I have worked on many international design projects. This one, in Bermuda, especially stands out in my memory as one of the most beautiful and charming.
In 1998, together with the late architect John D. Watson, I spent six months breathing new life into a Cuban-style villa on Bermuda’s exclusive south shore. Though the grounds of the estate are extensive, the house itself is not large. I decided, therefore, to add to the villa’s entertainment options by creating a pavilion on top of the property’s tall, south facing cliff overlooking Warwick Long Bay.
For the walls, I chose perforated mahogany panels. These I had carved in West Africa. Rather crudely fashioned, the screens were finished in Bermuda by master painter Douglas Mitchell. Doug used a simple emulsion of lime and water to tone down the mahogany’s reddish colour to a warm taupe.
To close the pavilion’s open archway, I had billowing draperies made from silk and copper gauze purchased in New York. The draperies soon took on even greater character as the fabric oxidized in Bermuda’s salt rich air.
In homage to my client’s Athenian ancestry, I modelled the dining table and serving cabinets on the mid-nineteenth century Hellenic furniture she adored. As I was also working in London at the time, it was easy for me to scout that city’s antiques dealers for inspiration. In no time at all, I located a suite of Neoclassic Hellenic dressing furniture that had been made for the Queen of Greece at Carlton Hobbs. With permission, I took photographs of the pieces I liked and based the dining table and two domed silverware cabinets on the Queen’s vanity.
In New York, I discovered a collection of Victorian and early Edwardian silver flatware with mother-of-pearl handles. The suite had cut crystal flagons and wine glasses to match. These, together with the cut lace napery I had made in Malta, made up the place settings.
A risky choice given the outdoor setting, I decided nonetheless to light the pavilion with an iron and rock crystal chandelier from Marvin Alexander. I am very glad that I did. The rustic yet elegant fixture absolutely pulls together the entire room and adds the most beguiling light. Evening is magic when the chandelier’s electric candles flicker through the natural quartz pendants.
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I have always loved this beautiful outdoor room. It speaks volumes of the sophisticated, style-filled life Bermuda continues to make available to those with the means and interest to enjoy it.
On more than a few evenings, I have shared my client’s joy and wonderful company sitting out and gazing at the ocean from this cliff side aerie when I have been on the island.
I very much look forward to my next opportunity to work in the Caribbean – which I already know will be in the Grenadine Islands.
