I am so lucky to be able to work around the world - and one of my favorite design destinations is in the Bahamas! I’ve recently been working with clients on Eleuthera, which is a gorgeous island known for pink sand beaches like French Leave Beach. It is incredible to have fabulous views wherever you look while you’re designing - there’s no better inspiration!

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ve seen how obsessed I’ve become with island architecture. There are specific details about the design that I love - let’s take a look!

Photo by Cynthia Ferguson

Gingerbread Trim

Traditional Colonial homes in the islands showcase a lot of gingerbread trim! I love the scrolls and pierced pieces that you see on these fabulous cottages - it gives them a one-of-a-kind look! And how charming is it with that white picket fence, too?! Sage House is one of my favorite gems on the island!

Photo by Cynthia Ferguson

Working Shutters

So many houses today have shutters that are just decorative and don’t actually cover the windows. In the islands, working shutters are a necessity! And I love the character that they create as a design detail, too! Shutters can either open out in a traditional way, or by opening from the bottom like in the cottage above. I’m also in love with the stone wall and that cedar shake roof!

Photo by Cynthia Ferguson

Colour!

The homes in the Bahamas are known around the world for their use of colour, so of course I would feel at home here! The pastels are breathtaking, like the peach dream above that was my “office” recently. But you’ll also see bright spots of color that grab your attention - even on churches!

Photo by Cynthia Ferguson

Verandas and Gardens

The porches and verandas are designed for outdoor living - after all, it’s why we’re in the islands!! I’m drawn to these fabulous outdoor destinations, surrounded by an incredible array of plants, flowers, and palms!

Painting by Amos Ferguson

See why I love the island architecture?? It’s such an iconic look in the Bahamas that it’s even featured in a painting I recently saw by celebrated Bahamas artist Amos Ferguson. I am fortunate enough to have learned about this brilliant man when I saw two of his original paintings hanging on a client’s wall.

Photo by Cynthia Ferguson

And I had to show you the gorgeous St. Andrew’s Church in Wemyss settlement! All the Anglican churches on the island are painted white and red. And there are A LOT of churches for 3000 people! How incredible is that colour?!

With a gorgeous island office like this, I may not head back to Toronto until summer!

Until next time,

-Cynthia

One of my favorite things about traveling is to find artists and artisans in each of the destinations I visit! I love discovering new products and gorgeous accessories that I can use in my projects to add a unique touch. And I truly want to support amazing designers and artists who create special items! Here are a few of my favourite pieces that I’ve found this year on my travels!

South African crafts and beads are one of my favourite finds from the High Point Market last October. The blues and greens are gorgeous, and the craftsmanship is perfection!

I was thrilled when I walked into this new store in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. I can neither confirm nor deny there may have been screams followed by a frenzy of fabric being unrolled. This is the real deal: beautiful screen-printed fabric made in the Bahamas! Originally started in 1966, some of the vintage patterns are being run again and various artists are now rounding out the fabric offering. Printed on a multitude of base cloths from poplin to European linen to outdoor fabric, creating endless possibilities for your projects! They have kaftans, pants, little sundresses, beach bags and clutches. Literally heaven! 

Sophie Anderson is clearly a woman after my own heart. First of all, how stunning is this bag?! I’m crazy about the colour, the scale, the handwork - all of it! But most of all, I love that Sophie Anderson sells only bags handmade by indigenous communities of artisan women.

My favourite discovery at the recent Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville was by far the ingenious creations of Museum Bees. These little wall hangers are created from cuts of antique frames and decorated with little pieces ....either bees, or antique coins, or acorns, or a multitude of possibilities. Each one is unique and fabulous!! Some of these may have gone home with me!!

When you travel, keep your eyes open for those small shops and unique products. You never know what incredible finds you may discover!

Until next time,

-Cynthia