Palm Beach Perfect: Style, Legacy & the Art of Effortless Living With Amanda Reynal, Robert Bell and Danielle Rollins

Written By: Jayne ChasePalm Beach style has long been synonymous with effortless charm and timeless appeal. Since Henry Flagler landed on its white sandy shore and began building and developing the area, visitors and residents have been aspiring to replicate its perfect balance between its casual ease and refined elegance. This perfect harmony reveals itself in the sun-washed colors, the towering palm trees, the azure-colored water, manicured hedges and legendary beach front estates.

From celebrated figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Carey Grant, Dina Merrill to presidents, dignitaries and tastemakers, Palm Beach’s magic has captivated generations, cementing its status as one of the most stylish resort destinations.

Continuing in it that celebrated tradition, brimming with legacy and love, is J. McLaughlin. With more than 25 years in Palm Beach, the brand reflects the true essence of the island. Each collection draws inspiration from the gardens, architecture, interior design and gracious entertaining that defines Palm Beach’s enduring spirit.

Recently, we caught up with creative voices in the area who are defining the art of Palm Beach living their own way. From design to landscape architecture to the art of entertaining, these locals share their insider tips on the best of Palm Beach resort style.

Interior Design, Amanda Reynal’s new West Palm Beach home aligns seamlessly with the new J. McLaughlin campaign. Soft florals, heritage prints, patterned upholstery and woodwork are layered throughout her new home, reflecting both her roots in the area and Palm Beach signature aesthetic.

JMC: What drew you to your WPB home.
AR: When we first looked at the house and property, we were drawn to the gracious lot size and the charm of a 100- year-old historic house. I instantly envisioned the exterior with a pool and accessory structure that allowed us to entertain outdoors.

JMC: What was the most challenging part of the restoration?
AR: Given the home’s modest scale and series of smaller rooms, it was important to create spaces that felt both functional and expansive. I prioritized seating for ten at the dining room table to ensure the house could comfortably accommodate gatherings. To ensure the follow of daily living, we added a loggia, which has naturally evolved into a primary family and living room, a space that we all gravitate to all the time. Because the house is nearly a century old and the windows are more intimate in scale, my goal throughout the interiors was to cultivate an atmosphere that felt airy, light and open despite the architectural constraints.

JMC: What is your favorite room in the house?
AR: The kitchen. I designed it specifically around how my husband and I live as a couple and how we envision the house as empty nesters while still welcoming our children and friends often. We love to entertain and I wanted the kitchen to feel like a true room rather than utilitarian space. We wanted it to be warm, inviting and suited for everyday cooking and effortless entertaining.

JMC: How has Palm Beach style influenced your design process?
AR: My interiors have long been shaped by the timeless Palm Beach aesthetic and the lifestyle of an earlier era. I’m naturally drawn to strong interior architecture, bright prints bringing the outside in and the quiet elegance that defines Palm Beach historic homes—space that feel layered, gracious and deeply rooted in place.

JMC: What do you love about J. McLaughlin and what would be the perfect J. McLaughlin designed room?
AR: J. McLaughlin is a brand with a soul that exudes a timeless and refined sensibility while still feeling modern. A room designed in this aesthetic might be a sitting room with crisp striped blue and white walls accented with green woodwork and patterned upholstery. I was fascinated to see my home reflected through the lense of a fashion photographer and step inside another world for the day. I loved watching this campaign come to life!

Landscape architect and Washington, DC native, Robert Bell has been captivated by gardens and architecture his whole life. Since starting his own firm, Bell Design Inc., Robert has developed a loyal client list in Palm Beach.

JMC: How would you describe Palm Beach style in terms of gardens you see and design?
RB: Polished yet playful and bright and effortlessly stylish while highlighting the strong symmetry and classic elements that blend together with intense colors and tropical sunlight.

JMC: What are your clients asking for these days?
RB: My clients love my landscape style which is luxurious but not ostentatious, tropical but never wild and always tailored to the lifestyle and gracious entertaining. They want durable furnishings that stand up to the light and salty air all year long. Since many love the classic Mizner Mediterranean Revival look with zellige tile, iron railings, coral tone and bougainvillea, I work those into my designs. A newer generation of Palm Beach residents are also looking for a contemporary take, adding lots of white into the landscape and using jungle foliage for its various green textures with an emphasis on structural forms of the plants vs tons of colorful flowers.

JMC: How did you design Amanda’s gardens?
RB: Amanda and I designed her gardens in very close collaboration. She really wanted to lean into the classic Palm beach color palette of pink and green inside, so I tried to plan the same for the outside. She really wanted an outdoor dining area and outdoor seating areas around the pool but we wanted to keep the overall look of the gardens green and not too heavy. The lattice work allows her to place her furniture on any surface and retain a casual garden feel and the pool which we eventually determined the right scale and orientation, honors the formality of the outside without dominating the garden.

JMC: How did it feel watching the creative process come to life during our photoshoot?
RB: Watching the models in their bright swimsuits lounging on the steps and terrace confirmed we made the right decisions about the pool’s size, character and finishes. They looked relaxed and happy and effortlessly glamorous as they sat on the wide limestone coping. It was a design detail well worth the time and care we invested!

Danielle Rollins, a well-known and respected interior designer and lifestyle tastemaker, has always had a natural design aesthetic synonymous with Palm Beach. Her elegant southern upbringing and natural flair for entertaining, has earned her a large social media following with a constant stream of loyal customers to her Georgia Avenue shop. Her own classic style is reflected in many of her J. McLaughlin clothes she wears often to meet with clients, speak to packed audiences and entertain frequently in her Palm Beach home.

JMC: How would you describe Palm Beach entertaining style?
DR: Palm Beach entertaining is less about formality and more about flair with polish and an easy outdoor fluidity using nature’s lush bounty of bougainvillea, palms, and orchids. Pair that with citrus with the doors open to catch the ocean breeze and you have effortless glamour wrapped in sunshine. It’s a layered blend of color, old world refinement and tropical exuberance where heritage meets high spirits. The silver may be polished and the crystal sparkles, but most importantly, your guests feel relaxed.

JMC: How has Palm Beach and its iconic style influenced you?
DR: I don’t know if it really changed me because I have always been pretty set in my style but I think it’s more about the fact I moved here and I always knew I would. My aesthetic feels more natural here. My style in the way I dress, design and entertain always has a very comfortable casualness with a practical kind of glamour. I like for things to look unstudied, all American and classic but with a dash of whimsy. My personal style is always evolving but as I’ve gotten older, I have figured out what works on and for me, feel most confident and comfortable with and stick to it!

JMC: How would you describe your design style?
DR: My approach to interiors always begins with architectural, symmetry, strong millwork and a well laid out balanced furniture plan and placement. Then, executed with an animated wit and flair. Rooms feels curated, not contrived. I take a fearless but respected approach to pattern and color, embracing bold palettes, coral, peony, pink, turquoise, citron, lacquered red but always ground it all with relaxed textures and tailored neutrals. The secret is an inherent understanding of scale, balanced with a mix of old and new, and of course, confident editing!

JMC: Can you share some of your entertaining tips?
DR: First, plan beautifully and edit ruthlessly. Choose one signature detail and let that lead the story…a charming cocktail, a bold linen or a fabulous floral. Second, set the table early. When the table is done, you can relax, get dressed and greet your guest with confidence. Third, light everything. I recommend soft pools of glow! And finally, be present. True style is how you make people feel……welcomed, celebrated and completely at ease.