower Systems allow the shower head to move up or down adjusting to tall and short bathers.


Rain Shower Heads provide a great natural rainfall experience since they cover a wider area than regular showers.

Photo Courtesy of Electric Mirror
Shower Massage Systems turns your shower into a true spa through the installation of wall-mounted, top-mounted, handheld and shower panels.

Dual-Purpose Television Mirror gives you the opportunity to watch your favorite TV show and catch the latest news while brushing your teeth or applying your make up. 



6. European stylish vanity furniture

Photo Courtesy of LaCava

Today’s sleek, stylish modern choices for bathroom furniture are replacing the traditional cabinets. LaCava has a broad collection that goes from wall-mount and free-standing vanities to storage and medicine cabinets.

Uplift medicine cabinet by Robern is a remarkable piece that will boost the look of your bathroom. This extraordinary brand made a statement in this cabinet design, by adding contemporary and functional elements that solve the never-ending fight against clutter.

 Uplift Medicine Cabinet by Robern
Its mirrored doors open by sliding upward, revealing ample storage space and down to hide it with a large mirror square. Inside you’ll find incorporated lighting and electricity to accommodate your electric shaver, LCD TV, or sound source!



7. Toilets with options

Toto Neorest

Traditional toilets are part of the past; today’s toilets are more than useful. Their modern design and advanced technology makes your bathroom experience a complete retreat. These self serve toilets have heated seats, automatically open and close, they are self cleaning, and flush when the lid is closed; many of them they even have smart-touch remote controls!

Whether you’re looking to hire a professional to create your bathroom or plan on beginning it yourself, having a look at today’s top bathroom remodeling trends can give you inspiration and encourage you to make your perfect bathroom retreat. However, it’s imperative to remember that creating a bathroom that suits your personal style is the trend that never goes out of style.