When these St. Pete, Florida, homeowners began the design and construction process for their 3,500-square-foot custom home, they reached out to interior designer Danielle Flax of Danielle Flax Interiors to coordinate the interior design plan and work closely with the architect and builder.
“Being brought in at the beginning of a new build allows us to create a cohesive vision that informs every decision, from architectural details and millwork to lighting placement and material selections,” says Flax. “When a designer is involved early, we can ensure that the home not only looks beautiful, but also functions well for the family’s lifestyle.” In addition, involvement from the start can help avoid costly revisions later and makes each detail feel intentional rather than added on later.
Creating a relaxed, yet refined home that mixes contemporary and timeless elements was the goal. Flax shares her insight on the key finishes and how they affected the overall design scheme for this charming four-bedroom, three-and-one-half bathroom home, as well as some of her favorite finishes and what to consider when designing in a warm climate.
What were some of the key finishes you selected early on? How did those shape the rest of the interior design?
DF: We started with several foundational elements that would set the tone for the entire home, including the flooring, kitchen cabinetry, natural stone selections, plumbing fixtures, and architectural details. These early decisions established a warm, timeless palette that felt appropriate for both the homeowners and the Florida setting. Once those larger selections were in place, they guided everything from furniture and textiles to lighting and decorative finishes. We focused on creating layers of texture and subtle contrast, allowing the home to feel elevated, welcoming, and enduring.
Are there special considerations when designing and building in a warm climate like Florida, such as particular fabrics, materials, etc.? What are some finishes you used in this project?
DF: Absolutely. Florida homes require materials that are both beautiful and practical. We prioritize durable, high-performance fabrics that can withstand humidity, sunlight, and everyday family life while still feeling luxurious. For this project, we incorporated performance upholstery, natural woven textures, linen blends, white oak finishes, natural stone, and layered materials that feel light and organic. We also paid close attention to how natural light would interact with finishes throughout the day, selecting materials that would maintain their beauty in bright sun-filled spaces.
What did the owners have to have, and what did you feel strongly about including?
DF: The homeowners wanted a home that felt timeless, comfortable, and welcoming for both everyday living and entertaining. They were drawn to classic details but wanted them interpreted in a fresh, livable way. While I don’t typically insist on specific items, I strongly advocate for architectural character and layered materials. We incorporated custom millwork, thoughtfully selected lighting, natural stone, and a mix of textures throughout the home. These elements help create depth and personality while ensuring the home feels collected rather than overly designed.
What are the special elements of this house? What do the owners love, what do you love?
DF: One of the most special aspects of this home is the thoughtful balance between timeless architecture and personality-driven design. The homeowners especially love the architectural arches incorporated throughout the home. These details create a sense of softness and character while adding visual interest and helping each space feel unique. The arches became a defining feature of the project and contribute to the home’s warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Personally, I love the moments where we embraced color, pattern, and texture in a more immersive way. The wallpaper selections in the powder room and breakfast nook bring so much charm and personality to the home, creating memorable spaces that feel layered and intentional. I also love the use of monochromatic paint treatments in the mudroom and office, where the walls, trim, and cabinetry are painted the same color. This approach creates a rich, enveloping feel and gives these hardworking spaces a sophisticated, custom look.
The lighting is great in this house. Can you describe your selection process for lighting and name a few sources, such as the living room and kitchen lights?
DF: Lighting is one of the most important layers in any project because it serves both a functional and decorative purpose. We approach lighting as jewelry for the home, selecting pieces that enhance the architecture while adding warmth and personality. Our process begins with determining how each space will be used and ensuring the scale is appropriate for the room. From there, we look for fixtures that complement the overall design narrative while introducing interesting shapes, textures, and materials. Throughout the home, we sourced lighting from a mix of trusted vendors and artisan makers, selecting fixtures that felt timeless rather than trend-driven. Specifically, Huey Lighting supplied the living room and kitchen sconces. The kitchen pendants are from Devol, and the living room chandelier was made custom.
What else do you want to share about this project, such as paint colors for the office and mudroom?
DF: One of the things that makes this project special is the thoughtful layering of color, texture, and pattern throughout the home. While the overall palette feels timeless and cohesive, we intentionally incorporated moments of personality that give each space its own identity. The office is painted in Sherwin-Williams Tin Lizzie, a rich, moody color that creates a sophisticated and inviting workspace. In the mudroom, we selected Sherwin-Williams Acacia Haze, carrying the color across the walls, trim, and cabinetry to create a beautiful monochromatic effect that feels both elevated and functional.
Photography by Frazier Springfield.
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