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Where Vision Meets Design

Every home tells a story — and my passion lies in revealing that story through architecture, color, and detail. Whether I’m transforming a South Florida residence into a Tuscan–Mediterranean retreat, designing a contemporary space with Balinese serenity, or creating a dramatic focal point through art and light, my goal is always the same: to craft environments that feel personal, timeless, and deeply connected to the people who live in them.

I believe in blending the old with the new, layering texture and history to give each project a soul of its own. From the first concept sketch to the final installation, every decision is guided by a vision of beauty, balance, and authenticity.

 Transforming a Generic South Florida Design
into a Tuscan Retreat

Welcome to our latest architectural and interior design project, where I will be reimagining a standard South Florida construction and transforming it into a warm, character-filled Tuscan retreat.

This home remodel consist of a two story guesthouse with a large BBQ area, stone gazebo, and a central pool as a focal point. Construction has been in the works for over two years with my client and his contractor. Along the way, challenges have emerged, ranging from construction and design missteps to functionality concerns and, most critically, communication issues. My role is not only to address these challenges but to ensure the architecture and interior design truly reflects my client’s vision and personality.

If only my client had read my earlier blog post, “Working with Architects, Contractors, and Interior Designers” (Link), which highlights how crucial it is for these professionals to collaborate seamlessly with the homeowner. The success of any home project depends on a shared vision and clear communication from the start.

Identifying the Core Issue

One of the first challenges we faced was the absence of an architect or designer who could translate my client’s inspirations into a cohesive vision. Without this guidance, the home lacked the artistry and intentional design needed to bring his dream of an Old World Tuscan retreat to life.

As I stepped into the project, my goal became clear: to create an architectural and design language that merges the timeless beauty of Tuscan villas with the functionality and lifestyle needs of modern South Florida living.

My Design Vision

The Tuscan style is all about authenticity, warmth, and natural beauty. We are incorporating classic elements such as rustic wood beams, stone columns and walls, and natural stone floors. Hand-painted tiles, wrought iron details, and earthy color palettes will infuse the home with character and charm. Each space will feel inviting, as though it has evolved over centuries, yet designed for today’s modern comforts.

The Importance of Collaboration

This project is a testament to the importance of having the right team in place from the beginning. When homeowners, contractors, and designers collaborate with trust and a shared vision, the result is more than just a home—it’s a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.

I’m excited to share the progress of this transformation in upcoming posts, where I’ll take you behind the scenes of the design process, show you material selections, and reveal how each decision contributes to creating an authentic Tuscan retreat.

Stay tuned as we turn a once-generic property into a timeless, artfully designed home that tells a story of tradition, beauty, and individuality.

My first meeting with my new client

Today marked my first meeting with a new client and my first opportunity to take over a project already in progress. While the home reflects the familiar charm of South Florida architecture, my client envisions transforming it into something far more personal being a warm Tuscan–Mediterranean retreat that feels timeless, as if it has gracefully existed for generations.

The roof tiles was our first design challenge, the new ones didn’t quite match the existing roof, and that subtle difference in tone and texture threw off the harmony of the architecture. It’s one of those details that might go unnoticed by most, but to me, it changes everything. We resolved it quickly, finding roof tiles that ties the entire exterior together beautifully.

The pool area is where I see the greatest opportunity for transformation. The existing design is very contemporary with a flat feature wall with three sleek edge waterfalls. Clean and modern, yes, but it doesn’t tell the same story as the rest of the vision.

My vision is to soften that modern aesthetic and reimagine the pool with Mediterranean - Tuscan elements to give it an Old World charm — aged stone pavers, Mediterranean painted tiles, and architectural details that evoke the romance of a centuries-old villa.

Overlooking the pool will be an Old World stone gazebo a space that becomes the heart of outdoor living.

The structure already hints at character with the beginnings of a fireplace, which I’ll complete with a graceful mantel and hearth. The surrounding layout will include a comfortable seating area, an alfresco dining space, and a bar featuring a stone niche with a hand-painted tile mural as its focal point.

The reimagined gazebo will blend classic Mediterranean and Tuscan architecture, with wrought iron panels flanking the fireplace and pendant lanterns casting a warm, golden glow as the sun sets over the pool. It’s the kind of space that invites long evenings, good wine, and conversation.

Within the gazebo, I’m planning a relaxed seating area, a dining space, and of course, a bar framed by elegant stone columns accented with large wrought iron sconces. Above the bar, a recessed niche will feature a hand-painted tile mural depicting a Tuscan vineyard being the artistic focal point of the space. This touch of Old World craftsmanship and color brings warmth, romance, and authenticity, perfectly capturing the timeless spirit of Mediterranean design.

A perfect reflection of Old World charm meeting South Florida living.