It’s called the Sunshine State for a reason, and when it comes to interior design styles the vibrant hues of Florida’s flowers and coastline can bring your home to life! I’ve been lucky enough to work on several projects from West Palm Beach to Vero beach and I’ve fallen in love with infusing bright and bold elements into coastal-themed interiors. I’ll share with you tips and tricks to create a design that embodies the essence of Florida coastal style, offering insights to help you achieve a colorful, cool home oasis with pops of color and dynamic design details!

1. Embrace the Sunshine Palette

When it comes to Florida coastal design, the color palette is key. Embrace the hues of the ocean, sand, and sky, and incorporate pops of bright colors to your space, sometimes you can find a brightly colored patterned fabric and that can be the jumping off point for your design.  Simply pull two to three colors out of the fabric and layer those repeatedly in the room, with paint, wallpaper, a rug, accessories, other fabrics, it’s what I call a connector fabric, it literally connects all those colors together!  Aqua blues, sunny yellows, coral pinks, and seafoam greens create a lively and energetic space that brings the nature found outside, indoors. Pair these bright colors with crisp whites and soft beiges to maintain a sense of airiness and balance.

2. Light and Airy Layout

To fully embrace the coastal vibes, it is essential to design your space with an open and airy layout and keep a good furniture flow to your rooms. Maximize the functionality of your rooms by arranging furniture in a way that facilitates conversation and interaction, surrounding sofas and loveseats with multiple chairs, ottomans, and benches so you have enough seating. Opt for light linen or sheer curtains that allow the natural light to flood the room, if you’re using a patterned drapery fabric let those drapes stack on the wall when they are open rather than inside the window frame, that way they don’t block any sunlight coming in. Florida’s temperate climate begs for outdoor living spaces that seamlessly merge with the interior. Sliding glass doors that lead to a screened-in porch, a cozy outdoor seating area perfect for family barbecues, or a lush courtyard that invites nature in—these design elements allow you to entertain friends and family while enjoying all the beauty of the Florida landscape.

Minimalism with a touch of nautical elements often works wonders in creating a breezy and inviting ambiance.

3. Nautical Accents

No Florida coastal interior is complete without a nod to nautical elements, but you don’t have to clutter your space with all sorts of cheesy lighthouse figurines or ship wheels. Incorporate natural decor pieces like seashells, driftwood, ropes, and sea fans, this gives you and more elevated and elegant look when you are styling with accessories.  Big coffee table books about sailing, the ocean, and living by the water are another way to get that coastal vibe in a beautiful way.  These accents add a touch of authenticity to the space, reminding us of the nearby ocean and all its wonders. Avoid going overboard with these elements; a few carefully curated pieces will work better than an overwhelming display. You can also introduce the beauty of Florida’s lush vegetation into your home!  Potted palms, vibrant tropical flowers, and green foliage can instantly breathe life into any room. Not only do plants add to the coastal charm, but they also purify the air and promote a sense of tranquility.

6. Coastal-Inspired Art & Decor

Select art pieces that showcase the beauty of the beach and Florida’s coastline. Beach landscapes, seascapes, and marine life-inspired artwork will instantly transport you to the beach and infuse your home with a sense of calm and wonder. Don’t forget to incorporate a few bold and eye-catching statement pieces to inject personality into your space, coastal themed photography can also look cool and contemporary! Also, when choosing artwork hang multiple pieces together for an interesting grouping gallery wall, or used oversized artwork, you just want to avoid small artwork on its own, the room won’t feel finished. Look for unique small furniture accents, vibrant patterned or striped rugs, and great art, they all come together to give you the coastal Florida feel. Remember, these bold elements should complement the overall theme and if used sparingly and carefully you will avoid overpowering the room.  (Check out some ideas here !)

7. Create a Relaxing Retreat

While bright and bold colors are essential in Florida coastal design, it’s equally important to maintain a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. Incorporate soft, plush textures in your furnishings to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider creating multiple comfortable lounging spots, such as hammocks or chaise lounges, to encourage relaxation or just the perfect place to sit and read a book. You can also in corporate natural materials like weathered wood, rattan, jute, and linen in your decor. These materials not only enhance the coastal vibe but also add a touch of earthiness and texture to the space.

8. Personalize Your Space

Lastly, make sure to infuse your personality and family memories and mementos into your design. Display family beach photos, cherished souvenirs, or handmade crafts that hold a special place in your heart. Your home should tell a story unique to you and your experiences. Embrace the magic of Florida’s coastal beauty, lush greenery and bright florals and translate it into your home through bright and bold interior design. Remember, the goal is to create a space that not only looks stunning, is functional for your family but also feels like a relaxing retreat amidst the bustling energy of the Sunshine State. Happy decorating!