It was kismet when Mari sourced a pair of 18th-century turned wood Barley chairs in Winter Haven, Florida, since she and Josh had always wanted to make a pilgrimage to see modernist architect Gene Leedy’s work there. They made a day of it, driving around to view Leedy’s precast double-T houses that later inspired some Tropica projects. “That was cool: The chairs took me to this place and then that place inspired these buildings we’re working on.”
Ultimately, Mari spent no more than $200 on any single item and just $2,700 total furnishing their eclectic, homey casita. Beyond not spending a ton, she appreciates that every piece has a history in Florida and is made of natural, organic materials. “You can see the craftsman’s hand—they’re a little bit wonky. Those are qualities I’m really drawn to in furniture.” Nonetheless, Mari is not done perusing Facebook Marketplace: She dreams of finding a Sergio Rodrigues sofa.
A favorite find is the walnut, turned-leg dining table, made by a Facebook Marketplace seller’s great-grandfather. “Josh keeps naming numbers, like, ‘Would you sell it for $50,000? For $100,000?’ And he hasn’t reached a number I would agree to,” says Mari, who likens the one-of-a-kind piece to an abstract character. Their woodworker friend made leaflets to replace those lost over time, adding another set of hands to the table’s storied history.
Gilded wall decor, Mari’s Columbia University grad school pottery, stacks of books, and an array of thrifted ceramic, pewter, and glass containers add charm throughout, too. A Pottery Barn sofa—now decorated with graphic vintage Marimekko and Block Shop throw pillows—is one of the very few items the couple brought with them from New York.
