Interior Designing in the Caribbean Islands
For many of us, living in one of the many tropical locations around the world would be a dream come true, and for the most part, it is. The only down side is getting some the merchandise that is required for luxury living. Where to go, how to get it there, are there any designers that would travel to help with this design project? The answer, hire an interior designer with Island experience. First, who would not be willing to travel to an exotic location, and getting the merchandise is far easier than you may think.
Here are some basic rules to follow when hiring an interior designer to help with a location outside of their normal domain. First, the client will be responsible for all travel and accommodations expenses. This is a small price considering their expertise is critical, since returning an item is usually not an option. Make sure a scaled floor plan, also known as space planning, is accurate and to your specifications. Please be diligent when selecting furnishing, remember the high humidity. When ordering furnishings, plan well so that the majority of the items arrive within a month of shipping, and arrange with a freight forwarder well in advance to inspect, store, and containerize all your merchandise for shipping. Do not wait for the single towel bar to arrive to ship the main bulk of your items, it can always be expressed mailed. Allow for shipping time, port time, and delivery time prior to your designer arriving to place everything.
There are different thoughts on the actual styles for your Island Design Project. Do I go tropical, like the resorts, dressy casual, or like the home you live in now. You must decide what you can live with. If the Island home is part time, then design accordingly. Part time homes are used differently in the entertaining sense. You are there to relax, have some friends visit and just have a great time. The formal dining room is the perfect example. Are you really going to have a formal sit down dinner? Chances are the answer is NO! Try putting in a continental bar for your entertaining. The function and storage will more than accommodate any casual dining, as the bar height is the same as any dining table. This Island design usually goes well with rattan/wicker accents. Do not think of all rattan/ wicker as the same. There are some very fine furnishings in these materials available through your interior designer. Have some fun with this style by adding some hand painted accent pieces, colorful art and accessories, plenty of plants and trees and enjoy. If you are looking for a little more sophisticated, but still casual feel, go with some beautiful medium to dark wood furnishings. Dress it down with print fabrics or dress it up using a soft creamy palette for your upholstery and flowing sheers on your windows. Again a formal dining room probably is not necessary, but would fit in to this style better. If this Island home is to be full time, then treat it as such. Incorporate all the necessary elements you are use to. Look around your existing home, make a list of your best features, add on the ones you wished has, hand it to you interior designer, and let then take it from there.
International Design House has completed numerous design projects throughout the United States, Carrebean Islands, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Remember our philosophy is, "Beautifying the world, one room at a time.”
