All posts by Jack Boles

Interior Design Trends 2025 with Jaqui Seerman

Designing with Distinction

Interested in Interior Design Trends 2025? We spoke with luxury designer Jaqui Seerman to hear her insights.

From an early age, designer Jaqui Seerman had an eye for beauty and an innate sense of how to shape a space and start designing with distinction. Encouraged by parents who recognized her raw talent, she turned her childhood fascination into a flourishing interior design career spanning nearly two decades. Now, with years of experience crafting spaces that are as personal as they are visually captivating, Seerman shares her top tips for creating a home that is elevated and uniquely yours.

How did you begin studying design?

As an apprentice! I began as a design assistant to some of Southern California’s industry elites, first with Waldo Fernandez and later with Martyn Lawrence Bullard. During this time, I absorbed the intricate process of crafting a creative vision, building strong client-designer relationships, and managing the behind-the-scenes coordination essential to creating one-of-a-kind spaces.

How did you discover your unique style as a designer?

After nearly a decade in the industry, I decided to take the leap and start my own company. Though I was initially anxious about defining my own design identity, I was confident in my unique, client-first approach. Eight years later, we’re busier than ever, continuing to provide top-tier client service and crafting beautifully designed legacy spaces.

How do you keep the design of each project fresh and new while staying loyal to your personal design style?

The design process is deeply personal. It’s essential to me that the spaces we create not only reflect the client’s lifestyle but also embody an elevated, well-curated aesthetic. This process varies for each client — some prefer to be deeply involved, while others prefer a more hands-off approach.

How do you approach learning about your clients to deliver spaces that truly reflect their taste and personality?

We use a “first thought, best thought” approach. We quickly present images and ask clients to share their likes and dislikes without hesitation or judgment. This method removes the fear of saying the “wrong” thing and encourages instinctive responses. It allows us to bypass formalities and get straight to understanding their preferences.

Interior Design Trends 2025

How do you incorporate trends into your designs?

More often than not, the clients we work with are open to taking risks. Many come from creative industries and have a strong sense of self, making them willing to move beyond popular interior aesthetics and explore new, uncharted design territory.

What is the key to incorporating different colors, patterns, and textures in your projects without them becoming chaotic or too busy?

Enveloping a room in a single color from top to bottom is an effortless way to create maximum impact. Painting the space — baseboards, walls, trim, and ceiling — in one hue creates a cocooning effect that feels both inviting and playfully sophisticated, all while remaining approachable and livable. I love blending design styles, finishes, patterns, and materials. The more layered and curated a space feels, the more authentic and lived-in it becomes.

What role does lighting play in your designs, and how do you select the right lighting for a space?

I’m a big fan of ambient and natural lighting, and I love creating spaces with a darker, moodier atmosphere. To achieve this, I often use decorative fixtures as statement pieces. I also appreciate the need for integrated lighting and love working with systems like Lutron, which allow for seamless transitions from day to night.

What role do you think art plays in completing a space, and how do you help clients choose the right pieces?

I love how art can enhance a space, but I also appreciate environments that are entirely void of it. Both aesthetics can be equally powerful. When advising clients on art selection, my main goal is to ensure they choose pieces that are personal and resonate with them. Art should be seen as a meaningful investment, not simply as an accessory to fill the wall.

What do you think is the most important element of a home’s design that people often overlook?

We always encourage our clients to think about where everyday essentials will be stored in their homes. A well-designed home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality. Thoughtful storage solutions play a key role in how a space performs.

How do you approach designing for families with children or pets, balancing style with practicality?

When designing for families, pet owners, or avid entertainers, durability is always a top priority. I love using natural materials like real wood, stone, wool, and cotton, as they perform exceptionally well in high-use spaces and can be restored over time. Along with beauty, I value stability and craftsmanship, paying close attention to how, where, and by whom each piece is made. An active household doesn’t require compromise — just thoughtful selections.

What is one design tip you live by?

Touch it once — if you can, invest in doing it right the first time. You’ll look back and appreciate that decision for years to come.

How do you approach designing for families with children or pets, balancing style with practicality?

When designing for families, pet owners, or avid entertainers, durability is always a top priority. I love using natural materials like real wood, stone, wool, and cotton, as they perform exceptionally well in high-use spaces and can be restored over time. Along with beauty, I value stability and craftsmanship, paying close attention to how, where, and by whom each piece is made. An active household doesn’t require compromise — just thoughtful selections.

What is one design tip you live by?

Touch it once — if you can, invest in doing it right the first time. You’ll look back and appreciate that decision for years to come.

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A New-Era Classic on the Water

Timeless Elegance Meets Contemporary Luxury: A Waterfront Masterpiece on Marco Island with Unrivaled Sunset Views

Welcome to a waterfront masterpiece, a palatial 5-bedroom and 7-bath residence at 820 S. Barfield Drive, Marco Island, Florida. Elevated 18 feet above sea level, this 0.87-acre gated property offers 9,481 square feet of refined interiors with 15,072 square feet total. Ensuring privacy, grandeur and peace of mind.

“What sets this property apart is its nearly one-acre lot overlooking the bay,” states Patrick Wilkins, broker associate with RE/MAX Affinity Plus. In addition to the views, “the sheer scale of the home and amenities are outstanding,” Wilkins adds.

 

Spectacular sunsets over Roberts Bay are complemented by 108 feet of seawall, direct deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico, and car access to the dock. “This is unusual in the area — most lots do not have room for this accommodation,” says Wilkins. A private dock accommodates up to a 47-foot boat on a 36,000-pound lift, with additional platforms for jet skis.

Car enthusiasts will marvel at the ground-level, climate-controlled garage spanning 4,075 square feet. With room for 14-plus vehicles, the space features epoxy flooring, two lifts, a workbench, and a gun safe vault room. “The garage is one of a kind, a custom area with room to expand and create everything your heart desires as a hobbyist or collector,” Wilkins explains. This added living space also houses a fitness center, billiards room, and lounge area for the ultimate retreat.

An Interior of Elegance and Modern Luxury

The grand entry foyer, crowned by a multi-story cupola and ornate tray ceiling, sets the stage for a world of luxury. Domed ceilings, Corinthian columns, and towering archways evoke timeless grandeur. Balanced by custom built-ins and modern touches for seamless functionality. The two-story great room dazzles with cathedral windows, glistening marble floors, and stately box beam ceilings.

Open-plan living leads to an expansive chef’s kitchen, with top-tier appliances and a sunlit breakfast area, making it ideal for gatherings large and small. The primary suite is a sanctuary of indulgence, boasting a spa bath with a steam room. His and hers studies, and a lush home theater round out the amenities with 2 master suites and 2 Jack and Jill bedrooms upstairs. Control4 smart home automation and interior and exterior surround sound add convenience and ambiance. While dual elevators afford access across all levels.

For further entertaining, the waterfront landscape is “a terraced space with sweeping stairwells, featuring a covered area with barrel-vaulted, tongue-and-groove ceilings. Open lounge and dining spaces and a summer kitchen that includes a built-in grill, pizza oven and more,” says Wilkins.

The cascading landscape leads to a vanishing-edge pool and spa, surrounded by lush gardens and bathed in sophisticated night lighting. Timeless architectural beauty and modern amenities harmonize to offer an exquisite Florida luxury lifestyle on the water. Offered at $11,500,000.

Listed by: Patrick Wilkins, Broker | RE/MAX Affinity Plus

#BK248279 | 239.290.8593

patwilkins@marcoexpert.com | www.marcoexpert.com

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Cover Property of magazine

Sensational and Sprawling Southern California Home

Explore the Cover Property on Unique Homes Global 2024 Magazine!

Gracing the cover of Unique Homes this fall is a truly magical southern California home in the heart of lower Bel Air. Spanning 13,626 square feet, this expansive Los Angeles residence is a pinnacle of elegance and fine luxury living: 252 Saint Pierre Road.

We spoke with REALTOR® David Rothblum from RE/MAX ONE about this unforgettable listing. He shared, “It is the best of Southern California living with easy access to everything the Westside has to offer. This includes prestigious schools, the city’s best shopping, and fine dining.”

While the location is excellent, the property is simply breathtaking. It features eight grand bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, and a chef’s kitchen. It also boasts an exquisite entryway featuring a grand Calcutta staircase and a rotunda. According to Rothblum, “The finishes really shine in this property. From the stunning wood-paneled library to the chef’s kitchen and impressive primary suite, it reflects sophistication at every turn.”

Experience Breathtaking Views of Bel Air

A balcony from the primary suite offers breathtaking views of the hills of Bel Air, as well as the spectacular property grounds. The grounds are truly impressive and include a swimming pool, gardens, and a barbecue area that’s perfect for entertaining. Rothblum draws particular attention to the backyard, adding that it “evokes the essence of a world-class resort right in the heart of LA and offers an unparalleled experience in luxury and tranquility.”

It is a privilege to present 252 Saint Pierre Road in this edition of Unique Homes, according to Rothblum, as well as the opportunity to share it with a wide variety of potential buyers. “International and domestic buyers alike will be drawn to the privacy and exclusivity. A buyer looking for top-tier amenities will also appreciate the area’s serene environment, beautiful views, and sense of community.” Offered at $22,000,000.

Contact David Rothblum

818.400.0803

DR@MaxOneProperties.com

Click here for more info!

 

This property originally appeared in 

Unique Homes Global 2024

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person reading unique homes magazine

Find Exclusive Estates in the Global 2024 Issue of Unique Homes!

The Global 2024 edition of Unique Homes is finally here!

We are pleased to present you with a wide variety of stories and exclusive estates. These are perfect for browsing by the fireside as the weather turns cooler. Take in the changing of the seasons while you enjoy our overviews of unique locations, discoveries, and more. All offer the same high-end quality you have come to expect from Unique Homes.

Pages featured in the unique homes magazine

Experience Unique Luxury Properties

Take a trip with us to South Tyrol, Italy, where the OLM Nature Escape “eco aparthotel” offers a vacation experience like no other. With breathtaking views and activities, you can experience the first ever “self-sufficient hotel in South Tyrol,” spanning 45,200 square feet of idyllic beauty.

Unique Homes pages featuring exclusive estates

Find One Of A Kind Luxury Homes For Sale

Over in Unique Discoveries, we showcase the best in luxury purchases. From customizable small dwellings to custom-tailored vacations in the styles of the most classic stories from around the world, to even the latest in designs using rare gemstones. Unique Discoveries presents a wide selection of treasures for the most discerning eyes in the luxury market.

Find Exclusive estates in Unique Discoveries pages in Unique Homes Global 2024 edition

Discover Exclusive Estates

The cover home for this issue is truly breathtaking. This home is a veritable palace in the heart of Los Angeles. We spoke with REALTOR® David Rothblum from RE/MAX ONE about this property in the cover editorial on page 9. He shared with us that “international and domestic buyers alike will be drawn to the privacy and exclusivity” of this luxury property.

Global luxury begins in the Unique Homes Global 2024 edition! Share it with your family and friends, and have a wonderful start to the holiday season! 

Advertisement for cover pages

Looking to advertise a stunning property in our next issue? There’s still time. Contact Stuart@UniqueHomes.com for the best rates and other exclusive opportunities to showcase your listing. 

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Unique Discoveries: Lighting

Elements of gold and gilded finishes are a timeless addition to interior design. These luxury lights prove that this classic element never goes out of style.

“Incorporating a fixture with gold tones can be a way to elevate the overall look of a room,” according to Allied Maker, a design studio based in Long Island, New York that specializes in handcrafted lighting. A representative from the brand explains that gold lighting fixtures “can be used as a statement piece — as the jewelry of the room” and that it can “give your space a luxury, curated look.”

The shimmer and shine of well-crafted lighting can go a long way in any home. In this issue, we take a look at three standout products that have mastered a sophisticated gold look.

 

 

 

Lladro Niagara Chandelier, Gold

The Lladro Niagara Chandelier, Gold is another dazzling fixture. Designed with handmade golden fairies that dangle from the base, the fiber optics appear as though the light is also descending from the base. This artistic peice uses gold to great effect, and its luster and luminosity make it a visual spectacle. It is sure to become a conversation starter wherever it hangs.

 

 

 

Dahlia Medium Pendant by Regina Andrew

This stunning hanging fixture was inspired by the fragrant flower that it was named after. The bloom design shines through with the incorporation of gold-plated petals shading all sides of the internal light sources. It also offers versatility in the way it can be displayed, with the petals hanging down or opening up.

 

 

SAKI Pendant Light

This fixture also uses gold to imitate a more natural style. The SAKI Pendant Light was designed as a tribute to the Sakishima Islands in Japan. According to Brabbu Design Forces, this light will create a “warm and cozy modern interior design with an exotic touch.” The intricate details that make up this hanging fixture make it a unique and exciting addition to any room it might illuminate.

 

 

 

Unique Discoveries: Jewelry

originally appeared in

Unique Homes Spring 2024.

 

Click here to read more!

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Katarina Barakovska

Modern Design, Legacy Designer

Katarina Barakovska has married traditional elements of her clients’ cultures with modern interior design to build her stunning portfolio of work.

Katarina Barakovska is an international interior designer who has gained notoriety for her fusion of modern design techniques with the heritage of her clients, to create stunning interiors in a number of different kinds of structures all around the world.

A Legacy Heritage Designer

Barakovska is the founder and creative director of Moda Interiors, as well as her own personal brand, and has worked with major brands such as Miele, BMW, and Vogue. Notably, she has worked for over two decades as a “legacy heritage designer.” She says that while she always wanted to work in this field, she “wasn’t looking for it … it found me.” According to Barakovska, a legacy heritage designer is “one who really digs to understand people and their past and their culture … one that really takes care to understand the point of difference in a client and their home. Someone who really knows how to amalgamate the present and the past.”

 

Barakovska also believes that a legacy heritage designer must have “the ability to get to know the client better than they know themselves.” She states that working with so many clients from all around the world greatly influenced her and she always works to make sure that a prominent cultural element is present when working on designing interiors for them. She goes on to say “one of the things that surprises me the most when I analyze why I do what I do, is that beyond my lifelong passion for interior design, it’s really the opportunity to work with people in this way and space. You really get to be creative and interpret people and emotions.”

Requests & Mistakes

Barakovska often finds that her clients want her to help them completely transform their entire interior space. As Barakovska explains, most of her clients say, “Help me create a lifestyle” and she begins her work from there. She goes on to take a look at relevant cultural photos, literature, art, furniture and more when formulating her designs for her clients. This is especially helpful when designing “cultural or religious spaces within homes,” she explains, “such as prayer rooms, to connect people to their faith and family.”

 

In her years as a legacy heritage designer, Barakovska says that “the most common mistake I see is that people fail to engage an interior designer on time, or not engage our services before the builder.” She goes on to say that “the interior designer really focuses on livability and understanding the clients in depth.” She posits that there is more room for flexibility with the interior designer compared to the builders themselves, and quick design or layout changes and fluctuating budgets are less of an issue. Barakovska describes this by saying: “We always work from the inside out, rather than the outside in, to ensure that we don’t miss anything, and that the end outcome is the owner’s most desired destination.”

Diverse Destinations

While she is of Macedonian-descent, Barakovska is currently based in Perth, Australia. Her perspective allows her to better empathize with her clients’ desire to maintain a sense of culture while living in another part of the world. She is not only versatile and meticulous, but also easily adapts her work to any potential location.

 

Barakovska finds that “the biggest factor to residential interiors is that there are a lot of emotions.” The interior space is the most personal and shows the personality and lives of the inhabitants at their most open. One of the best examples that Barakovska recalls comes from her own home. She says, “we converted our cinema room to a multi-purpose room that facilitated a space for my husband’s service uniforms to be centerpieces.” Later on, when she moved to a new property, she put in her dining room “a double-sided mirror” which became “a see- through visual merchandise window when the lights are turned on behind the glass. Once you turn the lights off, it becomes an oversized dining room mirror. Within it, we merchandised all of my husband’s uniforms to really merge the past and present and bring our family’s story in our home.”

The Ever-Evolving Future

Barakovska’s work in interior design is already revolutionary, but she still sees plenty of room for change within the industry. “I see people focusing more on quality over quantity,” she says, “spaces will become more storytelling experiences, rather than just voluminous spaces and empty rooms.” Additionally, she believes that the advancement of technology will continue to incorporate itself within the home. “There will be even less human contact,” she says, “and a lot of things will be computerized, however, it’s a generational thing to consider too.” While certain groups still prefer tactile materials, technological integration is inevitable in Barakovska’s perspective. She states that technology creates “opportunities for access and creativity in different forums.”

 

As for her own future endeavors, Barakovska is extremely optimistic. Despite only working on two to four major projects in a given year, she looks forward to working closely with them on their designs and going on a journey with them through their personal histories. She looks at “working around the world as if the world had no borders” and hopes to continue to “experience different cultures and how they live.”

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