Tropical Trend Watch

So, as it stands right now I "don't get out much"… That is, I do get to the park and an occasional visit to the mall from time to time, but with a baby, most of my shopping these days happens on the internet… well, research at least ;)

I - like so many of you - love Instagram, and I have found so many new resources (read; adorable Etsy shops) and from time to time while the baby is napping, I find myself getting lost looking at beautiful pictures from near and far. One trend that I have spotted (see, I do still pay attention) is that of big tropical leaves. Ok, so maybe you won't see me in a bikini this year, but if I were to pick one, this would be it! Did I mention it's a bargain?

… and if you are looking for the trend in a miniature version, I would select this Dolce & Gabbana dress and bloomers, I think is's so cute and kinda retro, but in a cool way.

 

… personally, I am trying NOT to hit the Sold Button for this D&G dress for baby Lilly! So, So cute, but really, how many dresses can one girl have, let alone in this caliber?? 

If you think this trend is cool, but would rather keep it inside, here is a fun PJ from India Hicks.

Happy Weekend, y'all!

Natasha

Image #1 via Target, Image #2 & #3 via Barneys

A Celebration...

A celebration is in order!!  The Northern Light Blog turns 4 years today, and what a wonderful time it's been, reading all your blog posts out there, writing my own, and following along with others from a far!

You might think I have lost my marbles, posting three images of the same venue, but I can explain… well, actually… I just couldn't choose, and I kinda like the natural progression :)

This beautiful table was done up by non other than India Hicks, for - what I am absolutely sure was - an amazing New Years Eve Celebration on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. 
I take it my invite must have gotten lost in the mail ;)

Have a wonderful, festive, fun New Year!
Natasha

Image #1 & #3 via India Hicks on Instagram, Image #2 via Nathan Turner on Instagram

Vintage Bahamas!

When visiting the newly restored Dunmore Beach Club on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, this charming little reception pavilion is where you start your journey...
The Beach Club has been given an overhaul by designer Amanda Lindroth, bringing the property back to its early 1960's roots, complete with vintage photos and lots and lots of island-y rattan and wicker!

This exterior porch has been reworked as a bar and lounge area, complete with louvered windows (good for tropical breezes). The graphic fabric on the ottoman and the bar stools is Petite Zig Zag in New Brown from China Seas. The pillow fabric is Melong Batik in Brown, also from CS. These fabrics have been used throughout the property. It gives the furniture a cohesive, natural look, complimenting all the rattan and wicker, making sure the furniture looks substantial and not cheap.
Pay attention to another detail; the light fixtures in the bar are Bahamian baskets that have been fitted as lampshades, a detail that has been repeated throughout the property as you will see.























Without actually having visited myself, I must admit this dining room corner is my absolute favorite spot! LOVE the Tangerine color used, so fresh! LOVE the vintage posters and photos! And what a great idea painting one or two frames in the accent color, totally makes them pop!! (This trick could easily be used in your own home!)

Notice the great attention to detail; Napkins have a pattern in the same Tangerine color! The same light fixture as in the bar is hanging above the tables... and the Tangerine sash on the little Bahamian statue on the top shelf.

Sometimes you just need a place to sit and somewhere to hang your straw hat... Rattan piece upholstered in the same China Seas fabric as seen throughout the property. Gotta love those big hats, a sophisticated beach look, especially in the tropics where the sun is super strong!

The Cabana Bath...
Now it does not get much more beach-y, or prettier, than this; Island Living at its best!!!

 A sneak peak into one of the guest cottages, reveal crisp white sheets, an Indian Quilt by John Robshaw Textiles and furniture upholstered in China Seas Island Ikat in Pale Aqua. The braided sea grass headboard can be found here.

This Tangerine color is used throughout the property, and while it reads a little more on the coral side for me, I know where designer Amanda Lindroths inspiration has come from.... Not only the inside glossy color of the conch shell, but also from Palm Beach where she grew up. This is a color that is widely used in Palm Beach, from stucco to flowers to paint.

Nassau-based designer Amanda Lindroth sitting pretty in the tropical interiors she has (re)created so beautifully. The Dunmore Beach Club has been infused with crisp white backdrop, layered with natural colors and textures and brought to life with colors found in the surrounding landscape; coral, green, natural and let's not forget the most amazing turquoise.

The original aqua and white cabanas are a trademark of The Dunmore Beach Club, since 1963... By the way; The Beach Club is named after Lord Dunmore, the first Governor of the Bahamas.

Now that I have tempted you to seek out this restored Beach Club, you can get your reservation here.

Enjoy yourself :)

Natasha

All images photographed by Tria Giovan, for Coastal Living.

Hibiscus Hill

New India Hicks Hibiscus Hill images, discovered here, I just had to re-blog a few of them....

just BEAUTIFUL! There is a lovely article "attached" to these images, I encourage you to read it!

In the meanwhile, enjoy these tropical Bahamian images.

I, for one, would love to visit, wanna go??

Now, when you think PALM, this is what comes to mind, I am sure... PERFECT!

Natasha

Images via India Hicks

Shopping: Bal Harbour, Miami

There is a place where the stores are exclusive, the people watching is world class and the inspiration is abundant... It's one of my favorite spots to spend an afternoon!

You can shop till your hearts content, but what I love the most is the atmosphere!! Nestled on the ground level, are Koi ponds with turtles sunning themselves and kids of all ages are mesmerized by the tranquility and sound of the fountains, keeping the place cool. As this is an outdoor shopping area in South Florida, shade and cooling water are essential! Flowering Orchid plants soak up the moisture and display their beautiful flowers, palms sway in the breeze....

You really can't beat the Hermes windows, always classy and colorful.  The staff is always nice, considering it must be obvious, that I'm meerly looking :)  Love brwozing in there...

Trina Turks store is such an explosion of color, so much fun!!!

100 % Capri... I can tell you this much; I have NEVER seen such PERFECTLY pressed linen before!!!!   E.V.E.R.!    I secretly wonder how they dress the mannequins without a single wrinkle.... ????

Snap shot of the tropical foliage from the second level, just to give you an idea of the space.
There are cafes and restaurants, with people watching that is not to be believed! Jet setters from all over the world come here. Many stylish South Americans shop here and it is always fun to watch what they are wearing!!! Black, White, Asian and Slavic people shop here, many different languages are spoken, which I find so refreshing...

Shutters protect the higher levels from the sun, fans keeping it cool...

For the design savy shopper blogger, one store is more interesting than the next. As for my favorite... While I like the clean and crisp (in every sense of the word) 100% Capri store, I always make sure to visit the Oscar de la Renta store. It's cool, tropical, classy, coral-y, beautiful collections... and no, I didn't get a picture (sorry).... :)

Feel like a virtual tour? Click here.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned, feel free to share!
Happy weekend!

Natasha

All images NHH for Northern Light Blog

Island Hopping

Since I've been island hopping this week, I figured I would invite you back to St. Barth!
Can you imagine how cool this would be, lounging here, enjoying the view and the warm sun..

The weekend is (almost) upon us, so why not just relax and dream ourselves away to this beautiful, tropical spot....
Love the strong, vibrant colors and that fan palm right there!

 




Come on in! I'm happy to share :)

Have a wonderful weekend what ever you do; I am planning a trip to the green market, dinner guests on Saturday evening, and brunch with friends on Sunday. YEAH!   TGIF!!

Natasha

Images via Coastal Living

M is for...

... Mauritius!


Come and enjoy this house tour with me, it's a refreshingly calm vibe you get from this house!! The somewhat enclosed warp around porch, gives shade from the sun, while still feeling like you are outside.

As much as I love color, this vacation home is sooo nice, and really well thought through!!! Living in the tropics I know all to well what havoc sun, wind and saltwater can do to your home.... Using weather resistant outdoor furniture "inside", as above, is brilliant!! Look how nice it looks, and you don't even have to worry about color fading, saltwater, sandy feet etc. Even the dining chairs are, shhhh, plastic...

Here the views are what is in focus and the house is kept to a bare minimum of a structure. Polished concrete floors, natural wood beams, cane / rush covered ceilings and NO windows! (Reminds me of my trip to China..)

Hidden from sight are the rolled up hurricane shutters, bare window and door openings keep the air circulating, and if privacy is wanted, roll down the shades and the breeze still comes through!

When closing up the house, these bamboo roller curtains hook right off the wall, no fuss!














































Now, when I think of low maintenance, this kind of furniture is exactly what comes to mind! It can be very useful inside, as above,  or if you want, pull the loungers outside...

The accessories are kept to a minimum, and a simple wooden bowl is filled with a shriveled up palm remnant and a branch, a simple glass hurricane filled with sand, and another wooden vessel, and voila.

Eating here would be so wonderful! LOVE the red punch of color from the pitcher!! Notice the roll up shutters, bet you didn't notice them in the other images... ;)

I think these glasses are the only fancy thing about this whole house....

That little tiny bit of red from the pitcher has been carried through to the bedroom. The wood floors have been painted a soft beige, and the walls are muted. Notice how the hardboard and the frames compliment each other.

Imagine waking up to this view, or simply just sipping an afternoon drink here....

Catch your own dinner....

Wait, wait....
I want to come swimming as well!

I am currious to know if you like this house and the pale, earthy colors, or if you prefer the bright colors of this tropical house?

Have a wonderful day!

Natasha

Images via Vaart Nye Hem

Am I dreaming?

... as I matter of fact I am! I am dreaming of St. Barth, and after seeing these images, so will you.... :) Imagine standing here with your morning coffee, how super great would that be?
Notice how every little nook is used thoughtfully; glassware is lined up above the window.

Why not take a clue from the surrounding landscape and bring in the bright colors of the Caribbean! Since all you will need are bikinis, board shorts, a cover up or two and lots of towels, this is the perfect amount of storage. LOVE the color in the all white space!!!!

GREAT, just great!
Imaging laying here listening to the wind playing with the palms, the sound of the water.....

Fresh fruit, green palms, in door / out door living at it's best! Lot's of light, easy to maintain surfaces. Notice the tall vaulted ceiling, a traditional way to keep cool, as heat rises.. I like how the boards are kept natural, and beams white.

Hmmm... trying not to say "cute", but what a great way to make the loo look like you want to go in there.

Extending the living space with a nice shaded patio, colorful pillows and soft blue table and bench. Great place for a hammock!!

I think I need a tropical vacation! :) Want to come along?

Natasha

Images via Vaart Nye Hem

There comes a time...

... when all you need is a breath of fresh air!!

This tropical porch, with it's cool painted floor is like a tall glass of cold water on a hot summers day, don't you think??

And guess what...

Have a fun day, stop and smell the roses! Do whatever it takes :) !

Natasha

Image #1 via Coastal Living, Image #2 via tumblr