A carefree beach retreat
A laid-back family home in Barbados, with a breezy, layered interior that’s perfect for barefoot beach holidays
This airy, light-filled old beachfront house is a sanctuary for its owners, who use it for relaxed family holidays. They wanted it to have lots of colour, pattern and texture, and be full of interesting finds with a story behind them.
The interior we created has a richly layered feel, with pieces sourced from around the world. In the sitting room there are antique French bergère armchairs, a rare Kurdish rug from the city of Sarkisla in Turkey and graceful pendant lights by Mariano Fortuny, designed in turn-of-the-century Venice. Piles of cushions feel as if they’ve been acquired over many years; most are made from ethnic fabrics formerly owned by Alistair McAlpine, an important textile collector.
Understated and modern yet supremely comfortable, this home’s a refreshing departure from traditional Caribbean style. Yet it still nods towards its natural surroundings. Framed collections of shells hang on the walls, and in the dining room, a knarled tree trunk is an original way to bring the outdoors in.
Overscaled, spontaneous floral arrangements are the final flourish. Made using blooms sourced by Suzy on trips to local forest plantations, they pick up on the coral-red and green accents seen throughout the house.
- Duration
- 18 months
- Location
- Barbdaos
‘With rhythm, drama and purpose, a splendid Barbados property takes on a daring new direction… A Suzy Hoodless masterpiece… Suzy brings her bold new vision to a Caribbean home and succeeds wildly.’MACO Caribbean Living
