Key West Style Interiors and Home Decor Ideas

By Coastal Living
Updated July 01, 2020
Jean Allsopp

Get the laid-back look of South Florida and Key West with inspiration from these island homes.

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Faded and Fabulous

Annie Schlechter

A warm palette of cream, beige, and taupe is a natural fit for this living room’s vintage style. Geometric shapes, such as the honeycomb pattern on the throw pillows or the trellis motif on the rug, add a graphic punch to the muted palette. A range of textures also enlivens the space.

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Modern Vintage

Annie Schlechter

The kitchen’s iridescent mosaic tile backsplash, capiz shell pendant light fixture, and îpe hardwood floors, lends an authentic feel thanks to their tropical island style. The large-scale fixtures paired with the dark wood floors, all-white walls, countertops, and cabinetry give the classic materials a touch of the unexpected.

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Bold Statement

Annie Schlechter

To make the headboard in the master bedroom, designer Blair Gordon enlarged a photograph of an antique French mirror, laser-cut a piece of wood to match the shape, and upholstered it in a large-scale print. Nailhead trim not only echoes the detailing of the side tables but also highlights the headboard’s oversize, dramatic silhouette.

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Iconic Symbol

Annie Schlechter

Nothing says “beach house” like a wall-mounted sailfish. In the bunk room, this coastal icon gets a modern overhaul with glossy white paint. The nautical bunks also got the white paint treatment.

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Old World Style

Tria Giovan

This Key West cabana is framed by heavy canvas draperies tied back with raffia-and-shell tassels. Old and new pieces of rattan furniture sit under its vaulted ceiling. The homeowner picked up the antique daybed at a yard sale for $20.

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Well-Blended

Jean Allsopp

Tropical design can be modern, traditional, a little bohemian, or even all of these together. Here, an Akari paper lantern by 20th-century artist Isamu Noguchi lends a modern edge, while a white-and-blue scheme create a classic coastal undercurrent. Traditional velvet trimmed curtains with tiebacks soften the look and provide a visual divide between living and dining areas.

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Small Wonder

Jean Allsopp

While this Key West cottage may be little, its open floor plan allows it to live large. Dressing small spaces in white also gives them a more spacious feel. Turquoise floors made of treated deck lumber hold up to the inevitable sand and salt water.

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Real Simple

Jean Allsopp

Although many Key West interiors pay homage to Hemingway-esque dark wood interiors, these homeowners opted for a lighter feel. White walls, upholstery, and accents allow a spectrum of ocean blues to pop. In this user-friendly kitchen, pared-down appliances and open shelving allow for quick meals on the stovetop or outdoor grill.

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Jungle Room

Jean Allsopp

Gauzy netting can be draped over the bed to lend a dreamlike quality to this master bedroom, while vintage Key West memorabilia―old photos, prints, paintings, books, pottery, and bottles―pay homage to the island’s history

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Memory Maker

Jean Allsopp

Refinished original Dade County pine, now an endangered native species, adds rich vintage warmth to a 19th-century home. Charming furnishings such as art from various flea markets personalize the home and make the décor appear as if it was collected over time.

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Seaside Oasis

Robert Mauer

Louvered shutters, echoed by the bath cabinets, provide privacy and filter sunlight throughout the house.

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Colonial Cool

Robert Mauer

This Key West bedroom emits a distinct West Indies feel. Transoms improve circulation, inviting breezes into this suite. Informal furnishings, such as an iron bed, underscore the home’s casual architecture.

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Can’t-Miss Color

Troy Campbell

Funky island-y accessories fill this laid-back living space anchored by a coral-inspired coffee table for the ultimate always-on-vacation vibe. Bold artwork and pillows accent furniture slipcovered in white.

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Artful Display

Troy Campbell

Hundreds of hand-placed shells form a textured backsplash in this crafty kitchen. A glass door and touches of green bring the tropical landscape indoors.

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Water Accessible

Troy Campbell

White linens pop against aqua walls in this master bedroom, where mini tiles lining the sink and tub in the adjacent bath also celebrate the color of the salty sea.

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Classic Throwback

Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

On the porch, a pavilion-like roof shelters an outdoor living area complete with sofa, armchairs, and a rug. The vintage Heywood-Wakefield bamboo furniture set feels crisply shipshape with cushions covered in marine-blue fabric and white piping.

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Natural Look

This living room blurs the line between indoors and out with high windows and folding doors that open onto an L-shape porch. Furniture covered in outdoor fabric allow the room to stand up to the elements―including wet swimsuits.

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Easy Living

Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

In the sunlight-filled living room, a mix of old and new elements to gives the room character. The contrast of light and dark furnishings, the wide variety of textures, and the use of humble materials all lend tactile impact. White bookcases with walnut shelves suggest nautical ladders.

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Upbeat Design

Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Blue beaded-board walls and cabinet are cheerful counterpoints to the rich, chocolate-brown hardwood flooring and barstools. The chairs' woven-leather backs add rustic sophistication, while lime-green fabric with blue accents adorns seat cushions.

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Island Escape

Troy Campbell

The vibrant interiors of this Key West living area put guests into an island state of mind. Natural pine floors, walls, and ceilings preserves the cottage’s retro, lived-in look. Vintage furniture adds to the casual feel.

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Prime Location

Troy Campbell

Painted aqua and pink, the dining table and chairs make a playful statement. Bold print throw pillows and local artwork encourage the whimsical atmosphere, while French doors invite visitors onto the spacious deck and lush garden.

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Storage Savvy

Steven Brooke

Festive barware lines shelves and fills cabinets in this fun space. A window opening onto the porch makes passing snack and drinks a cinch.

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Party Ready

Steven Brooke

A parade of daiquiri-inspired colors set this porch in motion. Plenty of seating allows for family dinners or cocktail parties.

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