Jun 16 2010
In Florida, a vacation home is where great memories are made. Who can forget the place that became a favorite getaway, or where family and friends gathered each summer for parties and relaxation?
Because vacation homes are special places, interior designer Priscilla Castellano believes they deserve to look special, too.
Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors
Castellano is the owner of Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors in south Tampa, Fla., and an expert in designing and decorating vacation homes. Her list of specialties include luxury interior design, home theatres, children’s rooms, nurseries, and space planning.
"Vacation homes don't have to be bland or generic. They can be as personal and welcoming as primary homes," said Castellano. "It's always more relaxing to be in an environment you love."
She recommends using coastal design elements in Florida vacation homes. Coastal design reflects the natural beauty and heritage of the shoreline, which can range from elegant luxury to beach-home casual. For example, color schemes might be inspired by a Gulf of Mexico sunset or the sugar-white sands of a pristine beach.
Castellano recommends that owners add personal touches by mixing in favorite artwork, photographs, or collections. They can also stock an assortment of tablecloths, trays, and dishware to make summer entertaining a breeze.
Here are other tips from Castellano for creating style and comfort in vacation homes:
- For a fun wall display, frame pictures of each family member, including parents and grandparents, when he or she was a child at the beach or posing in a bathing suit.
- Welcome guests by placing beach towels in their room, along with sunscreen and a guidebook about shells.
- Treat yourself to good sheets and bedding for luxurious comfort.
- Call an interior designer for assistance in space planning and creating a vacation-home with ambience.
Source: http://www.andrealaureninteriors.com/