Just because you exist in a certain area of the world does not mean you have to fully embrace the style of that area. When I came to Florida, I expected a lot of beach-themed homes, with palm trees, fish, coral, and sandy color palettes. I even thought a lot of homeowners would lean into the history of the Miami area with its Art Deco and Spanish underpinnings. Because, typically, when you think Florida, images of Miami nights out, neon lights, Art Deco, beaches, and tropical influences all come to mind. But what if I told you that the homeowners here are looking for something a little different? There’s nothing wrong with those styles listed above, but the modern homeowner has some other ideas, and we’re here for all of them. A few projects recently, as well as some research on my part, has opened my eyes to true South Florida design ideas that dominate the neighborhoods. Here is something different and new: non-traditional Florida interior design ideas.
Your Sign to Try Something Different
New homeowners, empty-nesters, and everyone in between has a unique perspective to bring to the home and usually it includes a splash of inspiration from their current era in life. But recently I’ve come to see that homeowners—young professionals, empty-nesters, and everyone in between—are bringing their own vibe to their spaces. They are really embracing something a little different and it’s glorious!
If you’re looking for a sign to try something different, then this is the place for you. Let’s talk about some slightly different things you can do with your South Florida home. Because design is about the people and what their needs and desires are. When clients see elements and furniture that speak to them, their faces light up and I know we’re on the right track.
Let me inspire you real quick with some suggestions on how to swerve around the standard Florida home style and create the haven you love.
Different and New
It’s nice to know we’re not stuck in a design rut here in Miramar, Florida. Despite our geographic location, homeowners and renters here do not let the area and its history define them. Instead, they branch out and walk boldly into their true selves by putting it out there in the furnishings, wallpapers, and art of their homes. While some may want to still pay homage to the rich history of the area, they need to know they are not stuck there. As a designer in the South Florida area, I’m honored to help my clients find their stride and reflect that in the spaces they call home. There’s nothing wrong with the old and traditional, but boy is it fun exploring the possibilities of the new!
Non-Traditional Florida Interior Design Ideas
The immediate temptation in Florida is to design a home completely beach themed. This is fine, but I feel we can do so much more with your home. Even if we start with beachy vibes as the inspiration, we’re making it unique, infusing other elements, and ensuring it feels fresh. Another route is to lean into the history of South Florida which, again, is not a wrong angle to take. However, if you’re looking for something a little different, then you’re in the right place. These are some of my favorite non-traditional Florida interior design ideas for your home.
Gold Interior Design Ideas and Pairings
I’m totally inspired by a recent project. I think I featured some sneak peek photos in a recent newsletter, but the big thing I got from her was the use of gold. I love that she basically said “beach who?” and went instead for a moody, luxurious, gold-infused interior. Beautiful.
And not all gold needs to be glittery. Rich, dynamic gold hues can be incorporated through luxurious upholstery, sunnier yellows, or even polished brass.
Using Dark Hues in Bright Spaces
Next is darker hues in bright spaces. Big sunrooms don’t have be decked out in only white or buttercup yellow. Instead, choose an accent wall and paint it a dark, rich blue, wine red, or royal purple. This adds an elegant and almost historical feel to the room without losing the openness created by the larger windows and huge amounts of natural light.
Get the Hygge Calm
Does the cold of the Nordic countries work in balmy Florida? That’s up to you! The minimalism and calming nature of Scandinavian spaces infused with the tradition of hygge (pronounced hue-GAH) is a great balance to busy schedules and in direct opposition to over-consumption and clutter. If you’re craving simple, honest, and nature-inspired interiors, explore hygge and Scandinavian styles as an option.
Colorful Eclectic Interiors
Where palm fronds and waves tend to dominate, do not be afraid to really embrace color. What’s more, add in some unusual shapes, odd compositions, and a blend of textures to create an eclectic mix of artsy pieces that really speak to you. This naturally leans more maximalism, but it doesn’t have to be. You can still have a more minimalist space, but use a brighter more varied palette of colors. Really use your paints, but also your upholstery, art, and area rugs to achieve the look.
Let’s Go Sleek & Modern
This is that crisp, minimalist, and uncomplicated interior that is the cool to the heat of Florida seasons. Streamlined, easy to maintain, with an emphasis on surfaces that fair really well in Florida like tile, metal, stone, and fabricated materials. This style doesn’t have to be strict. You can still blend some more natural elements and colors in to add warmth, but the idea is to keep it simple.
In Miramar, and other areas of the Miami and South Florida area, wood floors aren’t really a thing. The weather, from the heat to potential flooding, just doesn’t allow it. Instead, tile floors are very popular. Choose an updated modern look to blend tile seamlessly with the rest of your home.
Go Non-Traditional with a Designer
Over the years, it’s been so much fun to see how each client expresses themselves through design. Every single one is unique. Though they might need some help along the way, they step boldly into the non-traditional and never look back. Crafting these spaces is an honor. I can’t wait to work with more people who infuse their homes with personality, culture, and everything that makes them unique.
Find your perfect home aesthetic alongside a design partner!
Read more about what it’s like working with a South Florida designer. And if you love the South Florida aesthetic, discover ways to use it in your home.
