17 September 2019
Draw from influences from Caribbean history, and from the landscape of the islands, for a truly chic signature look for your interior design.
Your Caribbean home isyourtropical paradise with your interior and extension of your gorgeous outside space. Bringing influences from the natural botanicals of the Caribbean to the décor of the inside of your home has never been more popular. From the colours of the Caribbean’s crystal clear turquoise water and the yellows of the sunshine and golden sands, to palm tree prints and the amber orange glow of sunset skies – all bring the scenery of the Caribbean into your home. Add to this some artefacts that reflect theCaribbean’s multitude of cultures throughout the ages for the opportunity to add French wrought iron, Spanish painted tiles, African rattan and bright ceramics from Holland. For a more sedate and airy look, balance these bright accents with a sun bleached white interior palate and decorate with natural shells, sponge, driftwood and white-washed wood to give it a rustic, beachy vibe.
Of course, there is no single way to use Caribbean colours in styling an interior and many large, poolside properties can easily accommodate the vibrant, eye-catching hues such as corals, peach, orange, blue, lime and yellow. For lounge spaces work with wood, wicker or bambooand natural stone, ceramic and tile for an authentic look that is cool and easily manageable. You’ll find plenty of fantastic fabrics, decorated with the patterns and styles of the islands. Or stick to natural linen, white cotton and voile is you are keen to keep a natural and contemporary feel. It may work to have a feature wall painted in a contrasting hue, or wallpapered in a pattern that echoes the natural flora of the island. Accessorise with some single-piece wooden sculptures, some carefully chosen pottery, palm-printed cushions, jute rugs, slow-moving ceiling fans and dark wood screens.
For bedrooms, simple is best – dark wooden floors, with gauzy white mosquito netting, blue and white porcelain, tropical bird print cushions and Caribbean wall hangings look amazing. Pair with palm-frond ceiling fans and dark wooden shutters. Any adjoining bathrooms should echo this style.
Kitchens allow for incredible creativity as the only barrier to a breath-taking design is the limit of your own imagination. Opt for handmade kitchen cupboards, to get the style, size, layout and colour of your choice and use this luxury to truly make a statement. Flooring choices are endless with a light coloured ceramic still a popular option. If you plan on large-scale entertaining then now is the time to pick a range-style double oven and allow space for a walk-in pantry and ample storage for wine.
[BOX OUT]
Top Tips for Interior Design in a Caribbean Home
- Maximise light and accentuate large windows by painting the walls a light colour, and using mirrors to give the optical illusion of greater space.
- Mix and match up textures, patterns and materials, such as adding a family antique or inherited heirloom with some contemporary modern furnishings.
- To breathe new life into an old sofa, cover it in a simple throw and sprinkle it with cushions!
- Use old wooden crates, wicker baskets and rattan boxes for stylish options in the Caribbean – an old soap crate looks great in a bathroom as a place to store folded towels.
- Got some nice old plates? These can look great hung on the wall as wall art.
- Shelves looking tired? Cover them in interesting wallpaper.
- Looking to brighten up a wall? Consider stencilling it using leaves from the garden.
Fill glass vases up with shells, sand and beach pebbles to make interesting table centrepieces.
