Real Estate and Home Design Articles Collection

HOME & STYLE

INVEST // CARIBBEAN REAL ESTATE

5 TIPS FOR INVESTING IN

CARIBBEAN REAL ESTATE WRITER JANICE MCINTOSH PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

YOUR RECURRING DREAM OF DAYS SPENT WITH YOUR TOES BURIED DEEP IN THE CARIBBEAN SAND COULD ACTUALLY BE PLANTING THE SEEDS OF A GREAT FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY.

REAL ESTATE in the region continues to be a strong performer,

Great Recession, the property market there has maintained its

and deserves serious consideration for your portfolio, whether

momentum with property transfer values rising by 9.3% in 2015

your motives are purely economic or you’re looking for a long

to US$665.5 million.

term playground. If you’ve got some money in the bank and are

FIND PARTNERS YOU CAN TRUST - Just as if you were buying in

considering buying a home in the Caribbean, here are some things

the US, your realtor, attorney and lender should be experienced in

for you to think about.

their industries and give you clear guidance from start to finish in

VACATION AND RETIREMENT LIVING - As a regular visitor

the buying process. They should be well versed in the local market,

or a returning resident, with your own island address, you can

and able to point you toward new developments or pre-owned

enjoy life like the locals do. Hotels and family are fine lodging for

properties on your search to finding your perfect island home.

infrequent visits, but if you’re a true island buff planning any level

Ask questions and make sure you’re dealing with qualified agents

of consistency, think about taking the plunge and settling down in

before you commit.

a place of your own.

8

THE OBVIOUS BENEFITS - A home in the Caribbean can be as

VACATION RENTAL REVENUES - Take advantage of the heavy

quick as a 30 minute plane ride from the US. Add laid back island

tourist traffic from across Europe and North America and consider

living and year round warm weather, and you’ve got the simplest

renting your property out through Airbnb or a luxury rental

reasons to choose the Caribbean for your permanent getaway.

agency. Let your investment earn some consistent income for you.

Janice McIntosh runs the Chief Representative Office of JN Bank

A GOOD FIT FOR ANY RISK APPETITE - Research the lucrative

in Florida. JN Bank has the oldest and largest mortgage financing

exchange and mortgage lending rates now available. Rates in

team in the Caribbean, with over 140 years of experience.

Jamaica for example, have been trending down, and since the

jmcintosh@jnbank.com

islandoriginsmag.com

U

islandoriginsmag.com

9

INTERIOR DESIGN // EXQUISITE CURIOSITIES

EXQUISITE

CURIOSITIES WRITER CALIBE THOMPSON

PHOTOGRAPHY ROLANDO DIAZ

IN THE TRENDY AREA OF MIAMI KNOWN AS DOWNTOWN BRICKELL, A TWO BEDROOM CONDO IN ONE OF THE AREA’S NEWEST BUILDINGS BECAME A BLANK CANVAS FOR CUBAN AMERICAN DESIGNER MAITE GRANDA.

FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS bathe living spaces in sunlight during the day, while offering the young Brazilian couple who have made this their vacation home, a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city.

Clean, modern and eclectic are words that come to mind when observing Granda’s design aesthetic.

A variety of bold patterns find their way onto floors, pillows and walls, never becoming overwhelming, always knowing their place.

She says her biggest challenge on this project was the large, lean, structural column piercing upward through the living room, from the floor below and into the floor above. Instead of approaching it as an eyesore to be hidden, Granda embraced its peculiarity, and made it the focal point of the room, taming its rotund opulence by adding equally prominent blocks of muted color to its base.

In the sitting rooms, the black and white color palette with grey and pastel accents suggests an effortlessness, belying the meticulous attention to detail that allows fuzzy pink pillows to coexist peacefully with a wicker basket lampshade, sleek modern cabinetry, and slick, white art deco chairs.

34

islandoriginsmag.com

IN THE SITTING ROOMS, THE BLACK AND WHITE COLOR PALETTE WITH GREY AND PASTEL ACCENTS SUGGESTS AN EFFORTLESSNESS, BELYING THE METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT ALLOWS FUZZY PINK PILLOWS TO COEXIST PEACEFULLY WITH A WICKER BASKET LAMPSHADE, SLEEK MODERN CABINETRY, AND SLICK, WHITE ART DECO CHAIRS.

islandoriginsmag.com

35

A swirl of deliberate, black paint strokes dance across a plain white canvas, rounding out the exquisite curiosities in the sitting room, meant to catch your eye.

PINK PILLOW IS NESTLED INTO SIMPLE, WHITE BEDDING, BASKING UNDER AN ACCENT WALL

In one of the bedrooms, another fuzzy pink pillow

WHOSE WHITE AND PINK PATTERNS ARE A

is nestled into simple, white bedding, basking under

SNEAKY, INVERTED NOD TO THE PILLOW’S

an accent wall whose white and pink patterns are

WHIMSICAL SILHOUETTE.

a sneaky, inverted nod to the pillow’s whimsical silhouette. Blue and grey tones add subdued points of interest here, and throughout the other rooms.

There’s a work area whose black and white decor is punctuated by a single pop of red on a wall, a few green leaves, and a pair of wicker arm chairs. With a tidy collage of perfectly positioned wall hangings, the room is clean and simple, but far from boring.

Granda’s clients left her with a blank canvas, and returned to a newly completed vacation home that they “absolutely loved”. She declares, “I just love the process. Reinventing and designing without limits. If you care about your craft and your ideas, you’ll take the extra time, and add the touches that you know will make your work really shine.”

36

IN ONE OF THE BEDROOMS, ANOTHER FUZZY

islandoriginsmag.com

U

islandoriginsmag.com

37

STYLE & DESIGN // GLOBAL, MODERN, ECLECTIC

GLOBAL, MODERN, ECLECTIC INTERIOR DESIGNER NICOLE WHITE BREAKS DOWN HER VIBRANT STYLE WRITER 021,48( 0&,1726+ PHOTOGRAPHY -(11,)(5 +,//67($'

6287+ )/25,'$ +20(6 &28/'1u7 /22. 025( &+,& 7+$1 7+(< '2 ,1 7+( +$1'6 2) ,17(5,25 '(6,*1(5 1,&2/( :+,7( ,1)86,1* 22'/(6 2) */$0285 7+( -$0$,&$1 1$7,9( &20%,1(6 6/((. &217(0325$5< /,1(6 :,7+ $ )5(6+ 7$.( 21 &2/25 ,163,5(' %< 7+( &$5,%%($1

30

islandoriginsmag.com

7+,6 6(/) 7$8*+7 '(6,*1(5 DQG IRUPHU MRXUQDOLVW DOZD\V QXUWXUHG D IDVFLQDWLRQ IRU FUHDWLQJ EHDXWLIXO VSDFHV v, ZDV WKDW NLG DOZD\V PRYLQJ DURXQG WKH IDPLO\ IXUQLWXUH HYHU\ GD\ w UHFDOOV :KLWH 6KH VWDUWHG RXW SODQQLQJ KHU HQYLDEOH LQWHULRUV DV D VLGH JLJ JURZLQJ KHU FOLHQWHOH XQWLO KHU KREE\ FRXOG EHFRPH VRPHWKLQJ PRUH VHULRXV 7RGD\ 1LFROH :KLWH 'HVLJQV ,QWHULRUV KDV DWWUDFWHG PXFK DFFODLP ZLWK IHDWXUHV LQ Better Homes and Gardens, Ocean Drive, HuffPost DQG Apartment Therapy 6KH ZDV DOVR QDPHG RQH RI WKH WRS LQWHULRU GH VLJQ ILUPV E\ WKH South Florida Luxury Guide LQ DQG GXEEHG RQH RI WKH HPHUJLQJ GHVLJQHUV WR ZDWFK E\ WKH Black Interior Designers Network +HU SRSXODU EORJ Live, Laugh, Decorate, DOVR VHUYHV XS SOHQW\ RI ,QVWDJUDP UHDG\ LQVSLUDWLRQ v<RX ZRXOGQuW ZDQW WR KLUH PH WR GHVLJQ DQ DOO EHLJH URRP w MRNHV :KLWH DV VKH GHOYHV LQWR KHU GHVLJQ SHUVSHFWLYH v, FDQ GR LW EXW , ORYH OD\HULQJ FRORUV DQG WH[WXUHV ZLWKLQ D FRQWHPSRUDU\ DHV

WKHWLF w 7KRXJK KHU DSSURDFK HPEUDFHV DQ LQWHUQDWLRQDO PRGHUQLW\ :KLWH VD\V KHU WDVWHV QHYHU ZDQGHUHG WRR IDU IURP KHU &DULEEHDQ RULJLQV v, FDQuW KLGH FRORU EHFDXVH , JUHZ XS DURXQG FRORU 7KH ULFK KXHV RI WKH PDUNHWV WKH RSHQ RFHDQ WKH\ KDYH DOZD\V VHUYHG DV DQ LQVSLUDWLRQ w %XW LW WDNHV D ORW PRUH WKDQ GHIWO\ PDWFKLQJ FRORU VZDWFKHV WR FUHDWH D VXFFHVVIXO ODVWLQJ GHVLJQ FRPSDQ\ DV :KLWH FDQ DWWHVW v,uYH OHDUQHG WR IRFXV RQ WKH EXVLQHVV RI EXVLQHVV ZKLFK FDQ EH VR KDUG IRU FUH DWLYHV w 6KH H[SODLQV WKDW vUXQQLQJ \RXU RZQ ILUP LV QRW DV JODPRURXV DV ZKDW \RX VHH RQ +*79 ,W WDNHV D ORW RI KDUG ZRUN JRRG QHJRWLD WLRQ ZLWK YHQGRUV DQG VWURQJ IROORZ WKURXJK ZLWK FOLHQWV WR GHYHORS PHDQLQJIXO UHODWLRQVKLSV $QG D ORW RI FRIIHH WRR w 7KH WULFN :KLWH VD\V vLV WR QHYHU ORVH WKH SDVVLRQ IRU GHVLJQ QR PDWWHU KRZ EXV\ LW JHWV RU KRZ VWUHVVIXO LW LV :KHQ LWuV RYHU WKH UH VXOWV DUH DOO ZRUWK LW w

islandoriginsmag.com

31

STYLE & DESIGN // GLOBAL, MODERN, ECLECTIC

:( &+$77(' 025( :,7+ 7+( '(6,*1(5 $%287 21( 2) +(5 )$925,7( :( +20( 352-(&76 $1' 7+( 6(&5(76 %(+,1' +(5 6,*1$785( 67</( Describ Describe be this projec projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style in three words. wo *OREDO PRGHUQ HFOHFWLF *OREDDO DO PRGHUQ G HFOHFWLF What was the brief for designing this home? :H ZHUH JLYHQ FRPSOHWH GHVLJQ IUHHGRP 7KLV ZDVQuW DQ HDV\ SUR FHVV VLQFH RXU FOLHQWV OLYH RYHUVHDV EXW ZH SDLG FORVH DWWHQWLRQ WR WKH LGHDV WKH\ VKDUHG ZLWK XV YLUWXDOO\ The familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Afghan rug in the living room is stunning! Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the story behind it?

7KLV UXJ VHWV WKH WRQH IRU WKLV URRP 7KH RZQHUV OLWHUDOO\ ZHQW WR D ED]DDU LQ $IJKDQLVWDQ KXQWLQJ IRU UXJV VHQGLQJ XV SKRWRV VR ZH FRXOG PDNH VHOHFWLRQV EDVHG RQ WKH GLPHQVLRQV ZH QHHGHG :H IHOO LQ ORYH ZLWK WKLV RQH DQG D IHZ RWKHUV DQG WKH\ VKLSSHG WKHP KRPH IRU XV WR LQFRUSRUDWH LW LQ WKH KRPH The monotone bathroom is a major departure in this colorful home. What inspired that choice? :H ZDQWHG WR WDNH WKHLU ZLVK IRU D PRGHUQ JOREDO DQG OX[XULRXV KRPH WR WKH QH[W OHYHO 7KH EODFN DQG ZKLWH ZLWK WRXFKHV RI JROG GHILQLWHO\ DFKLHYHG WKDW DQG ZDV D JUHDW ZD\ WR EDODQFH WKH FRORUIXO FKRLFHV ZH XVHG HOVHZKHUH ��������������������������������������������������������� :H VWXPEOHG DFURVV WKH H[WUD VSDFH XQGHU WKH VWDLUZD\ DV ZH UH PRGHOHG WKH GRZQVWDLUV JXHVW EDWKURRP ,W IHOW OLNH VXFK D ZDVWH RI URRP VR ZH GHFLGHG WR WUDQVIRUP LW WR D KRPH RIILFH DQG ORXQJH VLQFH WKHUH ZDV DQRWKHU GLQLQJ DUHD E\ WKH NLWFKHQ ,WuV GHILQLWHO\ D FXVWRP IHDWXUH WKDW KLJKOLJKWV WKH PDQ\ ZD\V \RX FDQ ILQG KLGGHQ VTXDUH IRRWDJH LQ \RXU RZQ KRPH DQG PDNH LW DV EHDXWLIXO DQG IXQF WLRQDO DV SRVVLEOH Bedrooms with dark walls are so in vogue now... but can be intimidating. How did you make this one so cozy?

32

islandoriginsmag.com

:HuUH GRLQJ D ORW RI QDY\ DQG EODFN ZDOOV LQ GHVLJQ WKHVH GD\V EXW ZH DOZD\V UHDFKHG IRU OD\HUV RI WH[WXUH 7KLV PRRG\ IDX[ OHDWKHU ZDOO SDSHU IURP :DOO 5HSXEOLF ZDV WKH ZD\ WR GR WKDW KHUH :H EDODQFHG LW E\ RQO\ GRLQJ DQ DFFHQW ZDOO DQG FRROLQJ WKLQJV GRZQ ZLWK OLJKW ZDOOV D OLQHQ KHDGERDUG DQG QHXWUDO EHGGLQJ

STYLE & DESIGN // BEAUTIFUL SPACES

BEAUTIFUL

SPACES PHOTO: ANDREW THOMAS

INTERIOR DESIGNER MONIQUE DUARTE KNOWS THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION—HOW THE RIGHT SILHOUETTE OR FABRIC CAN CHANGE HOW A ROOM LOOKS, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, HOW IT FEELS. SHE APPLIES THIS KNOWLEDGE TO THE DESIGN OF COLORFUL AND INVITING INTERIORS FOR CLIENTS LOCALLY AND AROUND THE WORLD. WRITER MONIQUE MCINTOSH

DUARTE, WHO IS BASED IN VIRGINIA, traces her creative genes to her Trinidadian mother and grandmother, and their annual family trips to the island’s Carnival. Both women were gifted artists and dressmakers, so “from an early age they would take me to the mas (masquerade) camps, and I got to look at and feel fabric... see the different patterns,” recalls Duarte. Today, you can still see hints of that childhood fascination with color, pattern, and texture in the bespoke design interiors she delivers.

Duarte, formerly a corporate marketer for top tech brands like Yahoo and Microsoft, made a personal transition to the world of design when she began decorating her own home. “I fell in love with the process and that feeling of waking up every morning in a beautiful space,” she recalls. “That’s when I learned just how important it is to have a home you enjoy. People live their best lives in a space that truly represents what they are.”

She is known for her effortless blend of international styles, from Caribbean coastal to European traditional, and her creative focus is always led by the client. “I believe the space should be an expression of the person you’re designing for,” she explains. “My job is to bring out their vision and personality.”

28

islandoriginsmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHY TED MOORE

This close collaboration may happen during in-person meetings, or remotely through her unique e-design service, which offers custom concepts and curated shopping lists via online consultations.

No matter where she designs, nothing beats that final makeover reveal. “It’s a great feeling to have clients walk into the completed space and see their jaw just drop,” muses Duarte.

“It’s such a pleasure showing them that we really brought their vision to life.”

GLAMOR, MEET FUNCTION For a recent project in New Jersey, Duarte was tasked with injecting color and glamor into the bedroom, living room and office/lounge area of a new home. The client had just moved into her new home and Duarte says she “wanted a design that would incorporate more color as well as accommodate the items she already had, like her sectional sofa and assorted artwork. She also works from home quite a bit, so she wanted to create an office/lounge area that was functional but also energizing.”

The result was a stunning transformation the client absolutely loved.

OFFICE/LOUNGE “The right paint color can completely transform a room.

She loves pink, so for the office we went for an accent wall in this peachy, island hue that felt vibrant. We softened it with lots of accessories in gold and creams.“

: BEDROOM “We used a more serene pink for the bedroom, with navy blue accents inspired by this special art piece she wanted displayed in the space.“

islandoriginsmag.com

29

STYLE & DESIGN // BEAUTIFUL SPACES

LIVING ROOM “For the living room, we created a color scheme to suit her existing pieces, all in shades of creams, blues, and blacks, with touches of silver. I look for complimentary colors and styles [to complete the design]. In the living room, the cream leather sofa and silver end tables felt so contemporary, so I knew I wanted to stay in that realm, but bring in different colors and textures.“

TIPS FROM THE DESIGN PRO

RUG/ACCENT MIRRORS “The window treatments add softness, while the artwork and that huge accent mirror bring in that metallic element for that classic, chic look. The main accent wall in blue also opens up the whole room, and pulls the blue hues from the rug, which helps tie the whole room together.“

We spoke more with the designer about her favorite transformation tricks, from selecting color schemes to figuring out what to do with Grandma’s dining table.  What are your favorite hues to work

with?

I am a color person but I like a clean palette, so I love coastal colors—that turquoise family of cool greens and blues. Those colors are so relaxing, and clients tend to like these colors too, because you can do so much with them. On the flipside, I love vibrant colors too, like oranges and pinks.  Name your go-to accessories for completing a room.

The right lighting can transform a room.

Tall floor lamps with big lampshades are really popular right now. Plants also add such life to a room, especially if you’re looking to create that coastal feel. And I love using wall mirrors. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and make spaces seem bigger.  Any advice on what to do with family antiques (like those heavy mahogany pieces from your Caribbean grandma)?

Those handmade pieces have such a special quality that’s just timeless. So don’t feel you need everything brand new to feel contemporary. Mix and match different pieces from different eras, and have fun with it.

30

islandoriginsmag.com

ACCESSORIES “I love those little touches, like the simple vases of flowers and decorative wall mirrors.

They help soften the rooms and create a nice balance.“

HOMES THAT MATCH

LIFE + STYLE

SHARON WONG HOLLIS

InterAction Realty info@SharonWhollis.com

www.SharonWhollis.com

954.295.9282

7801 W. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33351 Each office is independently owned and operated