Designer Erika Soza-Mejia crafts a bold yet serene sanctuary, layering rich neutrals with warm woods, metallic accents and personal touches.

Walnut millwork sets a warm and welcoming tone in the entry. The door was made by Custom Doors and the large-format porcelain flooring is by Roca. Photographed by DAN CUTRONA styled by PEGGY CHASE JORDAO

For Erika Soza-Mejia, great design is an artful balance between drama and restraint. This approach shines through in her transformation of a Davie house into an elegant yet deeply personal retreat. As the creative force behind Concept 2 Design (concept2designstudio.com), Soza-Mejia is known for her keen ability to layer rich materials, bold statements and intimate details, ensuring every project tells a unique story. In this home, she embraced the clients’ background in musical theater, creating spaces that feel intimate and grand—perfect for entertaining, performing or simply unwinding. “Because of their dynamic personalities and passion for performing arts, I wanted to capture that energy through bold colors and patterns,” she says, teaming with Retos Service for the renovation.

French doors open onto the pool terrace from the dining room, seamlessly blending indoor-outdoor living for the ideal entertaining space. Light fixtures from Circa Lighting suspend over a table made by Decora Woodcraft, and the chairs don S. Harris fabric. Photographed by DAN CUTRONA styled by PEGGY CHASE JORDAO

A statement kitchen hood became the project’s anchor, inspiring the use of copper accents that dance around the home, from the custom legs of the kitchen island to an artisan-crafted dining table. “She leans toward a masculine aesthetic and wanted an industrial feel, so I incorporated black metals to highlight that without making the space feel too cold,” Soza-Mejia says.

Erika Soza-Mejia schemes away in her Davie design studio, where she focuses on materiality and personalizing each space for her clients. PORTRAIT BY YESI LAVER

“A big part of my creative process is starting very neutral and layering in as I get to know the client and seeing how far I can push the envelope.”–ERIKA SOZA-MEJIA

Walnut-slatted millwork reappears in the primary bedroom, where grasscloth wallpaper and pillows by Romo create interest through a neutral palette. The bed is from Dovetail Furniture, the chest is from Four Hands, and the pendant is by Troy Lighting. Photographed by DAN CUTRONA styled by PEGGY CHASE JORDAO

A master of infusing personality into a space, Soza-Mejia incorporated touches of the owners’ backgrounds through carefully curated details. A large-scale abstract painting references their countries of origin. Shadowbox frames display menus from Michelin-starred restaurants—a nod to their love of hospitality. Burnt orange accents throughout pay homage to the couple’s alma maters, the University of Miami and the University of Florida. And an artful book about dancers stands on a Lucite platform in the family room, hinting at the performance studio owned by the pair. “There are little pieces of them woven into the design,” Soza-Mejia says.

Functionality was also top of mind. Performance fabrics keep dining chairs pristine despite the bustle of family life with two kids and three dogs. A dedicated dog station acknowledges the importance of the family’s furry members, while clever storage solutions maximize functionality. Even the primary suite received a thoughtful reconfiguration, complete with a private foyer and a closet daringly painted in black with LED-lit shoe storage.

A Compac quartz countertop joins Mitzi sconces and terrazzo-like tiles from TileBar in the primary bath Photographed by DAN CUTRONA styled by PEGGY CHASE JORDAO

Throughout, Soza-Mejia’s signature layering technique is evident. “The walnut millwork was such an important warm touch—crucial to making the space feel inviting,” she says, crediting Decora Woodcraft for their talents. Whether through bold patterns, rich textures or personal storytelling, her designs transcend aesthetics, creating spaces that resonate on an emotional level.

Wallpaper from Wallquest and Hartmann&Forbes create a backdrop in the living room, which features a Jaipur Living rug and Visual Comfort & Co. sconce. The armchairs are from Four Hands. Photographed by DAN CUTRONA styled by PEGGY CHASE JORDAO

For Soza-Mejia, the greatest compliment comes from the owner’s reaction: “She still tells me, ‘When I come home, I can’t believe this is my house.’” It’s a testament to the designer’s ability to push creative boundaries while keeping her clients’ identities at the heart of her vision.

Coppery accents gleam in the kitchen, designed around a Miele stove that the husband requested. Decora Woodcraft custom made the range hood and cabinetry. DAP Original Stone fabricated the countertops from Stonica. Backsplash tiles are by INAX, barstools are by Sunpan, and the lights are by Troy Lighting. Photographed by DAN CUTRONA styled by PEGGY CHASE JORDAO