Outdoor Living Archives - St. Thomas Interior Designer

Getaway Destinations

Melanie Morris June 15, 2021 Beach / Caribbean, Interior Design, Outdoor Living 4

We have shared our expertise when it comes to preparing your vacation rental with our Vacation Rental Checklists and how-to guides on How To Decorate and Design Your Vacation Rental Property. We also want to take the opportunity to share some of what’s special about a visit to the Virgin Islands. So many people ask us where we go for vacation when we live in a vacation destination and many times the answer is to other islands!

Have you put any thought into planning your next trip for the summer? It can sometimes feel like a daunting task between all the options that are right at our fingertips. With various travel sites along with Airbnb, and VRBO, where you want to stay during your visit can be overwhelming. We hope our ideas help you narrow down your search, and while we are partial to the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are countless getaway destinations in this unique pocket of the world.

Various islands and cays make up the Virgin Islands, and each one represents its own unique charm and personality. The Caribbean is home to pristine hideaways known for their views, architecture, art, cuisines, underwater adventures, and of course beaches.

St. Thomas

1. St. Thomas

St. Thomas is not only our home but a beautiful getaway destination full of lush rolling green hills and spacious beaches. If you’re looking forward to a day at the beach, you can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the VI from the beach, a kayak, an eco-tour, or from the deck of one of our many day sail charters.

For those looking for a combination of land and sea during their stay, Coral World Ocean Park on Coki Beach hosts exhibits on marine life and their conservation efforts to preserve the creatures that live here and their underwater homes. Coki beach is also a wonderful place to learn to scuba dive. My daughter earned her certification at their dive center that is a great resource to learn and explore.

Buck Island is home to a pristine national park, known for its nature trails and underwater passages that make for exciting aquatic excursions.

Magen’s Bay is rated one of the Caribbean’s best beaches with its sugar sands and beach winds that congregate on a crescent-shaped bay decorated with vegetation and a vibrant landscape. Here, you can ease along the shoreline, taking in the island in all of its natural beauty. And our favorite place for Sunday morning beach walks, My husband and I never miss a week!

As some of you may have read from our previous blog, What Makes Caribbean Architecture, the history of St. Thomas plays a considerable role in its architecture. St. Thomas’s capital, Charlotte-Amalie, holds 17th-century colonial relics alongside the island’s natural charm and modernity. You can also find waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views or lively beach bars to soak up the local fair. Don’t forget to visit the 99 steps for stunning panoramic views of our beautiful city or a historic tour from the St. Thomas Historic Society.

Is St. Thomas starting to sound like your getaway of choice? You can book your stay at the Eternity Villa on Magens Bay, St. Thomas, here. One of our projects!

St. John

2. St. John

St. John exudes a casual atmosphere and is the perfect place to unplug and reset. It is also one of the smallest of the main U.S. Virgin Islands and is the backdrop to dozens of beaches, cays, and trails. The island is ¾ national park! This island is perfect for nature lovers with its rugged landscapes, including a four-mile reef bay trail or snorkeling ventures at Honeymoon Beach. Trunk Bay is another local treasure here that has an underwater kingdom of a nature trail. That’s right, a nature trail that is completely underwater!

The most popular destinations on St. John are Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Like the islands themselves, each bay provides a different atmosphere for its residents and its visitors. Cruz Bay is more upbeat and livelier, while Coral Bay is more laid back and peaceful. There is something for everyone. You can start your day in Cruz Bay with some energizing entertainment and wind down for the evening in the peace and quiet of Coral Bay.

You will never run out of outdoor plans during your stay on St. John. Half of the island is dedicated to conservation and is zoned as a national park. This ecosystem is a haven for all island life on land and sea. A frequent destination being Hurricane Hole of the Mangrove Forrest off the coast of Coral Bay. This is another protected area to maintain the awe and natural wonders of the mangroves that are at home on St. John.

St. Croix

3. St. Croix

St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is a popular location for snorkelers and divers. They all come to see the only underwater national monument in the U.S., Buck Island Reef National Park. This 200-acre aquatic oasis is a colorful ecosystem dedicated to numerous species of fish, coral, and other marine life.

Other parts of St. Croix offer chances to witness more undersea events, like the island’s north shore. Here you can find turtles, eels, starfish, and more. A quarter-mile from there are steep underwater cliffs that extend thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface. Now, that is something you don’t see every day. This is a major draw for diving enthusiasts!

Another must-see on St. Croix is the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. Their efforts focus on protecting endangered species of leatherback turtles. They secure the beach to welcome the turtles and allow them a safe place to nest. The nesting grounds are watched and safeguarded from April to September. Apart from this event, this part of the island remains untouched and undeveloped by humans during the rest of the year, making it the purest and authentic St. Croix experience.

History enthusiasts will have plenty to explore if you pay a visit to the island’s west side. Here you’ll find Fort Frederiksted, a mid-eighteenth-century Danish masonry fort.

Visitors can also enjoy local art and culture at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts. The museum is an extension of the local talent from all of the islands across the Caribbean and brings them all in one place for everyone to enjoy.

There you have it, the Lagnappe Custom Interiors travel guide. These are just some of our favorite places in the USVI. Whether you are looking for a beach vacation, a mountain retreat, or even a staycation, make your getaway destination something to remember for years to come. Share your favorite places with us! We would love to hear where you’ve stayed and the memories you’ve made.

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Outdoor Living

Melanie Morris May 25, 2021 Beach / Caribbean, Furnishings, Interior Design, Outdoor Living 0

Summer is a season of relaxation. Creating an outdoor living space that is both practical and luxurious requires finesse. From the planning stage to selecting furniture that will stand the test of time in a coastal climate, I am happy to share what I have learned with you. Coastal design has a beauty all its own that flows through all of my projects. I have collected a few of my writings below to aid you in crafting an outdoor living space that will make you feel at peace.

Let’s begin with the planning phase. Everyone’s vacation home serves a different purpose. There are lots of essential details to consider. How many people will be regularly staying? This question will impact how many beds or even rooms are needed. Is this a relaxing escape or a vibrant, entertaining home? This question will influence the size and location of the dining spaces. Will you be renting the space? This question will affect the types of linens you select. These are just a few of the crucial discussions you should have before deciding anything for your home. Allow me to put your mind at ease by discussing these questions and how to address them in my post. Discover more about the planning phase.

Outdoor Planning

We’ve discussed the planning, now let’s explore the most enjoyable part, the design phase. Designing your dream outdoor living area is a breeze if you consider five main elements: the seating, day beds, outdoor bars and kitchenettes, a design direction, and location. Each part has its own role to play, but being intentional in the design will allow it all to work together to form the ideal vacation home for your family. Discover more about how to create these elements of your home thoughtfully.

Outdoor Season
After a season of relaxation, clients love to think about what is next for their vacation home. Adding a few features can make a significant impact. I have collected a few of my favorite finds for outdoor living that are sure to make your space sing. These additions can be as simple as adding a lighting element to as sophisticated as adding your own pizza oven. Discover my favorites all gathered together.

Coastal Grilling

Living in a coastal home presents unique challenges for your home furnishings. The salty sea air, rain, and sun can all take a toll if you do not select pieces that are easy to live with, clean, and are simple to maintain. This article will help you confidently throw open your windows and breathe in the relaxing island life without fear. The secret is selecting the suitable materials for both indoor and out. Finishes like synthetic woven rattan, natural stone, and melamine dishware are all ideal additions to every design. Discover more pieces and materials to bring into your vacation home.

Daybed
An exceedingly popular item on client’s request list is the daybed-particularly the kind that hangs on your patio. They are a calming place to relax and soak in some sunshine or curl up with a cocktail whenever you’re ready for happy hour! I have collected a few of my favorite styles of daybeds to serve as inspiration for you. Whether you want yours hanging or closer to the pool to watch your little ones, you are sure to find some stylish yet comfortable inspiration. Discover refreshing daybeds.

Vacation

Articles Mentioned:

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What Makes Caribbean Architecture

Melanie Morris April 27, 2021 Beach / Caribbean, Interior Design, Outdoor Living, Window Treatments 0

Caribbean Architecture is known for many things. Like the island’s history, its influences go back centuries when different practices and design trends were utilized to accomplish what some modern-day technology has replaced and climate has impacted. Through it all, we are still able to walk through downtown Charlotte Amalie and see the signature signs of Caribbean Architecture in its most natural forms. I connected with my friend Kevin Qualls from Springline Architects to dig into more information on what architecture is like in the Caribbean. Kevin is a master in his craft and a board member of the St. Thomas Historical Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving St. Thomas’s history, sites, and culture. Kevin’s background and experience bring a unique perspective on what makes true Caribbean Architecture.

Caribbean Architecture

Caribbean Architecture as It Pertains to The Climate

Each structural and characteristic feature of the Caribbean and its buildings plays a large part in addressing issues like light, heat, airflow, and resistance to hurricanes.

Historic Caribbean Architecture

Historic Building Design Features

Historic structures on the island have specific features that showcase a different time in an exotic place. Places like Annaberg Plantation Ruins on St. John have giant arched windows that open and flare out, while some other older buildings in downtown have thicker walls that tend to be wider at the bottom than the top of the building.

Another unique structural element in many mass masonry buildings is larger-scale windows that are half the proportions of the walls.

All of these details work together to help make living and interacting with the spaces more comfortable. Many structures are made out of stone and brick and stonework that are thick enough to hold themselves up and give excellent insulation, while high ceilings or open rafters help keep spaces cooler.
Today’s Relaxing Porches
Another way we like to stay cool on the island is by relaxing in the shade. If it is a breezy day and you’re under a covered patio, you will be perfectly comfortable. If it’s a sunny and a decently blustery day, you will definitely want to find some shade. This is why covered porches are so popular in the Caribbean. Of course, with a covered porch comes larger overhangs for roofs and patios, making them susceptible to hurricanes.

Kevin explains how the engineering of porches has evolved over the years and how we have learned to adapt after significant weather events. Porches are now commonly configured to be a separate structure from the home to protect the primary roof. The roof over the house’s interior is tied to the exterior of those walls, while the porch roof is then connected to that primary structure and is not as steep. This provides a beautiful yet functional and practical solution for any inclement weather.

Caribbean Architecture as It Pertains to History and Location

1. Window Trends and Designs

Windows can sometimes be a tricky piece of the puzzle. Kevin expresses how we sometimes ask things of windows that are in theory contradictory. We want them to be able to give us those gorgeous island views but also keep wind and rain out. One window style that is very prominent in the VI is the Jallacie window style. Traditionally made from hardwood, the modern style with glass louvers is seen all over the island today. They are large and open enough for great views and breeze but also keep out rain and pests.

2. Unique Island Materials

What is also interesting and unique about Caribbean Architecture are the materials used to form the building structures. For example, yellow brick from St. Croix has become a hallmark of that island, while the blue granite of St. Thomas, which is what the island is literally made of has become a signature of both St. Thomas and St. John as you can see in the above photos from the Annaberg ruins. Let’s also not forget the Mahogany that used to grow everywhere here and still does but in smaller amounts, making its appearances something to behold and giving our homes that unique Caribbean feel.

3. The Most Considerable Influence in Caribbean Architecture

While there is a powerful blend of cultures in Caribbean architecture, many styles are borrowed, but there is a strong Spanish influence that can be seen through the many building designs. In other parts of the VI, you can also see the hidden gems of specific periods in the island’s history.

A great deal of ironwork was commissioned in New Orleans, which brings ties and Cajun nuances to the Caribbean as well as the Carolinas. The VI would not have been a US territory at that point, but all of this feeds into what is uniquely the Virgin Islands and makes the VI special and different from other Caribbean islands. VI pride is very real, and while we are Caribbean people, it’s important to note that each island is its own nation with its own story and perspective.

There is so much incredible history behind St. Thomas and its architecture, and we support the preservation of all the things that make the Virgin Islands so special to so many who live and visit here.

The St. Thomas Historical Trust honors and conserves the originality of St. Thomas that you can witness by enjoying tours of downtown or offshore excursions. Supporting organizations like the St. Thomas Historical Trust ensure that the authenticity and experience of St. Thomas can be enjoyed for generations to come. You can also show your support by visiting Kevin and his team on their website and by connecting with them via Facebook.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the background and connections that the VI has rooted in its iconic architecture and rich history. With the survival of Caribbean Architecture, the significant influences and inspiration will continue to provide the foundation for the VI and its architecture for many years to come.

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Calypso Delight Before and After

Melanie Morris January 28, 2021 Beach / Caribbean, Before & After, Color, Furnishings, Interior Design, Kitchens, Lighting, Outdoor Living, Portfolio 7

When you picture island living what comes to mind? Do you imagine the beach or the vastness of the open ocean backed by clear blue skies? These iconic moments that are native to the island hold so much meaning to those who grow up with them. Saint Thomas is home to many people who come from diverse backgrounds. One thing they all have in common is their love and appreciation for the island and the kind of lifestyle it offers its inhabitants. A client of ours came to us with a home renovation project for her family who has roots in the Caribbean. She grew up in Saint Thomas and now lives stateside. Our client wanted her children to be able to experience living and having their home here. A home base in Saint Thomas would mean more time with extended family during summer vacations and a long-rooted love for Island life. The secondary goal for this project was to be able to rent the home out by the week to vacationers on Airbnb to provide extra income for expenses related to upkeep.

Calypso Delight Entry

The Backdrop to Life

Our focus is to create the backdrop to all of those special family memories while blending the style of St. Thomas with a little bit of the California lifestyle. Which is how they live when stateside. As you enter the space, you are immediately greeted by a big, beautiful island view. We accentuated this sight by framing the window with vibrant shutters. The view is absolutely breathtaking. As you move into the dwelling it offers you a sense of untouched majesty that could only exist in a special place like Saint Thomas. The addition of the turquoise bench catches your attention and it is as functional as it is colorful while playing off of the client’s family art piece. The colors and happy faces in the artwork set the tone for your stay in the home.

Color is a key focal point throughout the design and this living room design scheme is a great example of how to layer in color effortlessly. The area rug and artwork lay the foundation for a cascade of hues within the room. Without them, we would be left with a very neutral and basic look. When the core pieces of a design are done in neutral colors it is easier to update later. For instance, we could throw in a fresh new rug and throw pillows that would change the room completely. Everything can be tied together and built off of other design elements to pull off a truly cohesive design.

Calypso Delight Living

The Heart of the Home

What better way to make people feel welcome than by hosting them in a dining room that is able to accommodate up to twelve guests. We love the natural vibes of this dining area that is sturdy enough to last for years to come and gives everyone plenty of room to spread out and relax. The slipcovers on the chairs are made of a washable outdoor fabric that elevates the guest’s seat while also being practical for those little mishaps. The orientation of the home is situated on the island to where it has an amazing breeze all year round. This allowed us to lose the fan and replace it with a soft overhead light to create an intimate ambiance for those family dinners.

Calypso Delight Dining

Bringing Everything Together

The master bedroom is a masterpiece of solitude. We brought the various heights of the windows together by hanging sheer drapes on a continuous rod that figuratively and literally outlines the room as a private space. The sheer fabric hangs over the far back wall with the smaller windows to allow some light to shine through, but not so much that it would disturb someone’s sleep while also unifying the height of the larger sliding windows to the right. The drapery also helps to guide your eye up and around the space. Deep blues and various cool teals backed by clean sheer drapes make this master feel like a relaxing retreat, which is exactly what the family needed.

Calypso Delight Master Bedroom

The other side of the master bedroom features a magnificent view of a smaller island across the water in the distance. Parallel to that is an indoor balcony that opens up to the living room below. Maintaining privacy is important as well as finding a way to keep the room cool at night. We incorporated custom sliding doors made locally out of mahogany since the opening was not a standard door size. Their ease of use left it up to the family if they needed them to be open or closed for more privacy. Without the use of a traditional swing door on either side of the opening, we were able to incorporate a cozy lounge chair for those afternoon naps.

Calypso Delight Master Bedroom

Treat Yourself and Your Guests

The guest room in our client’s home is a treat for any of their visitors. This transformation was a seamless fusion of well-selected furniture groupings, fresh paint and window treatments – and of course an updated fan. The view from the guest room displays the pool and of course a view of one of the outlying keys that surround St. Thomas. What better way to enjoy your stay than in a guest suite fit for royalty, not to mention all the homey touches every guest appreciates.

Calypso Delight Guest Bedroom

The home was purchased with an unfinished pool, so of course, finishing the pool and making the most out of the outdoor real estate was a top priority. A covered portion of the patio allows for shade for those who need a break from the sun, while sunbathing lounge chairs are carefully placed close to the edge of the pool and the patio that opens up to a pristine view of the ocean. With views like this, the back patio and pool area are a great place to spend your afternoon during those summer vacations.

Calypso Delight

Reimaging a home for our clients and their families is part of what makes our work so rewarding. Where they start in their home does not mean that is where they have to stay. We love collaborating with our clients to see beyond what is given and modifying it to fit their family’s needs. Do you have some renovation ideas in the works? Share your plans with us so we can help bring you to your own little piece of paradise.

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A Remote Christmas Holiday

Melanie Morris December 1, 2020 Beach / Caribbean, Furnishings, Interior Design, Kitchens, Lighting, Outdoor Living, Tips & Tricks 0

A St. Thomas Christmas
How do you and your family celebrate the holidays? Does everyone gather at a family member’s home to enjoy great company and great food? Or is it a time for an annual dining experience at your favorite local restaurant? What about a Christmas getaway kind of custom? Many families spend their Christmas holiday with a classic Christmas family vacation filled with luxury and tradition. This take on Christmas makes it one to remember every year with new adventures and joyous memories made in paradise. There are a few things to consider for your vacation home with an added island style for a magical experience during the most magical time of the year.

A Remote Christmas Holiday

Exotic holiday vacation spots can bring the festive yuletide, minus the snow. The culture, seasonality, and entertainment of your destination will make for a memorable adventure. With these vacation rental tips, your home will be the perfect place to “sleigh” the holidays.

1. Comforts of Home

Coming home for the holidays does not mean you have to go to your family’s permanent residence. Coming home for the holidays can also mean coming home to your family’s holiday island excursion. Spending the holidays in a home away from home still leaves a yearning for those little things in life that bring us comfort and cheer during this joyous season. Leaving plenty of room for holiday décor is one way to help make a holiday retreat extra special. Let those lights, tinsel, and holly fly! Ample amounts of kitchen space for families to gather in and make memories together to prepare all of their favorite decadent holiday delights is a sure way to make sure everyone’s spirits are bright.

A Remote Island Christmas

2. One of a Kind Design

Unlike your typical hotel and resorts, vacation homes are much more personal and family-friendly. The amount of control you have over your vacation rental allows you to create a one-of-a-kind design for your guests to enjoy. Whether you are renting a beachfront or a villa that overlooks the island’s twinkling lights, your vacation rental will be the perfect home base for island visitors. Capitalizing on design elements that make St. Thomas a memorable and exotic experience is another way to make your guests’ accommodations unique. Gathering places that go beyond the living room, such as fire pits or outdoor seating areas that face the ocean’s grandness, offer memorable Christmas moments that you can only enjoy in a place like St. Thomas.

Island Christmas

3. Family Friendly

Not all vacation spots are the same. After a long year of COVID and many other hurdles, families will be planning on reconnecting to close out this year together. Family-friendly spaces will be environments for more intimate events but allow plenty of wiggle room for those larger families who have survived this year together. Open kitchens, sofa filled lounges, or roomy decks overlooking the beach are all ways you can prepare your home for plenty of space to play, dine, and celebrate.

To pull off a St. Thomas Christmas holiday experience, give us a call. Our perspective and well-experienced team know island vacation rentals inside and out. We can weave the holidays’ magic with the prestige of island paradise, so the only question will be where you want to spend the holidays this year?

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Favorite Daybeds: 7 Examples

Melanie Morris June 18, 2020 Beach / Caribbean, Outdoor Living 0

The hanging daybed has been a HUGE client favorite request in the past couple years, so here are a few of our favorites that you can order online.

Daybeds encourage that slower island lifestyle in a place and time when you really do find the freedom to dive into a good book, doze into an afternoon nap, or indulge in a relaxed happy hour, because you know it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!

Since we’re all spending a little more time at home lately, why not treat yourself to a special comfort piece to help your porch or yard feel a little more like a summer retreat.

If you have the space and ability to hang a larger size daybed try one of these. They are the perfect place to take an afternoon nap.

We love the tropical look of this daybed and all the colorful throws make it even more inviting.

The low arm height makes it perfect for propping up a pillow or a peaceful place to stretch out. The 78” size is about the size of a twin mattress.

If you don’t have room to hang a daybed, but you still have a good amount of space this is a great option that also provides a little shade.

Another alternative is this chaise perfect for lounging. It strikes the right balance between style and comfort.

For those smaller spaces this little single seater is sure to be the most popular seat in the house.

For a more intimate setting this daybed provides a cozy little nest that would suit smaller spaces with a 51in diameter.

There are plenty of daybed options to promote those zen moments we all need to recharge and refresh our minds, bodies, and spirits.

Enjoy!

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Open Door Decor: 8 of Our Favorite Indoor-Outdoor Home Pieces and Materials

Melanie Morris March 17, 2020 Outdoor Living 0

It’s springtime — the perfect time of year to open the windows and patio doors and let the island breeze refresh your home. Many of the island homes Lagnappe Custom Interiors designs have outdoor living spaces so homeowners can enjoy the beautiful landscape all year ‘round. We always stock these spaces with beautiful and functional indoor-outdoor pieces — furniture, finishes and décor that can withstand outside conditions like rain and sun. We also look for items that are easy to live with, clean well and require little maintenance because we’d rather spend the weekend at the beach than refinishing patio furniture! Many of these originated in the yachting world but are just as common on land. In our work, the indoor living room and the outdoor living room should be equally lovely and comfortable!

Life on a Caribbean island means we are accustomed to enjoying our time outside and staging our spaces to support an indoor-outdoor lifestyle compared to those in more land-locked locations. If your permanent home is in an urban area, you can still take advantage of the outdoor spaces you do have. There are many ways to bring the outside in or properly furnish your outdoor areas with materials that can withstand the elements. Take a skim through the list below for some of our favorite indoor-outdoor items that can be seen across yacht and island designs.

8 Home Pieces and Materials Great Indoors and Out

Rugs – Indoor-outdoor rugs are a great design choice because they’re made of synthetic fibers that hold their shape and color particularly well. It’s so easy to clean the sandy footprints off these rugs! Lagnappe will often purchase the same synthetic rug in different sizes and use one inside and one outside to flow the design past a home’s four walls.
Melamine — Melamine is a nitrogen-rich compound that is virtually unbreakable, making it an incredibly durable product. We love using melamine dishware and glasses in our designs, especially for outdoor kitchens where plates and serveware may be stored outside. No more worrying about broken glass by the pool.
Wood — No matter the style of home or its location, wood is one of the most-used materials in interior design. On yachts, you’ll see floors, cabinetry and furniture made of solid woods like mahogany and teak. Lagnappe always ensures any woods we use outdoors are high quality and of a species that will either weather in an attractive way (think old teak steamer chairs that gray over time) or is finished in a way that will hold up to the elements.
Stainless steel — Stainless steel is a timeless metal finish choice. We love this rust and corrosion resistant metal and use it on appliances indoors and out.
Antiqued brass — Antiqued brass is another favorite metal. Inside, we like to use it for accents and fixtures. Outside, we’ll select tables and chairs, or stools made from this warm, corrosion-resistant metal. It’s important to remember that solid brass is a “living” finish and will patina over time. If you don’t like the patina, simply polish the brass and it’ll look new again.
Solution-dyed acrylics — Acrylic fabrics are a chic and long-lasting choice whether used on indoor or outdoor sofas and loungers. Sunbrella is one of our favorite brands because of its bright colors and nautical style. The material can withstand heat and moisture, and resists fading in the sun. Best of all, it’s easy to clean and mildew resistant. We regularly make pop-over covers for pool and yacht cushions in these materials.
Natural stone — One way we create a seamless design is carrying through natural stones from the inside to the outdoors. We may use the same countertops for both the indoor and outdoor kitchens or may construct an outdoor fire pit using the same stone on the indoor fireplace surround.
Synthetic woven rattan — This fiber has grown in popularity in recent years and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Rattan is a regular texture used in Lagnappe designs, including on patio furniture, accents and wall art. The new synthetics are long lasting and attractive enough to use inside and out.

Synthetic rattan is one of our favorite textures to use in island interior design. It works both inside, as seen on these dining chairs, and outdoors on the patio. The natural textures keep the organic island vibe throughout the home.

A beautiful teak wood dining set is the star of this Lagnappe patio design. We also chose this acrylic fabric for the upholstery to make sure the cushions maintain their crisp blue look all season long.

This covered patio has truly become a cozy and inviting outdoor living room thanks to the long-lasting materials – synthetic wicker and Sunbrella and Thaibaut fabrics. Lagnappe Custom Interiors carried the same color palette throughout the home to link the interior and exterior spaces.

Outdoor pool area with ample shade will keep tile flooring cool

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Planning a Beautiful Outdoor Living Space

PMMAdmin3 September 27, 2019 Furnishings, Niceties, Outdoor Living, Tips & Tricks

Are you designing a vacation home, or dream of planning a beautiful outdoor living space to enjoy tropical weather year-round?

Not everyone shares the same needs and desires when designing their vacation home. Design teams need to begin with a discussion with their clients to learn how they envision using the space.

“We always start with asking lots of questions, and listening carefully so we can personalize every space for the homeowners. It’s the first step in bringing the daydream into life. Is the intention a private space for a family with a lot of commitments? Or will the plan be to maximize the ROI from vacation rentals, and hosting special events and weddings. Every space has different needs,” says Tiffany Cassidy, Lagnappe Custom Interiors.

The process can be easy and enjoyable when the proper steps are taken to asses your wishes.

“Our team chats with clients to help them make selections that are appropriate for the space, the use, the climate and budget,” says Tiffany.

Before you can begin selecting the furniture and other accessories to design your dream outdoor living area, review the following considerations.

Here are some conversation starters from Lagnappe Custom Interiors’ typical client meetings:

1. How many people will your home sleep? This is the first question asked in the initial planning stages. Larger families need more outdoor space. Lounging areas and dining tables are selected based on how many seats you need at the table, or how many loungers around the pool.

2. Do you plan to host parties or entertain? Some clients like to host parties when down on vacation. Others wish to rent their homes on VRBO (link to https://www.vrbo.com/) as a party destination for weddings, reunions or gatherings.

“We like to design a good bit of flexibility into these spaces to accommodate groups of varying sizes. Adding bar ledges with stools is a clever way to provide additional multi-functional seating at parties. Modular furniture is a great choice, as it can be moved around the create little lounging vignettes here and there when it’s just the family at home. For large functions, they can be combined to form one, big seating area,” says Tiffany.

3. What is your optimal balance for sun verses shade? For visitors who are not from the islands and used to the strong sun, ample shade is crucial to the layout of the outdoor area. Of course, clients want to include areas for sun bathing, so your design team can determine the best spots for sun.

Covered Patio with dining area — A covered patio keeps loved ones and furnishings protected from harsh UV rays.

“The intense sun in the Caribbean is not only hard on your skin, but also hard on outdoor furniture. Fabrics and materials which are left outdoors need to be selected based on what lasts in the this climate. We default to a few select lines of outdoor furniture which will withstand the UV rays, salt, and chlorine,” says Tiffany.

For shade structures and umbrellas, Tuuci has products which can transform a sunny spot into a shady oasis. Umbrellas can be added into swimming pools to provide shade for kids who play in the water all day.

You can also consider a permanent structure to provide coverage from both the sun and showers. A covered bar area is perfect for additional seating in the shade, plus a convince to serve cold drinks.

4. Will you be cooking or catering outdoors? Outdoor bars and kitchenettes are popular in the islands, as clients like to maximize their time outside. Dining ‘al fresco’ with a traditional patio table and chairs is simply not enough. Asking the question, “how much does our family like to cook, and do we plan to serve outside” is essential.

Options are available to build custom full-service bars and kitchens, to prepare and serve drinks and meals. These spaces can include features such as grills, stone pizza ovens, refrigerators, cabinets and lots of counter space.

“We like to add beverage coolers and ice makers to outdoor spaces every chance we get. In our view, there can never be too many cold drinks in the Caribbean,” says Tiffany.

5. How much maintenance are you prepared to do? Will you love teak and oil it? Will you wash cushion covers? You need to consider the color and material choice of tiles. Non-slip flooring, especially around the pools, prevents liability issues with vacation rentals. Light colors are necessary in Caribbean homes, as they heat up quickly in the hot sun. However, you need to be prepared to clean them.

Glass table tops are easy to clean with Windex, but many clients like the look of classic teak. Choosing teak is great, if you’re prepared to power-wash, oil, and retouch the paint…or love the weathered grey color teak becomes as it ages.

Consider the fabrics you choose for your outdoor furniture and cushions. Lagnappe loves the Brown Jordan Elements Collection. It contains functional and stylish options, designed to withstand Caribbean climates, and are easier to keep clean.

Poolside wicker lounge with fabric hood awning at sunset — Outdoor furnishings covered with fabric need protection, we love all-in-one solutions for this.

“You’ll need to be mindful of seating options available when people come in from the beach. We have lots of choices for colorful fabrics which are resistant to salt-water- a spot to sit in your wet bathing suit!” says Tiffany.

Caribbean vacation homes need to be designed for both functionality and enjoyment, custom to the clients’ needs. Lagnappe Custom Interiors begins with a conversation with their clients, followed by an efficient process to make the design process simple and fun.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

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Favorite Finds in an Outdoor Living Area

PMMAdmin3 September 3, 2019 Furnishings, Niceties, Outdoor Living

Clients love planning outdoor living areas for their vacation homes, especially in the late summer. After a season relaxing in the warm air, you can appreciate features needed to enjoy the outdoors. Soak up the sun, lounge under the stars, and embrace dining ‘al fresco’.

Favorite finds’ in an outdoor living area.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is an essential to creating ambiance for evening gatherings. The outdoor string lights are weather-proof and durable, and able to withstand Caribbean climates. Now a popular lighting trend, the classic Edison Bulbs are included, making shopping simple. Above each bulb is a little loop built into the fixture for easy hanging with a small zip tie. They’re dimmer-compatible, if you install a dimmer switch, in order to create the right mood for the occasion.

Pizza Oven

Do you enjoy hosting parties when you travel south? The Kettle Pizza Oven adds a unique twist to the outdoor barbecue party scene.

‘Foodies’ who enjoy the gourmet taste of wood-fired pizza love preparing their own creations. For kids, a ‘pizza station’ with toppings keeps them occupied during a function. You can host a special ‘Build Your Own Pizza’ night with friends and neighbors on your return to the islands.

Dinnerware

Melamine dishes are practical and durable, perfect for indoor and outdoor table settings. They’re lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free.. Add a little island flare to your BBQ parties with these tropical styles.

Lounge seating

Conversation sets are a staple in every backyard. These sofas are spacious and comfy, and mimic the indoor living room experience, outside. Made from materials including PVC wicker, powder-coated aluminum, and teak, they are intended for backyards in the tropics.

Outdoor Accessories

Outdoor accessories go a long way to styling a basic sofa set. Playing with the island style patterns and adornments allows you to personalize your living area. To keep your tropical look sophisticated, use a narrow color selection with different sizes, textures, and patterns. These pillows and rug are some favorites by Lagnappe Custom Interiors when making recommendations to clients.

We love the Serena & Lily outdoor pillows to spice up these plain basic sets that are a back yard staple. They mix and match well, so it’s hard to go wrong. Creating an outdoor living room is a great way to welcome friends and family
Tiffany Cassidy, Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Planning an outdoor living area is an exciting time for every client, and also for Lagnappe Custom Interiors. Working with a team experienced in interior design of vacation homes makes the process easy and enjoyable. Be sure to read the full piece on our website, Designing Your Dream Outdoor Living Area.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

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Designing Your Dream Outdoor Living Area

PMMAdmin3 September 2, 2019 Furnishings, Niceties, Outdoor Living

Mid-late summer is the perfect time for clients enjoying the outdoors to start planning ideas for designing an outdoor living area in their seasonal vacation home.

While enjoying summer, you embrace the relaxation of the air, and soaking up the sun. Now, you appreciate what features you’d like to incorporate outside when you travel to your getaway home during the winter.

When designing an outdoor living room, you need to choose furnishings appropriate for the tropics. Your set-up needs to be able to withstand hot temperatures, salt water, and heavy rainfalls.

“When we begin a design plan for outdoor space for a client, we first start with a discussion about how they feel they want to live in the space and how we can help them use it to their best advantage.”
Tiffany, Lagnappe Custom Interiors.

Top five elements to consider when designing your perfect outdoor living area:

1. Lounge Seating

Vacation home owners love to bring the whole living room outside. Outdoor ling area sofa sets are made from PVC wicker, powder-coated aluminum, and of course, the classic teak. These materials withstand the weather conditions in the tropics, while providing a modern look.

“Outdoor fabric technology has come a long way in the past five years. We have many beautiful and comfortable fabrics to choose from that are outdoor rated,” says Tiffany.

Like an indoor living area, outdoor living area lounge sets include love seats, sectionals, and arm-chairs. Glass and wicker coffee tables are popular choices to match, along with decorative outdoor cushions.

“I love to use modular sectional seating in outdoor spaces. It creates the flexibility our clients need to host a small, cozy gathering, or a large wedding reception,” explains Tiffany.

2. Day Beds

A fashionable trend at beaches, day beds provide a form of escapism when we are on vacation. They add that ‘resort feeling’ to your home. Traditional sun loungers are furniture of the past in modern backyards. Many accommodate two or more people, allowing you space to share, stretch out, lounge, and sun tan.

Hanging swings are a popular choice to add to your wrap-around porch, or in a shaded outdoor living area. The gentle, swaying motion of a swing is peaceful, perfect to doze for a daytime nap. These swings are also available as shell-shaped chairs, for relaxing with a drink or reading a book.

Outdoor chaise lounges are far more comfortable for tanning than a plastic or metal lounger. Available in a variety of materials, you can chose a style which compliments the architecture of the home.

“We have comfortable styles without cushions for areas near the pool and exposed to the weather. You can add cushions for ultimate, all day lounging comfort,” says Tiffany.

Canopy daybeds are usually circular, offering enough space for a few people. The shell can be down, or used as a cover for shade or protection from a gentle, tropical sun shower.

Much like those you see at beach resorts, cabanas with curtains are perfect for privacy. They are spacious enough to rest a platter of snacks, or a bucket with champagne on ice.

3. Outdoor Bars and Kitchenettes

Whether on vacation, or enjoying the weekend, you want to maximize your time outdoors, including time preparing meals. Designing an outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to cook and serve food entirely ‘al fresco’.

Your design team can source simple kitchenettes and outdoor appliances, or create a custom kitchen from scratch. These spaces can include features such as grills, stone pizza ovens, refrigerators, cabinets and lots of counter space.

“Whenever possible, I like to include an ice maker in outdoor kitchens. In the Caribbean you can never have too much ice for your drinks,” says Tiffany.

Outdoor Kitchen Example — https://www.pinterest.com/pin/399131585721345003/

A poolside luxury, outdoor bars are trendy, as hosting and entertaining is made simple when the beverages are served outside. Your bar can be a simple all-in-one piece, or custom-built to make your cocktail creations. Full-service bars can include sinks, running water, and special weather-resistant shelves designed to keep your bottles safe.

4. Choosing a Design Direction for your outdoor living area

It’s easy to end up with an eclectic mix of patio furniture.There are so many options, styles and colors too choose from. Clients often like to mix and match pieces from a variety of sources, to add to the Caribbean character. Alternatively, your design team can plan the décor around a specific theme.

Costal themes are popular in Caribbean vacation homes, to embrace the sand and sea. Driftwood and coral prints compliment the tropical lifestyle. If your family likes to sail, consider adorning the space with an anchor, ropes, and other knick knacks for a nautical lifestyle.

“We look to the style of the home’s architecture and the natural surroundings to inspire our choices for outdoor décor. These spaces are very much focused on the view so we always want to maximize that asset,” says Tiffany.

CalypsoDelight-0861 — Enjoy the view with my six must haves for your beach house.

5. Situation and Location

An outdoor living area can be tucked away in a private spot, or overlooking the sea with the best view. Discuss the intention of the area with your design team, so they can select the best spot on your property.

Entertaining areas may be situated near the indoor kitchen for convenience. Sun bathing areas are best around the pool with the best vistas of the sea. Hanging swings or day beds could be in a peaceful spot, under a tree or in a far corner of the yard.

“Don’t forget the need for shade to make the space more user-friendly. Large umbrellas or shade structures keep us cool and comfortable,” saysTiffany.

It’s always nice to have a shady spot to kick back.

By working with teams with experience specific to design Caribbean homes, you are guaranteed superior final results. Lagnappe Custom Interiors works with clients remotely, to provide efficient and easy planning when designing a tropical home. With access to the best selection of products, and a database of experts to work with, Lagnappe works to make your vacation dream come true.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

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Are you designing a vacation home, or dream of planning a beautiful outdoor living space to enjoy tropical weather year-round?

Here are some conversation starters from Lagnappe Custom Interiors’ typical client meetings:

Favorite finds’ in an outdoor living area.

Outdoor Lighting

Pizza Oven

Dinnerware

Lounge seating

Outdoor Accessories

Top five elements to consider when designing your perfect outdoor living area:

1. Lounge Seating

2. Day Beds

3. Outdoor Bars and Kitchenettes

4. Choosing a Design Direction for your outdoor living area

5. Situation and Location

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