Location in Home Design: A Look at Florida and Beyond

“Location, location, location.” It’s a mantra in real estate, but for architects, builders and interior designers, the location of a home is crucial in shaping its exterior and interior design. Factors such as climate, wind resistance, hurricanes, earthquakes and the availability of materials influence architectural decisions. Regional trends also play a significant role in ensuring that homes are both functional and harmoniously integrated into their environments.

For 35 years, Chancey Architecture and Interior Design has crafted homes across the country. Originally based in Tampa Bay, they have designed residences from the tropical Bahamas and Grand Cayman to the mountainous landscapes of Colorado, and from Ohio to Idaho. This extensive experience has made them adept at understanding regional trends. Whether addressing architectural needs or color palettes, the Chancey team acknowledges that a home’s location profoundly impacts its design, with Florida having its own unique set of trends and requirements.

“Today’s homes are intricately designed to suit their environments,” notes Walt Chancey, Sr., Managing Partner, and Peter Fertig, Managing Partner of Chancey Architecture. “In Florida, for example, we prioritize natural ventilation, shading elements and energy-efficient air-conditioning systems.”

Southern pine is a common material in Florida, often used in southern vernacular and coastal designs. Mediterranean, Spanish and Mizner-style homes in Florida are traditionally built with concrete blocks finished with textured stucco. These homes typically feature tile roofs and Palladian elements that emphasize scale, symmetry and balance. Coastal Vernacular Design, in contrast, utilizes wood siding, expansive porches and metal roofs.

Brick is another prevalent material in Florida, particularly for commercial and residential buildings in Hyde Park and South Tampa, and is gaining popularity in modern designs. In mountainous regions, wood and timber structures are common, with poured concrete basement walls to prevent water infiltration and rot. Western regions require considerations for snow loading and thermal heat storage, resulting in large open spaces with high, sloping ceilings that blend with the rugged mountain environment.

While Florida homes traditionally lack basements, they often include features that embrace the sunshine and outdoor living. These include sunrooms and convertible spaces with sliding or folding doors for a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, pools that serve as focal points, large covered outdoor areas, outdoor kitchens and well-planned landscaping.

“Florida living is all about embracing the outdoors,” Chancey and Fertig say. “Enjoying the sun and breeze on beautiful days greatly enhances the joy of living here. Thoughtful, purpose-designed indoor and outdoor spaces are key to maximizing this experience.”

Design is also influenced by regional color palettes and trends. In Florida, architectural designs and color schemes often reflect their design inspirations and regional influences. Warm tones for European designs, earthy colors for craftsman and timber styles and light palettes for modern and tropical influences are popular, says Catherine Zanghi, Managing Partner with Chancey Interior Design. 

“Interior paint colors in Florida have always tended toward the lighter and airier hues. These colors expand space rather than make it feel smaller. For more intimate rooms such as dining, offices, bedrooms and powder rooms, we see richer and more colorful accent hues. Blues and greens have always been popular here in Florida as they remind us of colors in nature and the ocean and gulf waters,” adds Sandra Chancey, Managing Partner with Chancey Interior Design.

Sustainable design trends are also important, with a focus on energy efficiency, smart home technology, sustainable materials and rainwater collection.

With location at the forefront, companies like Chancey Architecture and Interior Design craft homes that are both beautiful and functional, perfectly suited to their environments. 

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