Tides of Color in the Abacos

ANNAPOLIS DESIGNERS IN BAKER’S BAY

BY KYMBERLY TAYLOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRETT DAVIS

Located in Baker’s Bay, a private hideaway in the Abaco Islands, this Bahamian-style home faces the best of both worlds: an 18-hole golf course on one side and a sparkling sea on the other. Despite being 18,000 square feet, this residence has a welcoming ambiance and reflects the lifestyle of its owners, according to interior designers Arlene Critzos and Andrea Blamphin of Interior Concepts, Inc.

When it comes to the Bahamas, there is an ease in the air. Rules relax and seem to dissolve as night falls. The very voices of the Bahamians have a musical lilt. Critzos and Blamphin have managed to channel the island’s rhythms and free spirit into an interior awash in soft tides of color that mirror the many hues of the sea.

Unlike many beach homes, no starfish or wall-mounted marlin is in sight. Yet, ocean and isle are ever-present “with a more sophisticated flair” in the array of colors, organic forms, and materials, says Critzos. With its subtle visual harmonies, you could say this home exudes “coastal elegance.” But what makes it especially unique are furnishings from all over the world, including Indonesia and Madagascar.

After working with these clients on previous homes, the design team understood their style. With this in mind, they chose creamy white walls for the living room and a sand-hued local coral stone fireplace surround. Billowing sheer window treatments beckon Caribbean breezes.

Accentuating this room’s cool palette is a mindful geometry. Well-placed furniture groupings invite intimacy but can comfortably seat twelve. “This circular plan of upholstery lets them come in and out every which way all at once,” explains Critzos. The couches have durable slipcovers that can be washed. Throughout the space, cultural artifacts and lively art create intriguing vignettes or “moments” that invite reflection. A driftwood lighting fixture behind a rattan chair adds spectacular drama in the evening light.

Centering the great room is a one-of-a-kind glass table tinted the color of the sea. Its pedestal is composed of spectacular hand-carved fish nibbling at a coral reef, a rare discovery sourced on one of the designers’ many buying trips.

One glides through the living room onto a generous veranda that opens to the ocean. Furnishings invite one to lounge, converse, or simply dream. They include a hanging chair, casual plush couches, and a low-key dining area with tables that can be extended, seating up to 30. An authentic Tiki bar from Madagascar was assembled on site by a crew flown in for the occasion. Polynesian bongo bar stools add a quintessential island vibe. Steps away, a generous pool runs the entire length of the house. In this lush oasis, a swim pad awaits, lined with pillows as colorful as tropical fish. Complete with a hot tub and over a dozen lounge chairs that beckon, one can relax all day without the need to step inside.

If you do, there is plenty of room to roam. The kitchen is spacious and well equipped; a shimmering turquoise tile backsplash mirrors the movement of small waves ruffled by the wind. Oval light fixtures hung at different heights hover playfully like a school of butterflyfish over the neutral-toned kitchen island and custom stools.

Dominating the third floor is “a guest kids bunk room, a contained area for family outfitted like the perfect hangout,” note the designers. The bedroom spaces adjoin a central “morning room” distinguished by a striking steel light fixture. Equipped with TV, game table, refrigerator, and coffee maker, it is an ideal place to have breakfast without having to go downstairs.

The home has nine bedrooms, each with its own color palette. Several have no color at all, just calming whites and neutrals. One bedroom is brightened by three vintage swim caps, positioned proudly over a coconut shell custom headboard.

The primary suite is in the owners’ wing. Separate from the rest of the house, it has soft washed coral and lavender hues. A sculptural free-standing bed was created by another one of the designers’ talented sources. The master bath, composed of soothing whites, is brightened by a masterful tile mosaic that glistens, revealing every color in the sea. A door leads right out to a deck, past an outdoor shower, and then to the beach.

As one meanders through peaceful rooms opening onto the sea, a joy seems to follow. The home is a voyage all its own.

A custom circular sectional ensures seating for 12.

A dramatic driftwood light fixture adds texture to the space.

This glass table is tinted the color of the sea. Its unusual pedestal is a hand-carved coral reef.

The table‘s unusual pedestal is a hand-carved coral reef.

The kitchen backsplash recalls the movement of water; the light fixtures hover above the island like a school of fish.

Lively art becomes a focal point in a muted color palette.

The primary bath has a door that leads to a private deck, outdoor shower, and a path to the sea.

A guest room has three vintage framed bathing caps above the bed. The headboard is made of coconuts.

The third floor “hang out room” is devoted to entertaining kids and guests.

Furniture groupings define dining and lounging spaces.

A low-hanging chair is brightened by cushions the colors of tropical fish.

With its pitched roof, shake cladding, windows, and spacious verandas, the home is designed for open-air living.

This home, with guest house, private pool, owners’ wing, and lush grounds, is part of Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club, a private resort community on Great Guana Cay, situated between the Sea of Abaco and the Atlantic Ocean.

INTERIOR DESIGN: Arlene Critzos and Andrea Blamphin, Interior Concepts, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland. ARCHITECT: Raul Lastra, VC VitaliniCorazzini Architects

Tides of Color in the Abacos

Tides of Color in the Abacos

ANNAPOLIS DESIGNERS IN BAKER’S BAY

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