Welcome back to Design In Focus, our editor-led digest of local design trends. This month, Homes Editor Jennifer Pfaff Smith takes us behind the scene of residential design in Naples + Sarasota. With the caliber of talent and equally ambitious clients flocking to the west side of the state, Naples and Sarasota—and all the places in between—have earned a seat in the spotlight of great American design. Read more about the trends shaping the region below.
The Big Picture: Design In Southwest Florida
When you hear about “Florida coastal style,” this is the area that epitomizes the look—but often in a tailored, transitional way, rather than through expected tropes. Certainly, the beach is the main character in this area—which is why it’s a popular getaway destination for people from areas such as the Midwest—so naturally, Southwest Florida designers and their clients are particularly inspired by the ocean in both colors and textures. (Think: oceanic and sandy hues with rattan and wood.) Naples homes tend to lean into the town’s welcoming charm, embracing sophisticated and darling details, while Sarasota often ventures outside the box with bold, statement architecture and artistic, creative interiors.
Arclinea cabinetry and Calacatta marble enliven the kitchen’s Gaggenau appliances in this Sarasota urban retreat by Jennifer Morrow.
The Home + Interiors: What People Want
Indoor-Outdoor Living In The Sunshine State
At the top of nearly every homeowner’s wish list is a strong indoor-outdoor relationship. In renovations, this looks like moves such as preserving or creating sightlines to the outdoors, expanding windows and forging outdoor spaces that act as true extensions of the interior, such as generous loggias and outdoor kitchens with all the bells and whistles. Also, because many residents are empty-nesters, clients often speak of desiring houses that function for just couples as well as guests, prompting spaces with multigenerational use such as bunkrooms and game areas.
The Region's Trends In Furnishings + Accessories
Tailored, comfortable furnishings in performance upholstery are a must—clients want seating that looks beautiful but is also comfortable and durable, ideal for family gatherings. Countering this look are elevated woven pieces, injecting an endemic beachy feel. Wood tones are going darker, with walnut and medium-toned oaks making stronger appearances as grounding materials. Finally, brass, bronze and gold accents reign supreme—you’ll find this among plumbing and lighting, including statement chandeliers.
Robin Rains crowns the breakfast area of this Florida abode with a Neptune Glassworks chandelier. The bar is punctuated with an onyx backsplash from Artistic Tile.
Designer Spotlights
Naples
Kelli Esposito of Harper Haus Interiors is introducing a fresh, edgy vibe to Naples design. Her portfolio reads youthful yet sophisticated—she has a real knack for incorporating materials and eye-catching patterns without going over the top.
Sarasota
In Sarasota, Ellen Hanson brings loads of character to her work and is unafraid of bold color moments. And I’m always excited to view Renee Gaddis’ latest projects—each is as different as her clients but carries the same artistic, luxurious approach she personalizes for each residence.
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Renée Gaddis' clients requested she turn an empty-shell of a condo into an artfully appointed escape. Mission accomplished, indeed.
Epitomizing Naples' Design Language
This gorgeous Anna Maria Island home by designer Emily Moss hits all the current notes. Each space is approachable through materials like cane—repeated in the living area and kitchen—yet tailored thanks to gorgeous trimwork. She interprets the coastal feel through a palette of dark blues, deep browns and creams for an overall neutral look in the new-construction house, which is primed for beachfront living with outdoor areas such as a covered loggia and generous pool. Lastly, every room is crowned by a wow-factor light—I can’t decide which is my favorite!
Take a full tour of the abode here.
Sherwin-Williams’ Natural Choice enriches the living area of this Southwest Florida home designed by Emily Moss, illuminated by a Visual Comfort & Co. chandelier and CB2 sconces.
Designer Tips + Tricks
In a recent feature, Fort Myers designer Dwayne Bergmann told me: “Repeating shapes, forms and colors is calming. The more your eyes have to process change, the more opportunity there is for conflict.” I love this astute observation—it’s the kind of thing you feel but don’t notice until someone like Dwayne articulates it perfectly.
Materials + Finishes Making Waves
There’s a clear shift toward quiet yet tactile finishes, particularly plaster—it absorbs light beautifully, rather than reflects it with glares (a plus for such a sunny area), and adds a feeling of depth, giving a room a sense of soul before furniture has even arrived. Honed, creamy stones such as limestone are often flooring homes, partnering with weathered accent slabs and plenty of rift-cut oak cabinetry.
The Color Palettes Defining Southwest Florida
Bright, tropical hues are getting toned down: Of-the-moment palettes often include soft blue-grays and earthy greens. Even shades of white are veering toward matte and linen variations, rather than stark, exuding a sunwashed look. Bold moments still appear in spaces such as powder rooms and children’s bedrooms, but the overall feel reads coastal calm.
Check out the color palettes and design styles set to shape 2026 from coast to coast here.
Pop Into These Local Showrooms
I’ve long admired the styling work of Matthew Kritis, so I’m delighted he has opened a Naples shop, Maison PRVTE, displaying his sourcings (beautifully so, of course) like a cabinet of curiosities. And I’m always like a kid in a candy story whenever I pop into Lantz Collective—the rainbowed assortment of decor and accessories is so delicious, I can’t help but take home a charming find, like candles sticks or pillows. Down the street, 41 Home & Garden displays not only gorgeous greenery and pottery displays from landscape architect Christian Busk but also refreshed vintage furnishings and one-of-a-kind accents.
In this bright, contemporary Florida estate by Michael Hajjar and Aimee Crowe, RH bunk beds and dressers outfit the grandchildren’s bunk room, wrapped in Thibaut’s Rain Water wallcovering.
About The Author
As the Homes Editor of LUXE Interiors + Design magazine’s Palm Beach, Miami and Naples editions, Jennifer Pfaff Smith reports on the inspiring work of leading interior designers, architects, builders, landscape designers and creative artisans between Vero Beach and the Keys and from Sarasota to Marco Island. A seasoned magazine journalist in South Florida, with more than a decade of expertise in covering the local luxury lifestyle, Jenn resides in Jupiter with her husband, John; daughters, Audrey and Grace; and 90-pound golden retriever, Roman. Read more of Jenn's work here.
