How to Build a Florida House

A Florida home takes advantage of the outdoors and warm climates. Built to provide shade during the heat of the day, these homes celebrate the Florida lifestyle. But you don't have to live on the Keys to enjoy this architectural style. Unless you're a resident of Alaska, you can build a Florida house and incorporate many of the style's comfortable and inviting elements.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Hire an architect who understands the Florida house style. To save money, you can purchase a plan, instead of starting from scratch, and contract with a builder or draftsman to modify it for your particular needs.

2. Make sure your house plan is open and airy. Include high ceilings and vaulted entries and don't forget lots of big windows.

3. Design your rooms to flow for entertaining. Except for bedrooms and bathrooms, each room should have at least two doors, so guests can move around comfortably.

4. Coat your home's exterior with stucco. It's a hallmark of Florida house style. Roof the house with cement tiles, reminiscent of Spanish-style homes.

5. Decorate the inside of your home with bright colors and tropical decor. Seashells, driftwood and even a tasteful pink flamingo will add to your Florida look.

6. Plan a courtyard for the front of your home, and add wide verandas on both the first and second floors.

7. Landscape your garden in a lush Mediterranean style. If your climate allows, plant flowers that will bloom all year, palm trees and tropical plants. If your winters are too harsh, at least have tropical flowers and plants inside your home.