Hi sweet friends! I am sure you all thought I may have never returned, or if you were like me, you were so busy with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations/stress/visitors/travel that you were too busy to even notice! I can’t quite decide if it felt like the past two weeks took forever, or flew by. I went to Florida to visit my family, and there is something so comforting about being surrounded by blue waters and lush landscape (despite the chaos of the holidays). In case you aren’t following along on instagram, I rounded up some of my favorite homes that I came across on the Gulf coast.

You can forget faux mediterraneans and disproportioned McMansions. I like old school Florida. Simple colors, big palm trees, and easy coastal charm. The greatest part about Florida is you don’t need to try so hard. I see it time and again. Less is more in Florida. Let the beauty of the landscape speak for itself.

I love the shutters, the bougainvillea overhang, and the lush greenery that surrounds the property.

I wonder if this is a functioning garage, but I don’t care. I love the hanging vines. the cluster of palms, and the sea foam shutters.

I love the espalier and simplicity of symmetry. A true white home with the ideal contrasting black door.

I love this home. It is very tastefully done, with well appointed shutters and climbing vines. 

An updated “old Florida” style home. It has such a sweet simplicity mixed with southern charm.

One of my favorite restaurants in Tampa, Oxford Exchange. The decor is very tasteful and their adjacent shopping is even more stylish. 

My grandmother’s large and perfectly placed boxwood. I love the contrast of green and blue.

The serene colors of the coastline.

Bursts of fireworks by the bay. A happy new year to all of you!