TL;DR
This guide breaks down five enduring architectural styles: Coastal Contemporary, Bali Contemporary, British West Indies, Farmhouse, and Modern. Learn how each style blends timeless aesthetics with Florida-friendly design features like passive cooling, weather-resistant materials, and landscape architecture. Whether you’re drawn to traditional charm or minimalist lines, you’ll find inspiration to match your lifestyle and location.
Florida is diverse when it comes to home design. Every homeowner brings different ideas, needs, and visions to the table. Some want modern minimalism with ocean views. Others imagine a wraparound porch and a cozy farmhouse feel. At Beacon Home Design, we plan around your preferences and focus on creating timeless custom homes that match your lifestyle and Florida’s climate.
These five custom home styles continue to be favorites among our clients—for good reason. They’re rooted in proven methods but have evolved with the times. Let’s take a closer look at what defines them and why they’re loved.
1. Coastal Contemporary
This style is a perfect match for Florida’s waterfront living. Coastal Contemporary blends beachside charm with clean lines and open floor plans. Large sliding glass doors, expansive porches, and elevated ceiling heights let in natural light and connect interior spaces with the outdoors.
You’ll see wide-plank floors, light neutrals paired with blues or greens, and natural finishes like wood and stone. It’s ideal for entertaining or simply unwinding with a view.
Why clients love it: This is one of the most popular home styles in Florida because it reflects what people move here for: the sun, the water, and relaxed indoor-outdoor living. Our clients often mention how the natural light, ocean breezes, and casual elegance make their homes feel like a relaxing haven.
2. Bali Contemporary
Inspired by tropical resorts and Southeast Asian architecture, Bali Contemporary is a lesser-known but stunning custom home style in Florida. It emphasizes tranquility, open-air spaces, and natural textures. Courtyards, breezeways, and pavilions often connect the different parts of the home.
You’ll find wood ceilings, stone water features, and lush landscaping that surrounds private patios or pools. The look is both relaxed and luxurious.
Why clients love it: This style transforms everyday living into something more serene. Clients are drawn to its spa-like atmosphere, use of natural textures, and warm, balanced symmetry. It’s especially well-suited to Florida’s climate—deep roof overhangs offer shade, cross-ventilation keeps air moving, and the layout flows easily from indoors to out.
3. British West Indies
Rooted in Caribbean colonial architecture, British West Indies–style homes bring together symmetry, covered porches, and breezy layouts that stay cool even in the heat. You’ll see metal roofs, operable shutters, and louvered doors.
Details matter here: think wood paneling, classic railings, and porches that feel like open-air living rooms. This style is both timeless and welcoming.
Why clients love it: It’s one of the classic Florida house styles that continues to stand the test of time. Clients appreciate its historical charm and practical features, like cross-ventilation and elevated foundations—ideal for flood zones. Wide roof overhangs provide shade, while the symmetrical layouts and outdoor gathering spaces add a sense of calm and order. Many of our clients also appreciate how this style easily accommodates both traditional and modern interiors, making it a flexible canvas for personal style.
4. Farmhouse
Farmhouse style homes may be rooted in the countryside, but they adapt beautifully to coastal Florida. They feature steep gable roofs, wraparound porches, board-and-batten siding, and open interiors designed for gathering.
Materials tend to feel honest and familiar—white-painted wood, natural stone, exposed beams, and wide-plank floors. Inside, open kitchens, family-friendly living rooms, and practical mudrooms keep the home grounded and functional.
Why clients love it: The farmhouse style feels warm, approachable, and versatile. It’s a go-to for clients who want a home that feels lived-in from day one. Porches are used year-round, and the simplicity of the design means the home doesn’t date itself.
5. Modern
For clients drawn to minimalism and forward-thinking design, Modern homes offer a bold alternative to traditional styles. Flat roofs, large expanses of glass, and open interiors make them feel sleek and light-filled. Materials like concrete, metal, and natural wood add interest and contrast.
In coastal Florida, we often design modern homes to frame views, integrate with landscaping, and prioritize passive cooling with shade and ventilation.
Why clients love it: Modern homes are favored for their clean look and connection to the outdoors. These homes offer serious Florida custom home inspiration—especially for homeowners who value simplicity, sustainability, and open space. Many incorporate smart-home features and energy-efficient systems, giving them both aesthetic and functional appeal.
The Future of Florida’s Coastal Homes
Whether you’re inspired by the relaxed lines of Coastal Contemporary or the refined charm of British West Indies, there’s no one right answer when it comes to custom design. The beauty of building a home in Florida is that you can create something personal while leaning into the styles that stand strong over time.
Looking for a partner to bring your vision to life? Reach out to our Beacon Home Design team. We’ll help you design a home that fits your lifestyle, your land, and your love for Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best house styles for Florida weather?
Styles that emphasize cross-ventilation, shade, and outdoor living—like Coastal Contemporary or British West Indies—are ideal for Florida’s warm, humid climate.
Which Florida home design styles are most popular right now?
Coastal Contemporary and Modern continue to be client favorites, but Farmhouse and British West Indies homes also remain in demand for their timeless appeal.
Can I combine elements from more than one custom home style?
Definitely. Many of our clients blend features from two or more styles to create a design that’s personal, practical, and beautiful.
What areas of Florida does Beacon Home Design serve?
We design custom homes throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, and surrounding areas.