/ This art collection is not here to merely fill a space on a wall… each piece commands attention, provoking conversation and reflection as you move through the home. /
Perched along Florida’s southeastern coast is an art-filled apartment that seamlessly syntheses the coastal beauty of its situation with daring accents of contemporary art. With tones and finishings echoing the atmosphere of the crashing waves and sea breeze beyond its walls, this apartment houses a surprising edginess. Punctuated by neon, UV lights, incredibly large geometric abstracts and nods to Looney Tunes, the art is the real talking point of this family home.
Located in the city of Fort Lauderdale, the interiors strike a careful balance between laid back coastal calm and sophisticated modern elegance. “The azure waters and the rhythm of the waves served as a constant muse, influencing a soothing colour palette of soft blues, sandy neutrals and hints of seafoam green,” says Monica Slodarz, principal at The Art of Design which completed the redesign of this apartment in 2022. “The interior becomes a canvas that accentuates, rather than competes with, the outdoor views.”
While natural stone, warm-toned wood such as oak and teak, wicker, rattan, and bouclé upholstery form the earthy material textures of this home, a colourful and bold art collection offers an interesting contrast to its otherwise neutral palette. This art collection is not here to merely fill a space on a wall, rather each piece commands attention, provoking conversation and reflection as you move through the home.
In the main sitting area, a large abstract painting, The fact of constantly returning to the same point or situation, 2021, by Jose Dávila hangs next to an even larger photographic work, Theatre de Montansier Versailles IV, 2007, by Candida Höfer, while in the media room the stark white walls are the perfect background for Gerold Miller’s lacquered aluminium work. Elsewhere, the deep blue textile work of Jose Dávila leans into the organic geometry favoured by The Art of Design, while the dark neon blue and red work by Regina Schumann stand to attention with directional UV lights casting an intriguing sense of electric dynamism into the otherwise neutral hallway pace.
/ Punctuated by neon, UV lights, incredibly large geometric abstracts and nods to Looney Tunes, the art is the real talking point of this home. /
The bedrooms offer a more intimate and nostalgic art experience, with works by Javier Melus riffing on pop culture references such as Vogue and Elle magazines with cartoon characters Tweety Bird, The Pink Panther and Sylvester the Cat giving the rooms a humorous tone.
Artists elsewhere in the home include Jesus Soto, Elias Crespin, Katja Strunz, Victor Vasarely, Javier Callejas, Claudia Wieser, Niyoku Ikuta, George Rousse, Claudio Parmiggiani, Roman Feral, Kristian Kragelund, Laurence Jenkell and Sara Genn.
“The biggest dilemma was finding the right balance between providing privacy, blocking the view of an old building next door in the south of the apartment and maximizing the natural light coming from that exterior wall that was all glass,” remembers Slodarz. “This required thoughtful spatial planning, and the strategic placement of custom built-in furniture.” The positioning of the art and unique furniture pieces also assisted in this, allowing the eye to be drawn to the striking colours and dynamic shapes of the artwork, rather than the buildings beyond.
While the styles of laid back coastal and electric pop don’t regularly go hand in hand, the expert design choices of Slodarz and her team have afforded this Florida dwelling an enviable edge.
Above: The living room with ocean views is enlivened with a Jose Dávila bold silkscreen. A Candida Höfer photograph hangs close by. The Claude Home modular channel sofa and Pacific Moroso chairs by Alessandro Paderni encircle the Rio Coffee Table from LUMINAIRE, setting the scene for comfortable contemplation. Interior Designer: Monica Slodarz, Principal at the Art of Design. Photos: Annick Vernimmen and YSV PHOTO. Courtesy: The Art of Design.
