THE OUTDATED CRAFTSMAN THAT THE DUVALLS purchased in the Heritage neighborhood twelve years ago did need quite a bit of work, but they were up to the task and eager to make it their own. “There are some sections of our neighborhood where the streets and homes are lined with mature trees, which is extremely hard to find in this area and so very important to us,” explains Dani Duvall, designer and co-owner of Duvall & Co., a fine furniture maker and shop. “I think people underestimate the power of what you see outside your window. We absolutely fell in love with the lot, mature trees, and very private backyard.” The family set about updating the home room by room, with the kitchen being project number one.
When Duvall began looking for a grand table to take center stage in her newly purchased craftsman home, she quickly discovered that the selection was mass-produced, cheaply made, and rarely unique. Frustrated with the process, she set out to craft her own dining table that would be a perfect fit for her home. "This is what started Duvall & Co., honestly,” says Duvall. “I wanted something that was real, handcrafted, and the right scale for our space. Our custom handcrafted kitchen table was definitely a splurge in our kitchen—it is the most-used room in our home, so I wanted it to be special—but the open layout makes it the focal point of our living area, so it had to stand out.”
The couple removed the traditional island and built a custom ten-foot modern wooden dining table with a white quartz top. “I love layouts and details that are different but functional,” she explains. “One of my favorite rooms in our home is our kitchen, and I would say it’s an example of a different but functional layout. Having a beautiful table to prep food, eat dinner, have a glass of wine, do homework, and entertain is something that brings us so much joy. My kitchen feels so warm and inviting.”
Duvall says the process of renovating her home has been a long but rewarding one. Owning Duvall & Co. allows her to take on three to four projects a year, but that also means that time for her own home is limited. “It takes time to curate, and I love incorpo - rating one-of-a-kind items into my home,” she says. “But I think you could find a lot of different styles in my home. Every room feels a little different, evokes a different mood, but all are designed to comfortably entertain our big family and beloved friends.”
Entertaining is certainly one of the Duvalls’ favorite things, and with at least three different spaces that easily lend them - selves to entertaining, their home is a dream for gathering with friends and family. From the kitchen to the dining room to the per - fectly ambient backyard patio, each space is welcoming and functional. “I like spaces to feel authentic and unique, so I incorporated a mix of old and new,” she explains. “You’ll see modern, midcentury, transitional, and eclectic styles in different corners of my home.” When her mother, an avid collector, passed a few years ago, Duvall inherited a collection of antiques and art pieces, which she’s lovingly incorporated throughout her home. “It has brought me so much joy to display many of her works of art throughout my home.”
The sunroom is another favorite spot for gathering, but, more intimately, for Duvall and her husband to have their morning coffee together. Imported authentic terracotta tiles line the floors in the light-infused room, giving it an unequivocal Mediterranean vibe. “The tiles were definitely a splurge, but we could never have achieved that feel without them,” says Duvall. “I always start with a budget, then I divide it into non-negotiable (or splurge) items, and items where I’m comfortable saving money. But ultimately, for a home to have an elevated look and feel, higher-end items really have to be in the mix.”
She adds that having a ten-foot table that seats ten people in the middle of the kitchen definitely creates that wow moment. “I chose three large rattan pendants to go above the table. This natural material brings the outdoors inside and gives the whole room such a fun and warm vibe for entertaining.”
Growing up in Old San Juan and traveling overseas has definitely influenced Duvall’s aesthetic. The inspiration from the historic architecture can be seen dotting her home in little corners, culminating in a diverse mix of different cultural and artistic influences. Natural elements combined with interesting textures presented in a neutral and calming palette are the hallmark of Duvall’s home. From warm wood tones, rattan, and black-andwhite accents, to cozy terracotta floors and eclectic, welcoming Turkish rugs strewn throughout, her home is nothing if it’s not personal.
“Think about the process of developing your own style as a long-term process,” she advises. “Instagram and Pinterest are honestly great resources for you to really start understanding what your likes and dislikes are, so start pinning and saving interiors you gravitate toward. Over time, as you look back at your collection, you will see unifying themes that will build a better understanding of your aesthetic, and that will be the foundation of your vision.