Our state has always been a favorite destination for tourists, snowbirds, and retirees. Still, the last decade has seen a sharp increase in young families and professionals moving to the Sarasota area. If you are one of our most recent residents and are building a new home (or renovating an old one), you’ll want to know about these distinctly Floridian home design trends.
Neutral Palettes
The versatility of a neutral palette is always in style, as the whites and creams add a relaxed, airy vibe to tropical homes. After all, dark and heavy furniture doesn’t mesh well with sand, sun, and endless blue skies. Neutral palettes make rooms feel open and fresh, and homeowners can easily add colors with artwork, throw pillows, or fresh tropical flower bouquets.
Tropical and Natural Accents
Forget flamingo pillows… the tropical accents we are speaking of are elegant and fit beautifully in luxury or beach homes. Coastal and beach-style furniture embraces this aesthetic, utilizing natural materials such as bamboo and linen. These design elements are popular in bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms – but they can transform your entire home if you wish. Other ways to incorporate natural elements into your design include stone instead of traditional tile, and green plants or succulents throughout the house.
Statement Walls
These contemporary design elements are not to be confused with the last decade’s accent walls. The remote work trend (and associated Zoom calls) may have inspired the newest version of accessorizing a wall. Homeowners often provide a sophisticated or professional background for their calls but may also use the trend to create display walls for mementos, photographs, or book collections.
Windows
The right window makes all the difference in Florida. Home building codes dictate that new windows meet the strictest hurricane standards, which is vital in protecting your home. High-performance windows can also significantly reduce your utility bills by minimizing energy loss, saving as much as 30-50% depending on the window type.
Low-emissivity (low-E) windows also limit the amount of infrared and UV light that enters the home, protecting your rugs and furniture while letting visible light come streaming in.
Expert Tip: Because there are so many windows in modern home design, ask about options with a tilt-in sash that facilitate cleaning the window glass from the inside.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Floridians have always loved our outdoor areas, but the lanai has been elevated recently. From eclectic firepits to water walls, Edison lighting to koi ponds – homeowners are looking for new ways to create their ideal outdoor oasis.
For those building a home – especially close to scenic water views – rooftop patios or swimming pools are popular.
Eco-Friendly Designs
Sustainability is essential in all areas of contemporary life, and new home construction is no exception. Green options can be as simple as creating spaces with water features, natural light, and greenery; or as sophisticated as utilizing repurposed construction materials in the project.
Green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements are all ways to transform an urban environment, while smart home features will provide energy efficiency and savings.
Consult with a Sarasota Architect
When considering the features you desire in your new home, consult a local Sarasota architect to partner with you on your project. We can not only share design ideas and alternatives – but guide you through all the necessary permits, building codes, and regulations you need.
JTL Studios is a prestigious architectural and design firm specializing in luxury new home construction, remodels and additions, and interior and landscape design. Check out our recent home builds here, and call today for your initial consultation.
