Tips for bringing beach and ocean hues into your home

As a southwest Florida interior decorator, I have always been drawn to the colors of the water and beach. Calm and peaceful. In our homes, they set the tone for comfort and casual style that can go either relaxed or elegant.

Personally, I like a combination of both!

The beautiful "Palette" page in the current issue of Traditional Home, “Beaches & Cream,” is perfection! It has a little of the best of everything: colors, accessories, furniture and more.

Most of my decorating clients from Naples and Bonita Springs to Fort Myers and Captiva and Sanibel Islands like to include at least some elements of the water/beach/nature that we find in our lifestyle. Lately I have seen a trend among local homeowners who want to get away from every room painted in a tropical color.  Here is a tip:

Benjamin Moore’s “White Chocolate” is a gorgeous neutral color that is perfect for walls and ceilings.  What goes with it? Turquoise, browns, greens and mangos.

If you have been trying to come up with a new color scheme that allows pops of Florida elements, try it.  You will love it.  Like beaches & cream. Yummy!