Meet Dana Small

Dana Small is a South Florida based interior designer and the founder of Dana Small Designs, a full service firm specializing in residential projects of all sizes, from a single room refresh to full renovations and new builds.

Known for her thoughtful approach to space and style. Dana creates interiors that blend timeless tradition with coastal charm. Her work feels elevated yet approachable, layered with color, texture, and personality She often incorporates antique rattan, wicker, and bold hues to infuse warmth and character into every room.

Q & A

What do you love most about entertaining, and what's on your fall menu?

I'm passionate about entertaining—from setting the table to crafting cocktails and serving dishes that end with something sweet. Even though Florida stays warm, Fall makes me crave cozy flavors. This season, I'll be serving a smoky margarita, Spicy Roasted Poblano Enchiladas, and plenty of pumpkin treats like bread and seasoned seeds. For dessert, I love offering DSD Mexican Hot Chocolate—a mix between Parisian chocolat chaud and the spiced warmth of San Miguel de Allende.

What's the one thing every house needs to truly feel like home?

For me, it's artwork. You can layer fabrics, wallpapers, lighting, and woodworking, but until you add the extra layer of décor, a room can feel flat. Artwork brings personality—whether it's black-and-white family photos, and on-trend abstract, or antique botanicals. Most clients don't have much of it when we begin, so we source pieces based on their needs, wants, and budget, either right away or over time.

I also believe every home needs greenery. A succulent, fresh-cut palms, or a large potted fiddle fig adds life, color, and dimension to any space.

Can you share a memorable project and collaboration that stands out to you?

One of my favorite projects was recently featured in Coastal Living Fall 2025. We started with a big blank space, and the client wanted bold pops of color and wallpaper. I felt one area should stay neutral to let the other spaces shine, so we used my favorite CB fabric, VImini in Toast, on chairs paired with a classic Parsons game table —it added texture while keeping te space grounded.

I also launched a major collab with SZ Blockprints, a hand-block printing company from India. It was my first big brand collaboration and her first with an interior designer. I wanted to create bedding that was durable, washable, organic, and stylish—perfect for clients and customers who love bold colors without the custom linen price tag.

What are some of your favorite casa branca pieces and why?

My favorite fabric: Vimini in Toast

It perfectly mimics true woven wicker but in a soft fabric. I used it on my office chairs after we sourced it for a client, and I love the neutral pattern.

My favorite wallpaper: Branca Stripe in Madagascar

I've always loved stripes and grasscloth. This wallpaper smartly combines classic grasscloth with painterly stripes. It now lives on my office walls, striking the perfect balance of sophisticated and beachy.

My favorite accessories:

My shopgirls gifted me a tray for Christmas, and I love serving signature cocktails on it. I'm also down to a richly colored, textured bowl, and a seashell plate that reminds me of my grandmother's classic South Florida style.

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