The colors and patterns of Palm Beach style have always been iconic, but Apple TV’s instant hit Palm Royale bursting onto the scene this year has made kaftans and vibrant colors the look du jour. From The Colony Hotel — aka the pink palace — to Lilly Pulitzer, Palm Beach-inspired scenes have everyone feeling relaxed, lavish summertime vibes.
This style is all about living the good life and soaking up the sun, but it’s not beachy. It’s elegant, refined, and a little bit whimsical — there are bright colors, rattan accessories, lots and lots of lacquer, and prints that make you feel a little bit like a peacock. Here are eight ways to infuse your own home and wardrobe with Palm Beach style.
Embrace an updated Palm Beach palette.
The colors of a Palm Beach palette take cues from the vivid landscape, but that doesn’t mean everything is in technicolor. Lilly Pulitzer sets the standard in Palm Beach color, with brilliant pinks and greens taking center stage. But when Kemble Interiors launched their revamp of The Colony Hotel, they chose to interpret the classic colors in a more subdued way. Pale pinks echo the watercolor sunset in the evening, while subtle green and warm taupes are a nod to colors in the flora, fauna, and sand.
These colors continue into fashion, where Palm Beach style can expand beyond the iconic shift dress. A Lilly Pulitzer maxi dress in a more muted — yet still spirited — pattern feels like a fresh take on the aesthetic. Green, blue, lavender, and yellow are in keeping with the town’s color spectrum, but they don’t feel as literal as pink and green.
Bring in natural textures.
Natural textures add warmth to the bright colors of Palm Beach style. In the home, wicker and rattan are used in side tables, dressers, trays, and accessories, often with a darling detail like the scallop on this side table from Serena & Lily. They have a lightweight, tropical-inspired look and an indoor-outdoor quality that encapsulates the Palm Beach lifestyle (at least during the snowbird months!). These same materials can be used in accessories, like this charming J. McLaughlin clutch.
Lean into iconic patterns.
Whether it’s a quirky Lilly Pulitzer print featuring shrimp drinking cocktails or elephants prancing, or it’s a de Gournay wallpaper designed explicitly for The Colony Hotel, patterns are a way of life in Palm Beach. Layers of pattern on pattern give rooms an over-the-top look, while donning a bold dress gives you a devil-may-care attitude that fits the South Florida vibe.
Broaden your idea of “coastal.”
There’s beachy, and then there’s Palm Beach. These two aesthetics are not the same. Here, “coastal” means more elegance and fewer seashells. You’re on the ocean, so you’ll have the elements of the sea, but in a way that doesn’t feel literal or kitschy. That often translates into brilliantly lacquered items like mirrors or trays in high gloss white, pink, blue, or other equally striking colors. Add a bamboo motif, and you’re truly channeling the Palm Beach style.
Don’t be afraid of maximalism.
With Palm Beach style, you can rarely go too over the top. If you’re getting dressed, throw on a kaftan and a huge pair of sunglasses, then go ahead and toss on a few extra bangles. There’s no need to hold back; this is about putting on a show. And don’t be afraid of making a statement when it comes to decor. Go for the ornate accents and items with more detail and color than you’d usually choose. An elephant stool like this is right at home anywhere in a room.
Embrace playful elements.
There’s a touch of whimsy in Palm Beach style, which comes through in the playful animals that appear everywhere, from clothing to decor. Choose an accent like this West Elm chair in a similar color palette to the rest of your room, but don’t worry too much about the print “matching.” You want it to feel playful and surprising — this is about an “Oh, I just loved it!” vibe rather than trying too hard to make it coordinate.
Add touches of European opulence and gilded decor.
Most people think of a glossy white and vibrant color aesthetic when they think of Palm Beach, but there’s also a gilded undercurrent throughout the island. Because it became prominent during the Gilded Age, you’ll find lots of opulent, ornate decor, gilded ceilings, and rich, elegant interiors. Just look to The Breakers or the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum as prime examples. You can look for vintage pieces for inspiration or opt for something like this palm chandelier from PB Teen (you can’t beat the price!).
Incorporate vintage!
Any good Palm Beach home or closet incorporates vintage elements from the heyday of Palm Beach style. If you’re in the area looking for inspiration, take a stroll down Antique Row in West Palm Beach and pop in shops like Patricia’s Gallery, Churchill Galleries, D&G Antiques, James & Jeffrey Antiques, The Elephant’s Foot Antiques, and D. Brett Benson, Inc. But you can find Palm Beach-inspired pieces in any antique store — look for bamboo motifs, lacquer, and gilded detailing. And, if you want to add a little vintage to your Palm Royal-inspired wardrobe, look for vintage Lilly online.
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