One of the most fascinating things about architecture and design is how it’s influenced by geographic location. Though design practices are shared and blended across cultures, there are some pretty unique styles that are immediately associated with a specific place and time. These styles help define not only the place, but the people, and the way they live and work. So when I moved to south Florida, I quickly noticed trends in my surroundings. There is definitely design that defines this area of the world. Miami and southern Florida have many unique areas, each with their own unique style, but I want to focus on 5 South Florida aesthetics you can easily use in your own home.
Embrace South Florida Vibes in Your Home
Whether you live in The Sunshine State or way up North, you can embrace South Florida vibes in your home. These easy, breezy design aesthetics capture a beach-town spirit while also being elegant. They also make it easy to infuse a vintage sense or create a tactile experience. From Juan Ponce de León to its current multi-cultural vibrancy, South Florida has a rich history reflected in iconic design aesthetics.
Home Design Aesthetics of South Florida
Classic Chic Coastal
Think soft, elegant, and classic southern belle style. Classic Chic Coastal style is white picket fences, pastel color palettes, and a subtle infusion of coastal elements. Things like seascape art, palm tree murals, wicker furniture, and natural materials like light linen, wood, rope, and native flora are all coastal.
A great way to slowly transform your home into the Classic Chic Coastal style is to start with throw pillows, paints, and art. Switch out decor that is heavier and darker with lighter pieces that offer hints of coastal vibes.
Vintage
Because Florida has been occupied for hundreds of years, it has a history that spans many centuries. Every single one can be a part of your home design if you go the vintage route. Browse antique stores for inspiration and find locally-crafted pieces that represent the vintage era you love the most.
Mix new and old furniture against a neutral color palette accented by statement walls or wallpaper strategically placed in certain rooms or used on the ceiling. And don’t forget to continue that vintage into the wainscotting, door trim, vent covers, window treatments, and more. For vintage, the details matter. A great era to love for South Florida is Mid-Century (1930s-1950s) with its loud colors, fun art, and nostalgic memorabilia.
Art Deco Inspired Home Design
Speaking of amazing vintage eras to bring into your home decor, Art Deco can be seen very clearly in South Florida architecture. The influence is strong, and the style unforgettable, making it a fun, clean, and character-packed option for your home.
Start with more metallics, geometric patterns, Mid-Century furniture, and sprinkles of glam. But Florida Art Deco has some other unique pieces to it: bright color palettes and Spanish influences. Combine the two and you’ll want to go out dancing, enjoy a good cocktail, and wear fringed dresses in a jazz club all night long.
Indoor/Outdoor Homes
We Floridians have good weather nearly all year long. We have our bad, hot months and our hurricane-heavy seasons, but for most of the year, we want to enjoy our homes inside and out. That’s why inside/outdoor design is so popular here. But there’s more to indoor/outdoor than just bringing plants inside.
The indoor/outdoor home has large windows, carefully crafted and designed custom window treatments, French doors that open onto a styled, finished, and landscaped outdoor space, and a good flow from room to room to the great outdoors.
White, Chrome and Neutral
This is more Miami specific, but I’ve noticed a lot of white, chrome, and neutral spaces. This surprised me, mostly because of all the above design and architecture trends here, but I love this more minimalist approach because it lets the natural beauty of the area shine.
White walls are easily dressed up with cultural art, unique furniture, and modern lights with chrome finishes. When you have neutral spaces, you can pull in pops of color, sculptural pieces of decor, and a variety of textures and materials without instantly overwhelming the space. You have a great freedom that lets you make the space your own and enjoy the simplicity and calm that comes with these more minimalist looks.
Working with a South Florida Designer Who Understands
Designers absorb their environments, learning quickly what works and doesn’t in the spaces they occupy and design. My time in Florida has taught me a lot, and my design expertise applied to South Florida aesthetics helps you create a home you love. Whether you’re an empty nester or new homeowner bogged down in choices, work with a designer who understands the South Florida vibes and how to build them into the home you love.
Read more home design tips from a South Florida designer!
