Old Florida Style: How I Brought Vintage Coastal Charm Into My Home
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Old Florida style brings the sun-soaked nostalgia of vintage beach cottages right into your living space, and I’m here to tell you it’s easier than you think.
You know that feeling when you walk into a room and instantly relax? That’s what this design does.
I’ve spent the last year transforming my spaces using this timeless aesthetic, and I’m going to show you exactly how to do it yourself.
What Makes Old Florida Style So Damn Special
Old Florida design isn’t some trendy nonsense that’ll look dated in five years.
It’s rooted in the state’s architectural history from the 1930s through the 1950s, when function met beauty in the most honest way possible.
Think weathered cypress wood, breezy porches, and colors that make you feel like you’re perpetually on vacation.
The genius of this style lies in its simplicity.
Early Florida settlers weren’t trying to impress anyone—they built homes that breathed with the climate, stayed cool in brutal summers, and embraced the natural landscape.
Here’s what you’ll consistently see:
- Natural materials like rattan, wicker, and bamboo
- Soft tropical colors—coral, seafoam, turquoise
- Weathered wood finishes that tell a story
- Wide porches built for lazy afternoons
- Large windows that flood rooms with light
- Botanical and nautical patterns done right
I fell in love with Old Florida style after visiting my aunt’s beach cottage in St. Augustine.
Her home had this effortless charm—nothing matched perfectly, but everything belonged together.
That’s the magic.
Getting Started: Your Old Florida Foundation
Time commitment: 2-4 weeks for a full room (weekends only)
Budget range: $500-$2,000 for most rooms; $5,000+ if you’re going all-in
Skill level needed: Basic—if you can arrange furniture and hang things on walls, you’re golden
The Color Palette That Actually Works
Forget everything you know about coastal design screaming “BLUE AND WHITE.”
Old Florida takes a more sophisticated approach.
Your primary colors:
- Sandy beige and cream (your neutral foundation)
- Seafoam green (calming, not boring)
- Coral pink (warmth without being aggressive)
- Soft turquoise (the ocean on a calm day)
Accent colors:
- Sunny yellow (use sparingly)
- Deep teal (for drama)
- Weathered wood tones (browns and grays)
I painted my living room walls a warm sandy beige and immediately felt the difference.
The light in Florida is intense—neutral walls let you play with bolder colors in accessories without visual chaos.
The Must-Have Furniture Pieces
Look, you don’t need to buy everything at once.
I built my collection over six months, hunting for pieces that spoke to the style’s authenticity.
The Big Stuff
1. Rattan or wicker seating
This is non-negotiable.
I found an incredible vintage rattan chair at an estate sale for $75.
Best money I’ve spent.
New pieces work too—just avoid anything that looks too polished or modern.
2. Weathered wood furniture
Coffee tables, consoles, side tables—all should have that lived-in patina.
If you’re buying new, look for pieces described as “reclaimed” or “distressed.”
I scored a weathered wood console table that grounds my entire entryway.
3. Adirondack or rocking chairs
Your porch needs seating, period.
These iconic pieces define Old Florida outdoor living.
The Supporting Cast
Bamboo shelving units add vertical interest and display space for your coastal collections.
Vintage-style metal bed frames in brass or wrought iron work beautifully in bedrooms.
Natural fiber ottomans provide flexible seating and texture.
I learned the hard way that not everything needs to be authentically vintage.
Mixing reproduction pieces with genuine finds creates a more livable, less precious space.
Walls That Tell a Story
The quickest way to nail Old Florida style is through your wall treatments.
Shiplap and Wood Paneling
I installed horizontal shiplap on one accent wall in my bedroom.
Took a weekend, cost about $300 in materials, and completely transformed the space.
Paint it white or soft seafoam for traditional appeal, or leave it natural for rustic charm.
Pecky cypress is the holy grail.
This wood has distinctive pockets and grooves created by fungus (sounds weird, looks incredible).
It’s pricey and harder to find, but even one accent wall makes a massive impact.
Paint and Wallpaper
If you’re renting or working with a tight budget, paint is your friend.
I used a soft coral in my bathroom—it’s like being inside a seashell.
For wallpaper fans:
- Botanical prints with palm fronds
- Subtle nautical patterns (no anchors please)
- Vintage tropical bird designs
Keep patterns to one accent wall or a small powder room.
Too much pattern feels chaotic, not charming.
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