I used to drive by this community and admire the well-kept homes with their ample backyards. In terms of location, this neighborhood is very close to Downtown Orlando and the East Coast beaches, but far off from the theme parks to avoid all the tourist traffic. This is a quiet, diverse community with street names like Chicory, Cinnamon, and Peppercorn, as in a mix of all spices together.

When we found this three-bedroom, two-bath split floor plan house, it was a typical 1970s home complete with dark wood-paneled walls, hunter green wallpaper, and country style shelves. We are empty nesters with two grown sons; a graphic designer and a U.S. Navy veteran, my son Diego, who now lives here as he’s transitioning from military to civilian life.

Our Style: Our style is pretty much a combination of thrift and marketplace finds. I stalk websites and visit my neighborhood thrift shops looking for specific pieces to add or replace. In the case of the pieces I bring into my home, the requirements I look for are that they are utilitarian, practical, and stylish at the same time. As there is no space for style without practicality.

Inspiration: I find inspiration in bright happy colors, nature, as well as my Caribbean heritage and Puerto Rican upbringing, where color, greenery, and the ocean are the center of everything.

Favorite Home Element: My favorite element of this house is the split floor plan. It’s like living in two different apartments connected by a kitchen, very cool.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping all of my plants alive and thriving is similar to having a part-time job. But the most fulfilling of sorts. I have around 65 plants and a few propagating.

Proudest DIY: Propagating most of my indoor plants. I’m obsessed with all of my plants and most of them are sons and daughters of the original plants.

Biggest Indulgence: Resurfacing and renovating the pool. Even though we needed to renovate the bathrooms, we chose to go ahead and make the pool awesome. Since the Florida summers tend to be harsh it felt the right path forward so we can cool down. We spent big bucks, but it was worth it.

Best home secret or advice: For me it’s to take your time and furnish your home with secondhand and vintage finds. As you rid the world of waste you also enjoy a one-of-a-kind piece. Take your time to find that special piece that will give you the most satisfaction! Patience pays off.

What most people get wrong about using color in their home: I’d have to say that thinking you have to restrain yourself and limit your colors. That leads to discontent. Don’t miss out on those funky colors that make your heart happy. Don’t try to fit into colorless aesthetics when you are not afraid of color or vibrancy.

Biggest secret tricks to using colors in decor: I always keep in mind that some colors act like neutrals in different settings. Or so I convinced myself of that. Go with what you love and be authentic, and the results will be great.

Favorite wall paint color of all time: For a color-obsessed person like me, my favorite wall paint of all time is “High Hide White” paint and primer from Valspar. It’s the bright base for everything color. The furniture and accessories just pop.

• Color on Wood Paneling – High Hide White by Valspar and Quaint Peche by Sherwin Williams
• Thrifted Cabinet – Alexandrite by HGTV colors Sherwin WIlliams
• Leaves Peel and Stick wallpaper – Opalhouse Target
• Round Mirror Allen and Roth – Lowes
• Flowers Motif Vase – Michaels
• Bamboo Lamp – Opalhouse Target
• Turquoise Monrovian Star light Fixture – Global Collection for Target (No longer available)
• Art – “one love” by SergeSociety

• Green Sofa – Custom made and bought secondhand from original owners
• Bird Art – Thrifted at Goodwill
• Lamp – Thrifted/IKEA; spray painted “Orange Popsicle” by Krylon Paint and Primer
• Turquoise Decanters – Vintage/Thrifted
• Rug – Rodja from Revival Rugs
• Jute Rug – Nuloom
• Wall Colors – “Crocodile Tears” by Valspar and High Hide White by Valspar

• Vintage Furniture – Mid Century Style Credenza, Cesca Chairs, and Mid-Century Rattan Dining Table all from Facebook Marketplace
• Lamp – Thrifted and spray-painted “Coral Isle” by Krylon Paint and Primer
• Art – Minimal Lines 6 by Ana Rut Bre available at Iamfy and “We are Eve” by Maggie Stephenson

• Desk – Vintage thrifted
• Art – Tiger Yellow Art by Camille Gressier available at Iamfy

• Paint – “High Hide White” by Valspar and “Quaint Peche” by HGTV Sherwin Williams
• Sofa Sectional – Tylosand IKEA (retired)
• Coffee Table – Vintage Thrifted
• Art – DIY Tommy Bahama fabric covered canvas available at JoAnn’s
• Rug – Vintage Turkish by Revival Rugs
• Pink Ottomans – Vintage Thrifted

• Cabinets – IKEA Sektion base Cabinets
• Countertop – IKEA Ekbacker Countertop with Gamlejon faucet
• Shelves – IKEA Bergsgult with Granhult brackets
• Rug – Vintage Moroccan Boucherouite rug
• Coffee Area – Ninja Coffee Bar System with foldable frother from kohls.com
• French Press – Lady Ironside

• Furniture – Thrifted Mid-Century Modern wooden pieces
• Basket Wall – A mix from HomeGoods and thrifted
• Bedding – Bamboo Premium bedding from CozyEarth
• Velvet Comforter – Opalhouse Target
• Tiger Pillow – The Jungalow
• Art – “blue abstract” by SergeSociety

• Cabinet – Global Collection by Target (No longer available)
• Shower Curtain – Opalhouse Target
• Art – LintonArt
• Shelves – IKEA

• Bedding – Opalhouse Target
• Art – “Vibe” by SergeSociety
• Day Bed – Vintage
• French Mattress – Urban Outfitters
• Rugs – Mini Turkish – Heirlooms.co
• DIY mural – “Toasted Coffee,” “Sea Sparkle,” and “Burnt Orange” by Valspar
• Pouf – Pier One

• Hammock – Opalhouse Target

Thanks Lilly!

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