This is Part 2 of our ongoing series about Sophisticated Coastal Design. This type of design is not as easy and straight-forward as one might assume. A quick look at websites like Houzz and Zillow reveals this. Most keys homes are sparingly furnished with under-scaled furniture, builder-grade finishes and kitschy over-the-top accessories.
This is due in large part to a lack of resources. There are very few home design centers and furniture stores on the islands.
If you’ve recently pulled the trigger on a new home with good bones, in the right neighborhood, with the right floor-print, and view – don’t race haphazardly into the adventure of making it your own.
Live in it AS-IS for a little while and curate a plan for it’s eventual design.
Steer clear of the local tourist shops selling souvenirs. Way…. too many keys homes are filled with cheesy this way to the beach signs, banana leaf bedding and obnoxious coastal shower curtains.
Save your money for more significant and enduring impressions. Focus on the walls, floors, doors, lighting fixtures and landscaping.
The furniture, accessories and art should come after.
Add a coastal feel to your home by incorporating more permanent items like carved wood flooring, glass subway tiles, unique cabinet hardware, a sophisticated paint palette and amazing lighting fixtures.
This will create a strong framework you can eventually build upon.
Stick closely to beloved, but somewhat neutral colors and finishes that will be timeless and add to the resale value of your home.
Buy well-made furniture in neutral colors, then add personal touches with less long-lived items like decorative pillows, bedding, art and curtains.
Use the designers technique of cross pollination in your home. Every room in your home should feel connected to the house as a whole.
Avoid different flooring and paint colors in every room, instead, aim to repeat elements throughout your home for continuity. Consider using the same finishes, paint palette and flooring throughout your home.
In closing – take your time, do your research, develop a plan, and have fun.
