Congratulations! Beautiful new home and a blank slate is a blessing!

You can go in almost any direction you want with this home. You will not be required to paint, no matter what direction you take.

Here is how I start with every client:

1) Start collecting photos of houses you like.

2) Note what you like about each one ("I like the blue tones". "I like the uncluttered feel of this". etc.

3) After collecting around 10 or more, hone in on ones you like the best and again, note the characteristics you like.

4) Make a list of the final styles, characteristics you like

5) Add to the list any practical considerations: "need living room recliners.

6) Create a floor plan with exact measurements of furniture you will purchase.

Only after these steps are taken should you begin to make choices. Otherwise, as you stated yourself, it could turn into something that is not what you necessarily want. Worse, the selections could be all wrong in terms of size, functionality, balance, color, etc.

If you need help, consider an interior designer.

Here are 4 photos to help you start the thought process. If there are those you do not, like, that is information also, in your journey.

All the best to you! 😀

Beautiful home!

The two comments above from Jan Moyer and CDR Designs are the best advice I've seen here.

Good luck!

Would suggest you get the help of an interior designer. That person should be able to guide you in your choices and help you with purchases. Before and if you select someone I would gather images of the style you have in mind to inform your interior designer.

Some stores offer free design advice sessions with their designers. I think some of the look you are going for can be found at Serena and Lily. You can book a free session with them either in person (Chicago, West Palm Beach?) or virtually. I have done this with other stores and it has helped me clarify both likes and dislikes for a particular space. The sessions I have done were no obligation to purchase. https://www.serenaandlily.com/forms/designadvice

Some things to think about - What is the scope of the work you want to do? Change lighting fixtures, bedroom carpeting, window treatments? Do you need to purchase all new furniture? What is your budget?

It will help anyone you are working with to see some inspiration pics. This Houzz page is from a furniture store with a lot of Tommy Bahama furniture collections. Perhaps a good place to start. Or download some Tommy Bahama catalogues to see if the pics help define your tastes.

I think the home needs some careful planning and honestly I do not see British Colonial in those spaces. Maybe in the bedroom where IMO the style can be quite different than the rest of the house. I think the advice to hire a decorator is good advice when going in a different style than what you are used to. When you say Italian waht do you mean ?

I think by "Italian" possibly quite traditional, warm colors, lots of brown furniture... heavier etc: ) and perhaps more Tuscan style as well?

I only glanced at Tommy Bahama furniture once, and it was too expensive for me to consider -- but what do you find ''çool'' about it?

When I look at your space I do see Puglia. What kind of Italian are your trying to run away from?

Puglia Farmhouse · More Info

Congrats on your new second home. Use the internet to find furniture stores near your new home. Then look at their FB and IG pages. Some will have websites. We are also in FL a block from the beach, but I gave away all but three casegoods (two were antiques) and brought our antiques and rugs with us. That said, there are too many to count stores within driving distance where I could have gone to and furnished it to my style in less than a week. They all have several designers that could make suggestions or do it for you.

Are you going to rent out the new place? Do you want a full-on beachy place? My sister bought a second home near us. While it has some beachy things (art, shells, accessories) it is always not full on beach themed.

If you like blue and breezy, I wouldn't overlook the styles of Capri. Not expensive to do

It could be beneficial to go through this website and look at various designs and figure out exactly what style you'd like this home to be. We'll include a few images of our designs to help you out some as well. Note the furnishings, colors, decor items, etc.

Fire Island Fresh · More Info

Manhattan Color and Light · More Info

White & Bright · More Info

Hampton Boathouses · More Info

North Shore Family Home · More Info

Roslyn Village Condo · More Info

Would you be able to add a floor plan? Maybe also start and ideabook on this site and add some images to it that you like and are drawn to? Here is a recent design we did for a client that we think you might end up liking:

Florida Coastal Retreat · More Info

Florida Coastal Retreat · More Info

Florida Coastal Retreat · More Info