Dominican – Part 2 – The Design

When you live in a tropical climate, the design vibe is so very different than East Coast Canada.  And I have to say how much I loved it! So I thought I’d share some of the things from our trip that caught this designer’s eye!

The biggest thing that struck my about the architecture was how open to the outside everything is. Here in Canada, we need to protect our homes from the snow and cold temperatures and be able to protect ourselves from that, as well.  But in the Dominican, since it is a tropical climate – snow isn’t an issue!!  I know that tornadoes and hurricanes are an issue and I can’t say I know how they prep for that kind of extreme weather.  But the average day to day life is lived in a very close connection to the outside. And it was pretty easy to get used to!

When we first walked into the airport is when I started being aware of the aesthetics of Punta Cana, even though it was dark out.  There seemed to be so few solid walls, and the roof? Well, palm fronds, of course!!  Amazing.

Arriving at the IFA Villas Bavaro resort, the lobby was directly off the cobblestone drive and it was wide open.  A soaring roof, criss-cross timbers and the most beautiful, weathered copper pineapple light fixture made for such a warm welcome.  I want all the weathered pineapple light fixtures now.  { Goes to Etsy and looks copper pineapple lights…finds nothing….goes to Ebay….still nothing… }

The buffet restaurant had more pineapple lights, as well as being very open air, too.  The tables around the perimeter sat against stone walls that looked out over gardens and maybe the occasional cat.  Again, soaring ceilings, terra-cotta roof tiles, plus the tasty food, made for wonderful dining experiences.

The buildings looked so nice lit up at night, too.  It was nice to wander through the resort with everything so nicely lit.  It was so peaceful at night, given how busy and bustling it was during the day, just as enjoyable, just so different.

When we went to Saona Island, we dined under shelters without sides.  And the rooves were palm frond.  The structures were lashed together with rope.  They braided palm fronds up some of the poles and even hid the ‘dish scrapping’ area with a palm frond woven wall.  It truly gives the tropical vibe and it was amazing.

Because we stayed an extra night due to a nor’easter back home, we stayed in a different resort and it had a more modern feeling than our resort and I have to say I like the vibe of ours.  It felt more authentic and traditional and because it wasn’t as big, it felt cozier and more welcoming.

I’m throwing this one blurry picture in of a garbage bin – don’t think I’m completely crazy – but look at those colours!!!  Aren’t they just so perfect??  I love that colour combo.  Sigh. Design inspired by the garbage bin…. Doesn’t that wheel-less wheel barrow just get you?? 😉

Do you find inspiration every where you go?  I can’t be the only one who travels and gets inspired, right?  Tell me about a trip that inspired you!  Extra points for pictures 😉

To be continued,

Lori