Miami’s vibrant design scene is a treasure trove of inspiration, blending the iconic art deco style with the laid-back charm of tropical coastal vibes. These aesthetics work beautifully in apartment spaces, offering a mix of vibrancy, elegance and practicality in any kind of apartment layout.
Whether you’re drawn to the geometric allure of art deco or the breezy feel of coastal living, there are plenty of ways to bring a touch of South Florida into your home. Here’s how to channel Miami’s unique vibe and make your luxury South Florida apartment a stylish retreat.
How to curate an apartment with unique Miami vibes
Channeling Miami’s Art Deco aesthetic
If you love a sense of timeless glamour and glitz, Miami’s art deco style is perfect for you. Rooted in the 1920s and 1930s, this aesthetic combines bold shapes, pastel hues and luxurious materials for a look that’s both retro and modern.
Color palette: Start with a soft pastel base — think mint green, blush pink and light blue. These soothing tones are often accented with metallics like gold, brass or chrome to add a hint of luxury.
Geometric patterns: Incorporate bold, symmetrical patterns into your space using rugs, throw pillows or even removable wallpaper. These shapes immediately evoke the art deco era and make a striking design statement.
Glamorous accents: Look for shiny, reflective surfaces to add a touch of elegance. Think mirrored coffee tables, metallic picture frames or a chic gold tray for your bar cart — basically, whatever would belong on the glamorous set of "The Great Gatsby."
Lighting: Lighting is key to achieving the art deco vibe. Opt for statement pieces like chandeliers with curved shapes or frosted glass sconces that exude old-world charm.
Furniture: Keep it streamlined with furniture that features clean lines and curves. Pieces upholstered in velvet or finished with lacquer add an extra layer of sophistication.
Embracing the tropical coastal vibe
For those who prefer a more relaxed and natural aesthetic, the tropical coastal vibe channels Miami’s lush natural surroundings and sun-soaked beaches. It’s all about creating a breezy, inviting atmosphere that just oozes relaxation.
Natural elements: Bring in woven baskets, rattan furniture, bamboo accents or driftwood-style décor to infuse a touch of nature into your apartment.
Lush greenery: Nothing says “tropical” like some apartment-friendly tropical plants. Add potted palms, a monstera or a bird of paradise to liven up your space and purify the air.
Beach-inspired colors: Choose a palette inspired by the ocean: soft blues, turquoise, coral and sandy neutrals. These hues will transport you straight to Miami’s sunny shores and will tie all your décor elements together in a cohesive theme.
Tropical prints: Add playful patterns featuring palm leaves, flamingos or exotic flowers to your curtains, throw pillows or wall art for a vibrant pop of on-theme imagery.
Textures: Incorporate natural textures like jute rugs, linen drapes or textured throw blankets to create more of a dynamic among your décor. These elements also bring warmth and depth to your coastal-inspired aesthetic.
Blending Art Deco and tropical styles
Why choose one style when you can have both? Miami’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend art deco elegance with tropical flair. Here’s how you can combine the two:
Color harmony: Merge pastel art deco tones with bright tropical colors — like, for example, blush pink paired with vibrant turquoise, or mint green with coral accents. Color theory is your friend here!
Mixed materials: Balance metallic finishes (like gold or chrome) with natural textures such as rattan or bamboo. This combination creates a dynamic and visually interesting space that ties in both aesthetics.
Statement wall art: Hang prints or paintings of iconic Miami scenes, like colorful lifeguard towers or the Fontainebleau Hotel, to celebrate the city’s unique artistic vibe.
Layered lighting: Use a mix of art deco-inspired table lamps and tropical-style lanterns or pendants to add depth and versatility to your lighting.
Tropical glam: Combine lush floral arrangements with elegant metallic vases. What better way to create functional and fresh touches of Florida décor?
Tips for decorating small apartments and studios
Apartments often come with space constraints, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style!
Don’t let space (or the lack of it) get in the way of style. Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and make your space feel larger — a sunburst mirror, for instance, adds an art deco touch while enhancing natural light.
You can also use white curtains, creative storage solutions and light colors to make your space feel more open and airy. Choose stylish furniture that doubles as storage, like ottomans with hidden compartments or a sleek console table that can also serve as a desk.
Opt for wall-mounted planters or hanging baskets to incorporate greenery without taking up too much floor space. Tall palms or bamboo plants that grow upward rather than outward won’t take up as much floor space as bushy ferns or leafy monsteras.
Shopping and DIY ideas
Decorating doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking to shop or DIY, there are plenty of ways to bring Miami’s coastal vibe to life.
Look for décor at local Miami artisans’ shops or browse online retailers specializing in coastal or art deco styles. Stores like Anthropologie, West Elm and CB2 often carry pieces that fit these aesthetics, but the best place to find a treasure trove of on-theme pieces is at a local thrift store!
If you still can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, try making your own tropical-inspired artwork using stencils and vibrant paint. Reupholster furniture with art deco fabrics, create your own rattan-style photo frames for a custom touch or piece together some driftwood for a minimalist centerpiece or wall hanging.
Whatever you end up finding, a mix of art deco elegance and tropical charm is perfect for creating a stylish and inviting Miami apartment, and by blending these two aesthetics, you can design a space that feels vibrant, relaxing and uniquely you. So, get creative, have fun and let the spirit of South Florida transform your apartment into a sunny retreat!
Good luck!
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Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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