How Sarasota Architecture Inspires Our Custom Remodels

Blending Coastal Heritage with Modern Living

Sarasota isn’t just a place we work - it’s a place we’re inspired by every single day. From the iconic Sarasota School of Architecture to the charming Mediterranean Revival homes, this city is rich with design influence.

At Maloney Homes, we believe great remodeling doesn’t ignore its environment - it embraces it. Here's how Sarasota’s architectural character helps shape the custom remodels we create.

1. The Sarasota School of Architecture: Function Meets Florida

The Sarasota School of Architecture - also known as the Sarasota Modern movement - emerged in the 1940s and 50s as architects like Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell pushed for design that responded to Florida’s climate. They emphasized:

• Clean lines and minimalist forms

• Indoor-outdoor flow

• Natural ventilation and light

• Use of local materials

These principles continue to influence how we design remodels today. Whether we’re opening up a floor plan, expanding a lanai, or installing floor-to-ceiling glass sliders, we’re always thinking about how to create homes that breathe with the landscape.

2. Coastal Design That Feels Like Home

Sarasota’s proximity to the Gulf shapes how people want to live - and how we remodel. Clients often ask for spaces that reflect the calm, coastal feeling of their environment. We achieve this through:

• Soft, natural color palettes inspired by sand and sea

• Use of driftwood tones, light oak, and white oak flooring

• Natural textures like rattan, linen, and handmade tile

• Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions for entertaining and relaxing

Whether we’re remodeling a West of Trail bungalow or updating a Siesta Key vacation home, our design choices are always rooted in the Sarasota lifestyle.

3. Preserving Charm, Elevating Function

Sarasota is home to a variety of architectural styles, from 1920s Mediterranean Revival estates to 1970s ranch homes with great bones. Rather than erase the past, we look for opportunities to honor original character while improving function, safety, and style.

Some of our favorite ways to blend old and new:

• Keeping original ceiling beams or archways while modernizing finishes

• Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms for today’s needs without losing charm

• Preserving historic windows while improving insulation and energy efficiency

Each home has a story - and it’s our job to help homeowners write the next chapter.

4. Designed for Light, Air, and Living Well

Living in Sarasota means enjoying year-round sunshine, so we often prioritize:

• Clerestory windows and skylights for natural daylight

• Cross-ventilation in layouts and window placements

• Expansive lanai remodels and covered outdoor kitchens

• Energy-efficient glass to reduce heat and glare

We don’t just remodel homes - we design better daily living. Our team is constantly thinking about how to let the light in, keep the heat out, and make each remodel feel like a true reflection of its surroundings.

Remodeling with a Sense of Place

At Maloney Homes, we’re proud to build and remodel in a city where architecture matters. Sarasota has a unique voice, and every remodel we take on is a conversation with that voice—respecting history, responding to climate, and creating homes that feel grounded, beautiful, and truly Floridian.

Ready to remodel your Sarasota home with a design that fits both your lifestyle and the character of the city? Let’s start with a conversation. Contact us here to schedule a free consultation.