Highly personalized settings paired with organic touches of natural hues and fresh clean lines is what luxury home owners are looking for, and with an emphasis on creating individualized homes that burst with light, contemporary touches against dark, traditional furnishings, the designers at Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. are making that happen.

When you walk Four Winds at Stone Creek Ranch in the quaint town of Delray Beach, Fla., you will feel as though you've been transported to Italy. As the wroughtiron gates protecting the large estate gently swing open and you place your feet on the extended stretch of pebbled walkway, a wave of excitement will wash over you. Flanked by swaying palm trees and manicured lawns, the path will lead you toward a charmng fountain, whose gently spilling water lands with delicate splashes. Youll probably start wishing this home could be yours with the toss of a coin. Then you'll be distracted by the magnificent exterior of saw-cut shell stone, a roof of barrel clay tile and a terrace that juts out above glistening glass front doors.

The Four Winds, a luxury home in the Stone Creek Ranch community, was designed by Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.'s VP of design, Jeff Strasser, and co-CEO, S. Marc Thee. When relaxing outside at this Tuscan Mediterranean-meets-Santa Barbara dwelling, "one can picture the rolling Tuscan vineyards a few steps away," says Strasser. The interior also has Tuscan architecture, with hints of Mediterranean flavour, all with an updated twist.

Strasser began his career working for a builder where he became familiar with certain elements of interior design and architecture. Soon after this, his passion for art and architecture, coupled with the knowledge he gained from the builder, led him to design for Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. in 1992. "I am fascinated by different architectural styles and draw my inspiration from works that I study. I also have an appreciation for artistic pieces and the creative mastery required-to produce things," he adds. Since he draws inspiration from artwork he sees while traveling abroad, it's no wonder that every project he designs is distinct.

Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc., based in Winter Park, Fla., is one of the most respected interior design firms in the U.S. The company has been successfully designing high-end, one-of-a-kind private residences since its inception in 1985 by Thee and Michael J. Abbott. Everything that Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. embodies is reflected by its finished projects: a passion for artistic mastery, interior details and warm luxury in order to create unique atmospheres for the most discerning client. This successful design firm also stands by its philosophy of pairing everlasting classic touches with fresh new trends.

Strasser says that Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.'s clients are all looking for results with a 'wow" factor, plus comfort and functionality. Essentially, they want their homes to reflect their own needs and lifestyle preferences. "I find it important to include individual elements that are most reflective of a client's personality in each project," says Strasser. "These unique elements lead to a highly personalized look, making the client feel comfortable in their beautiful new home."

These days, homebuyers want homes that scream individuality. Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. does just that. The firm employs creatively-fueled designers who play off one another with a wealth of ideas and because of this, designers like Strasser are able to avoid repetition in their work. "Unlike many designers who have their own niche, which they conform to, I am able to work with a multitude of themes. My versatility allows me to create a variety of looks, from Palm Beach traditional to Tuscan to clean contemporary. Also, I approach every project as one that is unique, having its own identity," says Strasser. The designers at this interior design company maximize their freedom by creating spectacular distinguishing settings tailored to a client's individual needs. While Strasser designs a variety of styles to meet the needs of his clients, there is an overlying theme of barefoot elegance that is unique to MarcMichaels Interior Design, Inc. A client will choose Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. because they are familiar with its look and are searching for it.

The Stone Creek Project is a testament to Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.'s ability to design lavish private residences. Hot on the heels of a growing trend that combines fresh, clean lines with contemporary colour tones, the interior of the ranch features natural hues of green, blue, sand and brown. By incorporating a style of simplicity and purity, the ranch interior bursts with unexpected light and freshness. The grand stone foyer leads to an elaborate living room with a pitched white ceiling, a grand piano, luxurious rugs and Spanish influenced furniture made of velvet and chenille. The light-coloured walls starkly contrast the rich, dark wood beams. The thick archways and columns enhance the clean Tuscan design.

The grand foyer takes you toward the dining room, which has a stunning flooring inset with a bronze and costa esmeralda marbled border. Panelled walls made of light wood include stone insets and provide a contrast to the darker arch of the groin-vaulted ceiling.

When you walk down the impressive circular staircase, you will arrive at the master bedroom, the most interesting part of the home - not because it boasts a stunning fireplace, but because it connects to a magnificent bathroom with a fresh, open concept. It has a charming old-fashioned tub with golden handles, a crystal chandelier and a wood vanity. If you pull back the ornate draper, that hang over a large window, you'll be amazed to see an Asian-inspired outdoor shower! An ambiance of serenity is created by candles and flowers everywhere - not just in the bathroom, but in all rooms of the home.

Strasser has had the opportunity to work on many projects, and one of the things that really fuels his creativity is traveling. "I dream of creating exciting new elements that haven't been done before. I want to continue travelling around the country to view different works and styles which I can draw from and which inspire me to create that next wonderful design." Europe, especially Italy and Hawaii are Strassees favourite destinations. Of Hawaii, he says, "The atmosphere has a lot of Asian-influenced, Zen qualities."

How does Strasser define living la dolce vita? "To me, living la dolce vita is being around beautiful things and being able to appreciate the artistic qualities that go into creating them. It is being able to travel and experience new things on a regular basis."