Designer’s Corner

Andrea Martoccia

Join us as we sit down with interior designer, Andrea Martoccia, of Motivo Home, Palm Beach Florida to discuss Design Tips and Inspiration.

andrea martoccia

motivo home

Andrea Martoccia is the owner and Principal Designer at Motivo Home; a full service Interior Design & Build business. Andrea had danced professionally for the Orlando Ballet and also studied in London to be a Gemologist. Then in college she studied interior design. After having children, she started taking on a few design projects.

Motivo Home quickly established themselves in the Central Florida market as one of the fastest growing boutique design firms and have now opened a second office in Palm Beach County, South Florida.

Approaching 10 years in the business, their style is best described as

livable luxury

the interview

What inspired your passion for interior design?

First and foremost, my Grandmother Noël; she had a successful design business in Boca for many years. Her style was elegant and eclectic and I grew up admiring her home. I would visit her and she would take me with her to the DCOTA building to source for her clients, I remember keeping a note book and thinking I wanted to be just like her.

Who are your (design) mentors (if any)?

I look up to so many designers, some based on their style and some for their longevity and success in business. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Mende. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet someone who has been so kind to me through social media and of course I thanked her for her support. Lisa has taken the time to answer questions I’ve had and has given me wonderful advice. I think it’s incredibly important for all designers to have a mentor.

What are the most important decorative elements in a home?

I believe for a home to feel warm and well designed, there are definitely some key decorative elements that are important no matter what style you are working with. Texture is a really important design element in a home. Using the right fabrics for upholstery, down to the type of textiles you are using on your bed, can really make a huge difference on the home's look and feel. Another very important decorative element in a home is lighting. The scale, light quality, and style of lighting will quite literally make or break any design.

What upcoming projects are you looking forward to?

We are wrapping up construction and moving on to the interiors phase of a project in Palm Beach Gardens on 5 acres of land that we are calling “LA FINCA” which means The Farm in Spanish. It’s a modern take on a farmhouse with Spanish flare. There are lots of great patterned tiles, clean lines coupled with rustic accents, oversized seating arrangements, and one of my favorite elements is the 15 foot dining table topped by three chandeliers.  

Where do you go for design inspiration?

I can tell you that my favorite place to find inspiration is traveling in Europe, specifically in Italy. I love design magazines and buy them regularly, but I also really like apps such as Pinterest and Instagram. Another way I try to stay inspired is by not overlooking the mundane because that is when you find something you least expect… like how the colors of the beets and zucchini play off of each other at the grocery store or the old tile design at the diner. Inspiration is everywhere when you are looking around.

What are your three most important elements when designing a bedroom?

Comfort, lighting and storage. While I want everything to look beautiful, I think comfort in a bedroom is the most important element for it’s design. A good night’s sleep is crucial, your bed and the bedding you choose have such a big impact on your sleep quality. Lighting is also very important, so we like to make sure that there are different layers of lighting in our designs. Lastly, I think when there is a place for everything, rooms stay more tidy. We are loving oversized nightstands, they add a really grand look to a bedroom as well as provide additional storage

What is on your nightstand?

I love to have a fresh floral arrangement whenever I can, but at the moment there is an oversized lamp that was my grandmother’s, a stack of designer books, and a beautiful jewelry box that was a gift.

what people are saying about us

" Let me start by saying that the sheets I ordered arrived in beautiful box which would be great if you gave these as a gift! I will not be giving this set as a gift as I am in love with them! Super high end and comfortable sheets that feel luxurious against your skin. Super happy with this purchase and will be telling all my friends about them and referring them to my Interior Design Clients as well! "

Jaime Blomquist | LONG TIME CUSTOMER

what people are saying about us

"The 700 thread count St Tropez sheet set lives up to the hype! These sheets are certainly the best sheets I have ever slept in and I am beyond thrilled with this purchase. The sheets are soft, smooth, breathable and simply luxurious."

Nicky Monteiro Art Director

what people are saying about us

“The sheets are absolutely amazing! Getting a good night rest is heavily weighted on good sheets. Since I have been using them, I have been sleeping like a baby and find myself in a better mood the next day because of my restful night”..

-Lynette J - Editor at Gulfstream media

what people are saying about us

"Elegant Strand's luxurious bedding strikes the perfect balance between silky smooth and cool and crisp.You can't put a price on a good night's sleep; these sheets are priceless!"

-Steven Stolman - Author, Design Consultant

what people are saying about us

"The Perfect Medium: These sheets hit that ideal (and elusive) spot between soft and crisp. I find sateen and silky sheets too slippery and warm, but these are perfect. The embellishments are sleek and distinctive, but work well with the other bedding I own. (Even the packaging is lovely.) Plus, Elegant Strand, unlike so many other sheet producers, seems to have fully adapted to the new world of super-thick mattresses. Not only does the bottom sheet fit easily, the top sheet is extra wide so it can be tucked in, no matter how thick your mattress. I find these sheets to be as good, if not better, than sets I own by famous makers that cost far more. A great bargain and worth every cent!"

Michael Boodro, Executive Editor, Dering Hall

what people are saying about us

"They are so soft to sleep on. Love them."

Scott Sanders, Interior Designer

what people are saying about us

"My wife and I felt the sheets were soft to the touch and excellent quality.We could feel the elegance."

Tom Diverio, Interior Designer, Dunagan Diverio Design Group

what people are saying about us

"Elegant Strand is a luxury brand with superior artisanship. We love the feeling of the bedding, so soft to the touch and how elegant it looks."

Charlotte Dunagan, Interior Designer, Dunagan Diverio Design Group

what people are saying about us

"There’s an upscale level of craftsmanship and luxury to the brand. It’s the finest cotton bedding I have ever felt."

Gil Walsh, Interior Designer, Gil Walsh Interiors

what people are saying about us

"The loveliest sheet set!"

Jennifer Smith, Home Editor, LUXE Magazine

what people are saying about us

"When I received these beautiful sheets, I was very impressed by their style. Once I placed them on my bed, I found myself further impressed by the elegance and quality of the sheets. Attention to detail and style in the creation of them is apparent, and the feel of them is absolutely divine. Now I REALLY look forward to bedtime!"

Cyndi Hochberg, Publisher, Florida Home & Garden

what people are saying about us

"I recently received my Elegant Strands set of sheets and could not be more pleased with the product and service. The elegant packaging just made you feel that you were about to experience true luxury. That evening getting into bed I was in a state of pure tranquility and had the best night’s sleep. I now have to order more sets for all my bedrooms."

Shelley McCormick, Publisher, Design + Décor Magazine

what people are saying about us

"The sheets are absolutely amazing! Getting a good night rest is heavily weighted on good sheets. Since I have been using them, I have been sleeping like a baby and find myself in a better mood the next day because of my restful night"

Lynette Janac, CEO l Publisher, South Florida Luxury Guide

what people are saying about us

"I am very pleased with my new sheet set, Saint-Tropez. They are extremely soft and smooth for a great night sleep. I am very happy with the feel and quality."

Stephen Lazorischak, Publisher, Modern Luxury South Florida Magazine

what people are saying about us

"I love that Elegant Strand sheets are equal parts high quality and stylish. Crawling into bed at night feels like a little slice of heaven."

Kara Franker, Editor-in-Chief Modern Luxury Weddings Magazine

what people are saying about us

"Thank you for the beautiful sheet set. Love Elegant Strand!"

Brittany Chevalier, National Editor, LUXE Magazine

what people are saying about us

"The Saint-Tropez set is amazing! Super comfortable and simply stylish. I will definitely be getting a new set the next time I update my bedding design.”

Tyler Anderson, Client & Community Relations Coordinator, South Florida Luxury Network, South Florida Luxury Guide

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