Author: saminter

Seaside Interiors: Elevated Design Details That Last

Designing a seaside residence in West Palm Beach requires more than a coastal palette and ocean-inspired accents. True luxury waterfront interiors balance beauty, performance, and longevity—creating spaces that feel effortless while standing up to sun, sand, and humidity.

Below are the key design considerations, must-haves, and pitfalls to avoid when creating a sophisticated seaside interior that protects your investment and enhances daily living.

What to Avoid in Seaside Interiors

Materials That Fade or Deteriorate

The intense Florida sun can be unforgiving. Avoid fabrics, finishes, and wall coverings that lack UV resistance, as fading can occur quickly—even in indirect light.

Finishes That Don’t Tolerate Humidity

Humidity is one of the biggest challenges in coastal homes. Steer clear of untreated woods, low-quality veneers, and metals prone to corrosion. These materials can warp, swell, or tarnish over time.

Flooring That Can’t Handle Sand and Water

Soft woods, highly polished stones, and delicate finishes may look beautiful initially but often struggle with sand abrasion and moisture. Flooring should be durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain without sacrificing elegance.

Essential Design Elements to Implement

Automated Window Treatments

Automatic shades with both room-darkening and light-filtering options are essential in seaside homes. They:

  • Protect interiors from UV damage
  • Reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency
  • Enhance comfort throughout the day
  • Preserve furnishings, flooring, and artwork

This is one of the most impactful investments in a coastal interior.

Thoughtful, Hidden Storage

Beach living comes with gear. Incorporating discreet storage solutions allows for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic while supporting real life:

  • Concealed cabinetry for beach essentials
  • Integrated storage near entries
  • Built-ins that feel architectural rather than utilitarian

Hooks—Done Beautifully

Hooks for towels, hats, and bags are a must, but they should feel intentional. Custom hardware, integrated millwork, or sculptural wall-mounted solutions keep function elevated.

Indoor–Outdoor Friendly Furnishings

Choose furniture, pillows, throws, and tableware designed to transition seamlessly between indoors and outdoors. Performance fabrics and weather-resistant materials allow for flexible entertaining without concern.

Bringing the Outside In—Without the Cliché

Let the View Be the Art

In West Palm Beach, the view is often the most valuable design element. Frame it thoughtfully and allow it to serve as living artwork rather than competing with it.

Pull From Nature’s Palette

Use colors and textures found naturally outside—sand, stone, driftwood, sea glass—interpreted in a refined, layered way. This approach feels timeless and avoids overt coastal theming.

Handmade Glass with Subtle Reference

Incorporate artisanal glass elements that echo the movement and translucence of water without being literal. Think custom pendants, sculptural accessories, or integrated shelving details.

Soft Curves and Organic Forms

Introduce gentle curves through:

  • Architectural elements like columns or arches
  • Furniture silhouettes
  • Lighting fixtures and hardware

These shapes soften spaces and subtly reference the fluidity of the ocean.

Lighting That Adapts from Day to Night

A well-designed seaside interior relies heavily on layered lighting:

  • Ambient lighting that shifts easily from bright daytime to relaxed evenings
  • Integrated, recessed lighting in kitchens and bar areas
  • Illuminated shelving to highlight materials and objects without glare

Lighting should enhance mood, functionality, and architectural details.

The Hallmark of a Well-Designed Seaside Home

A truly successful West Palm Beach seaside interior is not defined by obvious coastal décor, but by performance-driven luxury, thoughtful detailing, and spaces designed to evolve effortlessly with daily life.

When done well, the result is a home that feels serene, elevated, and enduring—season after season.

Why You May Want to Consider a Convection Steam Oven for Your New Taylor-Made Kitchen

At S|A|M Interiors, we’re constantly updating and expanding our product knowledge so we can recommend the very best options for our clients. One appliance that more homeowners are starting to explore—yet is still unfamiliar to many—is the convection steam oven (CSO).

If you’re planning a new kitchen or upgrading appliances, a convection steam oven is worth serious consideration. Below is a helpful overview of what makes this appliance such a powerful tool in creating delicious, healthier, and more consistent meals at home.

Why a Convection Steam Oven Is Worth Considering

1. Improved Home Value

Premium cooking appliances continue to be a selling point in today’s market. A convection steam oven not only elevates your kitchen design but also adds appeal to potential future buyers.

2. Healthier Cooking

Steam cooking helps retain nutrients, reduces the need for added fats, and preserves the natural moisture in food. This means beautifully cooked meals that are better for you—without sacrificing flavor.

3. Incredible for Reheating

Leftovers reheat beautifully in a CSO. Instead of drying out the food (like a microwave) or requiring long warm-up times (like a traditional oven), a steam oven rehydrates and refreshes food quickly—crispy foods stay crispy, and moist foods stay moist.

4. Efficient, High-Performance Cooking

Steam transfers heat more efficiently than hot air alone, resulting in:

  • Faster cooking times
  • Better flavor development
  • Juicier meats like chicken, beef, and seafood
  • Crispier exteriors with moist, tender interiors
  • Better nutrient retention

A convection oven alone cooks about 25% faster than a standard oven. Combine convection + steam, and the results become even more compelling—faster, higher-quality outcomes that are difficult to achieve in a traditional oven.

5. Advanced Steam Technology

Modern convection steam ovens use:

  • Phase-boundary cooking, where steam hits food at high efficiency
  • Superheated steam, allowing for browning and crisping
  • Automatic sensing, adjusting cook times based on food size and density

Many clients are surprised at how consistently perfect the results are.

6. Support, Technology & Customization

Brands like Wolf offer:

  • A full cookbook
  • In-person classes and one-on-one lessons
  • Easy programming for favorite dishes
  • Intuitive interfaces similar to using a smartphone
  • The ability to save custom recipes
  • Even water-type calibration for optimal steam generation

Taylor-Made KitchenCooking Modes You’ll Find in a Convection Steam Oven

Most steam ovens include a wide range of intelligent modes, such as:

  • Intuitive cooking modes that adjust based on volume, shape, and consistency
  • Steam cooking (lower temps, great for defrosting)
  • Convection cooking
  • Convection + steam (humid)
  • Convection humid for faster browning
  • Broil
  • Slow roast
  • Sous vide (with proper bag setup)
  • Reheat (far superior to microwaving)
  • Warm mode (not a replacement for a warming drawer, but great in a pinch)
  • Wellness/cleanse settings for light steaming and gentle cooking

A temperature probe is essential for certain modes and ensures consistently perfect results.

Use & Maintenance Tips

To keep your CSO clean and performing at its best:

After each use:

  • Place the door in the rest position to cool
  • Wipe the interior with a cloth or paper towel
  • Empty the water tank (for non-plumbed models)

Regular maintenance:

  • Wipe the cavity regularly to prevent food odors
  • Clean the drain tube (for plumbed models)
  • Perform descaling on schedule

To remove lingering smells:

  • Run the steam mode at 175°F for 30 minutes
  • Allow to cool, then wipe clean
  • A descaling cycle can also help remove odors

Can a Convection Steam Oven Replace Other Appliances?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. And while a CSO can perform many tasks better than a microwave or toaster oven, the familiarity and convenience of those appliances still matter to most homeowners.

The insight below from Joel Chesebro, Executive Chef at Sub-Zero Group, sums it up well:

“I’ve really changed my thought process on this question because people are so habitual when it comes to cooking. They want the familiarity of the appliances they know, so taking away the convenience of a microwave or toaster feels like a loss.

Even though a convection steam oven has a lot of functions and can perform some tasks better, it’s probably best practice to continue to incorporate a microwave and toaster oven in the design, particularly for reheating liquids, small portions, or a few pieces of toast.”

Final Thoughts

A convection steam oven is one of the most versatile, high-performing appliances you can add to a kitchen. Whether you’re looking to elevate your cooking, make healthier meals, simplify weeknight dinners, or enhance the value of your home, a CSO is a feature worth considering in your kitchen design.

If you’d like help determining whether a convection steam oven is the right fit for your space—or how to integrate one beautifully—S|A|M Interiors is here to guide you.

Designing Interiors for Vacation Homes

At S|A|M Interiors often has projects out side of our home base in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  Currently we have projects in progress in Phoenix, Arizona, Juno Beach, Florida and  Mackinac Island, Michigan.  We understand the importance of making sure that whether the home we are designing is for weekend get aways or a permanent residence, they need to tailor to our clients lifestyle needs.

Getting Started With The Interior Design

To get started we focus on the overall programing of each room and how it will be used.  How many people will occupy the residence. The different types of activities.  And most importantly the age range.  This will lead to details regarding, safety and long term needs for each room.  We often talk with our clients about Aging in Place or future needs to be considered.

What happens behind the dry wall is something that may not seem as important as it really is.  We work in a systematic way to address all items that will come to importance when the project is getting its final touches.

Multi-Function rooms are often a requested.  We often recommend custom-in beds that can transform a room from a functioning office to a secondary guest room.  The other option is to provide a pullout be camouflaged in a chair, sofa or sectional depending on the location and about of space available.  

Vacation Home Recommendations

We always recommend that you make sure each guest room has a private bathroom. Have an existing layout that does not meet this requirement?  We will review your current plan and draw up the updated floor plan to meet these needs.

Besides updating your floor plan you can consider are a set of personal drawers if they will be a repeat guest in the bedroom and bathroom. A recessed medicine cabinetry with additional storage behind the wall.  A classic  valet or bench to place luggage down.  Signature bedding, towels and robes for their stay are also nice touches.

A fun way to add distinction is by creating a theme or design detail that creates a name for each guest suite.  We love using a fun bight wall paper with classic clean white bedding with accents to complement the color in the paper.  Then carrying  the color in to the tile of the bathroom.  

Considering lighting and light control in the guest rooms is a must.  Make it easy for them to turn the lighting on at the bedside or when they enter the room.   Consider the options for privacy in each room with class ripple fold draperies, and the option to have room darkening shades.  This will allow a guest to sleep in or make it easy to have a little one take a nap.

If you have a vacation home or other location and are looking for help with the interior design, contact me today to set up a call to review your specific needs.

* Bed Side Lighting by Koncept

The Role of an Interior Designer in a Home Remodeling Project

Are you planning a home remodeling project? Whether you’re renovating an existing space or building a new home from scratch, hiring an interior designer can make all the difference in creating a space that reflects your personal style and meets your budget. In this article, we’ll explore the essential role of an interior designer in a home remodeling project and how they can help you avoid common budget mistakes.

Why You Need an Interior Designer

When it comes to new construction homes, it’s crucial to understand that architects primarily focus on the overall floor plan and the exterior design of the home. While they may have some understanding of interior spaces, it’s not their expertise. This leaves room for confusion and overspending if the budget for finishes, lighting appliances, cabinetry, hardware, and other details is not properly addressed.

This is where an interior designer comes in. They are the experts in translating your vision into reality. They work closely with you to understand your preferences, lifestyle, and budget, ensuring that the design aligns with your expectations. An interior designer will provide you with a detailed allowance for finishes, lighting, appliances, and other essential elements, helping you avoid any surprises during the construction phase.

The Importance of Experience and Credentials

When hiring an interior designer, it’s crucial to consider their experience, education, and credentials. While there is no regulation for interior decorators in the state of Michigan, it’s essential to distinguish between a decorator and an interior designer. Interior designers have typically obtained a bachelor’s degree in interior design and may have additional certifications like the NCIDQ certificate or LEED AP accreditation if sustainability is a priority for you.

Working with an experienced and qualified interior designer ensures that you receive professional guidance throughout the project. They have the expertise to navigate the complexities of design, construction, and coordination with other professionals involved in the project.

When to Bring in an Interior Designer

It’s advisable to involve an interior designer early in the remodeling process. Before diving into the interior design phase, they will perform an in-depth analysis of your architectural plans or existing residence. By developing space studies and considering factors like proposed partitions, lighting, and electrical placements, they can provide valuable insights and make necessary changes to the schematics if required.

Using plans, sketches, material samples, and product photos, the interior designer effectively communicates their vision to you. This collaborative approach ensures that you’re involved in the decision-making process and have a clear understanding of the design direction for your home.

Electrical and Low Voltage Controls

One aspect often overlooked when remodeling or Building your home is the electrical plan. An interior designer or lighting specialist should be involved in designing the electrical layout to ensure proper placement of lighting fixtures and controls. While hidden lighting within walls and ceilings is essential, decorative light fixtures also play a significant role in enhancing the overall ambiance of each space.

To avoid any budget surprises, your interior designer can guide you through each room, providing recommendations on the type and quantity of decorative lighting fixtures. They can also assist with the placement of controls for shades, lighting, and sound, ensuring a seamless integration of technology into your home.

The Design Development Phase

Once you’ve approved the conceptual design, the interior designer takes charge of guiding you through the selection process. This includes choosing tiles, flooring, cabinetry design, appliances, and plumbing specifications. Their expertise will be instrumental in coordinating all the details, from wall and woodwork finishes to custom millwork designs and door styles.

Using detailed CAD documents, the interior designer can develop comprehensive specification packages for the interior development, which can be shared with contractors or bidders. This ensures that every aspect of the design is well-documented and helps with value engineering and prioritizing expenditures.

Enhancing Your Home’s Exterior

While much attention is often given to the interior design of a home, the exterior design is equally important. An interior designer can assist you in making exterior selections that complement the overall aesthetic of your home. They can provide guidance on materials, colors, and finishes that will withstand Michigan’s four seasons.

Coordinating the exterior selections with the electrical plans and the placement of exterior light fixtures is vital. By selecting exterior light fixtures early in the process, the interior designer can ensure that the mason has the necessary information for proper installation before the insulation of brick and stone.

Structural Considerations for Interior Design

When working with architectural plans for a home remodel, it’s essential to consider the structural implications of interior design choices. For example, tile and flooring selections need to be aligned with the structural requirements of the space. The material selection for countertops and the placement of heavy items like islands or furniture can also affect the architectural structure.

An experienced interior designer will collaborate with architects and contractors to ensure that the architectural drawings accommodate the desired flooring and counter options. By coordinating with all parties involved, they can address any potential challenges and find solutions that meet both aesthetic and structural requirements.

Construction Documents & Procurement Services

Interior designers bring extensive experience in working with contractors, enabling them to develop precise design development drawings. These drawings serve as comprehensive documents that cover all areas of interior development, including tile and hard surface installation, as well as custom millwork drawings.

Additionally, interior designers can assist with procurement services, ensuring that the specified materials and products are obtained efficiently and within budget. Their expertise in sourcing and working with suppliers can save you time and help you make informed decisions about the best options for your home remodel.

Understanding Design Professionals’ Fees

It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the fees associated with working with design professionals. Each firm may have its billing structure and profit margins. Some firms make a markup on items like cabinetry, while others may allow clients to purchase directly and receive referral fees. Transparency is key, and reputable interior design firms will be upfront about their pricing structure and any additional costs involved.

At our firm, we prioritize our clients’ best interests. We only refer trusted suppliers and contractors who will take care of our clients, ensuring that they receive the best quality and pricing.

Conclusion

As you embark on your project, remember the essential role of an interior designer. They bring expertise, creativity, and a keen eye for detail to ensure that your space reflects your personal style and meets your budget. From the early stages of design development to the procurement of materials and coordination with contractors, an interior designer will guide you through every step of the process. By collaborating with professionals who understand the intricacies of interior design, you can transform your home into a space that truly feels like your own.