Napels' New Hot Spot

Old World and New World finishes combine to create an “Out of this World” look. Eric Spiegel of Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes, Inc. located in Naples, Florida, took the warmth of old world Cuba, the aesthetic details of the Mediterranean and Asia and then carefully mixed in a little modern sizzle to perfect the vision of one Rocky Patel, President and CEO of the very sophisticated cigar lounge, “BURN by Rocky Patel.”

The concept behind BURN was to create an atmosphere of luxury, indulgence and taste. The wall finishes needed to keep time with the various exotic accessories, lighting fixtures and fine furnishings that were brought in from all over the world during Rocky Patel’s travels. Eric Spiegel’s keen eye for design and his extensive training made him the ideal artist to complete the look.

On the exterior body of the concrete building, Eric used a lightly tinted Lime Paint and Wash™ mixture to create an aged, chalky look and feel that continues to beautify as it is subjected to the weather. He again used a tinted lime wash over a custom SetCoat® color on the ceiling of the exterior portico. The portico beams were stained with a Van Dyke Brown and Black color combination and then sealed with C500 Urethane™.The overall effect welcomes you in and cordially invites you to partake in the sanctuary’s opulent delights.

Upon entering, your eyes are immediately drawn to the clusters of imported chandeliers illuminating the old world Cuban styled wall treatment. Inspired by the owner’s photographs of old Cuban walls, Eric recreated the look by using SandStone™ over SetCoat® as a textured base. He then applied Venetian Gem® mixed with Lime Slag™ to construct depth within the finish.

Applying several wash coats of diluted Venetian Gem® completed the antiquated effect.

At the center of the extravagant space sits a one-of-a-kind illuminated orange quartz bar top. The bar’s rich walnut base was achieved using a custom SetCoat® color followed by a FauxCreme® glaze mixture tinted with American Walnut and Van Dyke Brown Stain and Seal™. The same beautiful faux-bois was carried throughout the entire bar area, including the sheet rock archways enveloping the lounge with a sense of style that only natural wood can bring.

The V.I.P section of BURN is emphasized by a show stopping metallic foil finish made up of random torn shapes of dazzling Gold Hologram Designer Foil™ applied over two coats of Designer Foil Size™. The many candle alcoves were enhanced with red variegated leafing, which contrasts perfectly and allows for subtle movement from the flickering, amber candlelight.

“BURN was one of the more interesting projects in my career, on many levels.” states Eric.

In 1985, Eric attended classes at the prestigious Finishing School in Floral Park, New York. After extensive studying with Ina, Alan and Bob Marx, Eric launched Spiegel’s Decorative Finishing Inc. In 1993, Eric attended classes at Faux Effects International, Inc. in Vero Beach, Florida. Eric was fortunate to have studied directly with the president of FEI, Raymond Sandor; someone who Eric feels is “the most influential person in the industry today.”

During the 1980s and 90s, Spiegel’s Decorative Finishing, Inc. collected a long list of impressive contracts in New York, including historic restoration work in many of the State Capitol buildings in the Albany area, restoration of an elaborate exterior pergola ceiling for the famous Clark family in Cooperstown, and in many of the famous Victorian mansions known as “Painted Ladies” in Saratoga Springs.

Since then, Spiegel’s Decorative Finishes, Inc. has grown to become one of the leading faux finishing firms in Southwest Florida, with his work found in the most prestigious homes, hotels and restaurants in the area. Spiegel’s work has played major roles in many award winning interior designs and has been featured in several publications such as Faux Effects World® Volumes V and VII,The Faux Finisher magazine, Gary Lord’s latest book Simply Creative Finishes and the book Designer Finishes. Eric has also been featured in many articles with ID-Digest and has received numerous Editor’s Choice awards for his recent projects. Eric is currently working on an instructional video series and book entitled Dr. Faux/Prescriptions For Faux Finishing.

DECORATIVE ART BY: ERIC SPIEGEL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: RANDALL PERRY

WRITTEN BY: CAT FAUST

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