St Augustine Surprises: History, Design, & Unexpected Inspo

St. Augustine caught this Boston interior designer by surprise—with serious history, standout architecture, and unexpected inspiration at every turn. We came for Eric Church and Noah Kahan, but we stayed for the history. I always thought all of the country’s ‘firsts’ were here in Boston and the surrounding area. So when I landed in St. Augustine, I figured their claims of being the first colony were just tall tales. Well, Wikipedia proved me wrong and now I have a new favorite place in Florida. As a sucker for historic architecture, I hit ALL the museums and logged thousands of steps each day exploring this charming city. No disappointments here… read along for some serious travel inspiration for interior design and a peek into how Florida museums and more can spark fresh ideas—even for New England home design.

Castillo de San Marcos

Our adventure kicked off at the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine’s very own mega-fortress. Also the Florida cousin to the big-deal castillos in San Juan and Havana (I’ve been to both). With weathered stone walls, giant wooden doors, and arches, this place practically takes you back to an era when arriving in a Spanish galleon was the ultimate flex. This fort isn’t just built to look strong; it truly is—standing firm against salt, sea, and hurricanes, the constant test of coastal resilience. As I wandered through, my design mind kicked into gear, piecing together ideas: weathered stone, grid-patterned doors, exposed hardware—could a Spanish fortress inspire my New England style? Debatable, but challenge accepted.

Striking Structure

A simple lighthouse brought out my inner architectural designer, in the best way. It started with the floor tile—a timeless black-and-white checkerboard pattern that never goes out of style, grounding the historic space with a classic motif. Then, there’s the lighthouse itself, a striking structure of stark black and white bands, the house below topped with a vivid red roof. The contrast is simple yet powerful, making the entire scene feel iconic. And of course, I couldn’t resist poring over the architectural drawings of the tower—staircases spiraling upwards, every line and detail perfectly captured. This is where I geek out – finding inspiration in the balance of form, function, and beauty. And no, I didn’t make it to the top #scaredofheights.

Like a True Tourist

Nothing beats the simplicity of renting a bike and hitting the streets. Pedaling beneath the canopy of mature oak trees, some of which have stood for centuries, gives you a real sense of the city’s history. When you’re not in the mood to sit at the beach all day, a bike ride is the perfect alternative: weaving through historic streets, stopping at local museums, grabbing lunch, and sipping cocktails in between.

Something About Stucco

There’s something about stucco, especially when it’s perfectly maintained and dressed in pristine white paint. The Spanish influence is undeniable, and stucco plays a leading role in shaping the city’s iconic look. Walking through St. Augustine, you can’t help but appreciate the artistry in these structures—the way they reflect light, the subtle textures, simply making each form stand out.

Flagler’s Architectural Wonders

Flagler College is a treasure trove of architectural brilliance. The entry greets you with a unique water feature, immediately setting the tone for the grandeur that follows. The main doorway, arched and adorned with intricate details, stands as a testament to the Spanish Renaissance Revival style. Stepping inside, the mosaic floor tiles reveal an artistic interplay of pattern and color, making even the ground beneath your feet a masterpiece. The staircases are equally stunning, with beautifully carved spindles and handrails that highlight the craftsmanship of the era. And yes, even the the building’s back doors are a sight to behold—thoughtfully designed with attention to every detail, proving that no part of this historic building was overlooked.

Travel Notes

A trip to northern Florida offers more than just a sunny escape; it sparks serious creativity. The city’s rich history and unique architecture provide endless travel inspiration for this new England creative, every step here invites new ideas. If you’re seeking design inspiration rooted in history yet adaptable to modern spaces, St. Augustine might just surprise you. Explore more of my design process and inspirations – travel is an obvious source!

For a Boston interior designer, St. Augustine proves great design inspiration can come from centuries-old cities far from home.