Power Player: Rob Bowen

VISIONARY INTERIOR DESIGNER ROB BOWEN IS KNOWN FOR CREATING ENVIRONMENTS THAT ASTONISH.

By NICK STEELE

Bold, sophisticated and undeniably sexy—these are words that celebrated interior designer Rob Bowen uses frequently when discussing his projects. Not so coincidentally, they are also the words often used to describe the man himself, who along with his husband and business partner Jason Teabout, are regarded as prominent St. Pete tastemakers. With a career spanning over twenty years, Bowen has distinguished himself as a curator of sophisticated spaces that seamlessly blend classic and contemporary elements. His designs often feature rich materials, custom furnishings and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in bespoke interiors that are heralded as visually stunning.

Visiting him at his new Mirror Lake studio, which reflects his signature high-style aesthetic and inviting energy, Bowen shares his take on the shifts occurring in both his projects and his hometown.

“It's been great to watch St. Pete evolve. When I was growing up on St. Pete Beach, no one really came downtown. You came here to go to the pier, Shaw Park or the yacht club, but otherwise there really wasn't a lot down here,” he recalls. “Where all these high rises are now, you didn't go to those areas because it wasn't a safe part of town. So, it's nice to see how downtown has evolved. And even more fun to be part of it all.”

Bowen says that before the pandemic, he and his team split their time equally between projects in this area and others in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and far-flung locations like Australia. But that all changed when so many people from many of those same places began relocating here.

“We saw this whole influx of great people that are discovering St. Pete and that brings another level of sophistication, diversity and culture. There’s also a level of investment that comes with it. I know there are those who are concerned about the growth and honestly, if I hear St. Pete is turning into Miami Beach or Austin, one more time… it will never be Miami Beach. For someone who grew up here, I think it’s amazing.”

The influx also means that Bowen and his team are focused on even more local projects than ever before.

“We're involved almost in every project that is being built,” Bowen explains. “And every project represents different vantage points of St. Pete and different personalities and different challenges. It's fun to be in the mix of all that.”

He explains that the pandemic also caused a pretty significant shift in what his clients wanted in terms of scale and creature comforts.

“Our clients had this period of time to sit still and think about their lives…a kind of forced pause,” Bowen shares. “A lot of them were like, We want to redo our house, our kitchen doesn't make sense or let's build something new.”

He explains that given the time to reassess their homes, he saw a shift in the desire to cultivate smaller, more personal spaces.

“They were looking at those gigantic primary suites, that were part bedroom, part lounge or part gym and they were like, No, we want to sleep and then get out and go to the gym or a coffee bar,” says Bowen. “They wanted more intimate spaces at home and also to get back out into the world.”

And while many seek out Bowen for his vibrant and statement-making style, he has observed a considerable shift toward a desire for quiet luxury, which he is enjoying bringing to life for his clients.

“It’s very monochromatic but layered in a luxurious way, with all these textures and shades of cream—like 50 different layers of it.” Bowen explains. “So when you walk in you instantly feel relaxed, everything's soft and polished. It's more of a retreat than a statement.”

In addition to the visual aspects, he and his team are creating full sensory experiences for clients through signature scents infused into the home through the ventilation system, custom soundscapes and themed home automation elements for an even more engaging environment.

"Whether you're aware of it or not, sensory exposure has a profound impact," Bowen explains. "When you step into a space we've designed, we want it to evoke a sense of familiarity, yet carry an air of mystery. Much of what we create operates on a subconscious level—you shouldn’t immediately recognize every element. Instead, the experience should feel like an effortless harmony of textures, scents and ambiance coming together.

From the softness of the finishes to the subtle hint of fragrance in the air, every detail plays a role. Home automation should feel just as seamless. Imagine saying, ‘I want to watch a movie,’ and the shades lower automatically. If you're entertaining, you shouldn’t have to run around adjusting every light switch—we design these elements into the core of a space. With the press of a single button, your lighting, music, and shades adjust to create the perfect atmosphere. And when the night winds down, another button ensures the shades close, the temperature adjusts, the alarm arms and the cameras activate.

Ultimately, technology should simplify your life—not complicate it. With just a few thoughtfully programmed settings, your home intuitively adapts to your needs."

Bowen believes that true design mastery lies in versatility— an ability that has made him equally successful across both residential and commercial projects. His approach is rooted in a deep commitment to understanding his clients' aspirations and lifestyles, ensuring that every design is not just visually striking but also personally meaningful.

“We’re going to deliver the best version of what you imagined—times ten,” he asserts. “Great design goes beyond aesthetics; it becomes a reflection of the project's unique essence and the individuals it’s created for.”

To learn more, visit robbowendesign.com

GLIKE HER INTERIORS, ST.  PETE-BASED DESIGNER LISA GILMORE IS FULL OF CHARACTER AND BRIMMING WITH PERSONALITY.