In his world of high design interiors there are influences beyond Mediterranean, such as Florida vernacular, Southern Plantation, Old Key West, Havana, Old World and the Exotic. Stones and other hard surfaces are combined with authentic woods such as Pecky Cypress and Old Florida Pine to create the tropical Florida feel. Stone colored concrete--at times inset with colored glass--and other man-made materials are joining granite in popularity.
Good strong design has legs under it. Architecture and Interior design as one. How do you divorce the dermis from the epidermis? There is style and substance in Florida interior design.
Dupont has a degree in Architecture with a major in Interior Design and, in addition to his flourishing design practice, teaches Interior Design at FAU within the School of Architecture.
Dupont mentions the importance of color in the tropics; blue sky dominates and natural light fills sunny interiors. It is March in Florida and in South Florida it is 80 degrees and sunny outside. An inside--outside world prevails and outdoor living rooms and kitchens are becoming the norm.
New technology lets brass and other metals be used outside; wicker now stands up to weather, and special outdoor fabrics in prints and colors are all impervious to the elements.
