I've been managing vacation rental properties for 15 years. I advise doing what is typical for the area architecturally, but pumping it up with the furnishings, and please, no plastic furniture! Go on vrbo.com and look at other properties in T&C for ideas and pricing, the amenities you want to provide and the extras that will help you draw more guests. If you need a stateside manager who won't gouge you or your guests, I am available. Message me on my page here for more info.

I would paint the walls, ceiling, and doors white. Any wood furniture and/or wood framed artwork would glow against all the white. :)

In the BVI we have both painted and wood. Generally we have hip roofs because they are better in hurricanes, although yours don't seem to be.

Your space doesn't look particularly modern, so that doesn't seem like an option.

Be sure to get hurricane rated doors; PGT are popular where we are. Bahama shutters can be both attractive and practical.

The advantage of white walls is easy touch-up. Sunbrella upholstery fabric is a worthwhile investment.

IMO the wood ceiling gives the vibe you want and I don’t see why that would not go with modern furnishings. I happen to like pale sage or gray/ green walls they are very neutral. IMO the more large windows or patio or french doors the better where you see the sea.

Yes, the walls are actually a pale sage, and it seems it is a toss-up in the area where the wood ceilings are either natural or painted white. I am leaning towards leaving the wood, getting it refinished and treated. Can always paint a few years down the road. Excellent advice, particularly on the Sunbrella fabrics.

Re: the ceilings, I think that is the right call. After Irma, we had to replace all our roofs. We went with t&g cedar, which they sanded and sealed. It looks nice.

You don't have exposed beams, which is unusual. Where is the framing? Is it a concrete roof?

Our living room has two teak daybeds, covered with pillows, both purchased and made by me. The only one that survived Irma unscathed is covered in Sunbrella. Some of the others were able to be rescued, but many ended up in the rag bag.

Don't rely on decorating advice from people who have never owned a waterfront home in the Caribbean. Everything rusts, corrodes, rots or attracts critters. Your best bet are teak (or other oily woods) and rattan. Vintage rattan is especially prized, as the new stuff often has nails and screws which corrode.

Your wood ceiling is wonderful--gives off a palm tree vibe somehow. Plus it must soften the bright glare you get from being on an island. Leave it and add comfortable modern furnishings with beach touches--bamboo shades, tropical pillows, rug, etc.

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White walls and I wouldn't spend a penny on doing anything to the ceilings unless you want them to appear higher, than paint them white also.

Yes, am staying with the wood, will have it cleaned up, treated. And only thing left there was a bamboo dresser, some end tables but my contractor said he could refinish like new. I believe it was hit by hurricane Irma, but metal roof and all walls are re-inforced with steel, so no inside damage. Will definitely put Sunbrella on my list. Thanks,

If you tire of it later on, you could bleach it and add some more detailing.

Great post - I too am building in Caribbean..my advice is make sure contractors/ painters don't use super high gloss on wood..I see it all over the place and not so nice. Good luck with your place!