Spring is here and summer is coming before we know and it that has us missing the beach. Don’t have time to take a vacation? No worries, we have the tips on how to add island style to your home no matter where you are with help from design exert and Haiti native, Maryline Damour, Principal at Damour Drake. Check out her tips below as well some of her beautiful design work for inspiration to add island style to your home. Be sure to share images of your island travels and home inspiration on social media using the hashtag #blacksouthernbelle
How to Add Island Style To Your Home No Matter Where You Live
According to Damour, “As a Haitian-born designer, my personal style tends to be a mix of European-inspired decor and Caribbean color and texture. This rich cultural fusion is an inspiring starting point for all of my interior projects.”
Classic Carribean Pieces: “In this entryway at the Kingston Design Showhouse, a community-building-through-design project I created in 2018, the dark mahogany table contrasted with a pale cream lamp is a Caribbean design staple. The lamp base is a replica of coral and, through the mirror, you can see a bright pink-coral front door, all echoing my signature Caribbean flair.”
Incorporate Artwork: I also bring in the look and feel of the Caribbean through artwork. This bedroom includes a wall sculpture and a bamboo piece I repurposed as a lamp shade, both from Haiti.
Wood Carvings: “In this kitchen, a papier-mâché animal head from the Caribbean and gilded mirrors contrast nicely with the more modern wall paneling. Wood carved vessels on the open shelves add texture and warmth and reference an island aesthetic.”
First Impressions: For the front door of the 2018 Kingston Design Showhouse, I was inspired by traditional Victorian doors. I designed and built this with my design partner Mel Jones. We bought flat front doors and applied stock molding to create an updated Victorian design. The pineapple door knocker (a symbol of welcome throughout the Caribbean) and my choice of door color speak to a Haitian sensibility.
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
