What’s Your Home Exterior Design Style?
HOME EXTERIOR DESIGN FLORIDA
Home Exterior Designs That Wow
Your home’s exterior is like the cover of your favorite book—it sets the stage for what’s inside, makes a statement, and should feel uniquely you. But with so many design styles out there, how do you find the one? Are you drawn to timeless elegance, modern flair, or a mix of both? No matter your vibe, discovering your dream home exterior design starts with a little inspiration (and maybe a touch of daydreaming).
5 Home Exterior Styles That Make Coming Home a Pleasure
That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain on five stunning projects from Lisa Gilmore Design, each with its own unique personality. From bold color choices to architectural eye candy, these homes prove that curb appeal is so much more than just a pretty front door. Let’s dive in!
British West Indies-Inspired Home Exterior Design
Imagine stepping into a tropical retreat without leaving home. That’s exactly the vibe of this 5,500-square-foot stunner in Snell Isle, St. Petersburg. Inspired by the homeowners’ love for the British West Indies, this new build is all about light and breezy sophistication. Think crisp white walls, wooden columns, dreamy louvered shutters, and oversized windows that flood the home with natural light. It’s like vacationing in paradise—without the packing.
BRITISH WEST INDIES HOME EXTERIOR STYLE
Transitional Elegance Meets Maximum Curb Appeal
Also nestled in Snell Isle, this new construction home takes a completely different approach. With sleek lines, a striking wood front door, and a low-profile tiled roof, this home is the definition of modern elegance. It’s statuesque yet inviting—a masterclass in making a statement without shouting.
photo: Snell Isle Home Exterior
TRANSITIONAL HOME EXTERIOR FLORIDA
A Waterfront Escape with Caribbean Charm
photo: Venitian Isles Home Exterior
Once upon a time, this Venetian Isles home was hidden behind a jungle of overgrown plants. Enter Lisa Gilmore Design and poof!—the home got a serious glow-up. Now, its vibrant turquoise shutters, charming roof overhang, and crisp white exterior give it the perfect tropical touch. It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it’s got that effortless island getaway feel—exactly what every waterfront home deserves.
WATERFRONT HOME VENITIAN ISLES FLORIDA
VENITIAN ISLES HOME BEFORE
Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece
MID-CENTURY MODERN HOME ST PETERSBURG
If this home could talk, it would probably say, “Oh, you think you know mid-century modern? Think again.” Designed by the late, legendary architect William Harvard, this one-of-a-kind home in the exclusive Bayway Isles community is a love letter to straight lines, gentle curves, and geometric perfection. To make the entrance truly stand out, we chose a stunning aqua door with custom millwork, adding just the right amount of character and color. It’s bold, it’s breathtaking, and we’re obsessed.
CUSTOM MID CENTURY DOOR TAMPA
Mediterranean Home Exterior Design Makeover
MEDITERRANEAN HOME EXTERIOR DESIGN MAKEOVER
This 5,500-square-foot Clearwater home started as a classic Mediterranean mansion—think bold yellow stucco and old-school charm. But with a fresh coat of soft white paint, it got an instant glow-up! Paired with its original terracotta tile roof and stone driveway, the result is a modern Mediterranean dream—timeless, elegant, and effortlessly chic.
photo: Mediterranean Home Before
FAQs: Your Hottest Questions about Home Exterior Design
1. How do you design your house outside?
Designing your home’s exterior is part science, part art. Start with a cohesive color palette that works with your architecture and natural surroundings. A bold front door (hello, personality!) or elegant hardware can instantly elevate your entryway. Landscaping is everything—lush greenery, layered flower beds, and statement lighting can work wonders. Architectural details like shutters, trim, and stone accents add depth and character. And don’t forget about outdoor furniture and cozy lighting—because your exterior should feel like an extension of your home’s personality.
2. How much does an exterior designer cost?
Like any great investment, hiring an exterior designer comes with a range of pricing. Depending on the scope, location, and level of customization, you might spend anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 (or more). Some designers charge hourly rates between $100 and $300, while others offer package deals. Big factors like landscaping, architectural changes, and premium materials can add to the cost—but the boost in curb appeal and home value? Totally worth it.
3. What is the trend in home exterior design in 2025?
Get ready for a year of organic textures, sustainable materials, and statement-making details. Warm, earthy color palettes—think deep greens, rich browns, and soft terracotta—are making homes feel cozy yet sophisticated. Black and charcoal exteriors? Still going strong for that bold, modern aesthetic. We’re also seeing a rise in mixed materials (wood, stone, and metal combos), oversized windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces. And with sustainability top of mind, expect energy-efficient features like solar panels and smart outdoor lighting to become must-haves.
With home exterior designs, the possibilities are endless. It’s not just about picking the right color or material—it’s about creating a space that makes you excited to pull into your driveway every day. And that is where the magic begins.
Inspired to give your home a fresh new look? Let’s make it happen! Fill out our design inquiry form and we’ll contact you for more details. To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.
Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida, specializing in luxury, one-of-a-kind spaces. We believe in mixing artisan-crafted pieces, antique treasures, and custom details to create homes with soul. Serving homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, South Tampa, Hyde Park, and beyond.
An Interior Designer’s Itinerary for Paris Design
Paris Design: The Ultimate Adventure for Interior Design Lovers
If you’re a design lover, there’s no place quite like Paris to spark your creativity—and Lisa’s recent trip to Paris Déco Off was the ultimate Paris design adventure.
From strolling through fabric-lined streets to discovering the latest trends from the world’s top luxury brands, her week was filled with inspiration at every turn. But beyond the showrooms and exhibits, Paris itself became part of the experience—charming cafés, historic architecture, and hidden design gems that made this trip one for the books. Ready for a peek inside Lisa’s design-filled Paris itinerary? Let’s dive in!
Lisa’s Paris Design Adventure: All the Details
For this stylish getaway, home base was a luxury Airbnb nestled in the heart of a Passage near Les Grands Boulevards. “I shared this apartment with two friends, and it was in the perfect location—easy to get around, and we felt right in the center of everything.”
Paris Design Days 1 & 2: Déco Off—A Textile Wonderland
Paris Déco Off is like Fashion Week for interior designers—except instead of haute couture gowns, it’s all about sumptuous fabrics, jaw-dropping wallpapers, and impeccably crafted furniture. Lisa, a longtime fan of the event, was in her element.
“When I was younger, I vowed to one day go to Maison&Objet. It’s the event, the pinnacle of design. When I finally made it in 2018, it felt like a career milestone,” she shared. Déco Off, an offshoot of Maison&Objet, brings together independent and large brands and makers from across the globe.
“I saw a marble company from Atlanta that does these insane, fully encased marble islands. There were furniture designers from Sweden. And I remember in 2018, I discovered a British interiors company called House of Hackney. I instantly fell in love with them, and now they’re a household name.”
Paris Design Trends: What’s In?
Paris is the epicenter of style, so naturally, it sets the tone for the latest trends in interior design. Here’s what caught Lisa’s eye:
Warm, earthy tones are in! Rust, terracotta, and skin tones are making waves. “People are paying more attention to colors that make them feel good,” Lisa observed.
Jewel tones are still having a moment. Deep greens—everything from moss to peacock—were everywhere.
Unexpected color combos. “I saw this pairing of citron and rusty red that was just electrifying. It created this dynamic contrast that was both fresh and timeless.”
Paris Design Day 3: Flea Market Treasures
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the legendary flea markets, and Lisa made her way to Paul Bert Serpette with her friend, Michelle Gage, a fabulous designer in Philadelphia.
“My friend was sourcing for clients, but since none of my projects were in the accessory phase yet, I went purely to soak it all in. Everything I see goes into my ‘inspiration bank.’ I might not need a particular artist or lighting designer today, but a few years down the road, the perfect project will come along, and—bam!—I know exactly where to find them.”
Paris Design Days 4 & 5: Letting Inspiration Lead
Monday was supposed to be a trip to Maison & Objet, but a scheduling mix-up turned into an unexpected opportunity: a leisurely day of exploration.
“We wandered, shopped, and got inspired. I love visiting different hotel bars, having a cocktail, and taking in the design. In Paris, everything has a unique identity. No two brasseries look alike. Whether it’s a historic terrace with intricate millwork or a modern, swanky spot with glam touches, every space tells its own story. I love letting my curiosity lead the way—seeing a doorway or a window that catches my eye and saying, ‘Let’s pop in and see what’s inside.’ That’s how I love to travel.”
Lisa’s Must-Visit Parisian Restaurants
Design inspiration works up an appetite! Here are Lisa’s favorite culinary stops:
Tigermilk- A fantastic Mexican restaurant in Sentier
Rosetta 9– An incredible Italian eatery so exclusive it doesn’t even have a website or reservations
Chez Fernand Christine– A classic French restaurant in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Camille – A charming brasserie where Lisa tried escargot for the first time, located near vintage clothing shops
A Creative Pilgrimage: The Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Lisa was blown away by the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, so visiting the Paris museum was a must.
“It was stunning—the exhibit was inspiring, and the floral designs were breathtaking. The best part? Walking into his actual studio! I didn’t even realize it was there, so stumbling upon it felt like stepping into a creative sanctuary.”
Lisa’s fourth trip to Paris certainly won’t be her last.
“The French share my love of antiques and vintage. The flea markets here are unlike anything else—huge, overflowing with character. You could spend days wandering and still not see everything. The French don’t just buy new, mass-produced pieces; they embrace history, uniqueness, and craftsmanship. That’s the beauty of working with a designer—finding those rare, meaningful pieces that tell a story.”
FAQs: The 411 on Paris Design
1. What is Paris design?
Paris design is all about effortless elegance with a mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Think grand moldings, herringbone floors, and vintage finds paired with sleek contemporary pieces. It’s a carefully curated balance—nothing looks overly planned, yet every detail feels intentional. Parisian interiors embrace neutral palettes with pops of color, luxurious textiles like velvet and linen, and a touch of the eclectic, like an ornate mirror or a statement chandelier. The result? A space that feels timeless, chic, and undeniably French.
2. Is Paris Design Week free?
Paris Design Week offers a mix of free and ticketed events. Many showrooms, exhibitions, and installations throughout the city are open to the public at no cost, making it a dream for design lovers who want to soak in inspiration without breaking the bank. However, some exclusive events, trade shows like Maison&Objet, and private design talks require registration or an entry fee. If you're planning to go, it’s best to check the official Paris Design Week website for details on pricing and access.
3. What is the typical cost for an interior designer?
Interior design professionals come in all shapes and sizes, from decorators to full-service design gurus. If you're eyeing a full-service interior design team in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, design fees on average range from $200-$300 per hour, which doesn’t include furniture or decor.
Want a touch of Paris design in your home? If you’re dreaming of a space filled with custom details, rich textures, and one-of-a-kind finds, let’s chat. Fill out our design inquiry form, and we’ll help bring timeless Parisian elegance to your home. For more design inspiration, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter!
Lisa Gilmore Design is a Tampa Bay-based interior design firm specializing in luxury, full-service design for busy professionals. Our approach blends artisan-crafted details, antique treasures, and custom elements to create truly unique spaces. We proudly serve homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and beyond—bringing bold, livable glamour to clients worldwide.
Dreamy Baby Girl Nursery: A Whimsical Retreat for Matilda Mae
BABY GIRL NURSERY - LISA GILMORE DESIGN
Lisa Gilmore Design’s Baby Girl Nursery
Designing a magazine-worthy home might come naturally to Lisa Gilmore, but when it came to her own baby girl nursery, the challenge was surprisingly tough! For an interior designer, one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is creating that special space for your little one. Yet, when Lisa set out to design Matilda Mae’s nursery, she hit a creative roadblock.
Matilda Mae’s Modern Baby Girl Nursery
“As many people know, my style is all about layers of color and pattern. Naturally, I started with that same aesthetic for the nursery, but something just didn’t feel right,” Lisa explained.
Thankfully, she had plenty of time to find her groove before baby Matilda made her grand entrance. The first piece she fell in love with? The crib.
Baby Girl Nursery Green Crib– A Dreamy Centerpiece
Lisa found the perfect crib—the rattan Palm Crib by Nestig, in a lovely shade of green. “It was the only thing I had saved for months that I knew I absolutely wanted in the room.”
photo: Lisa Gilmore Design
Moroccan-Inspired Baby Girl Nursery Rug
Then on a recent trip to Morocco, Lisa stumbled upon a soft lambswool rug with stripes in cream, terracotta, and blush. “It was so far from what I had in mind, but I couldn’t resist. I pictured telling Matilda one day how I picked out her rug in Morocco when I was five months pregnant!”
And that’s when the magic started to happen—the nursery design began to bloom.
photo: Lisa Gilmore Design
Floral Meets Modern in Matilda's Baby Girl Nursery
Knowing Matilda's birth flower was the daisy, Lisa fell in love with a whimsical daisy wallpaper from Nestig. It paired perfectly with the modern rug and the charming green crib. This playful backdrop set the stage for the room’s stunning artwork: a watercolor Parisian map hanging over her crib gifted by a close friend, the special mama leopard and cub art created and gifted by dear friend and artist Rebekah Lazaridis, and the original Madeline art by Ludwig Bemelmans gifted by her uncle and found at an auction in Peru.
A Chandelier with a Story
Lisa’s love for antiques brought another touch of whimsy to the room: a vintage French palm leaf chandelier she found years ago while antiquing in Atlanta. “I didn’t know where it would go at the time, but when I pulled it out for Matilda’s room, I knew it was perfect. It casts such lovely light, and I could imagine her gazing up at it! And now she does!”
And the cozy Crate and Kids glider with a cute little lumbar pillow in Willow Mint with pink piping by Pepper Home is the perfect place to cuddle.
photo: Lisa Gilmore Design
A Sentimental Baby Girl Nursery Mobile with a Family Connection
The finishing touch? A mobile of tiny ballerinas, hand-stitched by Lisa’s great-grandmother in the 80s. “These delicate dolls hung in my room as a baby, and I was so happy to use them for Matilda’s nursery.”
The mobile looks so sweet against the Pepper Home custom-made-to-order pink drapery with green tassels. (These were so easy to order online with everything Lisa wanted– blackout lined and pinch pleated with the beautiful tassels that tie everything together.)
Lisa’s dreamy design for Matilda’s nursery is a blend of stories, sentiment, and stunning design—perfect for a little one’s first adventures.
photo: Lisa Gilmore Design
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About a Baby Girl Nursery
1. What age should a baby have a nursery?
There’s no hard and fast rule for when a baby should have a nursery. Many parents set one up before their little one arrives, but some wait until the baby is a few months old. Ideally, the nursery is ready when you want your baby to start sleeping in their own room—typically around 6 months, according to many parenting guidelines. It’s all about when you feel ready for that transition!
2. What are the best colors for a baby girl nursery?
The best colors for a baby girl nursery depend on the vibe you're going for! Soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, and mint are classic choices, but modern nurseries are branching out with neutrals like cream, taupe, and sage green. If you want a bold pop, deep mauve or peachy coral can add a fun twist.
3. How do you make a girly nursery?
Creating a girly nursery can be a delightful mix of soft colors, charming patterns, and sweet accents. Think floral wallpaper, plush rugs, and maybe a chic chandelier for a touch of whimsy! You can play with feminine touches like ruffled curtains, pastel-hued decor, or delicate wall art. The goal is to make it cozy and pretty, but also functional and comfortable for you and your baby.
What a dreamy nursery for little Matilda! Before you know it, Lisa will be looking at big kid room ideas for her darling daughter, and we’ll be ready to see her next design adventure
Interested in hiring our team for your design project? Simply fill out our design inquiry form and we’ll contact you for more details.
To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.
Lisa Gilmore Design specializes in luxury design services for busy professionals. Our full-service, interior design firm, based in Tampa Bay, Florida, creates exclusive spaces through artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and personalized designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.
South Tampa Florida Home is Filled with Color and Style
SOUTH TAMPA FLORIDA HOME - LISA GILMORE INTERIOR DESIGN
Before and After: Art-Saturated South Tampa Florida Home
Picture this: a two-story, four-bedroom home in South Tampa, Florida, looking all nice and neat but just a bit too vanilla for our art-loving clients. They craved a splash of color, a dash of pizzazz, and rooms that felt as vibrant as their personalities. That's where the Lisa Gilmore Design team came in, ready to transform their unimaginative abode into a colorful casa!
Color-Filled South Tampa, Florida Home
The homeowners' extensive art collection, including several dazzling Ashley Longshore pieces, made this project a dream come true for the LGD team. We had a blast weaving these artworks into the design, adding even more layers of color and texture to their home.
HOME OFFICE BEFORE
Inspiring Home Office with Custom Touch
Our client, a high-profile financial advisor, needed a workspace that was both fabulous and functional. Bland, white walls? Begone! We teamed up with a local artisan to create a gold-plated ceiling and hand-painted walls with pink and gold detailing. Add in a blush pink, champagne, and gold rug from the Lisa Gilmore Design Collection and custom drapery designed by Lisa herself, and voila! A workspace that oozes inspiration and energy.
photo: Home Office After
TV ROOM BEFORE
Bold Den/TV Room Design in South Florida, Tampa
Ever seen a more striking, jewel-toned TV room? We took this space from drab to fab with a complete makeover. Our artisan crafted a textured ceiling and walls, perfect backdrops for art by Davina Shefet (to the left of the sofa) and a piece from the clients' own collection (above the sofa). A reupholstered sofa in Emma Shipley fabric and a custom-designed ottoman by Lisa completed the look, making it the ultimate lounging spot.
photo: TV Room After
DINING ROOM CHANDELIER BEFORE
South Tampa, Florida Dining Room with Vintage Chandelier
The dining room before was nice, but it didn't leave much of an impression. We decided to spice things up with a few vintage pieces, including a stunning chandelier made of vintage Murano glass from the 1960s, imported all the way from Italy. Most people might shy away from such a bold statement piece, but it creates a sculptural experience for visitors. We also reupholstered the dining chairs in zebra hide and added Ashley Longshore butterfly art near the ceiling.
photo: Dining Room Chandelier After
PRIMARY BEDROOM BEFORE
Luxurious Primary Bedroom Retreat
Though the primary bedroom isn’t as colorful as the rest of the house, its palette of whites, grays, and golds creates a luxurious, restful retreat. Our artisan used hand-scraped plaster to create cascading weeping willows on the walls in monochromatic white hues. Lisa designed the custom drapery, and we finished the space with art from the clients’ collection, making it a serene sanctuary.
photo: Primary Bedroom After
GUEST BEDROOM BEFORE
Tiger-ific Guest Bedroom in South Tampa, Florida
The tiger portrait in the guest bedroom, part of the clients' existing art collection, is a real showstopper. We complemented it with textured, patterned latticework on the walls and custom drapery designed by Lisa and made locally. It’s a space that’s sure to impress any guest.
Photo: Guest Bedroom After
FAQs: Interior Design in South Tampa, Florida
1. Is South Tampa a good area?
Absolutely! South Tampa is a fantastic area known for its vibrant community, excellent schools, and diverse dining and entertainment options. The neighborhood boasts beautiful parks, scenic waterfront views, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It's a place where you can enjoy a lively urban lifestyle while still feeling close to nature.
2. What is considered South Tampa?
South Tampa generally refers to the region south of Kennedy Boulevard and includes well-known neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands. It's bordered by Tampa Bay to the west and south, and Hillsborough Bay to the east. This area is a blend of historic homes, upscale condos, trendy shops, and gourmet restaurants, making it a sought-after place to live.
3. Why is South Tampa, Florida so expensive?
South Tampa's high cost of living can be attributed to its prime location, excellent schools, and high demand for real estate. The area's proximity to downtown Tampa, beautiful waterfront views, and a wealth of amenities make it a desirable place to live. Plus, the mix of historic charm and modern luxury, along with a strong sense of community, drives up property values and rental prices.
For lovers of art and color, this South Tampa, Florida home is a dream come true. Check out this post to see other ways we have incorporated original art into our designs.
To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow Lisa on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.
Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm that offers luxury design services to busy professionals. We have been named a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor and an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer. Lisa Gilmore Design has been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, Clearwater, and South Tampa.
INSPIRATION
Lisa Gilmore Design Interior Design trends, new projects & luxury design inspiration from your favorite Tampa Bay Interior Designer in Florida.
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