Tropical Beach Christmas Decor

Tropical Beach Christmas Decor

Christmas looks a little different when the sand is warm, the palms are swaying, and the scent of saltwater lingers in the air. In places like Sarasota, Florida, the traditional trappings of winter—faux evergreens, heavy velvet ribbons, and icy blues—can feel more like a costume than a celebration. The key to a beautiful holiday home in a warm climate? Designing with where you are, not where the snow falls.

As an interior designer based in both coastal and cosmopolitan regions, I’ve found that the most resonant holiday decor in beach towns embraces the local language of light, texture, and flora. Think less North Pole, more barefoot elegance.🕊️ Book your consultation today and let’s design something worth celebrating.

Designing with Nature, Not Against It

Instead of trying to recreate a snowy scene, borrow from your natural surroundings. Lush monstera leaves, silvery eucalyptus, and golden palm fronds make stunning garlands and table runners. Poinsettias may be traditional, but hibiscus blossoms in deep red or coral evoke the same festive spirit—without the visual dissonance.

A few well-placed accents—shell garlands, rattan ornaments, citrus-dotted wreaths—can nod to the holiday without overpowering your space or clashing with the easy-breezy vibe of coastal interiors.

A Palette That Belongs

Swap holly red and pine green for a palette inspired by tropical sunsets: coral, ivory, seafoam, and burnished gold. Layer soft linens with airy whites, driftwood-toned neutrals, and pops of festive pink or persimmon. The effect is both relaxed and refined—a celebration of place, not pretense.

Why It Works

The most successful holiday spaces feel rooted. They belong. And in a beach town, that means embracing a lighter hand and a natural rhythm. Decorating this way also allows your home to breathe—your views, your architecture, your palette—all remain center stage, simply dressed for the season.

Less “Deck the Halls.” More “Welcome Home.”

Ultimately, a tropical Christmas isn’t about what you remove—it’s about what you reimagine. The palm tree becomes your Christmas tree. The shoreline becomes your snowy field. The scent of frangipani replaces fir. And suddenly, the season makes perfect sense—just with better weather.

Bring the Holidays Home—Wherever Home May Be

Whether you’re designing a seasonal retreat, a year-round residence, or a boutique hospitality space, we create interiors that reflect your location, lifestyle, and vision—with every detail considered.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TOAGAIN AND AGAIN

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The Coffee Tables I Keep Coming Back To

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Discover Rachel Blindauer’s favorite designer coffee tables—from sculptural marble to woven textures—each chosen for its ability to anchor a space with quiet luxury. Explore expert styling advice, FAQs, and a curated roundup of small-space-friendly, high-design coffee tables you can shop now.

The Ceiling is the Fifth Wall

The Ceiling is the Fifth Wall

I have a thousand things going through my head every time I walk into a space. I first look at the way everything is and then in my head visualize changes and adjustments that I would do to improve functionality, aesthetics, comfort and marketability (in the case of a commercial space). I see the possibilities and look past what is there. So next time you see me walk into a space and I zone out looking at the walls, touching wood finishes and inspecting table heights you’ll know what I’m doing.

Given that constant analysis I do, I find that most people forget to even think about the ceiling. In the 16th century designers always heavily considered the design of every wall including the ceiling. Think about it, how boring would the Sistine Chapel be without the designer requesting Michelangelo do the ceiling?

Next time you look at a naked ceiling ask yourself:

Could you add something to improve the architectural interest?

  • Board and batten or plaster work can add texture and depth.
  • You can create focal points by adding ceiling medallions and visually impactful lighting like chandeliers!

How can you bring more color onto the ceiling with paint?

  • If your space is monochrome you can paint your ceiling to match the color to create a cohesive look.
  • Dark ceilings create more intimate spaces (many restaurants do this).
  • A mid-tone color makes a great monochromatic statement when paired with accents of that color around the whole room.
  • Bedrooms are a great place to use a pale painted ceiling.
  • You can also create the illusion of a higher ceiling by doing a light ceiling and dark walls.

Is there a design that you could paint/wallpaper/upholster on to the ceiling?

  • Painting a design or using wallpaper on the ceiling adds a unique visual element to a room.

  • Incorporating a unique design or choosing a wallpaper that resonates with your taste allows you to infuse your personality into the living space.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. Weather you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TOAGAIN AND AGAIN

Sarasota: A Designer’s Guide

Sarasota: A Designer’s Guide

Sarasota, Florida is a vibrant city that offers a multitude of dining options with diverse atmospheres and menus. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top establishments in Sarasota, including Bar Hana, Kojo, Art Ovations Perspective Bar, Shore Long Boat Key, and Indigenous. Whether you are looking for a trendy cocktail spot, a breathtaking view of the city, or a delightful farm-to-table experience, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your next visit to Sarasota.

Take on the city at night

Bar Hana: A Fusion of Exquisite Flavors and Ambiance

Bar Hana is a new hidden gem located in Sarasota that offers a delightful combination of tiki food and a hipster atmosphere. The menu features a variety of mouthwatering Polynesian fusion dishes, and their Mainland Margarita is highly recommended. It has a great vibe and theme with a small but great menu and drink list. Don’t go here if your gluten free but everyone else enjoys it.

Bar Hana
Kojo

Kojo: A Japanese Fusion Cocktail Haven

For those seeking a unique and quirky atmosphere, Kojo is the perfect choice. With amazing cocktails and a bar staff known for their exceptional service, Kojo offers an unforgettable experience. The menu boasts a great selection of Japanese inspired cocktails that are sure to please any palate. If you are looking for a memorable night out in Sarasota, Kojo should definitely be on your list.

Art Ovation’s Perspective Bar: A Breathtaking City View

After dinner a one of those head to Art Ovations Perspective Bar for DJ music and cocktails overlooking the city. Hide away in a cabana if they aren’t taken! The drinks are too sweet for my taste but the art, music and views are always good.

Art Ovation Perspectives

Make Sunday a beach day!

Shore at Long Boat Key: Mid Century Modern with a well collected beach wear boutique

Go for lunch overlooking the water. You can go by boat or car valet.

Shore
Drum Circle

Drum Circle on Siesta Key Beach

Every Sunday is a drum circle at Sunset on Siesta Key Beach. During the sun hours you might see octopus kites and then after sunset it goes to the glow sticks and glowing poi.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.
Take the first step towards creating your dream space. Weather you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

Get Started Now

Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TOAGAIN AND AGAIN