Nestled along the lush, tree-lined streets of Coconut Grove, Florida, a contemporary masterpiece by interior designers Luciana Fragali and Andre Wanderley of Design Solutions invites you inside. It’s a home that’s equal parts raw edge and refined elegance—a seamless blend of modern design with warm, organic materials. The Las Vegas-based clients, a couple with an appreciation for artful, sophisticated interiors, envisioned a space that balanced privacy with openness while reflecting their unique style.
As you approach the home, the first thing to catch your eye is the striking contrast between cool, sleek metal and the warmth of natural wood. This juxtaposition sets the tone for the journey inside. The entryway commands attention with its dramatic 24-foot-tall wall, where a bold 77-inch Odino Mirror by Molteni & Baron, leans with casual purpose. Beside it, George Carwardine’s Original 1227 floor lamp in vivid crimson red adds a playful splash of color, offering a glimpse at the vibrant character within.
The open, elongated flow of the first floor immediately captures your attention—a thoughtfully designed space that connects the living, kitchen, and dining areas in one harmonious line. This deliberate layout emphasizes both cohesion and openness.
“We wanted every space to have its own purpose, but they also needed to speak to each other,” says Wanderley.
The entry lounge, designed for entertaining guests and family gatherings, features a Pixel modular sofa in a blend of linen and chenille, creating a relaxed yet polished feel. Two plush Belaire armchairs complement the space, creating an inviting atmosphere.
The design team’s approach to the dining area is nothing short of visionary. Here, the custom bar-staircase hybrid—an architectural centerpiece—illuminates the room, casting a warm glow that transforms the space from functional to fantastic. Wanderley’s goal was to transform a “pass-through” area into a focal point. The dining area features a sculptural butterfly-shaped glass dining table, curated from Anima Domus Miami, paired with four Colony armchairs with natural woven cane backs. Beneath it all, a vibrant indigo rug adds a grounding burst of color.
“The dining table’s transparency lets you see right through to the living area, creating a visual link between the spaces,” notes Wanderley.
The open kitchen is a statement of bold contrasts. Walnut paneling frames the space, adding depth and warmth against the sleek, industrial look of black Marquina marble.
“We loved how the walnut’s grain added a natural texture to balance the smoothness of the marble and plaster finishes,” explains Fragali.
Top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances are subtly integrated, while the butcher block-topped island becomes a natural gathering spot for family breakfasts and casual entertaining. Above, sculptural pendant lights act as art pieces in their own right, hanging gracefully over the island.
At the heart of the home—both literally and figuratively—is the bar and staircase combo, a bold concept that merges the practical with the theatrical. The original staircase was too small, so the team enlarged it, turning it into a centerpiece that anchors the home’s open layout. Black wood slats climb the wall beside it, creating a dramatic backdrop. The shelving here is mirror-backed, reflecting the room’s depth while offering a practical display for curated glassware and decor. It’s this attention to detail that defines the home’s aesthetic—every piece is both beautiful and purposeful.
The living area continues this thoughtful balance of function and form. The Pixel modular sofa returns, providing a soft yet sculptural presence. Against the wall, a sleek TV unit crafted from black slatted wood and mirror-backed shelves extends the design language introduced at the staircase.
“We didn’t want the TV wall to feel like just another wall,” Wanderley shares. “It had to feel like a continuation of the home’s story.”
Here, form follows function, but not at the cost of beauty.
Venture upstairs, and you’ll find the private spaces echoing the bold aesthetic of the shared areas. The primary bedroom feels like a serene retreat, swathed in neutral tones and accented by tactile elements like woven textiles and warm wood finishes. The en suite bathroom elevates the experience with Venetian plastered walls and a strategically placed mirror within the shower —capturing the essence of a luxury spa retreat.
“We wanted the bathroom to feel intimate and luxurious,” says Fragali, “so the mirror adds a sense of depth and reflects light in a way that’s both practical and beautiful.”
Moving through the home feels like a curated journey through a living art gallery. Each turn offers a fresh perspective, unveiling new textures, materials, and moments of discovery. The carefully chosen elements—walnut paneling, Venetian plaster, and black Marquina marble—lend the space a rich, tactile quality that invites you to reach out and touch every surface.
At its core, this Coconut Grove residence is more than just a house—it’s a story of contrast and connection. The couple’s love for bold design, paired with Design Solution’s attention to every detail, resulted in a home that’s as livable as it is stunning. As you step outside and glance back at the structure, you’re reminded of the balance achieved here—refined, yet raw; modern, yet warm. And as the sun filters through the lush canopy above, you’re left with the feeling that this home, like the family it houses, is one of a kind.
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.
