Defining Florida Style Interiors and What Makes It Distinct
by Ligita, March 30, 2024
To say that our outdoors doesn’t inspire indoors would be an understatement! Florida interiors are all about celebrating indoor-outdoor living. They are casual, comfortable, and relaxed with lots of air and light. The warm and humid tropical climate across the state will define most of the elements that go into the design of homes, from color palettes that are inspired by the sea or the tropical gardens to materials that can withstand intense humidity and the rainy season.
Rug by Restoration Hardware, Seaglass Garland by Pottery Barn, Bedside Table by Serena & Lily
Diving deeper into the specifics it starts with the basic architectural details we commonly see such as high ceilings, open / airy floor plans, large windows, expansive patios and wrap-around porches, pools, and cheerful garden areas around our homes. It is all about the relationship we have with our outdoor environment.
Florida style interiors also feature two very distinct décor types that may share some common elements but differ enough to give each its own name: Coastal design and Tropical design. Coastal design will make you feel like you are at the beach, perfect for the sunset chasers and beach goers. Tropical design, however, will bring lush tropical foliage from the outdoors in, great for those who wish to have more bright colors brought into their homes. Here are some features defining each:
| Coastal Design: | Tropical Design: |
| *Whitewashed oak floors and weathered wood ceiling details *Crisp white paint colors *Sheer and flowy drapery fabrics *Light teal, blue or sandy beige color palettes *Stripes and other beach themed prints *Shells and other beach-found accessories | *Tropical bird, palm and flower prints accentuating various shades of green *Rattan or bamboo furnishings *Decorative tile and stone patterns *Metal finishes in gold or dark bronze *Wood shutters or woven window shades *Colorful tropical plant and flower accessories |
How to incorporate Florida style elements into your interiors?
Does the architecture of your home lend to either Coastal or Tropical style? Choosing natural and preferably locally sourced materials such as tile, stone, glass, driftwood or linen is key.
- Colors – Keep them light and fresh overall. Avoid using reddish brown wood tones, use weathered gray driftwood finishes instead. For paint, try a combination of Sherwin Williams SW7004 Snowbound and SW6514 Respite in a bedroom for a Coastal feel.
- Bathrooms – Create a tiled accent wall in the shower featuring the Queen Palm pattern for a Tropical feel.
- Floor Coverings – Use natural woven rugs made of jute, sisal, seagrass or wool.
- Accessories – Gather a bucket full of shells from a trip to Caladesi Island to fill a large glass jar for display or add an oversized beach-themed art to a focal wall.