Christmas Staycation

Designer Seleta Hayes Howard and her family traded life in a busy suburb for a Florida cottage that celebrates barefoot style.

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Coastal Cottage

Photo: Helen Norman

Living near the Gulf in the small community of WaterColor in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, gave her the courage to decorate with shades of white, turquoise, and apple green. The smaller cottage size inspired pared-down furnishings and rooms that accommodate grown-up entertaining as well as family play space.

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Bringing the Outside In

Photo: Helen Norman

A flea market chair in the living room is updated in a coral pattern—a nod to the home's beach locale.

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Bold Details

Photo: Helen Norman

A striped rug in pale blue and brown adds graphic punch in the living room.

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Dining Room

Photo: Helen Norman

A custom banquette made of faux-ostrich vinyl sheds spills in the dining room. "This is a mess-proof spot for kids," says Seleta.

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Built-In Office

Photo: Helen Norman

Placed on a once-empty wall in the upstairs hallway, this vibrant desk area is an office/homework station.

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Open Kitchen

Photo: Helen Norman

By adding a vegetable sink, Seleta created two prep areas in the efficient galley kitchen.

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Master Bedroom

Photo: Helen Norman

"I felt like we needed to anchor the whimsical look of the rest of the house," says Seleta of the master bedroom. She added drama with black, in various fabrics as well as plates and frames on the wall.

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Bunkbeds

Photo: Helen Norman

The cheerful upstairs bunk room is a favorite sleepover spot.

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