Caribbean artists series Elisa Bryan
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Our Favorite Caribbean Artists

Melanie Morris October 20, 2020 Beach / Caribbean, Furnishings, Interior Design 0

Art comes in many forms. Over the course of history these forms, genres, media, and styles have blossomed into waves of purpose for creatives to do what they love. We brought our St. Thomas artists straight to you via our Caribbean Artist Series on our Instagram. If you haven’t had a chance to watch our IG LIVE series, here is our mini artist showcase to inspire and delight your day.

Elisa Bryan

Our first artist in the series is Elisa Bryan. She was originally born and raised in St. Thomas, and attended art school in Atlanta, Georgia. At the Atlanta College of Art, she studied printmaking but her primary love has been and will always be painting. In her spare time, she dives into her painting escapes where she features her family members in underwater portraits. Her process includes her models, water, and a Go-Pro. By capturing her models in their submerged scenes with videography, she is able to pick from a wide selection of stills as a basis for her creations. Over the course of this series, her interpretations have morphed into hyper-realistic portraits that highlight the way light interacts with water. These works of art go beyond your typical self-portrait and make for perfect additions to any island home. You can find more of her work on her website, and follow her creative journey on Instagram. Head over to our IGTV to see the full interview!

Eric Tillet

Next on our Caribbean Artists, Series is Eric Tillet. Eric and I recently collaborated on a project for a client to create a custom piece of art. Eric was born into the art of screenprinting and is a third-generation artist. He finds inspiration in things that bring him joy and this is evident in the works of art he creates. His work features blankets of color and the applications of those colors bring waves of patterns and overlays that you can only find in St. Thomas. If you are interested in a custom piece or want to learn more about Eric pay him a visit him on his Instagram.

Lucinda Eubanks

My friends are so talented and some of them have been brave enough to chase their dreams of becoming an artist since they were very little. Lucinda Eubanks is one of my dear friends and a local St. Thomas artist. She knew when she was 5 years old exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has been an artist for over 30 years and has had huge success as a resident artist for some big names such as the Ritz Carlton, Robert Mondavi, and Caneel Bay. For the last eight years, Lucinda has been teaching as well as hosting team-building events and continuing to share her love of art with everyone she meets. If you are interested in an online private course or a group team building activity visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Mitch Gibbs

The final artist in our Caribbean Artist Series is Mitch Gibbs. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania and attended the York Academy of Art. Mitch admits the best thing he found at school was his janitorial job. His calling found him though, at work one evening that landed him a job on the spot as a portraiture. That summer of his first artist job was tough. He didn’t feel like he was doing a good job and discovered that portrait artistry was nerve-racking for him. He did however see how he could monetize his talent. This led Mitch to begin his journey into a watercolor painting. He began attending shows and sold his paintings until one day this Pennsylvania transplant found himself in St. Thomas. Since then, Mitch has been painting beautiful works of art that have been featured in popular movies like Weekend at Bernie’s. You can see more of Mitch’s work on his website and where he finds inspiration on his Instagram.

You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate the arts. As an interior designer I have had the privilege of being able to work with these talented individuals, but their reach is far beyond any industry. Their life’s work helps bring us to a different place in our own homes. The next time you embark on a grand adventure don’t forget to spend time in what makes that place so special. You never know what you may find in the local community art scene. Bringing home, a little piece of paradise with you is a wonderful way to support the community in which you vacation and will be your little reminder every day that life is beautiful.

Communicate with your interior designer
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Design Mistakes to Avoid

Melanie Morris September 10, 2020 Interior Design 0

For as long as there’s been great design, there’s design that just didn’t age well. I’m sure we all remember popcorn ceilings, shag rugs, glass block—the list goes on. We have put together some of the most famous design faux pas to make sure you avoid these traps yourself.

Pretending to Understand a Design Scheme

Fact: Most people can’t read blueprints. Instead of eyeballing it, lay out a room, building or garden for real. Painters tape will become your new best friend and give you a better sense of how much space a piece will need. Taping out a space works better than any sketch or design app for understanding how things will fit. You could even ask your designer to create a 3D model so you can get a feel for the space virtually.

Stick to the Plan

Not Asking Enough Questions

Ask lots of questions and remember that there is no such thing as a dumb question. At the end of the day this is your investment you are making for you and your loved ones. You owe it to yourself to get to know the who, what, where, and why throughout the entire process.

Making Changes Along the Way

Changes that seem simple to you may require a lot of work on the back end. Be sure to check with your designer or builder on even the slightest adjustments. A light switch for example, can be moved, but that change can sometimes cost thousands if you aren’t careful.

Neglecting Interiors to the End

Too many times, we’ve seen interiors become an afterthought. Newbies often think they can do finish work themselves or throw their old couch into a new room. If you want to love your space—and increase its value—make sure you leave room in the budget for working on interior design and décor.  Planning out the location and size of furnishings before the project even breaks ground is so important to having the feel you want.

As in any room in the house, you need to make sure that any freestanding furniture you order fits your space properly. You will want to leave enough space for people to walk comfortably around the room. Items like bar stools or any other seating piece must be the right height for your counter or table top.

Not Knowing Measurements

Once you know what size couches, tables, and sconces you need, write them down and carry that list with you always. You never know when the perfect item will cross your path. I know it’s hard, but try your best not to fall in love with an item that does not fit your space. Stay focused and selective in your décor choices to ensure you stay on budget, and on measurement.

Neglecting the Plan

It’s important to have a thorough, written plan before you start work. If you come in contact with a contractor that says they do not provide a written schedule or plan – RUN for it. The plan should always be included and outline the precise details, down to every single product with the model number and choice of finish. Once you have the plan: Stick to it! The four most expensive words during a renovating process are… while you’re at it. These wildcard to do’s can increase your budget and push back your timeline.

That being said, know that things will inevitably come up, and adjustments will have to be made along the way. Get them documented and try not to stress. Planning the best you can before hand will alleviate any unforeseen obstacles that could arise, but it does still happen. Be kind to yourself and roll with the waves as they come but be sure to document everything.

Don’t be afraid to be upfront about your budget.  Everyone has one, large or small.  A good professional will respect your limits and be able to help you get the most for your money.  They may also tell you that they are not a good fit because they know they will need to charge you more. That is a great conversation to have upfront. Speaking of which: You’ve got to pick a number. Since the general rule of thumb is that it’s going to cost more and take longer than you think, make sure you have a big enough cushion in there that you’re not breaking the bank. (Adding an extra 10 to 20 percent more to the initial estimate is a good start). If you are able to come in under budget, you’ll be able to put your extra investment toward decorating. As a general rule, you’ll want to spend more on things you interact with—like cabinets or doors you’ll open and close dozens of times a day—versus things you use less, like decorative tile.

Communicate with your interior designer

Poor Communication with Builders

The ‘mistakes’ that builders make often come down to lack of communication. The best way to ensure that everything goes smoothly is to agree on a detailed schedule of work before construction starts. Speak to your builder on a regular basis – every day if possible. This open line of communication will keep you abreast of the project and catch any problems before they arise. Detailed drawings are a big help, so you might want to hire an architect or interior designer to draw these up. Having a fully developed design plan done ahead of time will also help you get a more realistic price quote from builders you interview.

Communication is Key

Make sure you communicate with your workforce, your team—and with your partner, too. The project can sometimes bring any underlying problems that already exist in a relationship to the surface. Don’t ignore these issues. Address any snags early and together to really get a handle of what is going on.

If you have a strong rapport with your contractor or designer, that person can help you and your partner work through any disagreements. Be sure not to have side conversations without your partner present and set the standard as to what are the appropriate means of communication. If you both prefer text, phone calls, or an email once a week you’ll want to know the easiest way to reach each other before the work gets well underway.

Personally, I usually feel that I am 2 parts designer and one-part therapist!

Blowing the Budget

Kitchens are expensive, and costs can rack up very quickly. It’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 20% of the value of your home on a kitchen renovation, with around a third of that going towards the cabinets. It’s also wise to leave a 10% contingency fund to allow for any unexpected fees. Getting a selection of quotes from recommended tradespeople will put you in a strong bargaining position to ensure you get the best price.

I know this is a lot to remember, but that is why we are here for you. The key points to remember are to avoid the trends, plan and then plan some more. Don’t forget to communicate, stick to your budget and consider your interiors and how they will affect the flow of your space. Refresh yourself on items you’ve documented and here is your friendly reminder to go easy on yourself. This investment is for you and your family. Keeping all this in mind will help carry you through the process with grace to your own little slice of heaven. If you ever have any questions or need advice, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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Furniture and How to Get the Right Fit

Melanie Morris July 28, 2020 DIY, Furnishings, Interior Design, Uncategorized 0

A New Meaning to the word “Fit”

When we talk to our clients about whether or not furniture is a good fit, most people think of the word “fit” in a couple of different ways. The first idea of “fit” is in terms of whether or not a piece of furniture is going to fit in a room and if it is scaled properly for the function of the space. The second idea of “fit” for our savvier clients, especially the apartment dwellers, think of “fit” in the way of whether or not a piece of furniture is going to fit through their front door. Today, I want to share a new way of interpreting fit or a piece that is fit for a king.

I confess, I mentally size clients up when I first meet them (I hope no one has noticed)!  Seriously though, this is an important point for me to admit, and here is why. Have you ever gone shopping and asked a sales associate in the store for a little help to then be amazed that they were actually able to pick things out that you never would have picked out for yourself? Sometimes if they are really good what they select looks great and fits perfectly on the first try! That is the result of many years of experience. Designers are the same way.

One Size Does Not Fit All

For example, most dining tables are 29-30” tall. We, as consumers are subconsciously trained to expect the way it feels to buy and sit at a 30” tall dining table. Most people would assume it all fits the same but if they were to first sit down to actually feel the “fit”, they would be able to tell the difference. Knowing what I know, and being an experienced interior designer, I know if I am working with a couple who are both over 6’ tall I would purposely order a 31” tall table especially for them. Because of their taller than average stature they would immediately notice a difference and finally feel that they have something that really fits them!

In the world of sofa’s, there is a wide array of styles, fabric options, sizes, and price points. There are even two or three seat cushions. It can be difficult to shop for these and close to impossible when shopping online. For those that do go to stores, most times will sit on sofas and see what they like without carefully noting the dimensions of each style or the fit.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are sizing up a sofa:

  1. How do you sit on your sofa, and how does your spouse?
    Do you lie down and watch movies? Are you a flopper or a percher? Spoiler alert, most men tend to flop at least a little.  Do you want a piece that’s a “front room” style that forces you to sit up properly for conversation, almost like an elongated chair, or do you want a squishy family room lounger?

    Personally, I always sit with my legs pulled up under me, so while I’m not particularly tall I appreciate a deeper sofa.

  2. How deep do you need your sofa to be?
    Standard sofa depths are usually 36-37” deep.  If you are petite, limited on space, and encumbered by a small front door, or just want to sit up most of the time then this is probably a great fit for you. If you are a little taller than average or you like to lounge, look for something in the 38-40” depth.  With a sofa depth of 42” most people will be able to sit with their legs pulled up and people who are taller than average will finally have a place to sit that really fits.  Those extra couple inches make a huge difference in the way something fits.

  3. How tall should your sofa seat height be?
    An 18-inch seat height is standard for most styles. Some of the more minimal modern sofas will be lower at 16”.  Sometimes you can find sofa seat heights up to 21” high. Again, if you are tall or have older relatives that visit and have mobility challenges, you would want to look for something 18” and above.  Conversely, if you are petite, or decorating a kid’s playroom, the lower seat height would be the best fit for your needs.  Seat backs should be considered for both comfort and aesthetics. If your sofa is also a room divider, maybe the lower back would work better to not obstruct a pretty view. 

  4. What arm style and seat cushion shape should you get?
    Arm styles and seat cushion shapes are another key point to consider. If you are a sofa napper, then you probably want a lower arm with a rolled shape.  If you sit up and lean, or you like to read then you might want a slightly taller arm. Seat cushions that are “T” shaped make a sofa more lounge-able as well.

Here are our 3 favorite lounge able sofas you can order online:

1. The Logan
84″W x 41.5″D x 37″H the 84” length makes this easy to incorporate in most spaces. The T-cushions and 41” depth are perfect for people who like to curl up and the 21”seat height really makes this a good fit if you’re tall. The square arm, lack of skirt and tailored look make this style easy to work with in a wide range of décor styles.
The Logan Sofa

2. The Gent
I love the tray base on this sofa. The slim arms, and one-piece seat cushion, give it a contemporary look. The dimensions are 94″W x 38″D x 33″H. I recommend this piece for medium to large apartments or homes. This style will suit people who are of about average height.The Gent

3. The Sunday sofa is aptly named.
This one is a great Sunday afternoon lounger.  Dimensions here overall are: 102 in W x 40 in D x 30 in H. This piece is also available in a smaller apartment size. I love the exaggerated thickness of the seat cushions with the thin arms.  At 17” seat height, this is a little bit of a low rider so a great choice for those who are petite or younger in age.
The Right Fit for You

Let us help you find the right fit for you and your family, and connect with us today. 

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First Impressions

Melanie Morris June 30, 2020 Interior Design, Tips & Tricks 0

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Lately, I’ve been binge-watching the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and it has me thinking about the architectural details in interiors that have all but become a thing of the past.

The scenes of the pre-war era apartment buildings in New York are so intriguing.  New Yorkers have really perfected the art of gracious small-space living, long before that became a thing. There are a lot of little lessons that one can adapt from those vintage apartments.

How about those scenes where the apartment would conserve a lovely phone nook – talk about things that we no longer have!

LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

It’s really the entry foyers that I love. Those have been lost a bit in the modern times of open concept living.  What a gracious way to welcome guests to your home.  Much like a party invitation, the design should foreshadow the theme of the gathering with its color scheme and graphics. The same can be said for foyers, where a little taste of what is yet to come is tucked away further inside the home.

There are some places where you open the front door, step inside, and hello – you are now smack dab in the middle of the living room. When a package is brought to your door or the girl scouts stop by with cookies, do they really need to be in the living area?  I feel that it is so much more civil to have that little space between your primary living space and the front door.  This smaller area is easy to keep tidy, even if your kitchen and living room are being over run by your kids and their friends eating popcorn. If other parts of your home look like a bomb went off… the pop-in guest doesn’t necessarily need to see that!

Here are some of our favorite first impressions in these elegant homes.

 

 

 

 

Foyer related resources.
Architectural Digest
Haute Residence
Coco Dsgn
Southern Living

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5 Reasons You Need a Space Plan for Your Interior Design Project

Melanie Morris May 13, 2020 Interior Design 0

While it may be true that many great designs have started with a sketch on the back of a cocktail napkin, it is also true that the words “let’s just get it, I think it will fit” have been the undoing of many redecorating projects! I purchased my very first sofa for my first apartment for $300 at the Salvation Army because someone else was sure it would fit through the door (it didn’t).

One of the very first things we do when starting a new project is to measure and create a space plan. There are several reasons why this is the foundation of our process.

  1. A great space is about so much more than just making sure the furniture all fits. Instead, it starts with an in-depth analysis of how the space is going to be used. You’ll start by defining the different zones within the home – space for work, space for sleep, space for socializing, and perhaps a space to properly display your extensive collection of rare books. Whatever it is, when you define the goals for your space and identify all of the special things that need to be included and honored, your home can’t help but support your lifestyle and reflect your unique story.

    Home Zone Example

  2. It is imperative that your furniture plan includes items scaled to correctly represent real-world items that will best suit your space. Because designers literally spend all day every day hopping for furniture (OK maybe a slight exaggeration), we are very aware of what typical sizes are for items. What size does a table need to be to comfortably seat 6 people? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In that U-shaped sectional, just because a coffee table will technically fit in the center, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to walk around it comfortably. How much space do you need to preserve your shins? Again, we’ve got this covered for you.

  3. Negative space is just as important as the positive space. I often say to clients who feel the drawing looks like it has too much-wasted space – you have to leave room for the “stuff” of life that we all have.



  4. A space plan defines circulation patterns, or flow, so you’ll want to be sure the rooms all work well together. You’ll reap the rewards the next time you host the office Christmas party, and everyone can mix and mingle easily.

  5. Scale and proportion are so important and can be hard to judge without a plan. For example, just because a large sectional will fit into a small apartment, doesn’t mean it’s a good fit. When furnishings are correctly scaled, you can make a small space feel expansive and well balanced. When shopping for furnishings in a large store, a huge sofa doesn’t seem big because it’s in a very large room, but when you get it home it’s a different story. The same is true for shopping online. For instance, 2 side by side pictures measuring 84” and 108” respectively, both appear to be the same size on a website. The moral of the story? It is hard to get a good feel for what will fit in your home or space without a plan.

    Space Plan Example

Once our space plan is done, we know very clearly what items we need to shop for and define. This process is a bit like coloring in the coloring book from there on out. When everything fits and flows together, it’s not an accident, it’s called living well by design.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer

Melanie Morris April 21, 2020 Interior Design 0

If you’ve just purchased an island home or are ready to invest in remodeling, it’s important to hire an interior designer. Beyond making your home beautiful and well-suited to your family’s needs, working with an interior designer can save you valuable money and time in the long run. Here are five reasons why you should hire an interior designer to update your home away from home.

Interior designers do so much more than make a space look pretty. Lagnappe Custom Interiors can also save you time and money, among other benefits.

1) Interior Designers Will Save You Time

As the old adage goes, time is money. And home renovation projects take quite a bit of time. By hiring an interior designer, you’ll be getting back valuable island time — time spent at the beach, relaxing or enjoying the outdoors — that you would have otherwise needed to spend managing the project. Plus, design firms like Lagnappe Custom Interiors are so experienced that projects are often completed more efficiently because of all of the industry connections, experience and project management skills. All you need to do is stock the fridge to enjoy your island home.

2) They’ll Save You Money

Many people object to hiring an interior designer because it’s an added expense on top of a home renovation and decorating budget. While it’s true that designers do charge a fee for their services, it’s often earned back in project savings. Hiring an interior design firm such as Lagnappe Custom Interiors can save you money in several ways, like:

  • Managing the project finances to stay within budget
  • Securing designer pricing on materials, furnishings, art and accessories
  • Avoiding costly mistakes through professional interior specifications, furniture selections and project management. Undoing and redoing work is very expensive!

3) They’ll Improve Your Home Value

Aesthetics are incredibly important when renting and selling your beach home. Families researching vacation rentals will be looking for spaces that are a beautiful, relaxing retreat from their daily life. If your space has been planned and designed by an interior design firm such as Lagnappe Custom Interiors, you can increase rental fees. Similarly, buyers will also consider aesthetics when purchasing a home in the Caribbean. A well-designed remodel can easily pay for itself when done right, adding equity to the value of your vacation home.

4) Interior Designers Have Local Expertise

Home remodeling projects have many moving parts; you have to hire an architect, general contractor and possibly more vendors, depending on the home. Interior designers eliminate the burden because they can hire these vendors for you and know who to recommend. This characteristic is especially valuable when updating a second or vacation home, like one you might purchase in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Beyond local connections, interior designers also have local expertise. This is so important here in the Caribbean when the sun, salt and sand can impact the wear and tear on your home. We know which outdoor fabrics to recommend (sadly, silk is out) and which countertops are best for a rental (invest in Cambria, which is maintenance free and covered by a lifetime warranty). This information saves our clients a lot of sad stories in the future.

5) They Are Expert Process Managers

While interior designers are sought-after for their creativity and design eye, one of the most valuable skills they bring to the table is process management. One of the reasons our clients love working with us is because we oversee the complex process of shipping logistics in the Caribbean. We’re very familiar with freight forwarding and the customs clearance process.

Designers such as those on our Lagnappe Custom Interiors team are expertly trained to balance the moving parts of these complex projects, which can take weeks or even months:

  • Hiring and managing vendors
  • Managing budgets
  • Creating and maintaining project timelines
  • Ordering materials and managing delivery schedules
  • Shopping for furniture, art and décor
  • Commissioning custom furniture or original artwork
  • Staging the home and adding extra, personalized details that no one thinks about but everyone loves
This kitchen remodel project was a true transformation.
It takes a lot of planning, time and budget management to turn this “before” into an “after”. Design by Lagnappe Custom Interiors.