There are many versions of coastal styles, and the most popular one we will see trending in 2023 is the modern coastal interior design. This design style is light, minimal, and fresh, incorporating a mix of a related beach house and classic Hampton styles. Drawing inspiration from organic colors and textures of nature, it suffices to say that contemporary coastal decor may include light woods, baskets, natural fiber rugs, woven light fixtures, and various shades of blues, grays, whites, and neutrals, with the added addition of easy-care textiles such as cotton and fabric. Continue to read to find a few modern coastal-style home trends to keep an eye out for in 2023.

Formal Dining Rooms

A classic trend starting to reemerge is the inclusion of formal, or formal-esque dining rooms. Coastal-style homes have seen guests and owners spending much of their social time outside, with both parties being active at the beach, or frequenting town, rarely spending time indoors around the dinner table. This behavior about eating outside over indoors is quickly changing, as enjoying the view is something you can acquire when eating in your dining room as well. This is why you can expect to see more people using their dining rooms in the next year and decorating them more formally.

Fewer Outdoor Decorations

A second trend you can expect to see more of in the new year is minimal outdoor decoration and outdoor landscaping. Living on the coast means the natural landscape is something to emphasize when decorating your home. All you need in your outdoor space are chairs to enjoy the view with well-maintained lawns and trees. Anything more will cloud your view and turn your home into a maze of decorations people have to pick their way through to get to the beach.

Minimalist Kitchens

Sticking to the last point, people understand that minimalism is the best way to go to appreciate their environment. The same philosophy can extend into the kitchen. Past coastal decorations in homes embraced the idea of bringing the beach and coastal living into their home, with walls featuring seashells, ocean prints, or pictures of coral, fish, dolphins, etc... Homeowners are starting to embrace minimalism because it emphasizes the beauty of where you are living instead of making your space feel overdone and cliche.

Rustic Style

Many homeowners have started to embrace more rustic and natural features in their decorating, alongside minimalism. This is great for accentuating the finer details, requiring them to be broken up here and there for the space to feel cohesive and inviting. The homiest decorations you can include to achieve this are rustic furniture pieces, and natural wood elements. For example, a rustic table or chair set can bring character to a space. This is also known as Coastal Grandmother Style.

Keep an eye out for these coastal-style home trends next year so you can end up ahead of the curve. People love coastal homes and the way they look, but waterfront living can be less fun if you don't refresh your style from time to time.

For more local information on coastal design trends, check out our website.

As a kid, going treasure hunting was a part of growing up. Getting outdoors with your grandpa's old metal detector and searching for lost goods was a wonderful time to spend the hot summer months. Antique stores are the same; as the earth houses lost treasures, so too do antique shops. And you generally don't need a metal detector when you go browsing either!

Some of the best reasons to get down to the antique store are for the thrift, value, and appreciation of quality. Rediscovering parts of our past when learning about history in ways that can be quite surprising are what antique stores are all about. Continue to read to find some of the most unforgettable antique shops, large and small, on the Forgotten Coast.

1. The Tin Shed Nautical & Antiques 

Located in Apalachicola, FL on the Forgotten Coast, The Tin Shed Nautical & Antiques houses a wide variety of fun and unique findings. Known as the most comprehensive maritime collection east of the Mississippi, they sure aren't going to disappoint with all of the treasures they have stored away! Some of these findings can be located on their page and include the following:

1. Locks, Keys & More
2. Maps & Flags
3. Shells & More
4. Ship Wheels & Floats
5. Signs
6. Statues
7. Wood Carvings

Some other featured items include some wonderful apparel, including Forgotten Coast "Postcard" shirts, Tin Shed Nautical hats, and the Tin Shed Nautical t-shirt.

2. The Shop 

Located in historic downtown Apalachicola, FL, The Shop is a place of This and That, and has everything to offer everyone! Full of a great, colorful summer collection of Tagua necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The shop also features vegan, organic lightweight jewelry, as well as other vintage pieces and handcrafted items, gifts, candles, home decor, and more!

Bay Breeze Antiques 

Located in Port St. Joe, FL in the center of downtown, Bay Breeze Antiques specializes in unique beautiful home decor and furniture. Here, you will find a wide selection of authentic nautical antiques from shipwrecks of the past. Some of the fun findings have been restored to stunning brilliance, and these include:

1. Wicker Bedroom Set
2. Kitchen Table Set
3. Chairs
4. Pantry Cases
5. Buffet/Wet Bar

Christie's Cottage Living 

Located in downtown Carrabelle, FL, Christie's Cottage Living prides itself on having any unique piece you are looking for. This antique shop has beach and cottage-style furnishings, jewelry, and antiques, as well as ten additional new shops within the store. Here, you will find fine shopping along the coast with the coast in mind!

For more information on antique shops on the Forgotten Coast, check out our website.

Selling your home can be challenging all on its own, much less selling without any helpful tips and tricks! Continue to read to find great selling secrets we can swear by to get your house on the market!

Selling Secret #1: Price it Right

Start by finding out what your home is worth, then shave 15 to 20 percent off the price. You will be stampeded by potential buyers with multiple bids, and they'll bid up the price over what it's worth. Most sellers just don't want to risk it, but this can be the single best strategy to sell a home in today's market!

Selling Secret #2: Half-empty Closets

Storage is something that is appealing, and that every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of! Take half of your personal belongings out of your closet and neatly organize what is left in the space. Buyers are sure to snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

Selling Secret #3: Light it Up

Lighting is the most important thing when it comes to selling your home. Maximize the lights in your home, as it is the one thing nearly every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, and change the lampshades. Increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do whatever it is you feel you need to do to make your home bright and cheery because it sure will make it more sellable.

Selling Secret #4: Play the Agent Field

A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong agent. Make sure you have someone who is well informed, as they have to constantly monitor the multiple listing service, know what properties are going on the market, and have knowledge about the comps in your neighborhood. Embracing technology and utilizing it can get your house sold.

Selling Secret #5: Conceal the Critters

You couldn't be blamed for thinking a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you may be wrong. Not everybody is a dog or cat lover. Buyers don't want to walk into your home and see a bowl full of feed for your pet, a kitty litter, or find tufts of hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you are planning on having an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day, or find a willing sitter.

Selling Secret #6: Don't Over-Upgrade

A few quick fixes before selling your home will always pay off. A mammoth makeover may not always work in your best interest. There is always the possibility of not getting your money back if you do a huge improvement project before putting your house on the market. Do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. A new fresh coat of paint on the walls can work to your benefit. Cleaning curtains or buying inexpensive ones and replacing door handles and hardware are great improvements to your home without having to spend above and beyond.

Selling Secret #7: Take the Home out of Your House

An important thing to do when selling your house is to depersonalize it. The more personal your home appears the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Rid yourself of your stuff- put the nonessentials in storage. Consider hiring a home stager to help maximize the full potential of your home. Staging means rearranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of your space.

Additional: What about selling for cash? Can you sell a home for cash? - Resource by Bill Gassett

Selling Secret #8: Always Be Ready to Show

Your home needs to be "show-ready" at all times, as you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You must be available whenever potential buyers want to come and see the place, and it should be kept in tip-top shape. Don't leave dishes in the sink, and keep the bathrooms sparkling. Make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It may be a little inconvenient to live like this, but it will get your house sold faster.

For more local tips, tricks, and information on selling your home, check out our website.

More Tips for Sellers

What is Virtual Staging Software and How Is It Used

How Neighbors Have Inhibited Home Sales and How to Navigate It

Don't Fix These 7 Things Before Listing a Home

It’s easy to throw food straight into the fridge once you get home from the store. But extending the life of your produce and assorted goods begins at the store. While picking out the perfect pieces of produce, steer clear of mold, soft spots, bruising and blemishes to make the goods last longer. Of course, if you’re going to eat them right away, a little defect won’t hurt.

With trips to the supermarket costing more these days, it pays to know about proper food storage. Follow these tips and others like them to help get the most out what you buy and reduce food waste.

Graphic created by The Container Store. For more local information on Apalachicola, Florida, events, and the Forgotten Coast, check out our website!

With the holidays now in full swing, you can bet that there is nothing quite like celebrating Christmas on the Forgotten Coast. Continue to read to find five fantastic ways to get into the holiday spirit with festive events found in Port St. Joe and Apalachicola.

Apalachicola Historical Downtown Christmas Celebration

When: November 27
Time: 4 pm-8 pm
Where: Apalachicola Riverfront Park

Head down the Saturday after celebrating Thanksgiving to Apalachicola's Historic Downtown Christmas Celebration! Once there you will find an old-fashioned gathering of shoppers, Santa seekers, and those looking to toast the holiday season. You and your family will find the streets lined with luminaries and filled with the holiday spirit, while the merchants will be open late.

Holiday Fresh Market- Apalachicola 

When: December 5
Time: 10 am-4 pm
Where: Apalachicola Visitor Center

Support many local artisans at the open-air Holiday Fresh Market full of unique wares in the charming downtown location of Apalachicola. Here, you will find handcrafted specialties such as baked goods, artwork, wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, and some hand-knitted goods at the festive outdoor market.

Christmas in the Garden- Port St. Joe 

When: December 5
Time: 9 am-3 pm
Where: 216 8th Street

Kick off the holiday season down at the Port St. Joe Garden Club with a free event. Find unique hand-made gifts, homemade baked treats, and special Forgotten Coast Christmas decor, as well as the option to get professional holiday photos for family and pets.

Holiday Lights Extravaganza- Port St. Joe 

When: December 17
Time: 9 pm
Where: 150 Captain Fred's Place

There is nothing like twinkling lights to get you in the mood for celebrating Christmas. Tour select Gulf County homes and select businesses to view the sparkle of coastal Christmas at the Holiday Lights Extravaganza. You can download and pick up your map.

Forgotten Coast Festival of Trees Opening Reception & Annual Festival- Port St. Joe  

When: November 18- December 10
Time: Check Various Times on the Website for Different Days
Where: The Joe Center for the Arts

Let's kick off the holiday season and help create the wonder of Christmas. Celebrate the Festival of Trees Festival with displays, music, and activities for all ages. Auctions and raffles are added fun, with gorgeous displays of trees and wreaths.

For more local information on Holiday Activities along the Forgotten Coast, check out our website.

Our lives are tremendously influenced by our senses, even when we don’t realize it. As we spend so much time at home, it only makes sense to incorporate interior design elements meant to stimulate all five senses. Here are two approaches you can use to craft an immersive interior design experience you’ll love coming home to each day.

For instance, food-themed artwork can appeal to both sight and taste simultaneously. When we see a photo of our favorite dishes or paintings of ingredients in their natural state, it stirs thoughts of comfort, security or maybe even indulgence. Add in intentional aromas to this strategy and it could bring an all-encompassing enterprise to life.

For additional design tips on engaging each of the five senses, please see the accompanying resource.

Graphic created by Nicole Franco Interior Design. For more local information on Apalachicola, Florida, events, and the Forgotten Coast, check out our website!

If you’re still concerned about your pet, you may want to hire a moving crew. These professionals can let you focus on little ones and pets while taking care of the heavy lifting. When it’s time to leave, load up animals last and plan to make frequent stops to give them fresh water and time to relieve themselves.

Once you arrive at your new home you will want to pet-proof and allow your pet to adjust to the new surroundings slowly. Be sure to provide them with extra comfort and attention while getting back into an old routine quickly to help your pet feel more at home. For more additional tips, please see the below infographic.

Infographic created by Moving Proz.

Starting with the exterior, some red flags homeowners may not notice until they become a problem are related to the gutter system. While practicing routine upkeep, look out for pooling water, peeling paint and sagging or damaged seams. These warnings may indicate repair is needed to help properly direct rainwater runoff, or that the house might benefit from having a gutter protection system installed. If faulty gutters aren’t addressed in time, it could lead to leakage and subsequent water damage or mold growth both inside the home and out.

By being diligent with home inspection and maintenance now, homeowners could save themselves a lot of time, money and stress in the future. For further examples of home damage warning signs, please see the accompanying resource.

Graphic created by Guided Solutions.

So, you’re moving. Maybe you’re getting married or divorced, building a family, or looking for a job in a different location. You’re probably excited, nervous or even apprehensive about your coming change, but if you find the idea of moving stressful, you’re not alone. In fact, research reveals that six out of ten adults say that moving can be the most stressful event in their lives.

Other research has found that moving can increase your chance of developing a stress-related condition by 30%. Combining a move with a major life transition — such as having a baby or getting divorced (both of which are common reasons to relocate) — can increase that risk to 50%.

Graphic created by Aussie Moving.

It is no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The secret is all in the name: break and fast, with breakfast breaking the overnight fasting period. This meal replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required to maintain your health.

When you are on vacation, it pays to start the day off right. Whether the majority of your daily plan is to lounge in the sun on the beach or forage a path on an exhilarating adventure, a smartly planned breakfast will set the tone for a spectacular day. Can you say you've been on vacation if you haven't sampled the local flavors of Florida as well? Here are some top picks for tasty breakfast in and around St. George, FL.

On the Island 

St. George Island is a breathtaking natural destination for those who are lovers of nature. It is largely undeveloped, and a perfect place for explorers hoping to catch breathtaking glimpses of the wildlife that calls the island home. There are a handful of notable choices for breakfast and brunch right on the island.

The Beach Pit 

The Beach Pit is a local favorite featuring Texas-style BBQ, along with the freshest regional pickings of seafood and other traditional breakfast staples for whole families to enjoy. There is also pet-friendly patio dining available for your furry friends to join in on the family fun.

Harry A's 

Harry A's is a local restaurant with a full bar that serves a selection of "House Made Daily Recipes." Seafood and steak specialties are amongst the many menu items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The outdoor courtyard hosts karaoke and live music for their evening guests.

St. George's Cantina 

St. George's Cantina is a casual, pet-friendly beachfront eatery with the best margaritas on the island. The menu features a blend of Latin and Mexican dishes with local ingredients with the brunch being a Saint George Island hidden gem!

Weber's Little Donut Shop 

The Weber's Little Donut Shop is owned and operated by a single family, and lies at the heart of Saint George Island. The iconic donut shop features small-batch cake donuts that are made fresh daily.

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump Away! 

Explore some of the neighboring communities along the Forgotten Coast of Florida by getting an early start to kick off your day with one of these local favorites!

Apalachicola

Check out these Apalachicola breakfast spots before a long day visiting sights such as the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, Orman House Historic State Park, and the Chapman Botanical Gardens.

Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company 

What better way to start your day than with a cup of house-made coffee at the Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company? Here, you will find the bay home to handmade echolocate, gelato, and coffee. Traditional breakfast and lunch items as well as pastries, pies, cookies, and more sweets are served at this shop.

Café Con Leche 

At Café Con Leche you will be introduced to the best authentic Venezuelan cuisine set among local and regional artists. Here you will find exceptional, freshly-made teas, coffee, and pastries.

The Chowder House 

The Chowder House is open for breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. Fixed in a homey, family-style atmosphere, outdoor seating is available.

Dolores's Sweet Shoppe  

Dolores's Sweet Shoppe is open for breakfast and lunch with new daily specials. This cafe has a traditional hometown feel, with a local vibe. Homemade cakes, pies, and cookies all make for a great to-go treat after your meal.

El Jalisco 

 El Jalisco is a regional Mexican restaurant chain that features a menu of traditional standards. With a relatively expansive breakfast menu, you will only find rave reviews!

Owl Cafe 

Located in downtown Apalachicola near the water, the Owl Cafe is a rustic coastal eatery. Serving fresh-caught seafood daily, there are legendary brunch offerings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Carrabelle 

The beautiful town of Carrabelle is home to scenic golf, local boutiques, and a few notable points of outdoor interest such as the Crooked River Lighthouse and the Tate's Hell State Forest. Continue to read the best spots for a morning fuel-up before a day of coastal exploration.

Carrabelle Junction 

The Carrabelle Junction café is imbued with a fun, nostalgic, vintage vibe. Servicing great coffee, ice cream treats, homemade soup, and sandwiches for breakfast and brunch, you will find that this adorable location also incorporates vegan/vegetarian options available to the public.

LuLu's Café 

LuLu's Café is a quaint little café and sandwich shop that is situated between the art gallery and museum in downtown Carrabelle. This shop offers comfort foods on its menu, friendly service, and quick bites for those who have the option to dine in or dine out.

Port St. Joe 

Best known for its maritime culture, grand lighthouse restoration, and history, Port St. Joe has it all. Start your discovery of Florida's Panhandle with the discovery of some great morning pick-me-up options!

Sand Dollar Café 

The Sand Dollar Café's focus is on traditional Southern breakfast and lunch dishes. The casual cafe and from-scratch kitchen are locally sourced.

Sister's Restaurant 

Sister's Restaurant has a casual, relaxed atmosphere where they specialize in offering Southern-style comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some featured menu items include shrimp crepes, Salomon French toast, and five-dollar mimosas!

For more local information on St. George Island real estate and fun spots to visit on Florida's Forgotten Coast, or where to eat when visiting, check out our website!