Living the Island Life
I'm a little bit obsessed with India Hicks. What's not to love? There's her fantastic lineage (her dad was tough, apparently, but he was also famous decorator David Hicks), her Top Design gig, her adorable children and her outrageous beauty. Every time I see photos of her Harbour Island, Bahamas home, I can't quite tamp down on the jealousy.
But even the most landlocked homes can borrow from Hicks' style. She favors faded colors, rich woods, lots of white and fantastic ceiling fans and, unlike some people designing for the beach, Hicks doesn't shy away from "real" furniture or serious art. The result is the best of all worlds.
Here are some great examples of design that's reminiscent of Hicks' style:
But even the most landlocked homes can borrow from Hicks' style. She favors faded colors, rich woods, lots of white and fantastic ceiling fans and, unlike some people designing for the beach, Hicks doesn't shy away from "real" furniture or serious art. The result is the best of all worlds.
Here are some great examples of design that's reminiscent of Hicks' style:
While this bath is quite different from the ones above - it definitely doesn't share their openness - it still has a bit of the Hicks vibe. I love the use of all white fixtures and white walls. That's bold, actually - so many people are afraid to just go white - and it works here especially well thanks to the chair rail. Plus, the use of really deep, rich wood is fantastic and a perfect complement to warm up the stark white.
This little vignette would probably be too literal for Hicks' taste (though I like the fish pillow), but its use of "real" furniture, not throwaway rattan, captures her spirit. I especially like the table in the background.
This scene from Williams-Sonoma Home definitely borrows a page from the Hicks playbook. Again, the room is full of real, grownup furniture, but it's casual enough that a little sand won't be the end of the world. I like, too, the art selections. While I love jokey, friendly art, sometimes it's refreshing to see works that are a little more serious in a casual setting.
Ceiling fans, covered porches, and lots of outdoor meals - this is where my Hicks jealousy sometimes gets the better of me. This space has a little more of a traditionally tropical feel than the Hicks' home, but it shares what's most important: the ability to entertain outdoors and really enjoy the surroundings.
There's something about a bedroom with a ceiling fant that I love. This space is especially great - with the high ceiliings and enormous windows, it feels very open. I really like beds placed in the middle of rooms, too. Not so practical in my house, as the rooms just aren't big enough, but when there's space, it lends such an airy, casual feel - plus it looks so pretty.
Hicks' home is all about the hardwood - big, wide, well-traveled planks of wood throughout. I love the width and rich color of this wood (seen from above). I also like that even though it hints at history, it works equally well with traditional or modern interiors.
What's an island without a little jungle? All of this green is so inviting, especially when it's paired with bright blue and staid white columns. The combination always gets me.
Jungle on one side, pool on the other. Does it get any better? This little cottage proves that size doesn't matter when it comes to capturing the Harbour Island spirit. It's all about attitude.
And where better to stick a tub than right under a big (but private) window? It's the next best thing to actually being outside.