Perhaps one of the most identifiable traits of Brazil is its use of vivid color. From the Canary Yellow used in its World Cup jersey to the cityscape of Rio, vibrant color is found throughout the country.

A signature use of color in Brazil is its incorporation into patterns, perhaps best highlighted in Brazilian fashion. Take for example, this Osklen ensemble. Its strong color palette is incorporated into a mirrored motif creating a bold, yet harmonious look.

Taking a softer, more feminine approach in its color insertion is this dress from Forum. Drawing inspiration from Brazilian flora, it embodies large splashes of color accented by fine bright lines and an asymmetrical skirt.

Finally, saturated colors like bright greens and tangerines seem to be gaining popularity, as noted both in fashion and furniture. Great examples include the chests below from our Aquarius collection. Each embodies bold color and unique hardware.

In addition to color, contrasting form is another signature element utilized in Brazilian design.

Looking at Paula Raia’s introductions from Sao Paulo’s Spring Fashion Week, we notice plunging v-necklines balanced with form-holding skirts. Heavier, textured fabrics and thick wooden shoes contrast flowing fabrics creating a distinct, yet balanced look.

The same deliberate contrast is notable in the iconic National Congress of Brazil complex, where the linear design of its twin towers is juxtaposed with the saucer’s dominant curvature. The natural reflection of the water provides organic balance.

The last element of Brazilian design we’ll cover is its use of natural materials. One of the more distinct materials used in home décor and fashion is sisal, a fiber used in everything from decorative trimmings to area rugs to clothing. Designer Paula Raia used this textile to create the blouse and hair tie below.

Achieving a similar look is the Koko Chair from the Tommy Bahama Home Royal Kahala collection. Woven raffia on the arms and back is framed with bronze nailhead trim. The patterned chenille on the seat and back offers a dramatic contrast.

Brazil owes its name to this next indigenous material commonly known as Rosewood. Used as luxury flooring and in the manufacturing of fine furniture, this wood has a red dye that can be extracted, and features elegant wood grain patterns. Mixed with glass or stone, it creates a striking contemporary look, as seen with the Aquarius Domain Dining Table highlighted below.

Brazil’s unique use of material, form and color create a country of diverse and vibrant design.

The clean silhouette of the Casina Hall Chest effortlessly adds distinction and storage to this foyer. Flanked by two accent chairs and a circular mirror, the chest has ample storage space for miscellaneous items and provides sufficient surface area to display decorative accents. The chest’s eight total drawers sit on a striking architectural base creating a subtle, but thoughtful statement.

While incredibly stylish and functional in an entryway, it can also be used in a living room or media room. This particular chest features two upper drawers that have drop-fronts to accommodate electronic components, which allows the chest to double as a media console. Bunching the chests together allows one to add as much or as little storage as they need. Bunching multiple chests together creates a statement.

The two-door Beauvais Chest features an eye-catching radial pattern of Quartered Walnut on the doors complimented by sunburst-designed hardware. Its contemporary design makes it ideal to contrast against a grand staircase or other impressive architectural element. Its ample surface area and clean lines allow accessories and accent pieces to take center stage.

Placed in a dining room, however, the chest takes on a bolder look. Coupled with the statement-making Granville Scroll Mirror, it adds an air of refinement to the space. The mirror’s Corsica finish with warm sienna burnishing ties into the sunburst hardware of the chest and the brass ferrule on the dining table’s tapered feet to create a cohesive sophisticated look. Two doors open to reveal three drawers and four adjustable shelves, which can be used to store serving ware and china.

Sumptuous detailing and luxurious materials lend a unique perspective to the Bluewater Hall Chest. Elegantly encased in leather, the hall chest is adorned with varying sizes of contrasting nailhead trim creating a unique look. A total of four drawers, each framed with a double row of small nails, feature custom designed lion’s head pulls that compliment the diverse use of materials.

When placed in a bedroom, the chest becomes a functional nightstand. Complimenting the padded panels of woven linen and the rich chestnut brown finish of the headboard and footboard, it crafts a unified setting. The contrasting nailhead trim of the chest is a nice tie-in with the Seagrass fabrics throughout the room, while its bun feet pair nicely with the carved posts of the bed and the turned legs of the chair.

While a piece of furniture often has a prescribed purpose, its function and design can often times be leveraged throughout the home to solve a multitude of design dilemmas. What other uses do you have for a hall chest? What other pieces of furniture do you find to be most versatile?

As most people, I’ve been surrounded by men in the workplace my entire career. Spending eight (sometimes up to 12) hours a day in Las Vegas’ greatest resorts, nightclubs and lounges gave me tremendous insight to a male behavior.

When I started my design business in 2012, I thought I was changing spheres; maybe my feminine aesthetic would come out. But male influence remained strong and at the core of my design aesthetic. Coincidentally, men dominate my client list, which dictates how I curate spaces.

First off, it’s important to look at where men place value. My clients consistently request superior quality, high-end finishes, classic color
palettes, relatable scale, custom touches, functionality and a bit of technology. That sounds like a lot to ask for, and sometimes it can be. But when you know your product and audience well, the creative process can be a cakewalk. My tried-and-true formula for designing for men follows five simple principles:

1. Compose a space rich with mature color schemes.
Think sophisticated navy, aubergine, and graphite. Lexington’s Carrera Collection is a top pick; even the name evokes masculinity.

2. Use luxe materials (finishes and textiles) in the furnishings, wall coverings, and décor.
This is where feminine qualities sneak in; after all we need to create some balance. Does mahogany, burl wood or weathered leather speak to you the way it does me?

3. Incorporate metallic elements.
Subtle touches in hardware or strong influences make big statements. The Bel Aire Collection’s gold leaf detail is design perfection.

4. Give him an ultra cool accent chair.
What better place to relax than in a club chair or classic wingback? Accent chairs can be both stylish and masculine without compromising comfort. One of my favorites is the Balance leather chair.

5. Introduce at least one techy object.
An understated example would be the infrared SmartEye wireless controller on the Quantum Media Console. If he’s more daring, showcase his dream gadget as an art piece. Gallery-framed black-and-white photos add a classic touch if the gadget is too large to feature.