12 Apr Island Resilience: From Devastation to Dream Home in the Bahamas
Bahamas Interior Design
Elbow Key’s Comeback: Resilience and Design Meet in a Dream Home
The turquoise waters and pristine beaches of Elbow Key in the Bahamas have long been a haven for relaxation. However, for Marsha Faulkner, founder of Studio M Interior Design, a recent project on this idyllic island transcended creating a beautiful escape. It became a story of resilience, collaboration, and, ultimately, a dream home rising from turbid waters.
A Client Connection and a Tropical Vision
Marsha’s journey with this project began with a delightful first meeting. The clients, a couple from Chicago with a penchant for island life, had fallen in love with Elbow Key after frequent visits. Armed with impeccable taste and a graphic design background (the wife could readily visualize unbuilt spaces), they connected with Marsha on a personal level. They embarked on a series of design sprints, their shared vision crystallizing with each conversation.
Embracing Nature’s Palette and Local Expertise
The design philosophy for this Elbow Key home revolved around natural materials and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer breathtaking ocean vistas from the kitchen, dining, and living areas. All-natural elements like wood and stone were carefully chosen for their resilience in the beachfront environment. Sourcing these materials presented a unique challenge, as working in another country meant longer delivery times and the need to be resourceful. It also presented a fantastic opportunity.
A Category 5 Hurricane and a Community’s Strength
During the construction of the home, disaster struck. Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm, ravaged the Bahamas, causing widespread devastation and leaving Elbow Key’s infrastructure crippled. The project came to a screeching halt, and tragically, the locals suffered greatly, losing their homes and some, even their loved ones.
Marsha’s clients were also deeply affected by the tragedy and channeled their energies into relief efforts. Studio M also played a small role, with a donation that helped to source construction equipment and perishables to aid in the recovery efforts. This experience highlighted the importance of community and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Witnessing the islanders coming together in selfless ways to help each other was the true miracle that came out of this disaster.
Rising Stronger: A Home Reflecting the Sea and Personal Style
After a two-year delay, the project resumed. The final design is a testament to both the beauty of Elbow Key and the resilience of its people. Wide white oak floor planks, clear cypress walls, and pecky cypress ceilings with their captivating worm grain create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen and living area feature a mix of painted cabinets and stained walnut for the wet bar, while marble countertops with hues of teals and blues and dark brown marbling echo colors found in the surrounding landscape.
The living room boasts a show-stopping television wall clad in leathered Albero Marrone dolomite slabs that beautifully complement the home’s decor, while the primary shower features slabs of Caribbean-polished quartzite reminiscent of the ocean’s hues. Lighting is kept simple, with strategically placed lamps allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage.
A Touch of History and Nautical Charm
The husband’s passion for boats and all things nautical is subtly woven into the design by carefully placing his collected antiques in curated locations. An antique rug in the living room sets the space’s color palette, while another antique piece, this time a dining table sourced from New Orleans, adds a touch of history. The outdoor dock bar, playfully named after the owner’s alter-ego Paco, is a unique creation featuring reclaimed wood from Balinese canoe boats, showcasing the ingenuity of upcycled materials.
The home reflects the couple’s personality and unique design aesthetic, and when it was finished, it created quite a buzz on the island.
Capturing the Essence: A Story Told Through Photography
The finishing touch was capturing the essence of this remarkable home through photography. The photographer, Native House Photography, took a unique approach, spending time experiencing the various textures and finishes before embarking on the photoshoot.
The resulting images are more than just beautiful photographs; they are a story of resilience, human connection, and a dream home that reflects not only the breathtaking beauty of the Bahamas but also the unwavering spirit of its people. The completed project, aptly named Fishing Point, is a testament to the power of collaboration, resourcefulness, and the enduring human desire to create a haven amidst even the most challenging circumstances.