5 St. Pete Interior Design Trends to Spruce Up Your Home

A Tampa Bay Living Magazine Feature

St. Pete homeowners constantly seek new and innovative ways to revamp their living spaces. Each year, trends come and go, but the ones that truly stick around embody the city’s beach aesthetic and lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore some of the hottest trends in St. Pete’s interior design with tips on incorporating them into any living space.

Coastal Chic

As a coastal city, St. Pete has nautical themes and beachy vibes. Coastal Chic interior design is a typical style in St. Pete that draws inspiration from the beach and ocean. This design style is characterized by a casual and relaxed atmosphere, focusing on natural materials and textures. 

According to experts, coastal-inspired aesthetics remain one of the top interior design trends in the region.

“Coastal-inspired design is thriving in the area, with a preference for light and airy spaces, nautical elements, and beachy color schemes. Incorporating natural textures, seashells, and driftwood creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that evokes the area’s coastal beauty,” said Evan Nelson, an interior designer at Nelson Cabinetry, which has completed projects in the area, in an interview with Tampa Bay Living Magazine.

How to Create This Look

1. Choose a color palette inspired by the ocean: Coastal chic interiors typically feature blues, greens and neutrals. These colors create a serene and calming atmosphere.

2. Use natural materials: Incorporate raw materials such as wood, rattan and jute to add texture and warmth to the space. These materials also add to the coastal feel of the space.

3. Incorporate nautical elements: Use nautical elements such as rope, anchors, and sailboats to add interest and texture to the space. These elements can be incorporated into the artwork, throw pillows or decorative objects.

4. Add beach-inspired décor: Incorporate beach-inspired décor such as seashells, driftwood and coral to add a coastal feel to the space. These items can be displayed on shelves or used as decorative accents throughout the space.

5. Use light and airy fabrics: These include linen or cotton to create a relaxed and casual feel. These fabrics also add to the coastal aesthetic of the space.

6. Create a relaxed seating area: Create a comfy seating area with comfortable sofas or chairs and add plenty of throw pillows to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

7. Add natural light: Allow natural light to flow into the space using sheer or no curtains. This creates a bright and airy atmosphere.

An example of Coastal Chic interior design

Midcentury Modern

Midcentury modern interior design is a favored style in St. Pete that originated in the mid-20th century. Clean lines, organic shapes and functionality characterize this design style.

How to Create This Look

1. Choose an earthy color palette: Mid-century modern interiors typically feature warm and earthy colors such as mustard yellow, olive green and burnt orange. These colors create a retro feel and provide a warm and cozy atmosphere.

2. Use retro-inspired furniture: Incorporate furniture with clean lines and simple shapes, such as Eames chairs, Saarinen tables and Noguchi coffee tables. These pieces are iconic mid-century modern designs and add to the space’s overall aesthetic.

3. Incorporate natural materials: Use raw materials such as wood, leather and stone to add texture and warmth to the space. These materials are also a hallmark of mid-century modern design.

4. Add geometric patterns: Use patterns such as chevrons, stripes and circles to add interest and texture to the space. These patterns are popular in mid-century modern design and contribute to the retro feel of the space.

5. Use metal accents: Incorporate metal accents such as brass or chrome to add glamour and sophistication. These accents also add to the overall aesthetic of the space.

6. Create an open floor plan: Mid-century modern interiors typically have an open floor plan, allowing easy flow and movement throughout the space. Eliminate unnecessary walls to create a spacious and airy feel.

7. Add artwork: Choose artwork that complements the mid-century modern aesthetic, such as abstract expressionist paintings or graphic prints.

An example of Midcentury Modern interior design

Bohemian

Bohemian interior design, sometimes referred to as “Boho” or “Boho-Chic,” is a trend in St. Pete homes that embraces a free-spirited, eclectic, artistic lifestyle. This design style creates a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere reflecting individual style and identity. Bohemian interiors feature patterns, colors, textures and vintage or handmade items.

How to Create This Look

1. Choose a warm color palette: Bohemian interiors typically feature warm, earthy colors such as rust, terracotta, ocher, and sage green. These colors create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

2. Incorporate patterns: Mix and match patterns such as paisley, floral and tribal prints to add interest and texture to the space. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors.

3. Use natural materials: Incorporate raw materials such as rattan, wicker and jute to add texture and warmth to the space. These materials also add to the bohemian aesthetic.

4. Add plants: Introduce plants into your space to bring life and color, which purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.

5. Use vintage or handmade décor: Incorporate vintage or handmade sets such as macramé wall hangings, embroidered textiles and handcrafted pottery. These pieces add to the space’s eclectic and “Boho” feel.

6. Layering textiles: Add layers of textiles such as throw pillows, blankets and area rugs to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Mix and match different textures and patterns for added interest.

7. Create a cozy seating area: Create a comfy seating area with floor cushions, poufs and low tables, which creates a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for lounging and entertaining.

An example of “Boho” interior design

Industrial

Industrial interior design embraces factories and warehouses’ raw, unfinished look. This favored St. Pete style emphasizes practical materials and fixtures like metal pipes, exposed ductwork and concrete floors. Industrial design color palette is typically muted, with many grays, blacks and browns.

How to Create This Look

1. Choose a neutral color palette: Stick to grays, blacks, whites and browns. These colors create an industrial feel and a blank canvas for other elements.

2. Use raw materials: Incorporate raw and unfinished materials such as exposed brick, concrete, metal and reclaimed wood. These materials add texture and character to the space.

3. Add industrial lighting: Choose industrial-style lighting fixtures such as pendant lights, Edison bulbs and task lamps. These fixtures have a utilitarian feel and vintage charm.

4. Use utilitarian objects: Incorporate valuable objects such as metal storage cabinets, wire baskets and exposed pipes. These objects add to the industrial aesthetic and provide functional storage solutions.

5. Mix vintage with modern: Combine vintage industrial pieces with contemporary elements to create a balanced look. For example, pair an old metal factory cart with a sleek leather sofa.

6. Create an open floor plan: Industrial spaces have open floor plans. Eliminate unnecessary walls to create a spacious and airy feel.

7. Add artwork: Choose artwork that complements the industrial aesthetic, such as black and white photography or abstract metal sculptures.

An example of Industrial interior design

Minimalism and Warm Minimalism

Minimalistic design is practical, authentic and intentional. In St. Pete, minimalist homes often feature clean lines, neutral colors and a focus on natural materials, such as wood and stone. This style is about creating a spacious and uncluttered space with carefully selected furniture and décor pieces. One trend in St. Pete is warm minimalistic design.

What is Warm Minimalism?

Layered textures add visual interest and create an inviting atmosphere in warm minimalism, such as cotton, linen, leather, rattan, jute and wood. It is also possible to incorporate natural elements into the space by layering textures, creating visual interest and adding plants. According to experts, avoid plastic and other unnatural materials to maintain the look.

The most common way to layer textures is textiles. Natural rugs, throw pillows and rugs made from linen or cotton are good choices. It is also possible to use metals and stones in this style. Copper, brass or creamy granite are suitable choices for warm objects.

How to Create This Look

1. Choose a neutral color palette: Stick to warm whites, beiges and grays. These colors create a serene and calm environment.

2. Emphasize natural materials: Incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone and linen. These materials add warmth and texture to the space.

3. Keep it simple: Use simple and clean lines in your furniture and décor. This will help maintain the minimalist aesthetic.

4. Add greenery: Introduce plants to bring life and color. This can also purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.

5. Use warm lighting: Choose warm lighting fixtures such as pendant lights, table lamps and floor lamps, which create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

6. Simplify your décor: Keep it simple and functional. Choose a few statement pieces that add interest without overwhelming the space.

7. Incorporate cozy textiles: Use soft and comfortable textiles such as blankets, pillows and area rugs to add warmth and comfort to the space.

An example of Minimalist interior design