Island Christmas
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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?

Kitchen Design Tips
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How to Design the Perfect Kitchen

Melanie Morris November 15, 2020 Beach / Caribbean, Interior Design, Kitchens, Lighting, Tips & Tricks 1

The kitchen is the heart and soul of many homes. There is something special about having all of your favorite people in one place to enjoy some delicious food and lasting memories. As you and your families begin to plan and prepare for the holiday season, you may find yourself spending a lot more time in this area of your home if you haven’t already been this year. In our previous blog post, How to Design Your Vacation Rental, we talk about the kitchen arena’s importance. Because of the kitchen’s larger footprint, we thought it would be best to devote a blog article to include anything and everything in its own entry. If you plan on remodeling or updating aspects of your kitchen, there are quite a few things to consider. 

Kitchen Design Tips

APPLIANCES

How many people do you anticipate having in your home at any given time? This will help you decide on the size of furniture and appliances to purchase. If you have a group of 12 or more in attendance for a gathering, you may want to splurge on a larger fridge, (or multiple refrigerators) to store larger quantities of groceries and any prepped dishes that require refrigeration. If you are limited on space, an extra outdoor fridge or dry bar area could take care of any overflow items you may accumulate. If you own a seaside location, consider an ice maker as well to keep island cocktails cool and water fresh.

Heating elements in your kitchen are another important appliance piece of your kitchen. We recommend induction cooktops for preparing a fantastic dish. They heat quickly like a gas stove but do not have an open flame. This set up is also super easy to clean. If you are one who has family members with dietary restrictions, multigenerational families, or if you are hosting your family’s holiday gathering this year, here is our favorite kitchen appliance piece to help you cook your traditional favorites. While this appliance is a little on the expensive side, this microwave/convection oven is a huge space saver that can hold a larger size pan.

No matter what your appliance choices are, it is always best to choose your appliances first. They are the functional part of the design, and appliances have very limited size options. Cabinets can be made in any size so it’s best to fit the cabinets around the appliances. 

CABINETS 

Your cabinets should be paired with the heart and character of your home. If you are thinking of updating your cabinets but unsure what options to go with, we recommend hiring a professional. There are many trends and styles out there to filter through and having a professional’s perspective can help you make choices that will suit both your home’s style and your family’s needs.

Cabinets are lasting fixtures in your home and a big investment so tapping into a pro’s knowledge even if they charge a fee is usually worth it! You can opt for custom cabinetry tailored to your home’s exact size and style and equipped with extra organizers if the budget allows. You could also explore pull pantry or trash units to help increase storage and make navigating storage even easier for you and your family. Here is our favorite cabinet style, hands down. The enduring classic, the Shaker cabinets. These cabinets can be dressed up in various ways and have many subtle variations to help you style them for a specific look.

COUNTERTOPS

When it comes to countertops, quartz is our go-to. This man-made material is durable, affordable, and gives a fresh, clean look to a kitchen. There are an infinite number of styles, colors, patterns to choose from in the world of quartz surfaces. If you’d prefer a more luxurious countertop, you could opt for granite or quartzite. These natural stone options are beautiful and well worth the investment. When you are designing your countertops, make sure you have plenty of counter space that maintains the room’s flow. If the room feels a little tight, don’t feel like you have to have a piece that does not fit your space. A countertop fit for a breakfast bar or a built-in banquette dining makes for perfect space savers that still allow everyone to gather in for a casual lunch.

LIGHTING

Ample lighting in the kitchen is essential. With all the activities in your kitchen, it will serve you better to have plenty of light for any task or event. Your space should include overhead and under-cabinet lighting to allow for easy use and overall warmth in the space. That homey feeling can also be brought in with decorative pendant lighting to accentuate the room’s overall look and feel. 

COLOR CHOICES

Color choices can amplify the personality of your kitchen. Dropping a brightly colored kitchen backsplash to your cooking area is a great way to add a little extra flair. This small area is not too hard to change out or add in later, and it can make a massive difference to your master chef environment. Here are some other ways to add color to your kitchen:

  1. Colorful Dishtowels
  2. Serve-ware
  3. A Fun Toaster
  4. Coffee Maker
  5. Colorful Dinnerware
  6. Cookware

DINING ROOM AND SEATING

The more, the merrier! Make sure you have enough seats for the maximum number of people you plan on having in your home. Another thing to remember is the purpose of the gathering. Is it meant to be more of a formal dining entertainment event or a fun come and go setting where swimsuits are welcome? Family is family, which does not mean you all must sit together to enjoy the others company. Whether your guests are seated at the breakfast bar or dining table, as long as everyone is together in the same house, and they can feel the love, you are good to go. For dining table selections, glass is always super easy to clean. However, if fingerprints will drive you nuts, maybe a rustic edge wood table would serve you better. Remember, seating for guests should be comfortable and relatively easy to move if anyone needs to be squeezed in. It is okay to spend a little more on a chair that will hold up better and provide sturdy support for all of your guests.  

 

 

We hope this discussion helps you start thinking of those essential elements needed for your kitchen renovation or update. We are happy to provide our expertise in the transformation and would love to discuss your kitchen project details. Going through the process will significantly impact yours and your families’ quality time, where so many activities and memories are made.

Book here, today! 

Are you looking for the perfect kitchen accessories for the holidays? Check out my latest guide on items that all ship to the VI!

How to Design Island Rentals
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How to Design for Island Rentals

Melanie Morris November 4, 2020 Beach / Caribbean, Furnishings, Interior Design, Tips & Tricks 8

How to Design Island Rentals

As a travel enthusiast, there is just something special about staying in an exotic place where new adventures and memories await. On your way to your destination the anticipation to just get there builds. Your excitement bubbles over into a giddy-ness that is hard to contain. Once you finally arrive, your new environment should welcome and delight you and your family. If we take a step back, and look at the selection process when it comes to finding your place to stay, what stands out? Are there specific rentals you would pick over others based on location, size, or interiors? There are many factors that go into the final decision and as a rental owner, you will want to be able to distinguish your property from others available online. Your goal is to provide an escape that everyone can enjoy. We have the preparation for a successful vacation rental down to a science when it comes to curating the best materials that make guests feel right at home, and here they are.

How to Set Things Up for Success

How you set up your vacation get-away will help its overall success. While this blog is geared more towards island rentals the same guidelines can also apply to mountain retreats, sleek city stays, or anywhere that is considered to be a popular vacation destination for visitors to come and relax. When you decide that you want to rent your home out to travelers, you have to start thinking of your home as a commercial space that can accommodate someone who has never been there. This is where hiring a professional interior designer can make all the difference. Bringing in a fresh perspective can help improve the flow, function, and aesthetic of the space. Ease of use is a key component to keep in mind and let’s not forget home safety. That is part of business, and if you are renting, then you are in the business of hospitality, my friends. 

If you are in the market for a short-term rental property, you’ll need to review your options with a different lens rather than if you were buying for your family home. Your rental could be the backdrop to a family vacation or wedding weekend and having all the pieces in place will just add to the overall experience. Beautiful design adds a huge return on your investment and keeping your rental’s interiors fresh, and on-trend will help you maximize your investment.

  1. Your rental will stay booked.
  2. You will attract those higher-quality guests that are willing and able to pay
    a little more for an exceptional and more comfortable stay.
    3. Once you are ready to sell, the investment you’ve made in your rental will be apparent. You will not only be selling a beautiful property but a business that produces income.

Do Not Forget

Hiring a design professional can also help your home be more accessible to individuals with disabilities or families who may have elderly family members. Interior designers know how to accommodate their needs as well as limit your liability in-home safety. Don’t forget, you are making decisions for your guests who deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their home away from home. Making things safe does not mean they have to lack in pizzazz or island flair.

St Thomas Rental Spots

First Impressions

Vacation Here

The moment when someone walks into your home should be warm and memorable. Create a personalized welcome for your guests and make them feel more at home by designating a place for them that includes a welcome binder and guest book. Take a moment and customize items where you can and let your guests know about some of your favorite activities or restaurants in the area. First impressions are everything, and here are some ways to keep that white-glove service without the resort.

1. BEDROOMS
a. Buy plenty of the same white sheets. This makes cleaning a breeze and will make the room feel crisp and fresh.
b. You can add color and a layer of soft comfort with cozy rugs, or warm throw blankets across the bed.
c. Use layers to build in that personality.
d. Protect soft furnishings with covers or fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain.
e. Designate a space to sleep and a place to get work done. Depending on how long their stay is, some guests may need to pop in for work from time to time, and having a place available can make working on vacation less of a hassle.

Rental Design
2. BATHROOMS
a. Floors and walls get cleaned more than any other place in the rental, so make sure these are materials that are easy to clean. Porcelain is our recommended tile of choice. It is durable and alleviates the likelihood of someone slipping on a slick tile.
b. When it comes to plumbing fixtures, consider adding a handheld in the shower. This will help elevate your guests showering experience and help you in tidying up after their stay.
c. Lighting should include overhead and sconces to cover all the bases and keep the bathroom well-lit and beautiful.
d. Personalize the bathroom with an intricate pattern or brightly colored mirror
e. Make sure there are plenty of towels and just as many, if not more places to store or hang them.

Vacation Rental Design
3. LIVING & KITCHEN SPACES
a. This is the place for everyone to gather so it should be comfortable, and durable.
b. Make sure you have plenty of space for seating.
c. Since this room is a heavily used space, slipcovers will extend the life of your furniture.
d. Performance fabrics have also come a long way and you no longer have to sacrifice performance for a look.
e. A well-stocked fridge and pantry are a luxury and are always greatly appreciated.
f. Have a space for entertaining and plenty of refreshments. Cocktail anyone? Set up a bar if you have the room or leave extra fridge space for water and sodas.
g. Technology and entertainment options are expected nowadays in a more high-end rental.

Rental Design

Other Things to Consider

Quality in all aspects of interiors should always come before the price. If you go with a cheaper option, you may end up paying for it later with hidden costs in buying the cheaper stuff. There is also freight to consider if you’re in a remote location. If you purchase pieces that will last a long time you may only have to pay for freight once especially on those bigger items. Make the most of what is available to you at your rental, especially if you have an outdoor space. A breath of fresh air is always welcome especially when it involves a grill, some drinks, and great company. Those finishing touches can make all the difference in your rental’s overall success and your investment. Let us help you bring those pieces together so the next time someone is looking to book, there will be no question of where they choose for their families to stay. Safe travels to all in the upcoming holiday season and we can’t wait to begin working with those of you who will be bringing that luxurious home away from home for others to enjoy.

Want to book a stay in the home featured in this article click here to book your reservation. 

Interested in updating your vacation rental? Grab a copy of our e-book today for easy rental recipes to create an amazing experience for all your visitors.

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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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How To Mix Metals In Interior Design

Melanie Morris April 7, 2020 Tips & Tricks 0

Gold is one of the hottest interior design trends right now, and manufacturers are meeting this need by producing a range of new gold tones and finish choices. There are many ways to style gold accents, from embracing the color and using gold on everything, to mixing and matching different tones of gold for an eclectic look.

If going all-in on gold isn’t your style, I recommend blending different metal accents. The casual elegance of this look is perfect for island living; it looks accidental, but in reality, was carefully planned. Here are some tips on what to look for and how to mix metals.

Types of Metals in Interior Design

When choosing metal accents for your home decor, you must select between the metal tone, type and finish.  There are three tones: warm, cool and neutral. There are also three main categories of finishes: polished, satin and hammered. Each of these tones and finishes can be applied to any type of metal.

Mixing metals can be difficult, but I have a few tips to help you. Many types of metals are used in interior design, but these eight are the most popular:

Cool Tones

  • Chrome
  • Nickel
  • Stainless steel

Warm Tones

  • Gold
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Oil rubbed bronze

Neutral Tones

  • Cast iron
  • Black matte brass

How to Mix Metal Accents

Hiring an interior designer is the safest bet when it comes to mixing metals and making other design choices in your home. But if you’re looking to DIY the project, these are my three steps to successfully mix metals:

  1. Choose two or three metals you’d like to work with. Two is best if you’re not used to mixing. All of the metals should have the same finish (either polished, satin or hammered).
  2. Select one of your metals as the dominant color to be used on most of your accents in the space. The other metals will become the secondary colors.
  3. Begin decorating by item category. In bathrooms, the main categories are plumbing, lighting, accessories and mirrors. In kitchens, the main categories are plumbing, appliances and accessories.

Let’s use a bathroom for example. Regardless of whether it’s a full bath or a powder room, plumbing is the most dominant fixture in the room, so I would use the dominant metal there. Then apply the accent metal to lighting and accessories like drawer pulls or towel bars. Because there’s typically only one or two mirrors in a bathroom and they are large items, try using a third metal or another unique material like rope, rattan or shells.

Finding More Metal Inspiration

Following these tips should help get you started mixing metals in your kitchen or bathroom. Follow us on Pinterest for even more design inspiration and interior design tips.

If you’re still feeling lost after reading these three steps, it may be time to consider hiring an interior designer. Lagnappe Custom Interiors is the top authority on interior design in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and we’d love to help you design and decorate your beach house so it’s just as beautiful as the islands we live on.

The dominant color in this bathroom is silver, which is used on the plumbing fixtures, lighting and accessories. Matte black is the first accent color, used on the drawer pulls. The final accent color is not a metal at all, but a third, totally unique material — shells. Design by Lagnappe Custom Interiors.
In this bathroom, the light fixture and cabinet pulls are in brass with a satin finish, while the plumbing is in stainless steel. Design by Lagnappe Custom Interiors.
This kitchen mixes stainless steel, seen on the appliances and plumbing, with brass, seen on the cabinet pulls and lighting. Design by Lagnappe Custom Interiors.
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How to Stay Involved with Long-Distance Decorating

Melanie Morris February 6, 2020 Tips & Tricks 0

The U.S. Virgin Islands are an amazing place to visit, and many visitors love it so much they decide to buy a second home or vacation home in the Virgin Islands. That’s often when we get a call. Lagnappe Custom Interiors specializes in interior design for island living, so we’re accustomed to working on a project while the client is hundreds of miles away.

While this experience is old hat for us, it’s often new to many clients. They want to be involved in their home design but aren’t sure how to do so long-distance. Here are our top three ways you can stay involved in your island home design from afar.

Set a Standing Meeting

If you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship with a partner, you know that communication is the key to success. And though your relationship with your interior designer isn’t a romantic one, the same rule applies. To ensure you feel involved in the design process, consider setting up a standing meeting where you can check in and get progress updates. The frequency of these meetings may change depending on the phase of your project. During planning, for example, your meetings may be less frequent than during construction when you may want to have a call every other week.

Though phone calls are a reliable way to meet, there are many other types of communication platforms, like video chatting via FaceTime, Skype and Zoom. Talking with your designer face-to-face can help build a relationship with them, but also allows them to show you what’s happening at your beach home if they’re on site during the call.

Ask for Visuals

Interior design is a visual medium. Many of the decisions revolve around color, texture, size, shape and space planning. It can be hard to fully understand your designer’s vision without seeing their plans for your home. To resolve this problem, ask for as many visuals as possible. At minimum, this should include a floorplan of your home. Many designers use computer programs to model their designs. Lagnappe Custom Interiors uses a program called Sketchup Pro, for example, which shows our clients a 3D rendering of what the final space will look like. This is especially helpful when making a decision on a paint color or furniture piece because the software allows you to see what the finished room will look like.

Depending on the product in discussion, you may also want to ask your designer to send you samples for the tiles, wood flooring, fabrics, paints and other finishes they are considering. And while it may not be practical to mail you a countertop sample, your designer may be able to coordinate a showroom visit near you if you’re choosing engineered stone countertops.

It can be hard to envision a space when it looks like this — an empty shell full of possibilities. Your designer should provide you with sketches or renderings to help you understand what the final design will look like.
The sketches or renderings should look almost identical to the final design, as seen here. Design by Lagnappe Custom Interiors.

Plan a Visit

Although you may not be able to live in the Virgin Islands while your vacation home is being designed, you may want to schedule a couple of visits during the design process. This will allow you to meet your interior designer in person and see the progress on your beach home first-hand.

I recommend scheduling at least one visit after construction has begun, but before finishes are being installed. You’ll be able to get an idea for the flow of the home with wall framing in place, and will still have an opportunity to change things if you don’t like what you see. This is also a great time to view all the finish and fabric samples in person and see them in the space.  We always recommend seeing finishes in person when possible before confirming your orders.

We recommend scheduling at least one visit after construction has begun. The home will look like this — a “before” photo — with old finishes removed.
After the renovation is complete, your home should be as functional as it is beautiful. This master bath is full of island hues and loads of storage. Design by Lagnappe Custom Interiors.
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A Tropical Mood Board that will inspire your next Interior Design Project

PMMAdmin3 December 2, 2019 Color, DIY, Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 1

Creating a Tropical mood board while designing vacation homes remotely, helps to visualize the final design.

You love the purples and pinks of a Caribbean sunset. Seashells would look beautiful carved into a custom piece of furniture in your living room. Colors, textures, patterns, fabrics. What style furniture will suit, and how will it look inside a room? The options for expression and creativity in interior design are endless

Making Mood Board Decisions

With so many choices and decisions to make when designing and styling a home, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, and there comes a need to channel your wishes in one direction. Starting with pictures and a theme for inspiration, and then having a visual layout of all the components of a room in one place is the best approach.

We create mood boards for all of our projects. It’s a great visual way to pull thoughts and inspiration together at the beginning of a project. To be honest, most of our mood boards aren’t actually boards but ‘baskets’.

Tropical fabric swatches to use when creating mood boards with polka dot patterns, leaves and blue rug

Digital mood boards are a tool we use for our clients all the time. It makes working together with people off island easy, efficient, and fun. A lot of mood boards intend to inspire and let the imagination run wild to get a clear visual of what you hope to achieve in the decor and design of their home. However, there comes a point in every project where we need to pull together some actual real world items, that will not only suit the clients’ space, but also their budget.

Often times there will be multiple options for each room so when you come in for our presentation, they have something to react to. This changes the conversation from what we like in broad, general strokes to specifically what we do or don’t like about this item.  A mood board helps the you get a sense of how all of the items will work together in a room. 

Filling in Details of a Tropical Mood Board

Once we have this design direction laid out in full color, it’s pretty easy for me to fill in the details in a way that will make sense with the design and I know my clients will love. After all, a few happy surprises make the reveal day even more fun.

One of the simplest online tools is Pinterest. It’s free, easy to set up, and very user-friendly. It’s become such a popular tool not only for designers, artists, and people selling, but it’s where many people get ideas for their own projects.

We often ask our clients to put together a Pinterest board with inspiration images of things they love, even if they don’t seem to go together. The visuals make it possible to see some connections and bring some of their loves to the project.

There are tons of Apps that aim to make the process easy, but I’m pretty old school and just use Power Point to create my tropical mood boards. The main focus here is to create a collage of the items you wish to mix in the room and get a sense of whether or not they will feel balanced. When they are all together on a page, you’ll know if one item feels out of place

How to create a Tropical Mood Board

  1. Start with your floor plan of your space

    It’s all pretty meaningless if it doesn’t fit in the room. Your floor plan is your guide for what you need and what size and shape it should be.Mood board bedroom floor-plan

  2. Choose an inspiration item for your tropical mood board

    Is there a rug or a piece of art you’ve fallen in love with? This is a great starting point for color scheme and the over all feel of the room. Mood board inspiration elements of sea shells, sunsets, and colorful macarons.

  3. Add tropical color chips to your mood board

    Use your inspiration piece, whether it’s a rug, a photo, or handbag, to generate a color palette.Mood Board color chips taken from a beach

  4. Collect images and specs of key pieces

    If you’re working on a bedroom mood board, then choose the bed next since this is usually the largest piece in the room. Look for an item with the right styling to compliment your inspiration and evaluate available finishes. Key Mood board pieces including large furniture pieces that will go in a room. Couches, colorful accent pillows, vintage lamp and dresser.

  5. Layer in accessories and signature items

    What will define this space feel ‘oh-so you’? What things make you and your family comfortable?Mood Board Accessories include Framed prints of tropical scenery and curtains with tropical prints

  6. Stick with what works

    Once you’ve added all these items into the collage pages, you’ll clearly be able to see which ones are harmonizing and which ones are just not working with the others.

Why we use Mood Boards

Mood boards are a visual way for us to communicate. By providing your favorite colors, styles, and designs, no matter how different they may be from each other, you can come up with a plan which works as a beautiful end result. I like challenges when someone has varied interests when it comes to design. It’s my intention to work in as much of your tastes as possible into a tasteful-looking and welcoming home!

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 property owners 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.

Split image of Before and After a bedroom has been designed by Lagnappe
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Sunset View Condo Interior Before & After: A project that was passion

PMMAdmin3 November 14, 2019 Before & After, Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 1

Interior Design Before and After: We Transformed a 2-unit vacation rental into a beautiful permanent family home

The Interior Design Challenge

Take 2 separate condo units side by side, and turn them into 1 family’s residence.

What we do matters beyond just ‘being pretty’. Design is really about people. It’s about how we can create a space that supports the lifestyle of those who live in it. I love residential design because at its best, it is caring for others in a creative way.

Interior design is the art and science of enhancing a the inside of a building, home, or space. It aims to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and healthier setting for the people who use the environment- a welcoming place for the family to love and grow.

Our team at Lagnappe Custom Interiors have been working in residential design for island homes since 2002. Designing homes for people is my passion, and an emotional journey I share with my clients.

We listen to the desires and wishes of each family member, and ask questions to learn how they envision their dream residence. In this recent project here in St. Thomas, USVI, we transformed an outdated vacation rental into a family’s permanent home, Sunset Villa Condo.

Why I Loved this Project…

Other than the obvious creative challenge, I love welcoming new people to the island. Growing up, my family moved around a lot. I was always the new kid in school. Now I’ve been in the same place for 18 years and I always want to be a person who reaches out to new people.

The family who now live in Sunset View Condo have two young children. Helping these kids get excited about a big move and bond with their new home ahead of time was really a heartwarming privilege. This is really design at it’s best. When I am able to help my clients be more comfortable in their own homes and create what will be the backdrop for all the family memories yet to come…well that is my best possible day at work.

In order to get the flow of the space right, we had to make some pretty big changes. The goal was to make the finished product feel like it was always intended to be a single home. As this was two separate condos joined as one, there were many doubles. Originally there were two front entry doors, two kitchens, and a hotel door joining the two units. They could be rented together or separate.

“Sunset View was originally a two-bedroom unit, and a studio condo which were side-by-side. The plan was to combine the units, and they really needed updating. We were introduced to Tiffany at Lagnappe Custom Interiors by our relator, Kirsten McConnell. Tiffany had an eye for seeing the potential for each place, and gave constructive advice about how each might work for a family of four,” said the Client, current owner of Sunset View Condo.

What the family needed was one big kitchen and a large living room area with an indoor-outdoor feel. They needed two kid’s bedrooms and one master suite for the parents. After considering this design plan, we then had to add in all the other key items. Everyone needs plenty of storage, a laundry room, and other essentials in a permanent home. There are always tradeoffs in remodeling but this time, we were able to hit most all the highlights.

To make planning at a distance fun and easy, I created a 3D model online. The program allowed the family to log into on an iPad and then virtually “walk” through the space. The kids took to it immediately and were even able to share it with friends before they moved. I wish that had been available when my family moved as a kid!

“Technology has made the world move so much faster. Most people would not do this, but we bought the two units without having physically toured them. We placed a lot of trust into both Kirsten and Tiffany. We had seen Tiffany’s work in another unit and felt completely secure with her abilities. During the process we were provided fantastic photo updates as the renovation progressed. We had to make a lot of decisions based on what was sent to us via the internet. At this point, we worried we had downsized too much. Tiffany measured us and remained optimistic, and felt is was perfect for us.

A Satisfied Client
Conceptual 3d model of the project interior design layout
Conceptual Model

Entering the Home Interior, Before and After

Every family needs a place near the front door to use as a ‘landing zone’. If you live in a small space and a full size mud room isn’t an option, then a mini size version might do.

Entryway Design After

Quite the transformation from this . . .

Entryway Design Before

Master Bedroom Design

A fabulous Master suite was on the wish list. When you live somewhere year-round, not just vacation there, you need space for all the “stuff” of life. We’ve all got stuff, but when we design a place for it all, we don’t feel the space has been overtaken. I believe when we live with less clutter, we can relax a little more

Master Bedroom Design After
The Master Bed before, was actually a kitchen!

Master Bathroom Design

A standard vacation rental bathroom was transformed into a gorgeous place to share a morning bathing ritual. The parents wished for a double sink, with quartz countertops, and selected fashionable marble tiles. An open-concept shower expresses the couples’ comfort and ability to relax while preparing for the day together.

Master bathroom After
Master bathroom Before

Porches

Opening up the porches was so worth the effort. That really banished the last bit of feeling as though it was two separate places. Porches are an integral part of an island home, as people relish their time outside. Not only did we enable a larger balcony area for the family to enjoy, but we added updated amenities. We replaced outdated tiles with new porcelain flooring. For furniture, we added a big comfy day beds in navy blue, accentuated with colorful cushions.

Porch Before
Porch After: Shot from the opposite side of the porch, but I think you get the idea!

Living Space

This is one of the most gratifying before and afters ever. It’s hard to even see how this is the same room… basically, we just opened it up to let the breeze and light flow. It’s now a great spot for family togetherness. With plenty of cabinets, the family has ample storage space for serving sets and appliances, plus snacks and cooking essentials. We took a simple vacation kitchenette and transformed it into a full-size kitchen.

Living Space After
Living Space Before

“Tiffany brought her own experience with island family life into helping her identify what would tie into our family’s needs. The use of the computer graphics (link to https://www.lagnappe.com/effective-collaboration-and-communication-when-designing-your-dream-vacation-home/) was such a help and was true to the final product when we finally saw it.”

Another Satisfied Client.

When I first showed the family their finished home, my heart felt warm when I saw the looks of joy in their eyes. Expressions of apprehension from the two young children became smiles of comfort. The place they became familiar with on their iPads had come to life.

“The girls were absolutely awed by their rooms. Everything they had said they wanted was there and had come to life in their rooms. Our 10-year old said she wants to work with Tiffany when she is older, and she will make sure all her projects have stainless steel appliances!” the Client smiled. “I was just so pleased with the final product, and knew I would never have been able to pull off such a well-thought out design by myself. My family and I are so proud to show off our new home, Sunset View Condo. It has become the benchmark for other owners who are considering a renovation of their units.”

This project was one of my favorites because it was designed custom for the family’s needs. The framework taken from a joined, 2-unit ,generic vacation rental became one gorgeous, big home. Being able to turn my clients’ visions and ideas into reality is the most beautiful part of what I do. Sunset View really demonstrates the values of Lagnappe Custom Interiors, and our initiative to create beautiful, custom, designs tailored to the dreams of each client.

Bathroom Before and After

Before: The things you find under an old bath vanity –YUCK!!!
After: Refreshed and ready for a new family’s story:

Turtle Bedroom Before and After

Before: This bedroom was a little scary even for me…
After: Now it’s perfect for its young occupant.

Mermaid Bedroom Design

Before: This bedroom too was dark and dingy.
After: A New Bedroom layout with colors that pop, give the space a new life.

Eclectic Bathroom

Before: A dark and narrow chasm.
After: It’s taken on a new sense of life, post makeover!

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.

Ocean view out of a chic guest bedroom
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What NOT to do when Designing and Decorating an Island Home

PMMAdmin3 October 29, 2019 Color, Furnishings, Lighting, Tips & Tricks 0

Designing and decorating an Island home is much different from one in a city or suburb in the North. Once you select your property, there is a lot to consider in the planning stages. From incorporating views, to choosing materials suitable for the climate, it’s easy to slip up during the process.

Clients dream of enjoying their ideal vacation home. They long for a space complete with a beautiful outdoor area, tropical decor and of course, an enchanting view. When it comes to the tropics, there are specific things which clients need to consider when designing or decorating an island home.

With all you invest in a holiday home, you don’t want to miss a moment relishing the beautiful surroundings. The primary focus when designing a vacation property should be incorporating the view. For ease and simplicity, our clients choose to have professional guidance when building their custom vacation home.

Tiffany Cassidy, Lagnappe Custom Interiors.

The following is a list of common issues which occur when designing an island home:

  1. You’re not maximizing the view.

    Clients typically reside in locations which lack beautiful, natural surroundings, especially tropical ones. When they purchase a vacation property in the islands, they choose a place with an incredible view. Not maximizing the opportunities to see it is the number one fall when investing in a vacation home. Of course, you can step outside and relish the sea and vegetation, but you want to enjoy the vistas while indoors too. A builder can help achieve this, but you need to consider how you’re using your windows.

    The Fix: Don’t block your view with curtains.

    “To be honest, I love curtains more than most people, but not when they cover up the glass on a window with an amazing view,” says Tiffany. “You paid extra for that view, do the drapery right and you can accentuate your view, rather than cover it!”

    Modern designs are all about clean, geometric lines, which allow a lot of light. Invest in custom window coverings, such as motorized blinds or roller shades. They can transform a dark room into a beautifully well-lit room looking out to the ocean. Rather than clutter the window, they can be hidden away when not in use with the touch of a button. They allow you to maximize your view by day and sleep in with blackout blinds on your vacation. Motorized blinds integrate with Smart Home technology, such as Control4 and Nest. These high-tech designs also allow you to control settings with timers and amount of light you wish to let in. Ocean view out of a chic guest bedroom

  2. You haven’t clearly defined a focal point for the room.

    Again, when on vacation, you want to take advantage of time embracing the tropical surroundings. In most island homes, it should be the view which is the focal point. Of course, clients wish to personalize their home with art, decor, and unique features, but it’s what’s outside which should be the focus.  

    The Fix: Arrange your furniture around the window.

    “You’d be surprised how many homes I go into where the sofa is turned with its back to the view, and the focal point is the TV,” Tiffany jokes. “Pretend the window is the TV with the best view, and arrange seating accordingly.”

    From the initial planning stages, make a clear choice to determine which window has the best vista. Arrange your couches, coffee table, and furniture so you’re looking out to the sea, and find a place for the TV last. Consider clever ways to hide your TV, such as a cabinet, or behind frames or a screen. You don’t want to distract from the view when not it’s in use.

  3. Too much Caribbean Color

    Colorful pastels of different shades on the Caribbean color palette add to the overall island vibe. While these eclectic colors add to the joy of being on vacation, they can become too much when over used in a home. Too much color can distract from your furniture, decor, and even the view.

    “I know, the vibrant colors of the islands are inspiring, we love them too! However, if you paint each room a different ‘Caribbean color’, you will soon find it overwhelming,” says Tiffany.

    The Fix: Use nature to inspire color choice

    “Inspiration from nature is the best way to go. Use the neutral tones to inform color choice for the ‘big stuff’,” says Tiffany.

    The Caribbean color palette doesn’t necessarily need to be bright and bold. It can be playing on coastal colors of light blue, brown, or beige. Think about the shades of the drift wood on the beach, or the color of the sand and stones. Soft shades can inspire as well, like the creamy color of a conch shell. Use these tones for the paint on the walls, tiles, and cabinets. Vibrant shades, like the bright color of the inside of a conch shell, can then be used to accentuate. 

    “When you keep flooring, walls, and cabinets in understated tones, you can add the bright colors in the accents and accessories, like pillows and bedding. This makes it easy to change your look in the future as well,” exclaims Tiffany.
    A living and dining room that uses conservative colors indoors allows the accentuates the colors from the view outside.

  4. Not enough lighting

    “We love our large expansive views and indoor-outdoor feel here.  Large windows and sky lights provide a room with natural light from the sun during the day. At night, however, if a room is not equipped with the right lighting, it can appear very dim,” says Tiffany. 

    The Fix: Look to light the room in layers

    By layering light, you create atmosphere within a room. Interior designers put together different textures, fabrics, colors and materials together to create the feel of a room. Similarly, layering light is by adding different types of lighting to create a particular mood or feel.

    “The first is ambient lighting. It’s the general, overall glow which makes nighttime into daytime.  Ambient lighting is often achieved with track, recessed, or overhead cove lighting. You may need professional help to add this to an existing space, but it will be worth it.  Second is task lighting. It helps you see to actually do something, like a reading lamp next to your bed, or under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Last, there is accent lighting. Is there a pretty painting that needs to be highlighted with a sconce, or a textured wall to be featured? Look for opportunities to decorate with light,” says Tiffany. A modern kitchen and dining room with great lighting

  5. You bought furniture without a ‘space plan’

    You fell in love with a gorgeous, comfy sectional you saw in a stateside showroom, but now there’s little room for anything else.Often clients will choose things they see in the showroom, because they like the look. However, they take a guess, and haven’t correctly determined if it will fit. 

    “It’s very hard to interpret scale in a showroom.  Even as a seasoned professional, I am often surprised to measure a sofa in a showroom and find it’s a 108” when I thought I was looking at an 84”. Showrooms are huge, and even large pieces do not look big in that setting,” says Tiffany. 

    The fix: Measure the room and determine a ‘space’ plan before you shop.

    Measure and record the scale of the rooms, including the lengths, widths, and heights of floors, walls, and windows. Bring these dimensions when you shop, and share them with the sales people. They can advise you which items will be scaled correctly for the space. Scale is important, as even if they fit, a space will quickly feel cluttered if the furniture is too big. 

    “If you are decorating a vacation home, you need to leave space for people and their STUFF!” Tiffany laughs.

    Space planning can be challenging. It is worth investing in a designer’s time to get it done correctly.

  6. Your furniture isn’t old, but it’s looking kind of shabby

    In a small space, every piece of furniture is used every day. Especially in an island vacation home, your furniture will have a hard life. Island elements like the sun and salt water, and also vacation renters, will wear out fabrics faster. Your space will start to look noticeably less fresh.

    The fix: Invest in higher quality furniture

    It’s no secret that cheaper furniture will wear out faster. With high quality furniture, the foam in the cushions and frames are made to last longer. There really is a difference in furniture quality, specifically, with the durability of the fabrics. Choose reputable brands, and especially ones recommended by professionals who work in the tropics.

    “We love to add machine-washable slip covers to upholstered items. It makes it easy to keep them looking and smelling fresh,” says Tiffany.

    Designing and decorating Caribbean vacation homes can be challenging and time consuming. By investing in the help of professionals, such as Lagnappe Custom Interiors, the process can be easy and enjoyable. With experience working with clients in the islands, they provide unrivaled knowledge when planning your tropical getaway home.

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.

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.

Outdoor pool area with ample shade will keep tile flooring cool
An outdoor living area with ample shade will keep tile flooring cool

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.