Vive la Difference!
Architectural Design: Guy Peterson, FAIA, a Sarasota-based architect and native Floridian who specializes in residences that harmonize with the local land and waterscapes, says the design differences in Southwest Florida homes lead to a different way of living. "The Florida vernacular home has always opened up to the outside," he explains. "Sliding walls of glass, deep overhangs, porches and screened areas all take advantage of natural light and our subtropical climate. In the winter we expand our living spaces by bringing the outdoors in."
Building materials such as tile or metal roofs, concrete block, glass and steel give the Florida home curb appeal that's indigenous to our Southwest Florida landscape. And in the Sarasota-Bradenton area architects typically specify much less natural stone or brick on exteriors than in North Florida, Tallahassee, for example.
"Perhaps the biggest difference is the federal and local codes that impact architects and builders here and influence the way we design," continues Peterson. "Homes are rigorously engineered. We have to include impact-resistant windows and metal frames. We're more concrete and steel for structural integrity. And in many cases we must elevate the house to comply with flood plane codes. Architects are paying a lot of attention to energy efficiency and 'green' architecture that uses renewable products such as bamboo for flooring. And Florida homes today are super-insulated."
Furniture Placement: If you've been house-hunting recently, you've observed that Florida homes are short on solid wall space. With so many windows, French or sliding glass doors, and built-in furniture, it's not practical, or even possible sometimes, to position furniture against walls. The alternative is to "float" furniture in various areas of the room, creating comfortable groupings.
Interior designer Gwendolyn Sears advises potential floaters, "If you're building, remember to have your electrician install outlets in the floor so that a table lamp floated in the family room has an outlet for a plug. On a hard-surface floor, an area rug will help anchor your arrangement, visually defining the space and helping to absorb sound. And don't float a lot of small pieces of furniture; you'll end up with a cluttered look. Pick one big object as your centerpiece (usually it's the sofa), and add chairs, a coffee table and such."
The designer says to consider focal points such as a fireplace, columns, a sunset view, or a vista of the pool and patio. "When you float furniture for the view, bring that element into your lifestyle," she says. "For instance I recently did a floating arrangement, four comfortable club chairs and a high coffee table in front of a huge window on the Gulf. Every evening the homeowners organize a casual sunset happy hour. The view is magnificent and they make sure they take advantage of it every chance they get."
Window Treatments: You want views, but you require privacy. There are plenty of options. Plantation shutters in either wood or a composite laminated material are practical and available at all prices. They look smart and fresh on modern and traditional homes. Pick wider slats for a contemporary look and medium and smaller ones for more traditional dwellings. Wooden shutters can be stained or painted to match your trim. Shades and blinds also work well. When you want the view, just raise them all the way up, concealing them under a cornice board or window topper. Many blinds can be operated by remote control.
Or consider drapery panels or sheer curtains that can be drawn for privacy and pulled aside for unimpeded vistas. They'll soften a room and bring a high ceiling down to a more intimate scale. Fabric on windows will definitely cozy up a large space. Conversely, an opulent window treatment will enhance a majestic look.
The key to longevity in Florida for draperies is the correct lining. The right lining is not inexpensive but will make the fabric hang properly, help control heat and keep designer fabrics from fading. Interior designer Judy Graham has all her clients' custom draperies lined with bump cloth, a soft flannel from England. Bump cloth is efficient, not inexpensive; but in the long-term, it saves money because you won't have to replace your drapes as often. Also, investigate the new microfibers, long-wearing synthetics that have the look of chintz, linen or fine silk. They're practically impervious to the sun and heat.
Eating Areas: Chances are you'll dine outside often. The popularity of outdoor kitchens has created a need for dining tables on the lanai or pool deck. Again, consider outlets for ambient lighting and make sure furniture upholstery is one of the new microfibers that resist water damage, mildew, humidity and fading.
Weather-resistant wicker and treated cast-aluminum furniture are the best choices. Glass-top tables that seem to disappear visually increase your living space. Manufacturers of outdoor furniture have responded to customer demand for great-looking furniture and fabrics that are durable and beautiful. It's difficult to tell the synthetics from the delicate fabrics anymore, and the variety in patterns is terrific.
Color: The soft, muted shades so comforting and quietly elegant in Northern and Midwestern climates tend to appear a bit muddy here because of our intense sunlight. Our brightness can tame and maximize the impact of saturated colors, so there's every reason to use a bold palette if you fear no hue.
Lime green, vivid coral, turquoise and lemon yellow reigned supreme for many years and became associated with the cliché "Florida look." Well, those colors are back again, nationwide, actually, but in a fresh new way paired with bright white, chocolate brown or black accents. A monochrome look, say, a whole range of coral from pale salmon to deep cinnabar, is one way to go. You just pick a Florida-friendly shade and explore all its nuances. Use white or stained wood trim.
Other palettes that are reliably popular in this climate are British West Indies and Tuscan villa. While their design attitudes are vastly different, both incorporate shades of terra cotta, coffee-bean brown, sage, eggplant, butter cream, fawn, distressed gold, leafy greens, and metallics such as burnished copper and pewter. Faux-finish treatments are popular in this range of colors and help convey an elegant European attitude.
White is another useful palette, and there are hundreds of shades just to make your selection process frustrating. Some whites amble into the ivories, yellows, peaches and pinks; others involve hues of green, gray, blue and purple. Still others mingle in the realm of taupe, camel and brown. Whites are tricky. You'll want one shade for the walls, another for the trim and a third for the ceiling. Also realize that changing the finishes of the same color to flat, eggshell, semi-gloss or high gloss alters the color of your chosen white because of the way light is absorbed or refracted. Getting a white palette precisely right isn't for the impatient, but coming up with the correct range can make a space so serene, cool and sophisticated, it's always worth the trouble. And white is a fine all-purpose backdrop for an art collection.
To evaluate the newest and best in colors and wall treatments in action, search out design showhouses and model homes in upscale communities. It's definitely worth inspecting several builders' models to see how wall and fabric colors play off against one another. In homes with an open floor plan, it's difficult for a newcomer to determine when one color should end and another should begin. See how design professionals do it in model homes.
Artwork: You know this already but it's especially true in Southwest Florida: Keep fine paintings, drawings or photographs away from direct sunlight. Sun is art's natural predator in Florida. Many folks who love oil paintings in their Northern homes discover a new affection for watercolors and acrylics in this part of the country. It's a relaxed lightness-of-being kind of attitude. Besides hanging art on the wall, many Floridians like to use art ledges and switch out their treasures frequently. Easels allow you to move art around easily, and paintings or photographs resting on a chair or leaning up against the wall are often elements of a casual Florida floor plan.
Storage: A major adjustment homeowners face here is the lack of a basement. Newer homes address the issue with added closets or space tucked under a stairwell. A Florida attic is virtually useless because of the intense heat. Garages are also hot. Seldom-used clothing, quality holiday decorations and important papers must be stored in climate-controlled conditions (translation: inside your home), so consider adding built-ins.
The built-in entertainment armoire is an obvious upgrade. But how about floor-to-ceiling bookcases, window seats, built-in filing cabinets concealed behind fine woodwork, a built-in corner china cabinet or sideboard in the dining area? And remember, little things mean a lot. A hassock that opens to conceal bedding for a pullout sofa is indeed a luxury in a home office that doubles as a guest room. Insist on plenty of shelving and closed storage cabinets around the perimeter of the garage (installed before you move in) for neat storage of tools, garden equipment and sports gear.
Some solve the problem by renting storage units. Others have their builder give them a spacious dressing room, butler's pantry or larger laundry room. And many savvy homeowners take advantage of a professional closet designer to maximize every spare inch of space for efficient and attractive storage.
Landscaping: There are no miniature plants in Florida. The label may say it, but trust us; you'll quickly be amazed at the way your horticultural midgets turn into giants. Consult a professional landscaper and draw up an outdoor plant plan based on your lifestyle. If you like to putter in lush garden spaces and love colorful annuals, your plan will be different than if you travel a lot and want attractive green spaces that can be left alone for long periods. Remember to space new plants far enough apart, and far enough away from the house to allow for spreading, and pay close attention to drainage. Many plants and trees cannot abide wet feet.
If you can, include a water feature you can see and hear from several rooms. In a hot climate, nothing soothes the eyes and lifts the spirit like falling water. Koi ponds, a waterfall, courtyard fountain, wall and tabletop fountains all work. And a fragrant gardenia bush, frangipani or ylang ylang planted under a bedroom window can be enjoyed year round.
Finally, never underestimate the power and splendor of outdoor lighting. A properly and creatively installed system will not only increase security but will dramatically expand interior views after the sun sets and encourage you to use your glorious outdoor spaces for entertaining year-round.