On a recent trip to the Florida Panhandle, friends introduced to me to Design on the Gulf, a lovely shop that literally knocked my socks off. It is housed in an unassuming strip mall-type building that’s easy to miss if you don’t know where you’re going. I had the happy occasion to meet the owner, Dale Trice, and get a personal tour of his store when I visited.
After spending years in the competitive grind of Atlanta, Dale decided to move his operation down to Florida. He has a great eye and a large following, and his collections are so sought after that it’s not unusual for customers from the Northeast to come in and clean out his inventory. Since his prices run circles around the toney shops in and around NYC and Boston, Design’s treasures are always quickly snapped up.
What I so adored about the shop is its fresh personality. From Gracie and Zelda (the resident pooches) greeting people as they enter, to the room filled with exquisite hand-loomed, custom-designed rugs in every color of the rainbow, this place is a must-visit. I’ve been coming to the Destin area for over 20 years, and I can’t believe I’ve just discovered such a find. Even though the underlying theme is nautical (lots of sea shells and coral), the store also carries tons of interesting accessories and wonderful architectural elements that are relevant for all types of dwellings, not just beach houses.
Let’s take a tour!
Design on the Gulf
4281 E Scenic Highway 30A
Seagrove Beach, FL 32459
Toll Free Telephone: 866.231.4844
For more information, visit the website: www.designseagrove.com.