In the heart of West Palm Beach’s famed Antique Row, where storied pieces from the past meet contemporary design sensibilities, interior designer Libby Lary has carved out a space that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly chic. As the creative force behind Elizabeth Gray Homes, Lary brings a refreshing take on classic interiors, blending bold color palettes with carefully curated vintage finds. Her work is a study in contrasts—timeless yet modern, vibrant yet refined, layered yet inviting.
A Florida native with design influences spanning both coasts, Lary has lived near water her entire life. “I feel as if the calming presence of the ocean has always inspired my designs,” she shares. From the energy and vibrancy of Miami to the soft, organic modernism of Malibu and the historic elegance of the Northeast, Lary seamlessly weaves these influences into the fabric of her work. “I try in all of my spaces to combine all of those elements to create a sense of feeling within the home.”
But her signature approach isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about emotion. It’s about finding pieces that tell a story, layering textures that invite touch, and creating homes that feel collected rather than designed. It’s a philosophy that has drawn clients across Palm Beach County to her studio, where the beauty of the past meets the possibilities of the present.
A Southern Heart with a Colorful Soul
Elizabeth Gray Homes is anything but cookie-cutter. Lary’s work is defined by a love of color—something she attributes to her upbringing. “I’m a Southern girl at heart, with my family’s roots going back to one of the first families of Kentucky,” she explains. “But growing up in Miami and spending half of my childhood in the Bahamas, color brings me to life. Being able to combine those two elements brings me serious joy.”
That balance—between the warmth of traditional Southern design and the energy of Miami’s color-soaked aesthetic—is at the heart of her signature look. Think rich hues that feel daring yet timeless, layered textures that make a space feel lived-in, and vintage accents that carry the weight of history.
And while Lary’s spaces are always visually compelling, they never feel over-designed. Her secret? A thoughtful approach to curation—where every item has a purpose and a past.
The Magic of Vintage
In a world where fast furniture dominates, Lary is an advocate for pieces with soul. Her spaces are often anchored by vintage elements—whether it’s an antique rug warming up a modern space, a well-worn heirloom piece taking pride of place, or a vintage lamp tucked into an unexpected corner. “In my opinion, there is always room for a little vintage no matter how modern the home is,” she says.
For Lary, incorporating vintage isn’t about adhering to a particular era—it’s about striking a balance. “Even if it’s down to a treasure I found while treasure hunting and adding it to a bookshelf, or an antique painting in a butler’s pantry, I feel there is always a way to warm up a space.”
Her passion for the hunt is one of the many reasons she set up shop on Antique Row, a stretch of West Palm Beach renowned for its collection of galleries, vintage shops, and design ateliers. “It’s literally my dream—but at the same time, horrible on my wallet,” she laughs. “Being here, surrounded by such treasures, is my personal heaven. Choosing this studio space was half for the location and half for my own guilty pleasures.”
Helping Clients See the Beauty in Color
While Lary’s love for bold hues is undeniable, not all clients arrive at her studio ready to embrace vibrant palettes. Helping them take the leap—on their own terms—is something she’s mastered.
“Been there, done that!” she jokes. She recalls one particular client in Boca Raton who was firmly committed to a neutral palette—clean, white, and beige, all inspired by the airy elegance of a luxury hotel. But when the client was out of town, she asked Lary to style her butler’s pantry for an upcoming event. “My only request was that she let me do what I would do, versus what she would have typically asked me to do.”
The result? A moody, character-filled space featuring vintage brass salt and pepper shakers, antique cookbooks, and a statement brass lamp. “Quickly, those became her new favorite items,” Lary says. It was a lesson in trusting the process—and proof that even the most color-averse clients can fall in love with a bit of personality.
For those hesitant to make a bold statement, Lary suggests starting small. “If your vision is white and beige, no matter how beautiful the design, should I come in and color splash your life, you’re going to freak out,” she says. “Start small. A powder bath, a laundry room… even just something as simple as a singular piece of art. Something that allows you to slowly bring color into your sanctuary.”
Design with Feeling
While color is a defining element of her aesthetic, Lary is just as passionate about texture. “I’m finding more and more that I love textures,” she says. “Running my hand over rugs or wallpaper, even choosing the perfect vase—there’s something about how items feel upon touch that evokes a feeling. That feeling is what I try to bring to all of my projects.”
It’s an approach that creates spaces that feel effortless yet deeply personal. Her interiors aren’t just about looking beautiful; they’re about feeling right—a philosophy that extends to the relationships she builds with clients. “Most projects last for about a year or more. Whomever you choose, you should really like as a person above the work,” she advises. “Find someone you want to spend at least a year of your life with and go from there.”
And while her role is officially that of a designer, she’s found that it often extends beyond just selecting fabrics and finishes. “Most times, my job description stems from designer to marriage therapist to shopping buddy to travel companion,” she laughs.
A Personal Passion Project
While Lary is always juggling multiple client projects, there’s one in particular she’s especially excited about—her childhood home. “I know that’s more personal than a client project, but I am over the moon excited to bring it back to life,” she says.
The home, rich with childhood memories, will be undergoing a full-scale renovation—though ultimately, it will be for resale rather than for her own family. “Sadly, the buildout will be for resale versus keeping, so I am going to have to tone down my selections. But the whole process is one I am looking forward to, and I feel as if it will allow closure in a personal way—allowing someone new to enjoy a home that I have loved so dearly.”
The Future of Elizabeth Gray Homes
As Lary continues to grow Elizabeth Gray Homes, her goal remains the same: to create spaces that feel like an extension of the people who live in them. Her studio on Antique Row has become a reflection of her ethos—where history meets modernity, where color meets restraint, and where every design decision is rooted in warmth and authenticity.
And while her designs feel effortlessly chic, they are the result of a deeply considered approach—one that embraces nostalgia while always looking forward. In a city known for its layered history and dynamic energy, Libby Lary is proving that great design is not just about what you see, but about what you feel.
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