Old Florida Style Decorating Ideas

Happy Labor Day weekend sunshines! I hope you have been doing very little laboring and a lot of relaxing. We are still down at the beach soaking up the Florida sunshine. With my parents around to help lend a hand, the hubs and I have been enjoying the extra help with the boys and have even managed a few date nights. I am completely in the beach state of mind and SO excited to be sharing a tour of our neighbor's beautiful beach cottage house. This adorable beach cottage lends a nod to the old Florida cottage home style and lifestyle.

Florida the way it used to be…undiscovered. Think modest, casual, comfort with a pinch of Spanish moss, Cypress trees, citrus plantations, and vintage treasures. Think Weekie Wachee Springs and to the time before Walt Disney World even existed. This is the Florida I love, the "Old Florida."

Beach Cottage

Come on into this "Old-Florida-Style" Beach Cottage lovingly called the "Florida Cracker". Renovated back in 2008, this cottage is full of fun finds and tons of beach cottage charm. I hope you enjoy and find lots of tips for decorating a beach cottage!

Eight Charming Ways to Get the Beach Cottage Look

SOURCE UNIQUE ACCESSORIES

While Homegoods definitely has cute coastal stuff, try to head off the beaten path too! Head to local antique stores to see if you can find some interesting conversation pieces. Here you can see this fun citrus basket which is perfect for Florida charm.

Beach Cottage Tips

And here is a fun boat float as a seat cushion on the dining room table.

Beach Cottage

2. PICK A NEUTRAL AND CONSISTENT COLOR SCHEME

Sticking with a neutral color pallet of cream, browns and light blue throughout the home help keep the flow throughout rooms and can help make spaces feel larger. Also- if you pick a sand colored couch the sand won't show- just saying! 🙂

Beach Cottage

Using lots of texture throughout the rooms gives the small spaces depth without adding clutter- and when in doubt burlap is always a good idea!

Beach Cottage Ideas

4. WEATHERED WOOD

The more it looks like it might have washed up on the shore- the better! Who doesn't love driftwood?

Beach Cottage

5. USE LOCAL TREASURES

Here you can see a Florida license plate, some fishing reels and some fun pictures of some local catches. There is even a picture of the local baseball team from years ago. Try to find some fun items unique to your specific state of beach location.

6. HAVE FUN WITH LIGHTING

Here you can see a basket used as a chandelier above the dining room table.

Beach Cottage

7. MAKE A BUNK ROOM

If space is limited but you are expecting lots of friends and family- why not design a bunk room? This is a great way to get some extra sleeping quarters in tight spaces.