Reviving Color and Pattern: A 1940s Florida Family Home Tour

Embracing Florida Charm: A Family Home by Cece Bowman

Nestled amidst the joyous palm trees and adorned with honeydew shutters, Cece Bowman’s Colonial home in West Palm Beach is a celebration of Florida’s vibrant spirit. With its whimsical facade, the house captured the hearts of Cece and her husband, Nick, even before it hit the market. “We drove by and saw a ‘For Sale by Owner’ sign,” Cece recalls. “The moment we stepped inside, we exchanged a knowing glance—this was our home.” Now, almost a decade later, the house has cradled the family through three pregnancies and countless cherished moments, becoming a sanctuary that their children will always remember.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

Child-friendly durability has been at the forefront of Cece’s design choices, but she has skillfully avoided a bland aesthetic. “I didn’t want it to be all vanilla,” she asserts.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

The cheerful entry hall, with its sherbet hues, sets the tone for the home. Hand-painted floors by Atlanta artist Hayden Gregg and lattice-wrapped walls by Fuller Architectural Panels harmonize beautifully, echoing the exterior’s exuberance. “Entering feels like stepping into a garden room,” Cece describes, emphasizing the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

Adjacent to the entry, the dining room continues the lively theme with mural wallpaper that evokes a vibrant floral paradise. “Dining here feels like being in a tented area,” she explains. The space is furnished with unexpected pieces—a bamboo bar from Palm Beach Regency and vintage fiberglass chairs that encourage a casual and inviting atmosphere. “It’s all outdoor fabrics, so spills from the kids are no big deal,” she adds, embodying the ease of family life.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

In the living room, a soothing neutral palette of grasscloth envelops the space, creating a serene backdrop for family gatherings. “This is where everything happens,” Cece shares, highlighting the importance of comfort and warmth in their home. An L-shaped linen sofa invites family and friends to unwind, while a hand-me-down coffee table and an abstract painting from their travels add personal touches.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

The kitchen, washed in Benjamin Moore’s Yarmouth Blue, exudes tranquility. “A blue kitchen is easy to live in,” Cece notes. The choice of unlacquered brass hardware and a textured cane in upper cabinets adds a touch of elegance, while an antique treatment on the square-tile backsplash lends a sense of history and character.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

The breakfast nook is a delightful burst of color, featuring Benjamin Moore’s Apple Blossom wallpaper. “Living in this space allows me to explore and experiment,” she reflects. Curvy chairs and a tufted banquette wrapped in performance textiles create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while a whimsical chandelier adds charm.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

Tucked away from the bustling first floor, the primary bedroom serves as a personal retreat for Cece. Adorned with cherished linens and a striking de Gournay wallpaper panel, the space is a true reflection of her style. “The bold striped floors bring me joy every time I enter,” she shares, perfectly encapsulating her love for the Florida aesthetic.

Credit: Samuel Thorn; Styling & Design: Elma B. Miller

The backyard is the pièce de résistance—an outdoor oasis transformed with grass and turf surrounding the pool. “This is where we entertain the most,” Cece beams, embodying the quintessential Florida lifestyle. Here, the family enjoys relaxed gatherings under the sun, cherishing the everyday magic that their home provides.

In every corner of this delightful abode, Cece Bowman masterfully blends functionality with whimsical charm, creating a family home that is both inviting and beautiful.