Friday, January 7

British West Indies Style by Michael Connors

Once again author Michael Connors has offered a warm, and much welcome, visual reprieve from record cold temperatures, snow and freezing rains. In 2009 I did a post on Michael’s book Caribbean Houses (Rizzoli) and I have been looking forward to another book by the West Indian decorative arts scholar.

This time Michael turned his attention to the British West Indies. British West Indies Style is another stunning and significant account of the Caribbean, this time the interiors and architecture of English colonial homes and historic town houses.

From the British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbados, to the lesser-known islands of Bequia, Dominca and Mustique, the book features close to fifty private homes. Many of the houses showcased in the revealing tome are hidden to visitors, making British West Indies Style much more than a 'picture book,' it’s a mini-history of the islands.

One of the finest private collections of colonial West Indies furniture in the Caribbean islands. The majority of the pieces are from Barbados and Trinidad.

One of the most prized pieces of furniture in Barbados is the familiar cellaret. Designed on a curule base or X frame, the V-shape lower drawer opens to reveal a fitted interior that holds six wine bottles.

An aerial view of St. Nicholas Abbey sugar plantation in Barbados.

The Sunbury Plantation office, where plantation business was once conducted, is filled with island-crafted mahogany furniture.

14 comments:

quintessence said...

Looks fabulous - will definitely be checking this out - just love British colonial style - and plays well with others in terms of style!

Colette said...

Great! Look forward to seeing the book - i've just returned from BBDOS and finally made it to St Nicholas Abbey which charms. c

The enchanted home said...

Fabulous pictures, I can almost feel the warm tropical breeze looking at them. I love the liberal use of rich gorgeous woods against the stark white, so elegant and regal looking but inviting at the same time. Very well done, can't wait to get the book!

Speaking of homes, just started my own blog to journal the building of our house as well as talk about my love for interior design, decorating and lifes beautiful things, please check it out if you can...thanks!

www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

Cynthia said...

I just love the eye for style and the appreciation for beauty! I also know that I need to travel the world more! :)

Unknown said...

Ronda,

Enjoying these snaps takes the chill out of you for a moment. This look forward I believe is a nice shift for clients and designers to incorporate into their homes this year. Love the look and feel. The book should be marvelous!

Bette

mary said...

The furnishings are the stuff of dreams. Love the opposing chaises/daybeds. Beautiful photos.

peggy braswell said...

Beautiful images. Can't wait to devour the book+great post.xx peggybraswelldesign.com

Karena said...

Ronda I have always loved the British West Indies style of design and furniture! Fabulous images.

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Kevin Isbell said...

Wow, looks amazing! I loved Michael's last book, so I am sure this one wont disappoint.

Kevin Isbell said...

Wow, looks amazing! I loved Michael's last book, so I am sure this one wont disappoint.

Bumby Scott said...

Ronda,I must say what really does it for me is the flooring. Those wide planks really set the pieces off. The rooms would not have the same charm without the flooring. I think that a lot of lay people like myself forget that the choice of flooring is vital to the success of the room.
Thanks for letting me put my two cents in.
Always,Bumby

Melissah said...

I loved your blog I found it very inspiring. This is all new to me but I have just set up my own blog
scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
You may like to check it out because I had so much fun doing it.
Thanks for providing me with such great entertainment!
Cheers
Melissah

Black Zebra said...

One of my very favorite subjects. I DIE!

Kimberly Grigg said...

The cellaret is such a unique and beautiful piece of furniture! I am soooo looking forward to getting my hands on this book! Thanks for sharing!