Wolfe-Rizor Interiors has been the premier interior designer in Winter Park for more than 25 years. And in all that time, we have come to understand the importance of incorporating nature into our living spaces. What’s more Floridian than blurring the line between nature and interior design?
Florida’s natural beauty is truly unparalleled, boasting an array of diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and vibrant landscapes. With that in mind, we want to explore various ways to blend Orlando’s home design with Florida’s natural landscape, creating a living space that celebrates the unique beauty of our beloved state. Let’s explore how to incorporate all that Florida beauty into our homes.
It’s all about interior design concept development.
Choosing a Natural Color Palette
All it takes is a trip out to your backyard to get your color palette. Inspiration for your home’s color palette can come directly from Florida’s beaches, sunsets, and native flora.
Earthy tones like sandy beige, soft coral, and seafoam green can create a calming atmosphere that mirrors the tranquility of our coastal landscapes. And we love a good coastal chic look. Don’t be afraid to draw from bolder hues as well, such as the brilliant oranges and pinks found in our breathtaking sunsets.
When selecting your home’s color scheme, it’s crucial to ensure that the chosen hues work cohesively together. One helpful tip is to use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the room should be the dominant color, 30% the secondary color, and 10% an accent color. This approach helps create balance and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Utilizing Natural Materials
If you want your home to feel more Orlando inspired, try to stick to modern design concepts versus contemporary design. Incorporating natural materials in your home design not only adds a unique touch but also helps support local businesses and craftsmen. Consider using locally sourced wood, stone, and reclaimed materials for flooring, countertops, and accent pieces.
Not only will these materials be environmentally friendly, but they’ll also bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to your home.
Natural textiles like cotton, linen, and jute are perfect for soft furnishings, curtains, and upholstery. These materials are not only sustainable but also evoke a sense of casual elegance that complements Florida’s laid-back lifestyle.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Adding indoor plants to your living space provides numerous benefits, including improved air quality and a connection to nature. Selecting native Florida plants, such as the snake plant, spider plant, or fiddle-leaf fig, will not only thrive in your home but also pay homage to our state’s flora.
Consider creating indoor gardens or green walls to make a striking statement and bring a touch of the outdoors inside. These features can serve as natural focal points, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Embracing Natural Light
Maximizing natural light is essential in any Florida home, as it contributes to a bright, airy atmosphere. Thoughtful window placement and size can make all the difference in ensuring your home is filled with sunlight. Additionally, incorporating skylights and solar tubes can provide even more natural illumination.
To further enhance your home’s natural light, use light-reflecting materials and colors, such as pale paint shades, glass surfaces, and mirrored accents. This will help create a bright, welcoming environment that showcases Florida’s radiant sunshine.
Designing Outdoor Living Spaces
Creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors is a hallmark of Florida living. Design patios, decks, and outdoor rooms with our state’s climate in mind, utilizing durable materials and shade structures to protect from the sun and rain.
A well-designed outdoor living space allows you to enjoy Florida’s balmy weather year-round. And that’s the point.
Incorporate native plants and landscaping techniques to create a beautiful and low-maintenance outdoor oasis. Choose plants like the firebush, coontie, or beautyberry, which are not only native to Florida but also attract local wildlife, such as butterflies and birds.
Capturing Florida’s Wildlife and Ecosystems
One way to celebrate Florida’s natural beauty is by showcasing art and photography inspired by our state’s wildlife and ecosystems. Incorporate local artists’ work or your own photographs of Florida’s stunning landscapes to create a connection between your home and its surroundings.
Designing spaces to attract local wildlife can also help bring Florida’s natural beauty into your everyday life. Birdhouses, butterfly gardens, and bee-friendly plants can all create a haven for native species. This not only supports the local ecosystem but also provides opportunities for you to observe and appreciate Florida’s unique fauna.
Incorporating water features and ponds into your outdoor living spaces can create a natural Florida feel reminiscent of our state’s many lakes, springs, and swamps. Whether it’s a small fountain or a larger pond, these features can add a soothing, tranquil element to your yard while attracting even more wildlife.
So What Does It All Mean? A Summary
Incorporating Florida’s natural beauty into your Orlando home design offers many benefits, including a sense of tranquility, connection to nature, and appreciation for our state’s unique environment.
By choosing a natural color palette, utilizing natural materials, bringing the outdoors in, embracing natural light, designing outdoor living spaces, and capturing Florida’s wildlife and ecosystems, you can create a living space that reflects the essence of our beloved Sunshine State. You can use these ideas to create a Florida room or to redesign your whole home.
As a mother and daughter team with over 25 years of experience in interior design, we are passionate about helping our clients create homes that celebrate and honor Florida’s natural beauty.
We encourage you to explore and appreciate the diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife that make our state so special. By incorporating these elements into your home design, you can create a living space that is not only beautiful but also a tribute to the incredible environment that surrounds us.