BRANCHING OUT

For some, it’s the curb appeal that seals the deal on a property purchase. For others, it’s the grand architecture. But for designer Luciana Fragali, it was a tree—a magnificent 400-year-old banyan rooted in South Miami’s Ponce Davis neighborhood. Fragali and her family were bicycling through the area when she spotted the tree amid mass construction.

“I was awestruck,” recalls Fragali, owner and principal of Design Solutions. “I went right up to it and felt the most amazing energy ever—a happiness I cannot explain.”

One week later, Fragali and her husband struck a deal and began building their dream home around the tree. Because the house was planned as a spec home, Fragali was able to step in and create a fully customized design without having to alter much of what was already standing.

Now exquisite elements bring her house to life. On a stone accent wall in the living room hangs a painting by Manolo Valdés, which the artist custom made for Fragali to commemorate their partnerships and collaborations over the years. Moooi’s sinuous Flock of Light chandelier centers the space, separating the living room and adjacent dining area. For above the dining table, the designer chose a Dew Drops chandelier by Boris Klimek. The entire room faces 10foot sliding glass doors that look out to the pool and gardens.

Throughout the home, rich earthy hues of walnut, bronze, moss, and ivory radiate an organic essence, blurring the line between inside and out. Fragali also selected classic pieces that would stand the test of time and incorporated meaningful collectibles from her travels.

“All [our design decisions] were based on comfort and beauty,” she says. “This is the house where we want to raise our kids and build amazing memories, which is what we believe life is all about.”

(ds-miami.com) —Jeanne De Lathouder

BY DESIGN

Full Style

How To Create A Half Bath That Packs A Punch

BY ALENA CAPRA

My favorite room to design is a powder room; it allows for the biggest design in the smallest of spaces. Designers often refer to a powder room as a “jewel box,” which is to say a room that can be adorned with layers of details. Because powder rooms are small, the amount of materials needed is minimal—making it a great space to splurge. Here are a few of my favorite design ideas and trends to help put the pow in your powder room. (alenacapradesigns.com)

Statement SINKS

The focal point of any powder room is the sink. One wow-worthy look for a powder room is an integral sink and countertop made from a single stone or porcelain slab. Other trending options include vessel sinks in metal or glass atop a vanity cabinet. A classic yet elegant choice is a lavatory console, where the sink and countertop sit on stylized legs in metal or even acrylic for an open look.

Floors First

XPEOPLE OFTEN ASK WHETHER THEY SHOULD CONTINUE THE FLOORING FROM THE REST OF THEIR HOME INTO THE POWDER ROOM. IT COMES DOWN TO PERSONAL PREFERENCE, BUT CONSIDER THIS: IF YOU WANT THE WALLS TO BE THE FOCUS, THEN DON’T CHANGE THINGS UP AT GROUND LEVEL. HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT WITH A BOLD OR INTERESTING FLOOR TILE, THIS IS THE ROOM TO DO JUST THAT.

Fashion-Forward FAUCETS

Faucet options abound, with chrome, matte gold, brass, and matte black leading in popularity. Another recent trend is customizing your faucet handles. Brands like Kallista, Brizo, and Hansgrohe allow homeowners to select fi xtures with inserts of wood, stone, or other materials.

Let There Be Light

It’s important to layer your lighting to set the tone in a powder room. Consider general lighting (overhead), ambient lighting (sconces, decorative fixtures, or lighting around a mirror), and accent lighting (light strips beneath a floating vanity).

Go Wild With Walls

If you’re going to use a bold wall covering or tile in any room, let it be in the powder room. Don’t be afraid to take a risk, using patterns, textures, and colors you may not want to try in larger areas of the home.

Look Up

Don’t forget about the ceiling. If you have crown molding in your powder room, create contrast by adding a pop of color to the ceiling. Or think about adding a unique decorative light fixture or chandelier for interest.