5 Timeless Decorating Ideas for Old Florida Style Interior Design

Are you designing your home or vacation property in Florida and want to capture the relaxed, laid-back attitude of Florida living and the sophisticated, old-world charm from decades past? If so, look no further than Old Florida style interior design for the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern appeal.

From weathered wood furniture and vintage pieces to pastel colors and tropical plants, discover how to mix and match the best elements of Old Florida style interior design to create a look that is uniquely you for your Florida home.

How can I capture the Old Florida style in my Florida home?

The Old Florida interior design style captures the nostalgia of Florida living from decades past with sophisticated touches that flow seamlessly into modern design trends. This iconic style relies heavily on details such as vintage accents, retro appliances, pastel colors, and natural textures, with subtle design nods to nautical and tropical patterns to capture the warmth and beauty of the laid-back Florida lifestyle.

At The Staging Company, we believe everyone deserves to fall in love with their home and that the sky is the limit when it comes to interior decorating. Our local decorating team in Florida would be thrilled to bring your vision for the Old Florida style to life. Just contact us to get started!

Classic Design Elements of an Old Florida-Style Home

Old Florida interior design transports people to decades past, before theme parks, cruise lines, and resorts drew visitors to the state by the millions, when timeless architecture, sparkling beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere called them to the state instead. Use these professional design tips from our local team to capture the effortless, sophisticated, and classic feel of Old Florida in your home.

1. Natural Materials & Textures

The Old Florida style is all about creating a bright, cottage-like feel that is simplistic and effortless, and using natural materials and textures in the design is one of the easiest ways to accomplish this look. Furniture pieces that can be used interchangeably indoors and outdoors are always a great choice, especially if you have lanai-inspired living spaces, like screened-in porches or patios for entertaining.

Consider using natural materials like rattan, wicker, or bamboo for furniture pieces, paired with soft, cushioned slipcovers in neutral tones. Handmade textiles and lightweight fabrics, such as linen and cotton, can brighten up the home and seamlessly connect the indoors with the natural environment.

Pro Design Tip: Vintage wicker and rattan furniture (especially rattan armchairs) are super common in Old Florida style homes. If you’d like to lean more heavily into coastal-inspired design, consider furniture made from bamboo and distressed wood that mimics the look of driftwood weathered by the sun, salt, and sand.

2. Vintage Furniture, Art & Antiques

In addition to weathered wood, reclaimed materials, and natural textures, consider incorporating some vintage pieces into your home’s design to achieve the timeless look of Old Florida.

Vintage furniture, such as wooden tables with a “lived-in” look or lamps with historic character, pairs perfectly with this traditional style. Nautical accents and one-of-a-kind antiques that are tastefully incorporated into the design, like framed postcards, local maps, and vintage ship wheels, can effortlessly capture the nostalgia of Old Florida. And unique pieces, like pottery, can reflect local craftsmanship.

3. Soft Neutrals and Tropical Hues

The typical Florida home color palette has a light, subdued, sun-faded look, incorporating soft neutrals and tropical hues, such as seafoam greens, warm whites, and sandy beiges.

However, these calming colors can be offset with bright tropical colors, like coral, turquoise, and sunny yellow, to add personality to your home while staying “on brand” with the Old Florida style. These vibrant shades can be perfectly incorporated on accent pillows and rugs.

Pro Design Tip: Light paint colors reflect natural light, making your Old Florida house feel more airy and spacious. Florida isn’t called “The Sunshine State” for nothing. Take advantage of that sunlight!

4. House Plants and Flowers

Florida interior design is all about bringing the outdoors inside, which is why potted plants and flowers are always a welcome addition. Old Florida homes typically have many windows and, therefore, lots of natural light, creating the ideal environment for potted tropical plants to thrive.

Palm trees are an excellent choice for creating a tropical look and are generally easy to care for. Orchids, fiddle leaf figs, ficus plants, and ferns (though more finicky) are also great tropical plants to grow indoors for homeowners with a green thumb. If you have a Florida room, this is a great place to put indoor plants and flowers!

5. Retro Kitchen Appliances

Retro kitchen appliances are a great addition to Old Florida style homes, since they check many of the theoretical “boxes” of this interior design style we’ve listed above.

Though they’re not technically vintage, retro appliances give off a nostalgic feel, adding to the allure of the Old Florida style. Additionally, many appliances come in pastel colors, making them a perfect pairing with the subdued color palette that complements Old Florida design. And if you need a refrigerator, oven, and toaster anyway, why not make them fun as well as functional?

Quick Overview: The “Dos” and “Don’ts” of Old Florida Style Interior Design

Looking for a quick way to incorporate the charm of Old Florida into your Florida home? We recommend following these “dos” and “don’ts” to capture the effortless nostalgia of Old Florida style interior design:

Do	Don’t
Choose natural materials for furniture, like rattan, bamboo, linen, and cotton.	Select ultra-modern furniture pieces that feel too sleek or contemporary.
Opt for a few vintage pieces with character and charm, like local maps, one-of-a-kind antiques, and retro appliances.	Overload each room with nautical or tropical decor. Rather, rely on these themed details as a decorative accent.
Select sun-faded colors and neutral shades that reflect natural light, like beige, white, and seafoam green.	Block natural light with dark paint colors or heavy window treatments.
Decorate with tropical houseplants and flowers, like palm trees, ferns, and orchids, to create a seamless indoor-outdoor feel.	Overcrowd the space with difficult-to-care-for plants to match the aesthetic. Tropical patterns accomplish the same feel!

Embrace Coastal Charm & Vintage Nostalgia with Old Florida-Style Interior Design from The Staging Company

Whether you own a beachfront home in Clearwater, a coastal condo in St. Petersburg, or a house in the suburbs of Orlando, our local interior decorating team would love to help you create a space that embodies the classic nostalgia of Old Florida and your unique personality (all at the same time!).

Whether you want to freshen up your own home’s design or update your vacation rental to attract guests, our team at The Staging Company can help. Explore our interior decorating packages to find the best choice for you, and contact us with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

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