Decorating & Design
May 20, 2016
Designer Destination: Villa Palmier In St. Barts
When the accommodations at your tropical destination are as beautiful as what’s outside the door — we’re talking a bright and airy villa as pretty as a white sandy beach — it’s enough to make you never want to leave the comforts of your vacation home.
Villa Palmier in St. Barts masters the art of indoor-outdoor living. “At Villa Palmier, time slows down, sea breezes flow continuously though the house, and you’ll find it hard to leave your perch from the pool deck, looking out on the sea,” say Kate and Matt Holstein, the couple from Aspen, Colorado, who own the property. Have a look for yourself to see what they mean.
An indoor-outdoor entryway with a white door and inlaid stone steps set the tone for the home’s breezy color palette. A tall palm hovers over the slatted roof, serving as a reminder of the lush greenery that lies beyond.
A simply styled driftwood bench welcomes guests. Apart from beach essentials hung on subtle hooks, white space lets the eyes rest, softening the sensory experience.
A white linen sofa in the living room that’s rumpled just-so invites relaxation. Woven straw poufs further the laid-back vibe, creating the perfect spot to have a glass of rosé after a long day at the beach.
The villa opens up to the backyard, with nothing but white-painted beams and a switch from hardwood to deck flooring signalling the switch from indoors to out.
The electronics in the space have a purposefully quiet aesthetic so as not to distract from the soothing space. A retro radio acts as a piece of decor, while the TV is built into the wall and goes almost unnoticed.
The kitchen is bright and airy with neat open shelves replacing uppers. The lower cabinets are panelled and painted a cool cream for subtle definition against the white walls and counter.
Brass knobs turn the oven into an accessory in itself, rather than just a hardworking appliance. A ticking stripe tea towel adds the slightest hint of pattern.
In place of a formal dining room, a casual eating area on the deck looks out onto the backyard. A large wicker pendant plays with scale.
The bedroom is dreamy with white drapes softening the sun’s rays and a woven mid-century modern chair for sculpture.
Edited items on an open clothing rack and straw beach accessories throughout the home function as wall art.
Even everyday utilitarian objects are beautiful in Villa Palmier, like the brass geometric toilet paper holder in the bathroom. A large hammam towel is both a bathroom and beach accessory.
The backyard has a stunning view looking out onto the lush bay of Anse de Cayes, one of the island’s surfing beaches.
The charming outdoor space serves as a second living room, boasting a large pool with ipé wood surround and lush greenery that provides shade from the Carribean sun.
If you’re ever so inclined to leave the property, Anse de Cayes beach is just a short five minute walk from the house.
If you’re interested in staying at Villa Palmier, visit villapalmier.com.
Images courtesy of Villa Palmier