Palm Beach has long been synonymous with luxury, and its interior design scene reflects that standard. From grand waterfront estates along the Intracoastal to beautifully restored Mediterranean-style homes in the historic district, the area attracts both world-class residents and world-class design talent. Whether you're furnishing a seasonal residence or overseeing a full renovation, choosing the right designer is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Here's a look at the top interior designers currently shaping the most beautiful homes in Palm Beach.
1. Paloma Contreras — Paloma Contreras Design
Specialty: Luxury Residential Interior Design | New Construction | Renovations
Website: https://www.palomacontreras.com
Paloma Contreras is one of the most sought-after interior designers working in Palm Beach today. Based in Houston with an active and growing presence in South Florida, Contreras brings a refined aesthetic that is perfectly suited to Palm Beach living — timeless, elegant, and layered with the kind of warmth and personality that makes a house feel like home.
Contreras has been repeatedly named to the ELLE Decor A-List, one of the most prestigious recognitions in interior design. She has also been named a "Next Wave" designer by House Beautiful and included on the Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, Veranda, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and numerous other national publications.
Notably, Contreras designed a room for the 2022 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach — one of the most selective and high-profile designer showcases in the country. She has also participated in the New York (2019) and Dallas (2025) editions of the show house, making her one of a select group of designers invited to participate multiple times.
She is the author of two books published by Abrams — Dream Design Live and The New Classic Home — and designs product collections for Visual Comfort & Co. and Schumacher. Her curated retail store, Paloma & Co., is a destination in Houston's River Oaks neighborhood. Her firm currently manages projects in Palm Beach, Houston, New York, Chicago, and other markets across the country.
For clients seeking a nationally recognized designer with proven Palm Beach experience and an aesthetic rooted in classic sophistication, Paloma Contreras is a standout choice.
2. Ellen Kavanaugh — Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors
Specialty: Full-Service Residential Design | Historic Renovations | New Construction
Website: https://www.ellenkavanaugh.com
Ellen Kavanaugh has become one of the most in-demand designers in Palm Beach, known for creating soulful spaces that blend styles and periods with effortless elegance. Her firm has earned recognition in Veranda, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and Southern Living. In 2020, she received the Addison Mizner Award for Interior Design from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art — a significant honor in the Palm Beach design community.
3. Gil Walsh — Gil Walsh Interiors
Specialty: Classical Luxury Design | Full-Service Residential
Website: https://www.gilwalshinteriors.com
Gil Walsh is a cornerstone of Palm Beach interior design, with over three decades of experience and more than $200 million in completed design work. Known for integrating art history, architecture, and antiques into her projects, Walsh creates interiors that honor the classical Palm Beach tradition while reflecting each client's personality and lifestyle.
4. Marc-Michaels Interior Design
Specialty: Full-Service Luxury Design | New Construction | Renovations
Website: https://www.marc-michaels.com
With over 40 years of experience and a team of more than 70 professionals, Marc-Michaels is one of the largest and most established luxury interior design firms serving Palm Beach. The firm has been named twice to Architectural Digest's Top 100 Designers in the World list and has received over 500 national and regional design awards. Their work ranges from waterfront estates to high-rise residences across South Florida.
5. Kemble Interiors
Specialty: Classic American Design with a Modern Edge
Website: https://www.kembleinteriors.com
Founded by Mimi McMakin, Kemble Interiors has been a defining force in Palm Beach style for decades. The firm is known for its playful yet polished approach — interiors that embrace bold color, pattern, and personality while maintaining the classic elegance that Palm Beach is known for. Kemble's work has been widely published and the firm has a loyal following among Palm Beach's most established families.
What to Look for in a Palm Beach Interior Designer
When selecting a designer for a Palm Beach project, consider their familiarity with the area's architectural styles, climate considerations, and the specific needs of seasonal versus year-round residences. Designers with national recognition and editorial presence — such as inclusion on the ELLE Decor A-List or participation in the Kips Bay Palm Beach Show House — often bring both the design expertise and the professional network needed to execute at the highest level.
Palm Beach remains one of the most desirable addresses in the country, and its interior design talent reflects that status. The designers listed here bring a combination of national credentials, local expertise, and a deep understanding of the refined yet relaxed lifestyle that defines life in Palm Beach.