From Our Fish Hooks Inspiration File

More than 10 years ago, during Tom’s first trip to Green Turtle Cay, we began dreaming of owning this little house. The minute we returned home, I started a file of design and decor ideas, just in case.

Since then, the file has grown steadily as we’ve drawn inspiration from books, television, other restoration projects and, of course, the Internet.

Fortunately, when it comes to restoring and decorating Fish Hooks, Tom and I share a similar vision. We  want to retain as much of the original structure and as many of the existing furnishings as possible. We favour airy white and muted sea glass shades over brighter, more traditional tropical colours. And, for the most part, we both dislike knick-knacks — which is just as well, as there’s no room for any!

Here’s a peek into our Fish Hooks inspiration file:

Jewel Box – Very similar to Fish Hooks, Jewel Box is an historic Harbour Island home owned by New York jewelry designer Trish Becker and her husband, Richard Chinitz. Everything about this restoration is inspiring, particularly Trish and Richard’s commitment to remaining true to the history of the house and to repurposing as many of its original building materials as possible.

Island Life: Inspirational Interiors by India Hicks and David Flint Wood. A beautifully photographed book featuring the couple’s Bahamian home, Hibiscus Hill. I love the combination of understated island style with British Colonial formality.

Rooms to Inspire by the Sea by Annie Kelly. A gift from Tom the Christmas after we bought Fish Hooks, this book features the gorgeous personal coastal and beach homes of various designers. Of the properties included, my favourite is Harbour Island’s Salt Box, which was restored by architect, interior designer and then-owner, Tom Scheerer. (In the photo collage below, the very last image — which has long served as the inspiration for Fish Hooks’ master bedroom — is Salt Box’s attic bedroom.)

Tiny Luxury – I recently discovered this HGTV program about a couple who build homes so small they make Fish Hooks seem palatial. If, like Tom and me, you’re designing and furnishing a tiny space and looking to wring the most function and style out of every square inch, Tiny Luxury is a great source of ideas.

And then there’s Pinterest, home to countless design and decor ideas for small beach houses. Here are some of the images that inspire us.

Save