Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Laughlin.
Hi Abby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to places with character — mid-century motels, old Florida storefronts, and the kind of design that tells a story about how people once lived and vacationed. My background is in real estate and neighborhood redevelopment, so I’ve spent years restoring and reimagining spaces. Over time, that evolved into a passion for curating objects, art, and design that celebrate that same sense of nostalgia and optimism.
Gallery 600 grew out of that love for mid-century modern Florida. I wanted to create a space on Breakers Avenue that feels like a little time capsule — part art gallery, part design shop, part love letter to Old Florida. It’s a mix of local art, retro-inspired gifts, and pieces that make people smile or remember something they loved from another era.
It’s been an exciting transition — from real estate projects to opening a creative retail space — but at the heart of it, it’s the same idea: bringing new life to places and things with history, warmth, and good design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a perfectly smooth road — but that’s part of what makes it interesting. Gallery 600 started as a creative idea, but turning it into a real, physical space came with plenty of challenges. Sourcing inventory, and balancing budgets — all while trying to stay true to the original vision — has been a real juggling act.
The biggest challenge has probably been timing. Opening a new concept in a constantly changing retail environment means being flexible, patient, and creative about how to reach people. There were moments when I wondered if the idea was too niche — or too ambitious — but every time someone walks in and smiles or connects with the vibe of the space, it reminds me that it’s worth it.
It’s been a lesson in persistence, design problem-solving, and trusting that when something feels right, you just keep moving forward until it takes shape. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a creative – I love bringing together art, objects and design that tell a story about time and place. Through Gallery 600, I focus on mid-century modern and Old Florida Design – the turquoise citrus and su-washed colors, the optimism of 1950s-60s motel culture, the clean lines and playful details that once defined life here.My background in Real estate and design gives me a unique perspective: I’m drawn not just to individual pieces but how they live together in a space, how people experience them. That’s really what Gallery 600 is about – the intersection of art, architecture and atmosphere. I’m most proud of building something that feels personal and rooted in place. seeing people walk into the gallery and light up – whether its because they recognize a vintage Florida postcard, a piece of local actor the colors of their childhood – that’s the best part. What sets my work apart is the blend: a designers eye, a storytellers heart and a respect for history wrapped I something modern and approachable. Gallery 600 isn’t just a store, its an experience that celebrates the creativity and spirit of coastal Florida in its most timeless form.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Art is always timeless. I think we are areally in an interesting moment for art and design – especially for small galleries and creative retail. People are craving authenticity again. After years of online everything, there’s a growing desire to touch see and feel things in person – to connect with spaces that have personality and a point of view.
Over the next 5-10 years, I see a continued shift toward more experiential, hyper local and story-driven space. The lines between gallery, boutique and community hub are blurring – people don’t want to shop; they want to be somewhere that inspires them. That’s where smaller, independent brands can really survive.
Design wise, I think nostalgia will continue to play a big role – but with a modern edge.We’ll see more appreciation for craftmanship, color and character. The disposable, mass produced era is fading and people are rediscovering the joy of well-made things with history and heart.
For me, that’s the most exciting shift, to design that feels human. Spaces like Gallery 600 can help lead that movement by celebrating the past while creating something fresh and relevant for today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gallery600ftl.com
- Instagram: gallery600ftl
- Facebook: gallery600ftl
Image Credits
Abby Laughlin has all the image credits.
