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.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN
You may also like...
Interior Designer in St. Louis, MO — Rachel Blindauer
Elevated interior design in St. Louis by Rachel Blindauer. Specializing in full-service homes, boutique hotels, and luxury renovations—with a calmly colorful, story-driven approach. Virtual and in-person consultations available.
The Best Kitchen Colors: A Designer’s Guide to Hues That Truly Work
Discover the best kitchen colors for 2025 with expert tips from interior designer Rachel Blindauer. Learn which hues elevate your space, enhance light, and suit your lifestyle—from warm whites to moody greens.
Why Your Paint Color Looks Wrong—And How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
Color matching seems like a shortcut—until your serene gray turns purple. Interior designer Rachel Blindauer explains why custom paint colors are so tricky, how to test properly, and the best colors to use based on your light and location.