When people hear “coastal interior design,” they often picture seashells, driftwood, and safe neutrals. But “coastal” can be so much more.
Anna Sapp and Dria Sweet, co-founders and creative partners of Sweet and Sapp Designs, reimagine the familiar, infusing coastal style calmness with the vibrancy and edge of Miami chic. The result? A space that feels relaxed yet refined, beachy but bold.
Their approach blends soft, sun-washed materials with high-contrast statement pieces and sculptural forms that reflect Florida’s sunshine and flair.
Let’s explore how this Miami-meets-coastal style comes to life.
What Defines Miami Chic?
Miami chic is a bold design style that blends fashion, function, and a touch of tropical glam. It’s a look that captures the energy of Miami Beach—vibrant, confident, and full of character.
As one of today’s most sought-after design trends, it’s all about confidence and contrast, and it sets the tone for elevated, expressive interiors.
Architectural silhouettes
Curved sofas, angular chairs, and bold built-ins add dimension and a sense of drama. These statement shapes make the space feel intentional and sculptural.
Luxe jewel tones
Bright color isn’t shied away from here—it’s embraced in accents that pop within a space. Emerald, sapphire, and fuchsia tones can bring richness to a room. These vibrant hues add personality and reflect Miami’s bold style.
Mixed metals
Brass, chrome, and matte black show up in hardware and decor. The rich metal details elevate without overpowering.
Art Deco echoes
Arched mirrors, geometric patterns, and fluted surfaces offer a touch of retro glam. These nods to Deco architecture bring historic charm to modern designs.
Dria brings this look to life through her styling expertise, layering curated pieces that elevate without overwhelming. Picture a sapphire velvet chair beside a travertine side table. Or a palm-print wallpaper balanced with minimalist millwork. It’s about creating high-style moments that feel grounded.
The Coastal Foundation: Softness + Light
Their designs balance bold moments with soft neutrals and breathable layouts that evoke calm. To keep the boldness in check, we ground our designs in classic coastal elements:
Natural materials
Natural elements like linen, jute, and rattan create an organic texture and warmth that feels welcoming and airy. Further enhance your space with natural wood elements, from driftwood accents to raw oak furniture, for a relaxed, organic feel.
Open layouts
Intentional negative space gives pieces room to breathe. The result is a serene flow and functional elegance.
Washed or neutral walls
Ivory plaster, soft greige, or other neutral tones like pale sand tones create a tranquil backdrop. Having airy colors and shades in your space lets bolder accents shine without visual clutter.
Layered lighting
Ambient sconces, natural daylight, and warm-toned bulbs help create mood and depth, evoking a golden-hour ambiance all day long. This foundation ensures that each bold design choice lands softly and confidently, and never feels out of place.
Where the Styles Meet: Creating the Contrast
Here’s where the real artistry lies—pairing softness with structure, calm with color. The goal is high-impact yet livable interiors, where every bold choice still feels effortless and comfortable.
Bold Tile + Organic Stone
Think terrazzo or Zellige paired with natural stone or crisp white walls. This contrast feels modern but grounded.
Sculptural Furniture + Soft Textures
Furniture with clean lines, upholstered in bouclé or sandy linen, softens the bold shapes, creating a tactile balance. This design tip works well long-term; the breathable fabrics will make each piece feel inviting year-round.
Gold-Framed Mirrors + Reclaimed Wood Consoles
Metallic shine meets rustic charm. This mix tells a story of refinement and authenticity. Incorporating dark wood tones alongside vintage finishes can deepen the palette without weighing down the space.
Color-Blocked Rugs + Bleached Oak Floors
Layering bold patterns over pale wood adds dimension and liveliness without overwhelming the space. When you have an eye-catching pattern against muted backdrops, it stands out, creating a beautiful conversation starter.
These contrast pairings bring the coastal-meets-Miami narrative to life in a tactile, visual way. Each pairing strikes a balance that defines the coastal aesthetic: clean, airy, and collected.
Your Starter Pack for Coastal + Chic
Paint Palette Ideas
Build your foundation with soft neutrals and neutral tones, then layer in richer hues. Soft colors like seafoam green and warm sand create a calming backdrop for bolder accents.
This color palette is versatile—grounded in earth tones with just enough punch to feel bold.
Materials to Explore
Brushed brass, cane, velvet, terrazzo, and lacquer offer a luxe yet textural variety perfect for layering.
Where to Splurge
Invest in a statement light fixture, an oversized piece of art, or a hand-knotted rug that anchors the room.
Where to Play
Mix it up with throw pillows, ceramics, and candles—small details that bring color and personality without major commitment. Dria and Anna encourage clients to lean into personal expression while staying cohesive with the palette.
Final Styling Touches
These finishing layers bring warmth, personality, and soul to any space.
Greenery
A potted palm, snake plant, or fresh stems connect the indoors to the tropical outdoors. Blurring the lines between interiors and outdoor living enhances the tropical vibe and expands your usable space.
Signature Scent
Use candles or diffusers with notes of citrus, sea salt, or sandalwood to establish a sensory vibe.
Personal Objects
Curated trays, beloved books, or mementos from travels make the space distinctly yours.
Lighting Mood
Install dimmers and mix pendant, task, and accent lights to allow for flexible mood-setting.
These finishing touches make the difference between styled and lived-in.
Ready to Design Boldly?
Sweet and Sapp Designs specializes in coastal interior design for Florida homeowners who want more than they expected. With a bold take on coastal living, we create layered, artful interiors that blend relaxation and sophistication with a sense of play.
Explore our portfolio or book a design consultation to add a Miami Beach twist to your coastal interior design.