What It's Really Like to Work With a Coastal Interior Designer (Especially for Second Homes)
If you're reading this, you're probably wondering what actually happens when you hire a coastal interior designer. Not the glossy Instagram version - the real version. The one where you're trying to coordinate a second home renovation from another state, you're not sure what "design fees" even cover, and you're hoping someone can make this easier instead of harder.
I get it. Most of my clients come to me thinking design is about picking paint colors and maybe helping them find a sofa. They're surprised to learn we do so much more than that - and that the process is designed to make their life easier, not add to their to-do list.
So let me walk you through what it's actually like to work with Merritt Design Co., especially if you're designing a coastal home you won't be living in full-time. Because coastal homes - whether in the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere salt air and humidity are part of daily life - require a completely different approach than inland properties.
Why Coastal Interior Design Is Different (And Why It Matters)
Coastal homes aren't just about aesthetics. They're about performance.
I'm talking about materials that can handle humidity without warping, fabrics that won't fade in intense sunlight, hardware that won't corrode from salt air exposure, and furniture that looks beautiful but can actually survive outdoor coastal conditions. You can't just buy any outdoor furniture you see and assume it'll last - we have to look at how the wood was treated, what kind of sealant protects it, and whether the finishes are marine-grade.
This is especially true in the Florida Keys, where the environment is stunning but absolutely unforgiving to the wrong materials. Your dream sectional might look perfect in a showroom, but if it's not built for coastal living, you'll be replacing it in two years.
For more on what defines coastal design beyond the aesthetics, read What Is Coastal Interior Design?
The other piece? Coastal homes are often second homes. That changes everything about how we approach layout, functionality, and even logistics. You're not there every day to manage deliveries or coordinate with contractors. You need systems that work for you, not systems that require you to be physically present.
Who We Work With (And Why Budget Isn't the Starting Point)
Here's something I hear on almost every discovery call: "So... how much does this cost?"
I totally understand why the budget comes up first. But here's what I've learned: the clients who are the best fit for Merritt Design Co. aren't worried about budget as much as they're worried about surprises. They want to know what they're investing in, they want transparency, and they don't want to feel like they're being nickel-and-dimed throughout the process.
That's exactly how we work.
Before we start any project, we take time to understand the scope - what you're trying to accomplish, which spaces we're working on, and what level of service makes sense for you. Then we give you a clear, flat-fee design investment. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. No feeling like you can't call me with a question because the meter's running.
If your project includes furnishings (and most do), we'll also develop an overall furnishing budget together upfront. That way, as we're selecting pieces, you have a clear understanding of your total investment, and we're always working within your comfort zone.
Our clients are typically luxury coastal homeowners - primary or second homes - who value quality, timeless design, and a process that feels collaborative instead of transactional. They want a partner who understands the unique challenges of coastal living and can create a home that feels personal, effortless, and built to last.
What our clients value most:
A full-service, boutique experience that handles everything from concept to installation
Transparency and clarity on investment from day one
Expert guidance on coastal-specific material and design decisions
Someone who understands the logistics of designing from afar
If that sounds like you, keep reading.
Let's Talk About Design Fees (Because Everyone Wonders)
One of the biggest misconceptions I see? People think design is "free" if you're buying furniture through a designer.
Here's the reality: design fees and furniture procurement are two separate things.
Design fees cover the expertise, the process, the coordination, the problem-solving, and the creative work that goes into making your home actually yours. We work on a flat-fee model, which means once we agree on the scope of your project, you know exactly what your design investment will be. No hourly rates. No surprise bills. Just clarity from the start.
I learned early in my career that hourly billing makes clients feel like they can't ask questions or collaborate freely - and that's the opposite of how I want to work. You should feel comfortable reaching out, sharing ideas, and being involved in the process without worrying about the clock.
If your project includes furnishings, we'll handle all the sourcing, coordination, delivery management, and quality control. We agree on a furnishing budget upfront, and as we make selections, you'll always know where you stand. No guessing. No budget creep. Just a clear understanding of your investment at every step.
This isn't about "picking paint colors." It's about creating a comprehensive design that works with your architecture, your lifestyle, your coastal environment, and your long-term goals for the space. We're solving problems you don't even know you have yet.
When we talk on a discovery call, I'll walk you through exactly what to expect for your specific project - including design fees, furnishing budgets, and timeline. Transparency is part of the service.
Our Step-by-Step Coastal Design Process
Discovery + Vision Alignment
This is where we listen. A lot. We want to understand how you actually use this home - are you there every weekend or a few times a year? Do you host Thanksgiving for 20 people or prefer quiet mornings with coffee? We also talk about what "home" feels like to you, and if you're designing from afar, we set up systems that let you review samples and stay connected without needing to be there for every decision.
Concept Development
We create mood boards, coastal color palettes, and layout options that bring your vision to life. We're thinking about flow, natural light, where you'll actually relax, and how the design handles real-life - like sandy feet and wet towels. For second homeowners, we're also designing for when you're not there: low-maintenance, property-manager-friendly, ready to welcome you the moment you walk in.
Selection + Procurement
Here's where our coastal expertise really matters. We're selecting materials designed for your environment - including performance fabrics, marine-grade hardware, furniture that withstands humidity, and finishes that resist corrosion. You're not replacing sofas in two years because we chose something trendy. Everything is documented in our client portal, allowing you to view all approved selections at any time.
Implementation + Styling
We coordinate everything: deliveries, installations, contractor schedules, and remodeling work. You're not managing ten vendor relationships - we are. For second homeowners, we handle receiving deliveries, coordinate with your property manager, and make sure everything is exactly right before you arrive.
Reveal + Living Support
The moment you walk in, and it feels like home - that's what we're here for. And we don't disappear after installation. We're available for adjustments as you settle in. Sometimes art needs to move three inches. Sometimes you need one more side table. We're here.
Designing Coastal Homes You'll Actually Want to Live In
Here's what I care about most: creating homes that feel like yours.
Not a showroom. Not a vacation rental. Not a staging setup that looks good in photos but doesn't function in real life.
I want you to walk into your coastal home and immediately exhale. I want you to feel more at home there than anywhere else - even if you're only there a few times a year. I want your guests to ask, "Can we just stay here forever?"
One of my clients told me recently that she feels more at home in her Florida condo kitchen than in her primary residence in Virginia - even though she's only there a few times a year. That's the feeling we're designing for.
We'll dive deeper into what makes vacation homes and second homes different in our next post, Vacation Homes Are Different.
Why the Experience Matters as Much as the Outcome
Look, beautiful design is the baseline. You're hiring a luxury interior designer - your home is going to be beautiful.
But what makes Merritt Design Co. different is how we get there.
Less stress. More clarity. Thoughtful communication. Seamless logistics. Support at every step.
You're not chasing down contractors, tracking furniture deliveries, or second-guessing whether you picked the right sofa. We handle all of that. You get to enjoy the process instead of managing it.
And when you're designing a second home from another state? That peace of mind is priceless.
Ready to Start Your Coastal Design Journey?If you're thinking about designing a coastal home - whether it's a second home in the Keys, a waterfront property in Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere salt air and sunshine are part of daily life - I'd love to talk.
We typically work with 4-6 full-service projects per year, which means we have the bandwidth to give each client the attention and expertise they deserve.
Ready to explore what's possible? Start by filling out this inquiry form to schedule your free discovery call.
And if you're not quite ready yet, that's okay too. Sign up for our newsletter, and we'll keep you inspired with coastal design insights, project stories, and the occasional behind-the-scenes look at how luxury coastal homes really come together.
REBECCA MERRITT
founder & principal designer
We are a boutique interior design studio based in The Keys, Florida.
