The Island Company

I got back from a family vacation to Grand Cayman last week and wow, I'm playing (and losing) a serious game of catch-up right now! Despite the fallout from being away, I'm glad we went. For the most part, my husband fished and I lounged around, ate, drank, and read Lunch in Paris (and loved it). I also got to do a tiny bit of shopping while I was there.

My favorite discovery was a store called the Island Company. They have a fabulous line of clothing and swimwear along with other miscellaneous merch. I bought a shirtdress in an aqua color that I'm pretty obsessed with. Besides being instantly attracted to their simple, classic clothes, I also loved how their store looked and felt. They captured the spirit of the island lifestyle without getting theme-y and hokey. Here's a shot of one of their stores...

Via IslandVintage.com

Their look is is cool, casual, and a bit colonial. The colonial aspects balance with the beachy ones and the tone is rich and sophisticated. You can achieve this look by working with some signature elements that include:

• Dark wood floors
• Crisp white walls (try Ben Moore's Decorators White)
• Glossy beadboard ceilings
• Natural fiber rugs (jute, sisal, etc.)
• White or ivory upholstery
• Rich wood furniture (should look handmade and a bit exotic)
• Tropical plants (I saw Fiddle-Leaf Figs all over Cayman, but there are lots of other options)
• Hand-woven baskets
• Bold cabana striped pillows

Agnes Sea Urchin Mirror - Made Goods

Nesting Baskets - Wisteria

Weathered Outdoor Bench in Weathered Black - Grandin Road

Painterly Blackfin Triggerfish - Williams-Sonoma Home

Architect Table Lamp - Lauren Home by Ralph Lauren

Carlisle Upholstered Sofa - Pottery Barn

Painted Ceramic Parrot - Williams-Sonoma Home

Heidi Merrick Cabana Stripe Pillows - Calypso Home

Steamer Trunk Cocktail Table - World Market

Jute Chenille Herringbone Rug - West Elm

Minwax 2718 Ebony Stain

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree

Han Blue Pillow - John Robshaw
Minwax Wood Finish in Ebony 2718

Samar Rattan Chair - World Market

Here are more photos of their stores:

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

My husband and I...and my new dress!

What are your thoughts on the Island Company's decor style? I typically hate beach-themed decor but I really do love their look. It reminds me of India Hicks and her Bahamian properties as seen here:

Via Hibiscus Hill

Although I wouldn't ever go super "island colonial" in my home in Dallas, I would certainly use some of  the elements that go into creating the look...especially the glossy white beadboard ceilings!

Budget Outdoor Living

With outdoor living areas being so popular these days, there are lots of affordable options in outdoor furniture. I'm not really in the market for any, but it's all over the place right now so I can't help but look! Also, after having ours for a bit, I have some tips that will hopefully help you choose new stuff or better care for what you already have.

We have a few items from Pottery Barn's Chesapeake Collection. I hate to be a Negative Nancy, but I've been really disappointed with the quality. After only 2 years, the wood is splitting and warping. I've had to re-stain it twice since the dark finish rubbed off easily. Also the wood umbrella from PB snapped in half. If I had to do it all over again, I would buy cheaper pieces, like the ones below (since I can't afford the really good stuff yet). HomeGoods and Target seem to have nice looking pieces too, so be sure to check those out.

From World Market...

$200 - Kona Pool Lounger with Side Tray

From IKEA...

$50 - AMMERÖ Chair

$150 - AMMERÖ Table

$60 - VINÖ Chair

$170 - AMMERÖ Lounge chair with cushion

$70 - NORDANÖ Armchair 

$200 - NORDANÖ Table

$15 - HÅLLÖ Cushion

$13 - GRENÖ Cushion

$20 - BLANKÖ Chair

From Pier 1...

$250 - Adjustable Chaise Lounge

From Grandin Road...

$249 - Lutyens Wooden Outdoor Bench

The key maintenance factors are covering the furniture when possible (which I hate the look of) and making sure that all wooden areas are treated consistently. I was told to put teak oil (even though it's not teak) on the Chesapeake table, chairs, and chaises after complaining to Pottery Barn about the warping/splitting. Getting this advice AFTER most of the damage had occurred was much less helpful than had PB given it at the time of purchase, but whatever.

With that said...although I prefer the look of wood, metal or plastic wicker are definitely the most carefree options. We have this resort outdoor sectional from CB2 that is resin wicker, and it looks brand new.

We also have some of these $60 wicker stacking chairs from Pier 1. They're great too...just hose them off when they need cleaning.

I love the look of these... Rex Arm Chair from CB2 - $70

 

Do you have outdoor furniture that you love or hate? Ever bought from any of the retailers mentioned? If so, please share your thoughts!