Summer Travels, Studio 790 Edition: Where We Went + What Inspired Us

Studio 790 Interior Design

This summer, our design team stepped away from Miami projects and onto planes, into lake towns, and across artisan markets. Most importantly, they stepped away from the day-to-day an embarked on adventures with family and loved ones. Travel has always been a spark for creativity, new textures, palettes, and cultures that shape the way we design back home. Here’s a peek at where we went, what inspired us, and the personal takeaways we brought back.

Billy Tulum, Mexico

A mom-and-daughter getaway turned into both a restful vacation and a design deep dive.

Design Inspiration:

Tulum is all about atmosphere: smooth concrete walls, warm wood accents, woven textures, and stone that feels timeless. The palette of muted sands, terracottas, and soft greens created a serene backdrop. The standout? The indoor-outdoor flow, every space felt alive, open, and filled with natural light.

Interior Designer Lens:

Billy returned thinking about ways to bring that open-air feeling into her projects. She also carried home handwoven and ceramic pieces from local artisans, everyday reminders of Tulum’s artistry.

Personal Takeaway:

Slow mornings on the beach with her mom were the highlight, a reminder that inspiration comes when you stop chasing it.

Gaby in Washington, D.C. & Mexico City

Family bonding, history, and spiritual connection defined this trip.

Design Inspiration: In D.C., the grounding presence of traditional architecture stood out. In Mexico City, it was the opposite: bold colors, vibrant textures, and design personality everywhere, from coffee shops to cathedrals.

Interior Designer Lens: Artisan markets like Bazar Sábado and La Ciudadela were filled with textiles, pottery, and baskets. Meeting the makers behind these pieces reinforced the value of handmade design and layering old with new.

Personal Takeaway: A visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe left a powerful impression. Beyond design, it was about family, connection, and perspective, all of which fuel creativity.

Ann in Union Pier & New Buffalo, Michigan

Small lake towns offered a much-needed slow pace and endless inspiration.

Design Inspiration: Lake Michigan’s horizon inspired ideas for calm, expansive design. Local homes blended modern coastal and Americana with shiplap, big windows, and porches. Nature provided the palette: sandy neutrals, driftwood tones, lake blues, and soft greens.

Interior Designer Lens: From the curated shops to restaurants like Post Boy, the details were intentional and layered. Ann came home dreaming of light-filled, lake-inspired spaces that feel elevated yet relaxed.

Personal Takeaway: Watching sunsets over Lake Michigan was like seeing a living moodboard. It was a reminder that sometimes the best inspiration comes from slowing down, watching nature, and embracing the beauty in front of you.

Studio 790 in West Palm Beach, Florida

This summer, we pressed pause to refuel together. Our annual designer retreat took us to Palm Beach for 24 hours of connection, creativity, and laughter (so much laughter).

Design Inspiration: Palm Beach was a masterclass in color and pattern play. From candy-striped cabanas and scalloped fringe to tropical landscapes and Mediterranean architecture, every detail reminded us that design can be both playful and sophisticated. The soft pinks, warm neutrals, and lush greens gave us endless ideas for palettes that feel uplifting yet grounded.

Interior Designer Lens: Walking through the resort and surrounding spaces, we were reminded of the power of intentional design. Arched walkways, layered textiles, and whimsical details created environments that felt both elevated and approachable, a philosophy we bring to every Studio 790 project. Even a 24-hour retreat offered dozens of lessons in how design impacts mood, connection, and experience.

Personal Takeaway: Beyond the visuals, the retreat reaffirmed the importance of stepping away to recharge. Slowing down together gave us perspective, clarity, and renewed energy to dream big for what’s ahead. It was a reminder that creativity flows best when you give yourself the space to breathe.

Design Inspiration is everywhere

From Tulum’s airy textures to Mexico City’s bold colors to Lake Michigan’s calming palette, our summer travels proved one thing: design inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes it’s in the architecture of a centuries-old city, sometimes in a handmade basket, and sometimes in the colors of a sunset. Wherever you go, there’s always something to bring home whether it’s a keepsake, a design idea, or just a fresh perspective.

And if you’re ready to bring your travels, stories, and personality into your home? That’s where we come in. At Studio 790, we specialize in creating spaces that feel authentically yours, layered, meaningful, and designed for the life you’re living.

✨ Let’s make your home as inspired as your adventures. Contact us to get started.