Better Homes & Gardens
How to Decorate with Iconic Palm Beach Style
MAY 2023
You don’t have to live in Florida to appreciate Palm Beach style, with
its citrus colors and bold patterns. Here’s how to capture the tropical
style in your home.
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By Colleen Sullivan
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The coastal town of Palm Beach, Florida, is famous for its sunny weather and high-priced real estate. But it’s also renowned for a legendary fashion style that started in the 1960s when designer Lily Pulitzer’s sleeveless cotton dresses ignited a Palm Beach fashion craze.
Be Creative with Color
Although Palm Beach style is known for its use of tropical colors like turquoise, lime green, and lemon yellow, there are softer shades—like pale pink, blue-gray, sand, and ivory—that allow homeowners to stay true to the aesthetic. “I prefer to lean into softer and more neutral tones—subtle variations of traditional Palm Beach colors that inspire a calming and serene atmosphere,” says Angela Reynolds, owner and lead designer at Angela Reynolds Designs. “Colors like blush pink, sandy taupe, sage green, and a cool-toned sky blue.”
Include Quintessential Motifs
From palm fronds to pineapples, flamingos to conch shells, nature-inspired motifs all contribute Palm Beach charm. “These motifs add a touch of whimsy and personality to a space but can seem cliché or kitschy if overused. It’s important to apply them in a sophisticated, subtle, and unexpected way,” says Reynolds. "For example, I've worked with Christa’s South Seashells to create beautiful custom consoles adorned with shells that feel fresh and modern and often use oversized clam shells filled with orchids, greenery, and protea flowers. I’ll even purchase live pineapple plants (often from Home Depot) as a green accessory.”
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