Alan Faena
Age 52
Occupation Founder of Faena Group; real estate developer
Location Miami Beach
His Favorite Room Mr. Faena lives in a Mediterranean-style house once owned by Robert Grey, the late Washington power player and adviser to four Republican presidents. In one of the villa’s three living areas he has densely layered the space with hundreds of crystals, a gold Buddha statue, faux animal tusks and other fantastical furnishings, and painted the room a saturated red. “I want to create an impression,” he said.
Credit
Scott McIntyre for The New York Times
I have so many questions. But first, my eyes need to adjust.
It’s intense. I like rich places, I like colors, I believe in layers. The more layers you have, the deeper the place. But you know, I am not a decorator. I am a creator. I create places where I can really think and create. It’s not what you would see in other places.
Credit
Scott McIntyre for The New York Times
You carry that through to your clothes, too.
I used to have a big fashion company in Latin America that was very famous. I came from the world of wear what you like. In my case, having my stones and my walking stick and wearing what I really like allows me to be more creative and connected with myself.
Credit
Scott McIntyre for The New York Times
Are you a believer in the power of crystals?
I always liked crystals. Two or three years ago, a collection was being sold. This guy created a cabinet of curiosities in the 1800s in Genoa, Italy, in a big palace. The way he put it together, mixing crystals with different stones, each one is a piece of art. His family sold it, and I was lucky enough to buy the collection. The energy of the place is really high.
The big cat looks lifelike.
It’s ceramic or porcelain. It’s about the fantasy of the house. I wanted to put these tigers and cheetahs. I like them. They are my guardians of the house.
I’m told that Egyptian chair is a prop from an old movie.
I found it in L.A. walking in a beautiful antiques place. I like the mix of interesting and beautiful things, from the old to new, from colors to stones. It doesn’t follow any rules, as you can see. Only my rules. Uniqueness.
