Florida home designs are based, for the most part, on Mediterranean and Spanish architecture. You won’t see heavy brick structures here. Instead, you’ll find lighter and softer lines, stucco surfaces, arches, clean lines, and even tile roofs. Unlike the European version of this style, Florida homes don’t sport vivid colors—the local color scheme, which is unique to Florida, is all about pastels that reflect the sun. Florida home design reflects the environment’s endless sunny days and ever-present chance of hurricanes.

Structure

The weather in Florida is one of extremes, from sunny weather to extreme heat and humidity and danger from hurricanes. The home styles in this state reflect this environment and offer logical solutions to the problems. Cinder block walls are often more than 12 inches thick, giving homes an unusual amount of insulation. This means homes, once they are cooled, can maintain their indoor temperature for many hours. These stronger, thicker walls also serve as protection against tropical storms and hurricanes. They can withstand much more than an average wooden house ever could.

Design Details

The weather extremes are the reason behind many of the common design details that are unique to Florida houses. Windows are not only larger, they often fill walls to allow stray breezes in. That expanse of glass gives rooms an airy effect, which makes it feel cooler inside. Concrete block construction may withstand weather extremes, but a pastel stucco covering gives it an attractive look and provides protection against weeks of unrelenting sunshine. Porch and patio arched roofs allow you to enjoy ideal temperatures outdoors on temperate days while protecting you from the worst of the sun’s rays. In general, Florida design is all about enjoying the best of the local weather and protecting you from the worst.

Outside Design

A traditional family home includes a large backyard in which the kids can play, but an increasing number of Florida homes are opting to give up the grassy expanse. Instead of a lawn that needs maintenance, homeowners are putting in large pools surrounded by even larger concrete or tile patios. An aluminum frame and insect-proof netting cover the entire structure, creating a bug-free outdoor living space. These pool enclosures can be large enough for barbecue grills, picnic tables, lounge chairs, and kids’ furniture, and they often feature elaborate pools with connected hot tubs or swimming lanes. When it comes to months of hot and humid weather, a pool and shaded lounging area make a lot more sense than a grassy yard.

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