When it comes to the interior design of your Sarasota home, contemporary coastal vibes are a natural choice. After all, our local style has been renowned for its contemporary aesthetic since the Sarasota School of Architecture movement, and our pristine beaches and water views have inspired a generation of interior design professionals. But style is ever-evolving, and blending modern basics with coastal details is the newest way to create a sophisticated and striking Gulf Coast home.

If you are dreaming of a contemporary luxury home that embodies the spirit of our local beauty, here are some interior design tips to consider.

The Contemporary Coastal Home

Start with a Modern Palette: Until recently, coastal homes were filled with palettes comprised of deep blues, teal greens, and vibrant oranges. These tropical color schemes were reminiscent of island life but don’t lend themselves to a contemporary ideal. To more effectively embrace both aesthetics, start with a warm, neutral base palette of natural tones and colors – think beige and ecru. Most vivid colors can be added in through the accents and details.
Incorporate Varied Natural Textures: One of the best ways to add coastal vibes while maintaining the elegance of modernity is to blend natural textiles and textures. Woven rugs, seagrass centerpieces, and pieces of driftwood can all evoke the beauty of our coastline without being too overt or brash. While seashells are a standard go-to in coastal design – be it mirrors or sculptures – keep the pieces understated and chic, not kitschy. And while woven chairs and rugs are a coastal standard, integrating them with sleek, classic furniture can produce the aesthetic you are dreaming of.
The Look of Linen: In the same design category of woven textiles is crisp, linen pieces – that have the ability to transform a standard wicker chair into a coastal showpiece. Remember your neutral palette, and add natural linen pillows to traditional patio furniture to amp up the elegance.
Look for Abstract Beach Design: Artwork is a classic element of interior design, but homeowners don’t have to rely on conventional seascapes to adorn their beach house. A contemporary home demands a more modern approach to accents, so look for abstract representations of water, palm trees, or tropical flowers to hang on the walls. Fill empty walls with an oversized modern design that evokes the romance of the coast without being too obvious. Your artwork is also a wonderful way to add colors and vibrance to a primarily neutral color scheme. From shower curtains to drapes, look for designs that suggest the feeling of the gentle tides or swaying palms, not that realistically depict them.
Don’t Give in to the Obvious Knick-Knacks: Creating a beach vibe has always meant seashells, starfish, and fish statues, but your contemporary home deserves more elegant alternatives to fill the bookshelves. You can turn the search for decor into a fun treasure hunt, seeking out rustic, interesting, and unique spins on beach life, such as green and blue glass orbs, or lesser-known creatures, such as sea urchins.
Integrate Exterior Design: If you have a coastal home at the beach, design the home to maximize the views outside the home. In other words, make your view a part of your interior design! Add large, oversized windows to take in the sweeping views, leave those windows free from obstruction (except to block the sun at the strongest hour of the day), and create an outdoor landscape aesthetic that can be seen all day from indoors.

At JTL Studios, we are obsessed with creating interior designs our clients love. No matter your style or aesthetic, we will ensure your home is the showpiece you deserve. To learn more about custom home design and Sarasota interior design, call us today.