Resort Redesign: The Dunmore Beach Club

By Elizabeth Beeler
August 15, 2011
Photographer: Tria Giovan
Drawing inspiration from the 1960s-era beach clubs, designer Amanda Lindroth restores a Harbour Island hotel to its former glory.
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Join the Club

Photographer: Tria Giovan
Nassau-based interior designer Amanda Lindroth is quick to name her current decorating obsession: antique and vintage rattan. So when she was enlisted to make over The Dunmore beach club on Harbour Island's eastern shore, she was quick to order up a truckload of her favorite element—rattan side tables and chairs, barstools, ottomans, and a banquette. The quirky pieces add '60s flair to the classic beach look she likes to call "under-decorated."

The Dunmore has been run as a hotel since the 1980s, although it retains a clubby atmosphere. Their signature cabanas have been aqua and white since 1963.

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Glam Dining

Photographer: Tria Giovan
In the resort's dining room, Amanda added vintage photos taken in the Bahamas during the mid-20th century as a nod to the Dunmore's glamorous origins. The banquette is covered in a durable outdoor fabric—Rowdy Stripe from Perennials.

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Quirky Accents

Photographer: Tria Giovan
Having grown up near Palm Beach, Amanda is fluent in iconic midcentury style. At The Dunmore, she saw an opportunity to create a new place that spoke of old elegance. In the club's living area, slipper chairs from Pier 1 are covered in a chic '60s-inspired China Seas print. A series of love seats combines to form a substantial 16-foot-long sectional sofa, where it turns the corner beneath slatted windows like a banquette.
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Color Pop

Photographer: Tria Giovan
To add a burst of unxpected interest, Amanda used a zany tangerine hue for the large framed photos containing The Dunmore sign.

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Polished Poolside

Photographer: Tria Giovan
In the resort's poolside pavilion, aluminum outdoor furniture in a playful light turquoise color by Janus et Cie complements the blue water.

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Retro Simplicity

Photographer: Tria Giovan
Throughout the resort, Amanda kept the furnishings simple and versatile. A unique upholstered rattan piece from Bamboo & Rattan in West Palm Beach grounds a seating area near the pool.
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Outdoor Charm

Photographer: Tria Giovan
Amanda layered each room with island memorabilia evocative of the 1960s resort glam and and its tribe of well-heeled visitors. The outdoor reception pavilion is outfitted with a high-backed wicker settee by Celerie Kemble for Lane Venture, upholstered in a handsome black-and-white cabana stripe.

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Vintage Lounge

Photographer: Tria Giovan
An exterior porch is converted into a comfortable, open lounge. "The bar was sanded, stained, and varnished by hand," says Amanda. "I wanted the design to reflect the most glamorous time to vacation in the Bahamas."

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Shell Chic

Photographer: Tria Giovan
In the beach cabana's powder room, a large clamshell from Shell Horizons stands as a sink surrounded by other natural ocean decor. "From the beginning, this project was about far more than designing a fashionable look," says Amanda. "It was about re-creating a feel and capturing a certain timelessness."
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Cottage Comfort

Photographer: Tria Giovan
In the guest cottage, interiors include custom Lucite tables and pillows in a China Seas ikat print. The bedroom's Indian quilt is from John Robshaw Textiles.

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The Dunmore 101

Photographer: Tria Giovan

Everything you need to know to go:

  • Accommodations: Sixteen cottages house well-appointed rooms and suites with ocean or garden views. Guests can also reserve deluxe cottages, including Ocean House which accommodates up to seven people.
  • Availability: November 16 through August 14
  • Location: Harbour Island, Bahamas
  • Amenities: Kayaks, paddleboards, massage therapy, and snorkeling are available. The property includes an oceanfront swimming pool, tennis courts, bar, restaurant, and fitness center.
  • Contact: 877/891-3100 or dunmorebeach.com

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Designer Amanda Lindroth

Photographer: Tria Giovan
With 20-plus years spent beneath Caribbean skies and a portfolio full of resort makeovers, Amanda Lindroth is a restoration queen. She says an open-air environment is the defining characteristic of island style, and woven island mats, vintage rattan, driftwood and shells are must-haves for the look. As for Amanda's go-to sources, she suggests Paul Aronson's Bamboo & Rattan, Circa Who, and FS Henemader Antiques for rattan pieces. For linen and fabrics, she prefers John Robshaw Textiles and Matouk.
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