Text by Lauren Eberle
There’s a fine line between coastal chic and beachy kitsch aesthetics—even in Florida. So, when a designer successfully strikes it, coming home can feel like a vacation. This was the mission for Jessica Ranjbari and her team at Mossy Co. Interiors when they were hired to transform a bland builder-grade home for their Tallahassee, Florida, clients. By nixing dark cabinetry, beige walls, and busy accoutrements in favor of muted colors, nature-based focal pieces, and layers upon layers of texture, Jessica elevated this primary home into a serene, seaside-like retreat.
The project began, she says, with a decidedly clean slate. “I started with paint—making everything light and bright by selecting coastal colors reminiscent of the sky, water, and sand. With that neutral base in place, we could bring in pops of color that would add interest without additional visual clutter.” In rooms where the blue and green tones leaned a bit cool—such as the home’s foyer and living room—the designers chose a grass cloth wallpaper that immediately added warmth and textural interest to tray ceilings and the backs of built-ins.
Next came furnishings, which Jessica kept clean-lined and neutral, knowing that the reserve she showed while curating foundational design would pay off when punches of seaside creativity were integrated through such pieces as rattan nightstands, seagrass lamps, a driftwood console table, and striking coral.
The kitchen received a refresh in the form of a cosmetic facelift. Jessica and her clients chose to repurpose the cabinetry with paint but selected new countertops, backsplash, and lighting. Blue accents add aquatic interest to the dolomite counters while also complementing the grand island’s splashy color. Above, glass pendants drop from roping that lends nautical style without bulky weight. Similarly interesting lighting was chosen in the foyer, where a painted bobbin-style lantern blends modern aesthetics with the appeal of a windswept beach cottage.
In the dining room, supplementing the distressed finish of the table, the mixed seating is both functional and fun. “The host chairs are slipcovered so they can be easily cleaned, while the rest of the table features more casual choices ideal for entertaining guests,” Jessica says.
In the guest bedroom, Jessica hung a trio of large turtle shells, creating an unexpected focal point. “They were neutral in color but more fun than throwing up a piece of art,” says the designer of her playful choice. Beneath, a custom tied slipcover became a budget-friendly solution for updating an old bed. “A local upholsterer made the headboard slipcover, and it quickly became the highlight of the room for me,” Jessica adds. “The lively green and whimsical pattern made for a delightful update to the piece.” Layers of crisp white bedding, a plush linen duvet, and a vintage-style blue rug complete the room’s inviting vibe.
Thanks to her trained eye for design, Jessica was able to find the ideal balance to make the home feel easy and breezy—without being cheesy. In doing so, she ensured that these clients could enjoy an abode that would remain Florida-chic year-round.
