As we embark on a thrilling new chapter in Florida, we are delighted to share a treasure trove of inspiring photos that are shaping our vision for our new home. One might call this collection “Beachy Vibes for Days,” as it truly feels like a moment we’ve been subconsciously preparing for our entire adult lives. Many of you have astutely observed, “Your art! It has been a sign forever that you were meant to live by the beach!” Indeed, evidence abounds, from this anniversary painting to these aerial beach photos, and countless other pieces we’re now carefully packing away. Our artistic inclinations have always leaned towards the serenity of the coast, long before Florida was even a glimmer on our horizon.
Others have echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “Even your first house, with its light blue and sand-colored walls, woven rugs, bamboo blinds, and capiz chandeliers, hinted at your enduring love for the beach fourteen years ago, even in a landlocked brick ranch!” It’s uncanny how these elements consistently surfaced in our previous homes, almost as if destiny was nudging us towards the shoreline.
One direct message even highlighted a very specific detail: “I mean, you’ve had that giant clamshell-shaped bowl since your very first house, and if that wasn’t foreshadowing this for over a decade, I don’t know what was!” That iconic bowl, which once graced the bottom shelf of our first coffee table and later became a planter at the pink house, truly feels like a symbolic thread woven through our homeowner journey. It’s remarkable how certain aesthetic choices, seemingly made on a whim, can retrospectively appear as clear indicators of a deeper, long-term aspiration.
Whether you call it beach magnetism, Florida destiny, or the natural progression from a ceramic shell to real shell life, it’s undeniably amusing to trace this consistent theme throughout our entire history as homeowners. This move to Florida isn’t just a change of address; it’s a culmination of a design philosophy we’ve embraced for years.
We’re thrilled to share upcoming posts, including a comprehensive look at the “before” photos (hopefully next week, complete with a video walk-through!), and our signature “floor plan tweaking post” (similar to this one), where we’ll detail the precise layout improvements we’re making for our family. Those exciting updates are on the horizon, but today, we’re diving deep into our design inspiration, offering insights into the various spaces we’re eager to transform in our new home. We’ll even be linking to some of the items we’ve already acquired. So, without further delay, let’s explore the vision for our Florida dream house!
The Exterior: Embracing Coastal Elegance
Our commitment to a white house remains unwavering. The white brick of our previous home solidified our adoration for exteriors as pristine as driven snow—or, in this case, the stunning white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle. While we’ve previously owned red brick homes with bright yellow or fire-engine red front doors, and even a charming pink house in Cape Charles, our new Florida abode will be resplendently white! Its silhouette, surprisingly, leans more modern than any of our past residences, offering a fresh canvas for our coastal aesthetic. This inspirational exterior perfectly captures the glorious white vibe we’re aiming for.
One fortunate existing feature is a newly installed metal roof, which not only provides durability but also contributes to the home’s contemporary appeal. The house also boasts lovely exposed rafters, reminiscent of the inspiration photo, further enhancing the exterior’s character. And those crisp, horizontal white railings in the image? They’re definitely part of our plan, adding a clean, modern touch that complements the coastal surroundings.
Despite being less than half the square footage of our previous home, a standout feature of our new Florida house is its exceptional outdoor living potential. We’re not talking acres of land—it’s a compact 0.1 acre, but it’s masterfully designed with numerous outdoor “rooms” that can be enjoyed almost year-round. This clever use of space ensures that every inch contributes to a relaxed, expansive lifestyle, truly maximizing the Florida climate and our desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Outdoor Spaces: Florida Living Redefined
Directly outside our front door, we envision a delightful covered outdoor dining area, similar in size to this inspiration photo. While it doesn’t quite match the image yet, we’re soaking up every bit of that al fresco dining inspiration. We can already picture stringing up ambient lights, setting a beautiful table, and enjoying countless meals outdoors, making it a vibrant hub for family gatherings and entertaining.
Ascending to the second floor reveals a spacious deck, destined to become a primary lounge and hangout area. This inspiration photo (scroll down to the hanging egg chair) perfectly captures our vision for a shaded retreat, complete with a hanging chair or porch swing. Imagine gently swaying while gazing at the gorgeous, leafy green magnolias and moss-draped live oaks that frame our view. It’s an idyllic setting we eagerly anticipate enjoying daily.
The house also featured a large formal living room, separate from a more practical casual TV family room (which we plan to keep). We quickly realized that the formal space offered an incredible opportunity to create our primary bedroom. With three double doors (six glass doors in total, much like the ones in this image, three photos down on the left) leading directly outside, we envision a small, private patio for relaxing or reading. This secluded area will be our personal oasis, a place to unwind once the children are tucked into bed. Our summer at our pink beach house, despite its small lot, taught us the immense value of a lush, private outdoor space for quiet moments, and we hope to replicate that cherished feeling here.
Furthermore, the lot’s thoughtful orientation provides ample space for a small pool and John’s long-standing dream of a cute casita or guest house—he has a particular fondness for charming out-buildings. The pool won’t be massive, but we were absolutely captivated by the compact yet inviting pool shown below, from one of the houses we rented in Costa Rica in January. It proved that a smaller footprint can still deliver immense enjoyment.
We’re planning for ours to be just a touch larger to accommodate essential oversized flamingo and pineapple floats (the kids have had extensive discussions about their preferred fruit-and-animal themed inflatables!). For my hot-loving self, a hot tub is also a non-negotiable addition. With these elements in place, we might never feel the need to leave our delightful backyard. This integrated approach to outdoor living maximizes both functionality and fun, ensuring our Florida home is a true retreat.
As for John’s dream of a glorified shed-turned-guest-house, a concept he’s been passionate about for years, we’re picturing something like this. It would offer a cozy room or two for guests, complete with a small bathroom, addressing the current lack of dedicated guest space within the main house. We deeply appreciated having such a facility at the pink house for visiting friends and family, and we’re keen to replicate that hospitality here. It’s an ideal solution for providing comfort and privacy to our loved ones.
Now, let’s transition to the interior of the house itself, a realm about which we are truly, genuinely excited. Please excuse any excessive use of capital letters in this post; my enthusiasm for this project is simply overflowing!
The Interior: A Modern Coastal Sanctuary
Many of you have already glimpsed this intense but undeniably charming photo of the Florida house amidst the initial chaos of our renovation. While it’s challenging to fully grasp the potential from that single shot, you can discern the original painted wood paneling in the hallway and the vertical wall planking ascending the stairs. The pine floors, being patched when the photo was taken, will soon be uniformly sanded and sealed with a clear, water-based sealer to minimize orange tones, resulting in a cohesive warm wood finish throughout. This approach ensures that the historical character of the home is retained while being updated for a fresh, coastal feel.
This inspiration picture perfectly encapsulates the vibe we’re cultivating: warm wood floors, crisp white railings and walls, and even vertical paneling mirroring our staircase. The subtle gold accents, the intriguing mobile, and the light wood furniture tones (not to mention the abundance of plants, a personal favorite!) all resonate deeply with our design preferences. It’s a harmonious blend of natural elements and refined touches that feels both inviting and chic.
Our inspiration extends to this next image, where the large paper lantern, white walls, and combination of warm wood floors and light wood furniture speak directly to our aesthetic. The consistent theme is clear: an airy, light-filled space that maximizes natural textures. The lush yard visible through the doors in the inspiration photo also mirrors our property’s wooded and leafy surroundings, a feature we absolutely adore and can’t wait to reveal more of to you all. It truly connects the indoors with the vibrant Florida landscape.
Let’s delve deeper into lighting, finishes, and materials. We’re embracing brass throughout this house with unapologetic enthusiasm. Expect to see a significant amount of brass, a material that brings warmth and a touch of classic sophistication. Equally prominent will be a plethora of woven textures. These materials, staples since our very first home, exude that quintessential beachy feel we cherish, making them a natural choice for our Florida residence. Why deviate from something we love so much?
I’m actually planning to acquire two of these elegant gold flush mounts, especially since they’re currently on sale. While not inexpensive, this house thankfully requires fewer lighting updates compared to a home twice its size, allowing us to allocate our budget more thoughtfully. This strategic approach ensures we can invest in quality pieces where it truly makes an impact.
The Kitchen: A Hub for Casual Living
One of the brilliant aspects of this home’s layout is its two spacious, multi-functional areas. Downstairs, a large open space will seamlessly integrate the kitchen, dining area, and a cozy sitting spot for reading or puzzles while cooking. This design eliminates the rarely used formal dining room, a feature we hardly utilized in our Richmond home, and instead fosters a dynamic, integrated living experience centered around daily life.
Our new kitchen layout will feature a single, substantial table serving as our primary indoor eating spot, doing away with the need for both an island and a separate dining table. While finding an exact inspiration picture for this specific layout proved challenging, this image offers a glimpse into how a kitchen with a casual dining table (and no island) can function beautifully, emphasizing a relaxed and communal atmosphere.
For the kitchen’s actual design, a window over the sink is a must. This time, we’re daring to venture beyond white cabinets—a significant departure, we know! However, we did make this choice for both duplex kitchens, so it’s not entirely uncharted territory. Lately, we’ve gravitated towards cabinet colors with subtle tones, largely because we’re embracing so much white on the planked walls, future ceilings, and the home’s exterior. This creates a balanced aesthetic where the white elements pop against the nuanced cabinet hues.
We absolutely loved integrating the dishwasher behind a panel at the duplex, and we intend to do the same here. This will likely be part of our Phase 2 kitchen renovation, as our initial plan involves a simple paint makeover for the existing cabinets upon moving in. We’ve found that living in a home for a while before undertaking a major kitchen overhaul provides invaluable insights into how to best optimize the space for our family’s unique needs and flow.
We’ve also been contemplating reusing the same color we recently applied to our hall bathroom vanity, SW Contented. This muted green-gray tone pairs exquisitely with brass accents and planked walls, almost as if that bathroom was a test drive for our Florida house design! If it doesn’t find its permanent home in the kitchen, it could easily enhance the guest house or another bathroom, bringing a consistent, calming palette throughout the home.
Upstairs Loft / Living: The Sunny Sanctuary
The second major multifunctional flexible space is upstairs: a truly expansive, open room. It reminds us strikingly of this inspiration photo, with its abundant light and high, sloped ceiling, almost identical to the image below (beams are currently absent, but you know my desire to add them!). Though not technically open to the downstairs, the term “loft” has simply stuck, capturing its airy essence. This generous space will comfortably accommodate a legitimate living room with a TV, a large sofa, and all the cozy lounge essentials. Additionally, it features a sun-drenched corner perfect for a dedicated office area and another zone designed as the kids’ vibrant art corner, ensuring everyone has their dedicated space.
Given its status as the airiest, most sun-filled room in the house, along with direct access to a giant deck just outside, it naturally makes sense to locate our primary functions—living and working—up here. This arrangement also offers the added benefit of separating our main living areas from the downstairs bedrooms, allowing us to enjoy TV at night without disturbing the children. It’s a thoughtful design choice for family harmony.
While some tasks might require the privacy of our bedroom, our current office, located downstairs off the kitchen and front door, has served us well for years without a door. We even shared it with our children, who had their own art desk there, right up until a couple of months ago! This experience has shown us the adaptability of open workspaces.
Many have asked, “How will you give up the art room if the kids love it so much?” The answer is simple: we’re not! Everything is moving with us and will be thoughtfully integrated into the large second-floor loft. Having a dedicated space overflowing with supplies—all the tape, cardboard, and googly eyes—allows their creativity to run wild. You can witness their recent artistic endeavors in this archived category on our Instagram page.
Locating this creative zone upstairs, slightly tucked away from the front door and not in the midst of the kitchen, will undoubtedly be appreciated by all. Our previous kids’ art area was right next to the front door, offering a chaotic first impression upon entry. The lesson learned? A more secluded spot contributes to a more peaceful home environment. Live and learn, indeed!
Much of our current living room furniture will seamlessly transition into this new loft space. However, we are seeking a few key new pieces, such as a large, low TV/media cabinet. We envision something super light and beachy, yet packed with functional storage, like the two appealing options shown below. These selections will not only complement the aesthetic but also provide essential organization for our family’s needs.
Now, let’s move on to our bedroom—a space that, despite its initial condition, struck us as utterly magical. To the average person, visible water damage, a large section of drywall cut out to investigate an old leak, and four deceased roaches on the floor would be deterrents. Yet, upon entering, I distinctly told John, “This smells like a house we buy!” I wasn’t joking. We have a history of acquiring old, neglected homes with their distinct musty scent, signs of previous issues, and insect inhabitants. If you could look past all that (a big “if” that kept this house on the market for months, but one we could easily overcome!), you’d see an immense amount of potential.
Our Bedroom: A Private Retreat with Coastal Charm
As previously mentioned, what is now becoming our primary bedroom was initially marketed and staged as a second living room. However, we’re not inclined towards formal living spaces, and with the house originally featuring only one true bedroom when we needed three, this presented a perfect opportunity. Converting this area into our bedroom (and strategically adding a wall and door to another space on the opposite side of the house) will provide the three bedrooms we require, all conveniently located on the same floor. It took us mere minutes within the house to exclaim, “THIS IS OUR BEDROOM!”
Beyond the six exquisite glass doors lining one wall, which will lead out to our future private patio, the room boasts an existing fireplace we plan to convert to gas. The thought of watching the fire flicker from bed on a lazy Sunday, with the kids snuggled close, is an absolute dream. Here’s an inspiration image to help you visualize this serene setting.
While the inspiration picture leans slightly more formal, our aim for the bedroom is a deeply relaxed ambiance. This is why we are particularly drawn to the wood slat headboard and brass lamps featured in this photo. The design feels incredibly airy, lovely, and unfussy, with abundant natural light streaming in—it’s simply perfect for a coastal sanctuary. This blend of natural materials and simple lines creates a sense of calm and openness we desire.
As I’ve noted, the concept of casual light wood furniture throughout the house deeply appeals to me, and the timeless elegance of caning is particularly calling my name. I adore its beachy, soft texture and the organic warmth it brings. The bed below is also a practical consideration, as its built-in storage space offers a smart solution when downsizing, maximizing functionality without sacrificing style.
In stark contrast, our Richmond bed was fully upholstered, lacking any accessible storage. Consequently, we opted to sell it to the new buyers of our previous house. It simply feels more practical to choose a bed that offers smart storage solutions and exudes a lighter, beachier aesthetic than the heavy upholstery of our old bed. Our existing bed, with its more formal colonial feel, will undoubtedly be happier in its new home, while we embrace a fresh, coastal-inspired look.
We’re also exploring other options that combine built-in drawers or shelves with a beautiful woven headboard, so the final choice remains open. However, I am particularly fond of the slatted headboard from that inspiration picture a few photos back, as it perfectly embodies the relaxed, airy feel we envision for our new Florida bedroom. The blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal is key.
This next image vividly captures the “brass kick” I’m experiencing for this house. Notice the brass curtain rods in this bedroom? I am fully committing to them! I initially sought a gut check from friends (having only ever used oil-rubbed bronze before, I questioned my own taste!), but one friend immediately responded with a photo of her own brass curtain rod directly above her sofa. It’s definitely “a thing,” and I am wholeheartedly on board with this trend. Expect to see brass as a dominant accent throughout.
To the tune of Cardi B’s “Press,” allow me to convey my profound affection: Brass, brass, brass, brass, brass. While I could elaborate further, I trust you understand the sentiment. Every detail, from the minimalist brass wall hook to the stunning house numbers, the elegant brass lever doorknobs, and those stylish curved curtain rods, resonates with our vision. In fact, we’ve already ordered the brass lever doorknobs for every door in the house, complemented by matching brass hinges! I am genuinely counting down the seconds until I can see them installed on our new solid wood five-panel doors, which, like those at the duplex, perfectly align with the modern, clean-lined aesthetic of this Florida home, feeling more appropriate than traditional six-panel doors.
Kids Bedrooms: Playful and Functional Havens
We have always relished designing kids’ rooms, so we are incredibly eager to create personalized and highly functional spaces for our children here. Neither of the rooms is vast, but after happily sharing a tiny bunk room all summer, their new rooms will feel downright spacious in comparison. This experience has taught us how to maximize comfort and utility in compact areas, lessons we’ll apply thoughtfully.
Our strategy centers on intelligent space maximization, employing elements like built-ins that introduce substantial function without encroaching on precious floor space. To inject a sense of whimsy and personalization, a vibrant mural or unique wall treatment would be a delightful addition. Given that many of the house’s common areas will feature a white-on-white palette with rich textures and wood tones, we want the kids’ rooms to feel distinctly playful and imaginative, offering a cheerful contrast.
And now, for a delightful surprise! When we purchased the house, both kids’ rooms had standard 8-foot flat ceilings. However, we noticed the roofline above them sloped significantly, prompting us to investigate whether vaulting these ceilings was feasible. The exciting news is, IT WAS POSSIBLE, SO WE DID IT! I can’t wait to unveil the incredible transformation these freshly vaulted and planked ceilings have already made. To enhance the aesthetic further, we’ll also be adding white-on-white beams. Rest assured, photos are coming very soon!
Similar to the various bed options we’re considering for our own room, we are still deliberating the ideal bed solution for each of the children’s bedrooms. Our son has consistently expressed a strong interest in a bunk bed, with this charming two-toned one being a particular favorite. However, we also appreciate the concept of a natural-toned daybed, which would conserve floor space, or even a storage-focused option like this drawers-plus-trundle bed, offering versatility for sleepovers.
When we inquired if our son would prefer a bed with drawers over a bunk, he was instantly thrilled, immediately listing all the treasures he’d store within them. This indicates he should be a relatively easy client, regardless of which direction we ultimately choose for his room! We anticipate that with two distinct kids’ rooms, we might opt for a daybed in one and a bunk bed in the other, tailoring each choice to best suit the space and the individual child’s needs. We’ll certainly keep you updated on how these spaces evolve and which solutions feel the smartest and least cramped as we progress.
The Bathrooms: Functional and Stylish Upgrades
Currently, this house features only one bathroom, which we’ll all share initially upon moving in. However, we are actively planning to add an en-suite bathroom for our primary bedroom, cleverly converting a covered porch area. My hope is that by tackling our bathroom renovations early, we might preempt the “bathroom curse” we encountered at our Richmond house (you can read more about that here).
In terms of aesthetic, we are wholeheartedly embracing a palette of crisp white walls, light wood tones, and, of course, more brass—a look perfectly captured by the main bathroom shown here, which instantly captivated us. To infuse personality and vibrancy, we’ll incorporate pops of color through rugs or art, alongside an abundance of PLANTS, PLANTS, AND MORE PLANTS, bringing life and freshness into these spaces.
Interestingly, a leak in the wall of the existing bathroom meant our contractor had to completely gut and redo it before we even moved in. Our original, more modest plan was to simply replace the floor tile and a broken vanity ourselves during spring break. However, that unexpected leak and the unfortunate absence of spring break this year shifted everything. This unforeseen circumstance turned into a blessing in disguise, as we’ll essentially arrive to a fully finished, functional bathroom that we can all share for a while!
Located on the same side of the house as the kids’ bedrooms, we wanted this shared bathroom to feel playful yet sophisticated, beachy without being overly childish. I continually emphasized to John, “We only have two bathrooms to redo in this entire house, and we’re doing them both almost immediately, so I refuse to settle for boring or basic choices!” We meticulously reviewed countless options, steadfastly holding out for selections we genuinely adored. Here’s what we ultimately decided upon:
The floor tile is both playful and practical. It’s a durable porcelain, non-porous unlike marble or cement tile, yet it boasts that desirable fun patterned look. Meanwhile, the vanity offers a beautiful light wood tone, a feature I was particularly keen on. It also comes with a thick sink on top, another detail I was oddly attached to. I kept encountering light wood vanities paired with thin marble tops, but I couldn’t shake the vision of a light wood base combined with a thick white sink—a choice that would be stunning and, crucially, resistant to staining like marble can be. While it wasn’t the cheapest option (even with a $200 discount), I reasoned that this space is a one-time renovation in a not-huge house, making it acceptable to splurge on this single, impactful item. Everything else is remarkably affordable, including white subway tile for the shower walls, the same basic tub we successfully used throughout the duplex, and a mirror we already owned over the sink. Thus, I wholeheartedly “YOLO’d” the vanity!
So, there you have it—a comprehensive glimpse into our minds, encompassing both the overarching vibe that draws us to this house and the specific ways we envision utilizing its various spaces. It was quite amusing to hear from so many of you who, after we shared this construction picture on Instagram, exclaimed, “Huh, it has a second floor! I totally pictured a ranch!” We’re aiming for next week’s post to be a full “before” photo-fest, complete with that much-anticipated video walk-through. Then, perhaps the week after, we can delve into the detailed floor plan breakdown. There are so many exciting developments to share!
I must confess, my excitement for this project remains just as high at the conclusion of this post as it was at the beginning. Please forgive my sustained enthusiasm!
P.S. If you enjoy inspiration image posts like this, we produced one for the duplex a few years back! It’s incredibly rewarding to revisit them after a house is complete, comparing how closely certain details align with the initial vision and noting what evolved along the way.
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