Perched among the clouds above historic Coconut Grove, this apartment showcases breathtaking panoramic views blending the border between land and sea – each window framing a different angle awash in naturally deep blues and greens. Luciana Fragali and her Design Solutions team embraced the privilege of collaborating with this client to transform an essentially blank canvas into a place they could call home.
Through a comprehensive design and decor renovation, the team meticulously selected materials, finishings, and custom pieces that harmonized aesthetic vision with practical functionality. Their thoughtful design decisions paved the way for an apartment that is cherished and lived in, all while ensuring every element offers both beauty and durability for a growing family.
Upon entering the space, textured wood paneling on the walls naturally leads the eye into a contemporary dining and living area. A harmonious blend of textures and tones defines the room, from the warm wood ceilings to the plush, neutral-toned area rug that anchors the space. A sleek, low-profile sectional sofa in a soft gray hue offers ample seating, complemented by a pair of mid-century-inspired armchairs upholstered in crisp white and accented with rich caramel leather cushions.
This specific area provided an opportunity for the team to highlight the client’s own unique art and decor collection from their home country against a backdrop of more neutral tones and textures. A large mirror built into the custom shelving unit extends the space and multiplies the striking oceanic views. Around the corner from this unit, a custom-designed bar unit with a striking textured marble backsplash adds a touch of modern sophistication and speaks to this client’s particular love of entertaining guests.
The dining area flows effortlessly into its companion space: the kitchen. Dramatic and minimalist, it is a study in contrasts, where sleek modernity meets the organic beauty of the surrounding seascape. With an island crafted from warm, natural wood, the kitchen offers ample space for both culinary creation and casual dining, with a row of elegant, yet simple, wooden bar stools inviting conversation.
A wall of matte black cabinetry, punctuated by a striking range hood and integrated appliances, provides a bold focal point. The polished white tile floors and the exposed concrete support column add an industrial touch, balancing the warmth of the wood and the boldness of the black cabinetry.
The second, more secluded living area masterfully balances industrial edge and curated warmth. The television integrates seamlessly within a custom open shelving unit crafted from sleek black metal, surrounded by a thoughtful collection of artful objects, books, and plants that infuse personal character into this intimate space. Diverse seating arrangements rest atop a striking geometric rug: its bold black and white stripes add a dynamic layer that energizes the room’s overall composition.
Luciana’s signature touch is on proud display in the powder room, adding character and flair to a room that might otherwise be overlooked. This jewel box of a room embraces a captivating blend of drama and intimacy. The walls are enveloped in a lush, botanical Moooi wallpaper, its dark background punctuated by vibrant flora and fauna to create the sense of a hidden, lush garden.
At the room’s heart, a striking black marble vanity commands attention, its sleek form illuminated by softly glowing, recessed lights framed around a central mirror. Flanking the vanity, open shelving crafted from a light, natural wood provides a warm counterpoint to the dark marble and wallpaper, hosting curated decorative objects and verdant potted plants. The playfulness of this space is perhaps most embodied in the unique unit sitting beside the basin.
Moving into the residence’s more private quarters, the main bathroom layout embraces the outdoor scenery, making each shower an opportunity to bathe in the ocean view. A custom double vanity crafted from light wood and topped with a smooth, gray countertop offers ample storage and a touch of understated elegance. Recessed shelving with integrated lighting adds a warm glow visible both during daylight and evening hours. It’s a testament to sophisticated simplicity, where every element transports you to an oasis of tranquility and retreat.
This project came to life during the height of the pandemic—a challenging period that presented unexpected hurdles for Luciana and the Design Solutions team. With rising costs of labor and materials, every decision required thoughtful creativity and swift adaptability. From the initial concept to final installation, they worked diligently not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, transforming a blank canvas into a beautifully curated home. As Luciana reflects, “The apartment was a white canvas, and now every corner of the unit is finished to perfection.” This transformation went beyond mere aesthetics – it created a meaningful space where the client genuinely feels at home.
Guided by a passion for design and architecture Luciana Fragali first pursued her studies in architecture and interior design in her native Brazil and later received a degree in interior design at the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute before launching her design firm, Design Solutions, in 2005. Luciana Fragali, who has owned Miami-based Design Solutions for 15 years, has completed over 400 high-end residential and commercial projects to date. As such she has a unique set of influences from which her sophisticated, sumptuous, and refreshing brand has blossomed.
