Island Style
By
Coastal Living
November 15, 2006
Brian Vanden Brink
French West Indies-style and natural building materials are showcased in this island home.
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Dive In
Terra-cotta tile floors and vaulted ceilings give the rooms lofty
appeal. "All of the furnishings are casual and
comfortable―nothing formal," says designer Jeffrey Soffer.
"You want to dive right into every piece." Beyond this living
space, an infinity pool merges with the horizon to bring the ocean
to the terrace.
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Perfect Complement
In the master suite, mosquito netting drapes a four-poster bed in classic island fashion. The designer chose traditional French West Indies-style furnishings for the bedrooms. "We bought pieces constructed of alder and other close-grain woods. They hold up better in this climate," he says. Walls painted sunset orange complement cobalt blue fabrics.
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Natural Refreshment
Stone and teak in the master bath not only look good, but also hold their own against the island elements.
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Green Design
Each of the four bedroom suites enjoys an outdoor shower with a
view of the sea. Water from the showers runs through teak floors,
collects in a cistern, and is used to water the garden.
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Eye of the Beholder
Armchairs take in the scene. The northwest-facing setup puts them
in position for sunset viewing. The property, on one of St. Barth's
highest peaks, captures postcard vistas of azure waters, distant
islands, and cruising watercraft.
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Wide-Open Spaces
Opposite the great room, where concrete once covered the ground, a small pavilion echoes the form of the main house.
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Visible Spectrum
The home's color scheme―blues, golds, and
terra-cotta―comes from the sea, the sun, and the red roofs
visible from the site.