Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live the island life? In this series, “Create Your Space,” we share a glimpse of the people, places, and life that make Christophe Harbour and St. Kitts home. We'll also share some expert insight into how to create a space that you can call your own, whether visiting, shopping for a Caribbean vacation home, or settling into a new beachfront home. Today's wisdom comes from the venerable Robyn Branch of Robyn Branch Design, who has designed several homes throughout Christophe Harbour. An ASID-award winning designer, Robyn has had her work featured in numerous publications, including Ocean Home magazine which covered the pool house from one of her Christophe Harbour projects. From working on St. Kitts luxury homes to other fine residences around coastal Florida, Robyn knows what it takes to create a space that embraces island life at its fullest. 

“Space” can mean many things to many people – what does it mean to you and how does that drive your approach to design?   

Location always drives my approach to “space”.  Where is this space located? And what will I see from there, what will I not see?  Function is my second concern.  What does this space need to achieve a completed look and perfect function?  What needs do my clients have?  Lastly, is my client asking too much?  A space can only handle so much greatness.  One has to know when to stop, especially in the Caribbean.  A simpler, easier life is paramount on the islands and a certain informality is in order.  “Luxury and laid back” is where I go when I am designing a space for someone.  A livable Caribbean home is the best!

Outdoor dining steps from the indoor dining for overflow and al fresco evenings under the stars. 

Part of the Caribbean appeal is outdoor living, how does blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor dictate how you create a space?   

The lines are absolutely blurred, swirled and mixed, so it would be a driving force for sure! Beautiful windows and doors are key and materials that hold up to the elements matter. I treat outside as I do inside and inside as outside.  I just delete some items when working on outdoor spaces, but I am always conscious that most everything may end up outside!

Rattan, reclaimed wood, and tabby concrete countertops and backsplash blur the lines between outdoor and indoor. 

Homeowners have wildly different styles, influences, tastes – how do you synthesize it into a space that works? 

Color is key.  Color is like music for the eyes, and I rely on color always.  It is a personal preference and everyone has favorites.  Certain colors sing of nature and speckle the room, pulling the outside in, as well as alluding to certain tastes.  Pigment helps there.  You have to know when to use a strong color because you can so easily date a space if not careful.  Education is a wonderful process for a homeowner.  Educating them on current trends and classic design can often help that design evolve.  It is really a process!  Clients very often ask for blended looks. “Caribbean contemporary with an island vibe” or “mid-century coastal cottage” are just a few descriptions I’ve had to stay within by blending and evolving. I get long descriptions that do not always work together.  

Sustainability and Provenance are both on-trend, how does this play a part in interior design – especially on an island?   

Having been through a few projects on St. Kitts, I am a bit savvier to the ways of shipping and customs.  We definitely have to be mindful of lead times and ship times with any timeline. I have to say I am so in awe of how driven Kittitians are and the ingenuity they possess naturally. They are always open to a new way, but I love the "MacGyver," "make it so" attitude. Our project manager pointed out to me that failure was not an option as we hung art by the light of a cell phone!  I don’t have any issues with work ethics.  I love it and I love the people on St Kitts.  I also love the “lime time” attitude at the end of the job, work hard and play hard! 

 

The sun rises early in the Caribbean, much earlier than some are accustomed to. To manage this, Robyn used blackout draperies to allow for sleeping, but keeps the garden and outdoors alive through the use of color when the draperies are closed. 

How do you create a home that helps people stay connected to what’s meaningful in their lives, especially in a resort community (i.e. not someone’s primary residence)?   

I listen to what they need.  It goes back to their lifestyle.  Do they entertain?  Will there be a lot of family?  Do they want privacy?  All of those questions plus more, matter.   Communication is the top priority.  I have a number of clients that just turn me loose.  No boundaries.  I respect that and probably work even harder!  Most of my clients have more than one home and that is definitely when I need to know their expectations for their vacation home or even if it is an investment/rental property.  I interview them and they interview me so to speak. 

 What role does the Caribbean palette play in crafting a space?   

I gravitate to nature and I love color, but I try to keep the basics neutral so we can update by changing art and accessories easily.  I encourage local art, textiles and florals, real florals.  NO fake plants!  The earth, the sky and the water, oh, the water, are always present when building a room.  I use a lot of textures.  Woven items like wallpapers, tables, chairs, all come in fabulous natural textures.  I blend those with colors to keeping the neutral palette and a great base for the colors of the Caribbean. 

In this space, Robyn brings the outdoors in reflecting the movement of the ocean captured in the large floor rug and accent pillows. 

Can you tell me a little about how you use décor to connect to a place instead of detract from it?  

Clients often get carried away with their new found love of an island.  I’m the bad guy, I edit.  Keeping the tourist element out of the home is tough when that is happening.  It is a delicate balance of blending the comforts of what someone brings from home and not going overboard with their new surroundings.  An Island space should be comfortable, relaxing and speak to the island where it resides.  Luxury is king.  I choose nice fabrics, easy surfaces and accessories that are like jewels from the sea.  Shells and coral are treasures from nature, so I embrace them.

   

What are some things you consider when designing luxury homes in the Caribbean vs. the U.S.? 

Functionality.  Pieces that can be moved and have multiple functions, like murphy beds for added guests, furniture that can double as a buffet or a media cabinet, stools that work as a drink table or extra seating for a party.  It is the normal way I design for everyone, USA or Caribbean.  It is our way of life and it matters even more in the Caribbean. I do consider climate, always, humidity and fabric content are very important.  Acclimated wood is important as well.  Being from the South, these are innate qualities I require from most materials. 

This award-winning pool house is made to open up for entertaining along the pool deck, but is perfectly self-sufficient with a murphy bed, kitchenette and full bath. 

Vintage is certainly popular these days, does it fit into the Caribbean home design? 

I believe Vintage is like diamonds, it goes with everything!  A vintage rattan or woven piece is my favorite! It has to be good vintage, of course. Not the vintage you encounter when someone relegates the old furniture to the guest room. I hate to visit a home and feel like I’m being punished! That would be bad vintage. 

How much does Kittitian culture or Caribbean historical influence play into your interior design? 

It really is the most important element in a place like Christophe Harbour. The entire development hinges on the outer structures being cohesive, while maintaining some inner cool and a personal vibe. I love using local materials and adhering to DRB guidelines. That is where a good architect comes in. The designer and the architect go hand in hand. Having an architect to work with is divine. They understand the guidelines, as designers like to push those lines, and they understand good design. The voice of reason for a designer and the homeowner. 

How important is it to incorporate clients’ old items or personal mementos into a new design (as opposed to buying all new things)? 

Very.  It has to be their home and feel like it is familiar.  However, again it is important to edit.  One has to be reasonable when it just doesn’t work.  Often time’s clients insist on using an item that I clearly know is wrong.  I am upfront about it and make them aware of my protest, they in turn protest back.  We agree to disagree and move forward.  Occasionally it works, but rarely.  A battle I know I will more than likely win in the end, so I do not protest too much.  I am reasonable.  <GRIN>

 For more information on how you can Create your Space at Christophe Harbour, contact our luxury Caribbean real estate experts at +1 869-466-8738 or [email protected]

 

Robyn Branch Design

Growing up in North Carolina, surrounded by the furniture industry, Robyn always loved the High Point International Market. Attending with her family who operated a successful furniture store, she learned the business and soon began staging model homes. From costume and set design to fashion and merchandising, she has been involved with trends and interiors her entire life. Robyn is an associate ASID member of the North Florida Chapter and multiple design awards winner.  She is the Chapters Government Affairs Chair for Florida North ASID. Among Robyn’s strengths is her ability to see what can be while helping her clients achieve the ultimate possibility for their homes in any geographical setting. Listening, gently guiding and genuinely caring are her tools of the trade. She has won an award for historic preservation and been published many times. Robyn’s numerous long-term national and international relationships and resources combined with her experienced staff provide an exact formula for a perfect outcome. Robyn loves collaborating with other designers and such esteemed companies as Kindel more than any other aspect of her career. She learns every day and is honored to be part of the Designer Artist Series and ASID.

www.robynbranchdesign.com