13 minute read
Indoor Improvements
from Cayman Resident 2022
by Acorn Media
Kitchens Kitchens are an important feature of the home. A property with an old, dated kitchen is usually harder to sell and may even decrease the property’s overall value. Even if you do not plan on selling your home, modern kitchens are more functional than old-fashioned ones. As the kitchen is often the heart of the home, the trend of a ‘social kitchen’, characterised by an open plan space and generally a large kitchen island, is set to continue. If a complete remodel isn’t in your budget, consider improvements such as a new countertop or replacing the tiling or backsplash for an easier and less costly facelift.
A neutral colour palette continues to be the colour of choice for contemporary kitchens. They can brighten up the room, make it appear larger, and will also suit most people’s taste should you decide to sell. If you find neutrals a bit flat, then you can always add splashes of colour with accessories such as brightly coloured dishware or colourful light fixtures.
The options for counter surfaces have greatly increased in recent years. Marble, concrete, quartz, stainless steel and even wood countertops can create a stunning effect. Clean and classic ‘subway tile’ or mirrored and metallic finishes are popular options for backsplashes.
Using green products such as reclaimed wood, recycled glass and handmade products is very popular and kinder to the environment when compared to some mass-produced products. See the Bathroom & Kitchen Improvements section in this chapter for providers of kitchen products. It’s also worth considering a custom-made kitchen as there are some wonderfully talented craftsmen in Cayman. See the Cabinets & Custom Millwork section below.
TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY RUGS • ACCESSORIES & HOME FURNISHINGS
GALLERIA PLAZA • 345. 943. 7847 RUGSORIENTAL@CANDW.KY WWW.RUGSORIENTAL.KY
RUGSORIENTAL RUGSORIENTAL.CAYMAN Cabinets & Custom Millwork
Martlet Design Ltd. 56 Merrendale Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 916 7583 Email: john@martletdesign.com Martlet Design specialises in crafting beautiful bespoke furniture and cabinets.
Pooley Cabinets Design Studio 17 Marina Drive, Prospect Tel: (345) 947 6780 Email: info@pooleycabinets.com www.pooleycabinets.com Pooley Cabinets has provided quality cabinetry to clients in Cayman for over 30 years. Whether you are building your dream home or renovating your existing kitchen, Pooley Cabinets delivers a high standard of design and installation in both traditional and ultra-contemporary settings. They offer innovative products, professional design, expert installation and exceptional
service. SEE AD PAGE 234
Signature Cabinets Unit #1, 5 Paddington Place Tel: (345) 929 5655 Email: info@bmdteam.com www.bmdteam.com The BMD Group was founded by a passionate team with years of construction, manufacturing and importing experience. Signature Cabinets is the Italian pride of the company, focused on renovation, development, Italian craftsmanship, superior quality, and
customisation. SEE AD PAGE 232
Bathrooms Although functional in purpose, bathrooms also hold a lot of potential for creative design. Concrete sinks, rain showers, walk-in showers, wall-mounted toilets and faucets, and freestanding baths are all en vogue and can be designed to reflect your home’s personal aesthetic as well as needs. Innovative, built-in storage can also free up space and allow for an uncluttered look. Bringing elements of the outdoors into the bathroom is a big trend, with wood and stone proving the most popular, along with using a colour palette of neutrals and earthy tones.
Accessories such as new mirrors, lighting, and even smaller ornamental changes like knobs and handles, can really transform a space and be a less costly alternative to a structural remodel.
Bathroom & Kitchen Improvements The following companies can provide you with hardware and appliances for both your bathroom and your kitchen.
A. L. Thompson’s 189 North Sound Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8622 Email: info@althompson.com www.althompson.com A. L. Thompson’s houses a large bath and kitchen gallery. They stock a wide selection of fixtures, fittings and appliances, with brands that include Kohler, Delta, Brizo, Decolav, Kallista, Rubinet, Dornbracht, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Avanti, Sub-Zero and Wolf.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE & PAGE 203, 241 & 243
Encompass Ltd The Strand, West Bay Road Tel: (345) 938 0850 Email: tkline@encompasscayman.com or ekline@encompasscayman.com
www.encompasscayman.com Renovation services include: Complete home makeovers, outdoor living improvements, residential additions, roof replacements, structural repairs and commercial space
buildouts. SEE AD PAGE 250
Living.ky Pasadora Place, Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 233 8700 Email: sales@living.ky www.living.ky Bring your bathroom and kitchen spaces to life with Living.ky’s wide range of cabinets. Shop by brand and room. Services include: home makeovers, specialised interior design services
and more. SEE AD PAGE 12, 231 & 253
Colours Choosing the right paint colour for a room can really transform its look. Use your wall colour to anchor trendy changeable pieces in your room. Pantone’s 2021 colour of the year ‘Ultimate Grey’ offers a neutral backdrop that brighter accessories will pop against. DP Economy Services Ltd. offers expert advice and painting services. Refer to the Paint section in the Shopping chapter for a list of retailers.
DP Economy Services Ltd. Tel: (345) 321 7562
Accessories Accessories are the icing on the home design cake. A rug, the perfect lamp, throw cushions and wall décor are the finishing touches that pull together existing design elements while injecting some personality into a space. > Pops of Colour are a low maintenance way to liven up a room. If you’re not ready to commit with a coat of paint, consider introducing your colour of choice with easy-to-change finishes, such as drawer handles, rugs and curtains. > Retro Accents add charm and character to modern spaces. Bespoke vintage decor can be sourced online, or for a more budget-friendly option, try browsing local consignment shops for unique hand-me-down pieces.
> Playing with Textures is a great way to elevate soft furnishings and introduce a few stand-out pieces in your home.
Look for fabric textures such as crisp and clean linen throw pillows, and contrast that with more rugged rattan and macramé finishes. Ashley Furniture has a great selection of home furniture and decor to suit a variety of budgets. Refer to the Furniture section in the Shopping chapter for a full list of retailers that sell furniture and accessories on-Island.
Ashley Furniture 360 Dorcy Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 943 2323 ashleyfurniturehomestorecayman@gmail.com www.ashley.ky Enjoy a new start with a great selection of stylish, affordable home furniture from Ashley Furniture HomeStore. They stock living room, dining, bedroom, and outdoor furniture, as well as mattresses and gorgeous home accessories to personalise your space. They also offer free delivery and assembly. Stop by their styled showroom for an idea of how each piece can fit
in your home. SEE AD PAGE 235
Doors & Windows Doors and windows are a big upfront investment; however, making the right choice can save you a lot of money in the long run. We recommend opting for the best windows you can afford, ideally tinted, to help keep the cool air in and the hot sun out. Good quality windows and doors also have the added benefits of keeping ambient noise out, especially if you live near a main road or close to the airport, whilst also providing increased security. You will need to think about hurricane season, and whether shutters are necessary for your home.
The following list of home centres and door and window suppliers can advise on certain brands and styles.
A. L. Thompson’s Tel: (345) 949 8622 Email: info@althompson.com www.althompson.com A. L. Thompson’s specialises in PGT windows
and doors. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE & 203, 239, 243
HAVEN (The Security Centre) Cayman Technology Centre, 115 Printers Way Tel: (345) 949 0004 Email: haven@security.ky www.security.ky The Security Centre has launched a new state of the art home automation division! Control your blinds, windows, doors, sound systems, thermostat, TV, alarms and monitoring from a single touch of a button. HAVEN also provides modern, robust hurricane impact windows, doors, and gating for new and existing builds. Contact them today to get a quote on customizing your home for safer, smarter and more energy efficient living! SEE AD PAGE 242
Kirk Home Centre Tel: (345) 949 2521 Exclusive carrier for SIW and CWS windows.
Marksons Furniture Tel: (345) 949 6233 Email: arwashburn@marksons.ky www.marksons.ky Marksons offers a wide selection of window treatments that can accommodate your needs with a touch of style. Browse through their collection of finishes and discover interesting fabrics, shades, shutters, sliding panels, blinds
and more. SEE AD PAGE 236
Curtains, Draperies & Blinds Window treatments add flair and functionality to a space. Although they often take a backseat to other interior design changes, choosing the right window ‘fashion’ complements the overall style of a room. Design consistency aside, they also provide privacy and keep your home cool during Cayman’s hot summer months. Below are two well recommended companies:
Edie’s 64 Eastern Avenue, George Town Tel: (345) 949 6348 Email: info@edies.ky www.edies.ky Edie’s supplies custom-made blinds and shutters, as well as draperies and curtains, which are made-to-order in their professional drapery workroom, where they also offer upholstery services. Contact them today to schedule your consultation. SEE AD PAGE 237
Tomlinson Furniture 9 Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 945 5383 Email: info@tomlinsonfurniture.ky Tomlinson Furniture offers affordable custom window treatments for residential and commercial needs, ranging from indoor plantation shutters to rollershades, blackouts, wood blinds and more. They do free at home consultations to take measurements and ensure the perfect selection. They also do the installation. Each of their window treatment installations come with a 10-year warranty!
SEE AD PAGE 205 Flooring, Tile & Carpets Although re-flooring your home can be an expensive endeavour, the right flooring sets the design tone of your entire home and can guarantee a higher return on your investment when it comes time to sell. Some flooring trends include:
> COVERLAM allows the residential and commercial property developer the opportunity to have unusually large panels of porcelain tiles, ranging from 3ft wide to 11ft tall and 5.6mm thick (with sizes in between). It gives the interior and exterior of a property a very different look and feel. > Wood Look Porcelain is here to stay, and the industry somehow manages to make tile look more like authentic wood year after year. > Luxury Vinyl Plank is a popular option due to its durability and green credentials. These planks give the appearance of real wood without the bother of maintaining it. It’s a great option for children’s rooms as it is easy to clean, gentler underfoot than tile and some options are even waterproof.
> Paver Style Flooring has become a top choice for outdoor living spaces. Large, sturdy slabs of porcelain can be laid directly on compacted sand or installed on concrete to create a wonderfully uniform look.
Consider the potential for flooding during hurricane season and whether your flooring choice is susceptible to water damage. The following companies sell and install a wide variety of flooring options:
Tel: (345) 926 8404 Email: info@sshcayman.com www.sshcayman.ky SSH Cayman Ltd. provides a range of floor and wall coverings for your renovation, new development, commercial and residential needs. Their tiles come direct from the manufacturer in Spain. SEE AD PAGE 240
Stafford Surfaces Tel: (345) 943 2722
Edie’s 64 Eastern Avenue, George Town Tel: (345) 949 6348 Email: info@edies.ky www.edies.ky A well-established family operation, Edie’s offers an exceptional range of flooring products: porcelain, granite and marble tiles, COVERLAM, mosaics, luxury vinyl and carpets are all available. SEE AD PAGE 237
SSH Cayman 18 McField Lane, George Town Rugs Oriental 25 Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road Tel: (345) 943 7847 Email: rugsoriental@candw.ky www.rugsoriental.ky Cayman Island’s premium supplier of unique hand-woven Oriental rugs offering a huge range of traditional and contemporary designs. They also sell gorgeous handcrafted accessories and home furnishings sourced on their annual buying trips including cushion covers, upholstered furniture, mosaic lamps, Turkish towels and robes. They have something for everyone – even custom orders, to make sure you get that perfect rug or accessory for your home.
SEE AD PAGE 238
Tomlinson Furniture Tel: (345) 949 5383
General Maintenance & Repairs
Cayman Property Maintenance/Bill Perigo Tel: (345) 327 0582 Email: maintenancemancayman@gmail.com Bill Perigo, also known as The Fixologist, owns and runs CPM. He is a like-able, honest, reliable and affordable handyman who always returns phone calls and emails and shows up on time, every time.
Home Automation & Electronics Home automation systems have come a long way. You can now turn your home into a smart home with the capability to link all your audio-visual devices, control air conditioning, secure the house and adjust lighting via your smartphone or tablet. The following companies have a great reputation for home automation devices and installation:
Audiophile Tel: (345) 746 4434
Creative Tech Tel: (345) 946 8324
Home Security Systems & Monitoring Although Cayman is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, a home security system, which monitors the smoke detectors and whether any doors or windows have been opened, is helpful for peace of mind. Nowadays, wireless security systems, which are reliable, convenient to operate, easily upgraded, and portable, are preferred over hardwired technology that require drilling through walls and floors. See the Running Your Home chapter for more details.
Island Electronics 90 Godfrey Nixon Way, GT. Tel: (345) 949 8255 Email: info@ielgroup.com www.ielgroup.com. Island Electronics (Security & Monitoring) Ltd., established in 1986 provides dependable, quality security and monitoring services. Over 1,200 clients in Cayman have trusted IEL to keep their properties safe with round the clock protection. They are Five Diamond Central Station certified by the Central Station Alarm Association.
SEE AD PAGE 182
The Security Centre Limited Cayman Technology Centre, 115 Printers Way. Tel: (345) 949 0004 Email: info@security.ky www.security.ky The Security Centre is the largest security provider in Cayman, offering the most secure in-house solutions for integrated alarm and monitoring systems, CCTV’s, keyholding and locksmith services, access control, tracking devices, guarding, privacy and hurricane protection, and home automation services, for over 30 years. It is the only certified company in Cayman for mobile patrolling and intervention services. The Security Centre - dedicated to protecting your world! SEE AD PAGE 183
Painting Contractors Below is a reputable option for painting companies and contractors.
DP Economy Services Ltd. 325 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 321 7562 Email: dpeconomyservices@gmail.com www.dpeconomyservices.com Be it a full apartment, home renovation or just a kitchen or bathroom remodelling stint, DP Economy Services can address your renovation needs in the fastest possible time without sacrificing on quality of delivery or workmanship. They provide Remodelling, Renovation, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry and General Repairs & Maintenance services at competitive pricing. SEE AD PAGE 260 Roofing Whether you are building from scratch or replacing the roof on your existing home, there are a few key factors to consider. Style matters, but equally important is product cost, material weight and installation requirements. We recommend the following roofing company.
Cayman Islands Spray Foam Tel: (345) 326 6767
Tryden Roofing Tel: (345) 324 2813 Email: trydencayman@gmail.com www.trydenroofing.ky Since 2015, Tryden Roofing has been providing quality roofing services, led by the knowledge and experience of Michael Rance and Oneko Burton. Services for commercial and residential properties include: Standing Seam Roofing, Roof Designs and Water Proofing for a variety of
surfaces. SEE AD PAGE 257
Spray Foam Insulation Spray foam insulation is a popular alternative to traditional fibreglass insulation in the Cayman Islands. It is well regarded for not sagging or slipping and creates a complete seal, keeping heat and moisture out of buildings. It also has been proven to help keep roofs attached in the event of a hurricane.
Storage & Organising Solutions Basic wire racking for shelves can be bought from any home centre on-Island. For custom built shelving, contact either Custom Closets on (345) 526 6774 or Storage Solutions on (345) 525 2647.
Upholstery Services If you have a piece of furniture in your Cayman home that fits well and has a sound frame but is a bit worn – consider having it reupholstered. It’s also cheaper than buying a brand-new piece. We recommend the following company for your upholstery needs: