This fascinating look at the creation of Miami Beach and its early history is told by its authors through the looking glass of their prominent families. Both the Oka and Wolfson families have been highly visible players in Miami Beach’s political and social life for decades.
This book is filled with interesting black and white photos — many from family archives — not found elsewhere. The book tells the story of Miami Beach from a uniquely personal perspective. From its early development from a huge mangrove swamp through the glamorous sixties when world famous entertainers lived, performed and partied in Miami Beach, this book is evokes Miami Beach’s romantic past.
Miami Beach: Blueprint of an Eden by Michele Oka Doner and Mitchell Wolfson, Jr., Feierabend Unique Books, 2005
Visit our website: MIAMI-TOP
Jane and Jean-Marie (John) Losson 001-305 924 0262
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors, Inc.
This beautiful cocktail table book chronicles the storied architectural history of the Magic City.
It features wonderful archival photos of the Miami in the early 20th century when “Spanish” style reigned, a history of the brilliant Art Deco era in South Beach, and glossy depictions of ultra-contemporary structures built in the 21st century by some of America’s most renowned architects.
Dunlop’s prose is both lively and informative, consonant with the power and scope of the book’s photographic history. Miami’s architecture “at once lulls and stimulates residents and visitors alike,” says A.M. Stern, in the book’s thought-provoking introduction.
To understand this apparent duality is to understand one reason for Miami’s enduring allure.
MIAMI Mediterranean Splendor and Deco Dreams by Beth Dunlop and Steven Brooke, Rizzoli, New York, 2007
Visit our website: MIAMI-TOP
Jane and Jean-Marie (John) Losson 001-305 924 0262
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors, Inc.
Getting rid of excess clutter is an obvious rule, but often ignored.
Clear books, magazines, bibelots, countertops, tabletops, etc. and pack all items into boxes.
If you can not bear to part with all that stuff, rent a storage unit until the house is sold. Garages and attics should also look neat and devoid of too much old junk.
Metaphysically, it will speed the seller on his way to a new residence, with some of the goods already packed and ready to move.
Check our website: www.miami-top.com
Jane and Jean-Marie (John) Losson (305) 924 0262
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors, Inc.
Adding a bit of finesse and polish to an interior need not be expensive and could substantially upgrade a room’s appearance.
For example, adding crown molding, painting it a fresh white contrast to the walls gives a room a more finished look.
Older Florida homes often lack this architectural detail.
Care must be taken when choosing a crown molding that it does not either overwhelm the room or represent an incompatible architectural style.
Visit our website: http://www.miami-top.com
Jane and Jean-Marie (John) Losson 001-305 924 0262
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors, Inc.
There is nothing like a can of paint for totally changing the appearance of a room or home exterior. As decorators we love the use of wall color to add atmosphere and provide a foil for fine art. However, color is such a subjective thing that we advise clients to paint interior walls a neutral color throughout the house, to give it unity and provide a blank slate for a prospective buyer’s imagination. That is not to say that clinical white is the color of choice. There are many shades of white and cream and the selection of the right neutral can make all the difference between an inviting interior and one which repels. Recently we worked with a client to select Benjamin Moore colors “windswept” for all the interior walls and “simply white” for the trim. The whole house glows as if illuminated by soft candle light.
Check our website: www.miami-top.com
Jane and Jean-Marie (John) Losson (305) 924 0262
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors, Inc.
Once the seller has gotten the front yard and drive in shape, the front door may need some consideration. If doorbells need repairing or the door needs painting or the hardware needs updating, it pays to do it. After all a prospect may be standing at the front door for some minutes and it the front entrance looks shabby it could set the wrong tone. We like to place large pots of plants at the entrance, the style of plant and pot appropriate to with the style of the structure. On a Mediterranean Revival home, we might recommend terra cotta pots with flowering hibiscus. A contemporary home would pair with tall rectangles in zinc with more structural green plants. It all adds up to an appealing presentation, a little thought and not much money.
As developers and interior decorators with an international clientele, we can assist our sellers in preparing their properties for market. In the Miami area, where more than half of all properties are sold to foreign nationals, our international perspective is key. We know first hand which colors will work for Germans, which features will appeal to the French, those aspects of residential real estate all Europeans find of importance (orientation of rooms to the sun).
We go beyond the expected advice of clearing the clutter – that is the first and most obvious rule of staging. We work with sellers on determining which repairs are needed to be completed and those that can remain for the next owner to complete. If rooms need painting, we will assist in selecting colors which will enhance the basic bones of the house to let the house speak for itself. If landscaping needs to be addressed, we will make suggestions to ensure that new plants both complement the house and are a cost-effective method of making the house more attractive and saleable.
Jane P. Losson Tel. : +1 305 924 0262
Associate of Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors, Inc.
419 Arthur Godfrey Rd., Miami Beach FL 33140
