To Style or not to Style?

Believe it or not, that really IS a legitimate question when it comes to building or remodeling homes.

So, assuming you decide to go with style, how do you know what style to choose?

Consider this fact: there are somewhere between 12 and 15 PRIMARY design styles (depending on which authority you consult 😉) and as many as 22 to 27 different categories when you enter interior design factors into the equation!

Is there a way to make choosing easier?

Arguably, there are numerous ways to do so which we won’t go into here, but a simple one is just focus on the BEST choices!

Of course, that makes it a matter of personal preference and while we routinely work in different styles, here are 3 principal design choices for creating a standout Florida home:

Mid-Century Modern: The Vision of Effortless, Light-Filled Living

Mid-Century Modern design is perfect for those who value bright, open spaces, minimalist beauty, and organic harmony. By trading heavy walls for expansive glass and post-and-beam structure, this style floods your daily life with natural light. It is an architecture of optimism and clean lines—ideal for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining, modern open-concept living, and showcasing timeless, sculptural design.

Mediterranean: The Elegance of a Sun-Drenched Resort

Mediterranean oriented style is crafted to capture a sense of permanent vacation, utilizing thick, sun-warmed stucco walls and sweeping barrel-tile roofs that inherently echo classic old-world charm. Grand arched doorways, deep covered patios or porches, and intricate ornamental ironwork create a striking, dramatic street presence. It is a brilliant choice for homeowners who love rich architectural textures, breezy indoor-outdoor transitions, and an elegant, upscale aesthetic that is timeless.

Spanish: A Private Oasis of Character and Craftsmanship

Distinct from grander adaptations, the Spanish visual aesthetic focuses on the beauty of traditional craftsmanship, combining rustic stucco, low-slung clay tile profiles, and charming Juliet balconies. At its heart sits the heritage of classic central courtyards, ante-patios and verandas — the kind of cherished arcaded cloisters which provide private yet openly relaxed outdoor rooms perfect for morning coffee, family gatherings. or dynamic landscape water features. Choose this style if you want your home to feel like an authentic, peaceful retreat prioritizing privacy, artistic detail, and breezy courtyard living.

Guiding Principle

While many designers and builders operating in Florida give in to the cultural habit of playing it safe with “Coastal Contemporary” in lieu of classic design, at Driftwood Studio we believe the very elements which make it CLASSIC are what make a home truly shine:

♦ Enduring permanence that avoids temporary fads or gimmicks. Instead, it feels as relevant, functional, and visually appealing today as it did when it was first built or conceived.

♦ Harmonious proportion and scale that relies on a deliberate balance of geometry, weight, and space. Whether it is a soaring Mediterranean arch or the low-slung, clean lines of Mid-Century Modernism, the elements feel mathematically and visually balanced.

♦ Authenticity of Materials: A builder owes it to his clients to honor the inherent traits of high-quality, genuine materials by prioritizing natural wood, stone, wrought iron, and authentic textiles, allowing the texture and character of the material to define the space.

♦ Clarity of Form: A design should feature a clear, identifiable silhouette where form follows function. There is an intentionality to every line, curve, and layout, eliminating unnecessary visual clutter or chaotic ornamentation.

♦ Refined craftsmanship that exhibits exceptional execution and structural integrity. The joinery, finishes, and structural connections are executed with precision, showcasing the skill behind the construction.

While there may be others, these design criteria are held in common by successful buildings, regardless of the style one built in or favored.

What does that mean for YOUR new home build or existing home remodel?