Pride of Place

Architect Stuart Debowsky’s boutique design firm makes every house a home By Michelle F. SolomonPhotos by Justin Namon Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but plenty goes into making a space the pinnacle of personalized style. Sometimes it’s difficult to create that certain look solo. You need a helping hand. “I think of

Father Knows Best

The ties that bind dads and sons add to the fabric of these successful businesses By Michelle F. Solomon Fathers coach their sons’ Little League teams, play touch football in the yard, teach them to drive, give advice and try to protect them from making the same mistakes they did. It’s a foundation that runs

happy campers

Coconut Creek’s Chiera Family Foundation is changing the lives of children with cancer By Becky Randel | Photography by Luccia Photos When Lou Chiera’s father passed away from cancer over 25 years ago, his family searched for the perfect way to honor their patriarch, a lover of children and the outdoors who served as commissioner

From the Grounds Up

Just a few steps into the foyer of his Coconut Creek home, artist Steven Mikel greets a reporter with a question that hardly seems out of the ordinary: “Do you want a cup of coffee?” Then again, this is the same man who looks at dark roast the way a sculptor views a brick of

say hello to ciao

Italian restaurant at The Promenade is far from traditional By Michelle F. Solomon Ciao Cucina & Bar at The Promenade at Coconut Creek will have you at hello with its welcoming marquee lights on the side wall spelling out Ciao! and the cute Vespa just begging diners to be included in their selfies. Beyond the

Sweet Charity

Photography by Evelyn Robles Residents of Parkland and Coral Springs are known for their charitable efforts, a benevolent streak that seems to start earlier with each passing generation. Not only are middle school and high school students joining their peers to raise awareness—from school-related fundraisers to taking the ice bucket challenge for ALS—some are venturing

Fight to the Finish

By Kevin Kaminski The Starbucks near his west Broward County home is empty, save for a few employees doing their final cleanup before closing. After an hourlong conversation, and three cups of oatmeal with trail mix, Tyrone Spong wants to say a few words about the tragedy he initially declined to discuss. His friend, Jordan

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLUTTER

By Michelle F. Solomon | Photography By Cece Espeut Lauriann Stepp remembers color-coding her Barbie dolls’ clothes as a child: “The blue shoes were with other like-colored shoes, dresses were in one area, miscellaneous accessories in another.” Looking back, that was the beginning of the Clutterologist, says the Dania Beach resident who recently opened Clutterologist

Family Biz

By Arnie Rosenberg and Martin Lenkowsky Capitol Lighting There’s no executive suite at Capitol Lighting. Walk through an unassuming door at the back of the Boca Raton showroom, and you’ll find a modest office shared by Eric Lebersfeld, president and chief marketing officer; his brother Ken, CEO; and their father, Herman, co-chairman of the board,

Great Escapes

By Kevin Kaminski Changes in Attitudes As one might expect from a hotel that recalls a famous Jimmy Buffett song, the vibe at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is as laid-back as can be. So it’s no surprise that one of its summer packages, Livin’ for the Weekend, includes two welcome drinks and a $50 credit