Top Interior Design Tips for St. Petersburg Homeowners

St. Petersburg is a vibrant mix of historic charm, coastal living, and creative energy. From the tree-lined streets of Coffee Pot Bayou to the waterfront homes of Pinellas Point, homeowners are seeking ways to personalize their spaces while maximizing comfort and style. Whether you're renovating a mid-century ranch or designing your dream home near the bay, here are the top interior design tips tailored to this unique area of Tampa Bay.

1. Embrace the Florida Light

St. Pete boasts abundant natural light year-round—use it to your advantage. Choose window treatments that filter rather than block sunlight, like linen drapes or woven shades. Reflect light deeper into your home with light-colored walls, mirrors, and semi-gloss finishes. If your home faces west, consider UV-filtering glass or solar shades to reduce glare without sacrificing views.

2. Incorporate Coastal Color Palettes with Personality

Go beyond beige and white. Soft coastal blues, seafoam greens, warm sands, and coral tones feel right at home in St. Pete—and they pair beautifully with wood, rattan, and natural fibers. For bolder personalities, try pairing these hues with pops of navy, mustard, or terracotta for a fresh, coastal-modern twist.

3. Honor Original Architecture

Many homes in St. Petersburg were built in the 1940s through 1970s and feature solid bones, terrazzo floors, and charming details. Instead of stripping it all away, highlight the character with thoughtful updates—refinish original flooring, preserve arched doorways, or reimagine vintage tile in modern applications. A great designer knows how to blend old and new with balance.

4. Focus on Functional Layouts

From open-concept kitchens to cozy reading nooks, great design starts with smart space planning. Think about how you live—do you host often? Work from home? Need mudroom storage? Tailor your floorplan accordingly. Built-in storage, banquette seating, and flexible furniture layouts are especially useful in smaller homes and cottages.

5. Invest in Durable, Florida-Friendly Materials

Humidity, sand, and salt air can take a toll on interiors. Use performance fabrics on upholstery, sealed natural stone or porcelain for flooring, and marine-grade hardware when possible. You can still achieve a high-end look—just make sure it’s made to withstand coastal living.

6. Bring the Outside In

Blur the line between interior and exterior with natural textures—rattan chairs, driftwood accents, potted palms, and jute rugs. Add biophilic touches with indoor plants like monstera, snake plant, or pothos, all of which thrive in Florida’s climate and soften modern spaces.

7. Support Local Art and Craftsmanship

St. Petersburg is rich with artists, makers, and small galleries. Instead of mass-produced wall art, consider a piece from a local painter, ceramicist, or woodworker. These one-of-a-kind additions give your home a distinct sense of place and support the creative fabric of the community.

Make Your St. Petersburg Home Uniquely Yours

Designing a home in St. Petersburg is about honoring the area's laid-back energy while expressing your individual style. Whether you prefer modern coastal, vintage eclectic, or refined minimalism, the right interior designer can help translate your lifestyle into a home that feels effortless, functional, and distinctly yours.

Looking to update your space? Work with a residential designer who understands the South Pinellas market—someone who appreciates the architectural diversity, weather patterns, and lifestyle needs unique to the area.