(All photos: Douglas Friedman / Lonny)
International tastemaker and interior designer Alessandra Branca is more than equipped to decorate for all climates: with homes in Chicago, Manhattan, Rome, and the Caribbean, she has had to take into consideration sun, snow, and all weather-related eventualities in between—and has done so in style. Tasked with decorating
a waterfront home on pink sand-shrouded Harbour Island, Branca considered the elements before anything else, choosing wear-and-tear-friendly cement tiling for many of the floors, pre-worn driftwood-esque panels for the living room walls, and washable slipcovers in lieu of upholstery. Herewith, her top tips for decorating in the tropics.
Welcome Window Treatments“It’s all about managing light—it can ruin everything you have. Blinds are a must.”
Consider Utilitarian Materials“We used concrete tile in the kitchen—it’s practical and cool on your feet.”
Go Natural“Wicker is wonderful for outdoor furniture because it breathes. If it gets banged up, switch out the cushions.”
Design for Easy Cleaning
“I encourage people to use slipcovers always.”
