5 Common Florida Architectural Styles and How to Decorate For Each

 When people who have never visited Florida think of the Sunshine State, they often picture the types of homes that they see in television shows and movies. However, the reality is that there are as many different architectural styles in Florida as in California, New York, or even European nations. 

Whether you buy an existing home or new construction, it’s often easy to see the architectural intent of the home. And while you own the property, trying to fight against the grain of the structure might prove to be a decorating challenge. When the Baer’s Design Team is setting up a room for a display photo shoot, they take the space into consideration. As interior home decorators, we recommend you do the same. 

5 Common Architectural Styles in Florida 

These are some of the most common architectural genres we see around our state. With a little imagination and planning, you can match your interior with the artistic vision of the architects. 

1. Coastal-Contemporary Design 

Architects who favor coastal-contemporary draw their inspiration from the wondrous natural environment of Florida. Picture a beach house where the ocean, sands, tropical trees, and of course, sun all pour through expansive plate-glass windows. The colors in the home are awash with natural light, and the furnishings are made from natural elements, like this living room featuring the Palm Coast Rectangular Cocktail Table and several other elements from the Tommy Bahama Home Ocean Breeze Collection. 

To achieve this look, stick to white-washed woods, blue accents, and neutral beiges. Avoid chrome, plastic, and leather. Use glass and shiny materials sparingly. 

2. Mediterranean Architecture

The first European settlers in the Floridian peninsula were Spanish, and Florida was a Spanish colony from 1513 to 1763. It stands to reason that beautiful Mediterranean architecture would have endured in our storied state. Mediterranean architecture often features stucco walls, clay barrel tile roofs, open-spaced rooms, and other features. 

Mediterranean interior décor often has heavier, darker furniture than coastal interiors. Something like the Trident Buffet from Tommy Bahama Home would fit nicely into a Mediterranean Interior.

While there are modern interpretations of Mediterranean décor, its roots are akin to traditional. Darker, heavier pieces made from wood, leather, and metal fit nicely in a Mediterranean scheme. 

3. Victorian Architecture

If you’re from the southern, coastal area of the state, like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you may be scratching your head at this selection. However, as you head north or over toward the Gulf Coast, you can see the Victorian influence in many houses. Victorian homes have steep roofs, are thinner and taller than many Florida homes, and often have large, wraparound porches. 

Traditional elements fit best in Victorian homes, and many Floridians choose to infuse furniture that’s reminiscent of the colonial styles that were de rigueur during the life of Queen Victoria. Consider this dining area featuring the Cayman Kitchen Table. It’s a smaller setting ideal for narrower Victorian homes, which often don’t have as much space to give up. The details in the seat fabric and rattan backs point to the far reach of the British Empire. 

4. Ranch-Style Homes 

If these aren’t the homes that made America, they certainly are the homes that made Florida. Ranch-style homes are in nearly every city in the state, from Jacksonville to Miami to Sarasota. Ranch architecture is usually one-story, with an attached garage and plenty of windows and sliding glass doors. 

Ranch layouts offer decorators a great deal of versatility, but because these Florida staples began popping up in the 1940s and 1950s, many go with Mid-Century Modern décor. 

We love the look of this room with the Mid-Century Modern Media Console. Most ranch homes have the wall area to host a 99-inch piece, and it has tons of hidden storage. 

5. Contemporary Design 

Contemporary architecture is particularly popular in beach condos and apartments throughout the state. However, the efficiencies and modernness of contemporary architecture have made it a popular choice for inland buildings as well. Contemporary homes are dominated by neutral colors and modern materials mixed with natural elements. Furniture pieces are somewhat minimalist with the occasional bit of flair. 

Check out this beautiful contemporary bedroom featuring the Axiom Panel Bed by Bernhardt. It has the pristine, welcoming look of an upscale hotel room after a long flight - with the warmth of home. 

Regardless of the decorative approach you intend to take, great décor starts with high-quality furniture. With 16 furniture stores throughout Florida, Baer’s Furniture should be the first stop on your list. Shop Baer’s today!