Stacey Cohen | Designing South Florida Homes with Clarity, Luxury, and Timeless Ease

We sat down with her to discuss her design philosophy, creative process, and approach to crafting homes that balance beauty, function, and enduring style.

ORIGIN & INSPIRATION

Where are you from?
I’m based in Boca Raton, Florida, and have spent my career designing homes throughout South Florida.

Has your background influenced your design approach?
Yes. I was classically trained and came of age professionally before trends moved at internet speed. That foundation taught me restraint, proportion, and how to design homes that age well—not just photograph well.

How did you get started in design?
I began in Banana Republics, short lived, but highly beloved home store, and went on to complete a design degree from Parsons School of Design in New York.

What first sparked your love of design?
Childhood. I grew up in an art-driven home with design and beauty all around me.

If you weren’t an interior designer, what would you be doing instead?
Something equally structured and client-focused—likely consulting or real estate strategy. I’m wired for problem-solving and long-term thinking.

Do you have a design mentor or inspiration?
Meis Van Der Rohe. His work alone was inspired my desire to become a designer.

What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
Building Mosaic Luxe into a studio known for calm authority, clear process, and homes that genuinely improve how clients live—not just how they entertain.

Awards or recognition:
HGTV Design Star finalist, LEED AP, and features in both local and national design media.

SIGNATURE STYLE & PHILOSOPHY

How would you describe your signature style in three words?
Refined. Livable. Enduring.

What’s one design rule you always follow?
Every decision must serve the way the client actually lives.

What’s one design rule you love to break?
Matching for the sake of cohesion. Real homes need contrast.

How do you make a home both beautiful and livable?
By designing for real movement, storage, and daily habits before aesthetics.

What material are you obsessed with right now?
Natural stone with visible variation—it brings depth without shouting.

Favorite room to transform, and why?
Living rooms. They reveal whether a home truly works or just looks styled.

If budget weren’t a factor, where would you splurge?
Custom cabinetry and architectural lighting. They quietly elevate everything else.

One lesson learned from a difficult project?
Clarity early saves everyone—time, money, and stress.

FEATURED PROJECT — Tropic Isle Home

Tell us about your featured project.
This project was designed as a true retreat—layered, calm, and intentional. The goal was to create a home that felt composed without being precious, and elevated without sacrificing comfort.

Favorite design elements in this project?
Custom millwork for structure, natural stone for depth, and tailored upholstery selected for longevity. Inspiration came from classic coastal architecture—not trends—interpreted in a modern, livable way.

DESIGN ADVICE FOR HOMEOWNERS

One small change with the biggest impact?
Lighting. Poor lighting undermines even the best design.

Where should homeowners splurge and save?
Splurge: Custom or semi-custom cabinetry, lighting, and foundational furniture
Save: Accessories and decor that can evolve over time

A timeless design element you always recommend?
Proportion. It never goes out of style.

Your go-to strategy for making a small room feel larger?
Edit aggressively and anchor the space with fewer, better pieces.

One thing homeowners should do before starting a project?
Define how they want to live—not just how they want it to look.

The biggest mistake homeowners make?
Starting with finishes before understanding layout and flow.

One upgrade that adds both beauty and function?
Thoughtful storage integrated into the architecture.

How can homeowners elevate a space without renovating?
Upgrade lighting, window treatments, and scale-appropriate furniture.

Advice you wish more homeowners followed?
Hire expertise early. It’s less expensive than fixing mistakes later.

RAPID-FIRE ROUND

Favorite city for design inspiration?
Wherever I am—Chicago, Detroit, LA, New York, South Florida.

Favorite design era?
Timeless classics with modern restraint.

Favorite paint color right now?
Warm whites with depth—never flat.

Most underrated room in a house?
Hallways. They set the tone for everything else.

Luxury is…
Ease, intention, and not having to think about it.

One piece in your own home that makes you happiest?
A well-worn chair that proves comfort and beauty can coexist.

One thing you can’t live without in a space?
Natural light.

Minimalist or maximalist?
Neither—edited and intentional.

What inspires you outside of design?
Well-run businesses, discipline, and long-term thinking.

Coffee, wine, champagne, or tequila when in design mode?
Coffee. Always.