Robin Rains of Robin Rains Interior Design created a customized interior for a gulf-front property on Florida’s Emerald Coast, delivering a considered space that feels collected over the years. The home’s architecture celebrates classical Greek and Mediterranean vernacular, with crisp plaster walls, limestone surfaces, and rhythmic columns that bring to mind the coastal scenery of Mykonos and Santorini.
Rains and senior designers Evan Gibbs and Jenna Miller focused on the home’s layered outdoor living destinations, including two distinct pool environments. The first pool, located on the first floor, functions as an extension of the interior living spaces, with limestone flooring and expansive folding glass doors that dissolve the separation between indoors and outdoors.
This poolscape is akin to an immersive architectural water feature, with columns rising from the Aegean blue pool water. Evan Gibbs explains, “We consider this more of a daytime pool; there are pockets of shade and pockets of sun. You can pick your own adventure.” The pool water winds around a seating pavilion, framing it in soft stillness, making the seating area feel like it’s floating. “This makes the seating area feel like it’s floating, like an island,” adds Gibbs. “It’s a great spot for coffee or lunch and a nice respite from the beach.”
The designers opted for durable teak sofas and chairs by Sutherland, with bright white upholstery, to create a spa-like atmosphere. A side table, an abstraction of a classical column, and a three-legged coffee table echo Greek forms playfully and artfully. Concealed uplighting illuminates glass tiling on the vaulted ceiling, adding a little glamour and ambiance while still respecting the area’s strict coastal lighting regulations designed to protect nesting sea turtles.
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The home‘s fourth-floor poolscape, located just off the rooftop bar, is a livelier party space with a shallow cooling off spot. Partially submerged Ledger Loungers accommodate lingering over cocktails while watching sunsets, fireworks, or simply the changing light across the Gulf. An adjacent seating area features a teak furniture set from Restoration Hardware and a circular concrete coffee table, with furniture tones leaning grey to blend harmoniously with the weathered teak decking. A white pergola overhead adds character while filtering sun.
Gibbs says, “We always prioritize comfort and durability first, then layer in unique accent pieces that give some personality,” of their approach to outdoor spaces. “Beach homes are incredibly demanding environments, so every decision has to balance beauty with longevity.” The two pools offer distinctly different experiences, providing quiet relaxation or lively gathering depending on the owners’ mood.
The 2026 Ocean Home Award for Coastal Poolscape was given to Robin Rains Interior Design for this project, recognizing the home’s unique outdoor living destinations. Explore the complete list of this year’s winning homes, rooms, and environments.
