With a hectic professional lifestyle, it was important for Karen Ellerbe to have a comfortable but simple and stylish apartment in San Sebastian.
She also travels frequently, including spending time at her homes in Miami and Mexico every other weekend, so doesn’t need a large space that requires a lot of maintenance.
“I just wanted a great place to hang my hat, that is easy to maintain and just enough space for one,” she says.
So, when deciding to renovate, Karen opted to hire a professional interior designer to ensure she could do everything she hoped for in the 1,045-square-foot, ground-level home in South Sound.
“I wanted to work with an interior designer because I have a passion for well-dressed spaces, and maximising every inch of my home,” she says.
“By enlisting the expertise of a professional, I aimed to create a small space with a big impact – one that feels spacious, luxurious and functional, despite its limited square footage.”
She therefore engaged the services of Katie Adams of Niche Designs, who set about bringing the vision to reality, creating space-saving features that transformed the residence.
“I believe that with their (a professional designer’s) knowledge and creativity, I can achieve a design that not only meets, but exceeds my expectations in terms of style, efficiency and overall aesthetic appeal; she (Katie) nailed it,” says Karen.
REMODELLED
The apartment was remodelled from the floor to the ceiling, with new flooring, cabinetry (built-ins and kitchen cabinets), increased door heights, and the doorway from the bedroom to the bathroom closed off.
The main living area of the apartment had the tiling replaced, and a built-in credenza and bookshelf installed. Custom drapes and shades were put up, with a drapery pocket discreetly located in the ceiling.
“I had one request in terms of furniture, and that was that she (Katie) be able to accommodate my cloud sectional,” says Karen.
To her delight, the sofa fits perfectly, and there is room for a 65-inch television.
An open-plan concept means that the kitchen is separated from the main living section by the sink counter space, neatly dividing the two areas but allowing conviviality when Karen has company.
THE KITCHEN
“The kitchen is a huge improvement from the original design,” she says. “I have so much more counter and prep space, from the 9- to 10- foot island where the sink is, to the space on each side of the double oven, slide-in stove.”
The cabinets are of an extended height, with lots of overhead cabinetry space. In another ingenious space-saving design, there is a pantry for dry goods, a mop and broom closet, under-cabinet storage for the microwave and an area for large countertop appliances. There is even a wine cooler, and a cabinet that houses the stackable washer and dryer.
STYLISH BATHROOM AND BEDROOM
All fixtures and fittings in the bathroom are new, with a colour and tone that Karen considers to give a clean, calming aesthetic.
A niche in the wall, with sliding doors, along the concept of a medicine mirror, contains her lotions and potions.
“I have so much more storage than what was there previously, from the vanity to the built-in nook,” she says. “Oh, the nook was such a fantastic idea.”
The bedroom has a large comfy bed, with walk-in closet space, and television on the wall, giving a sense of style and serenity for sleeping and relaxing.
For the colour scheme, Karen chose Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace in a matt finish for its clean and crisp appearance, while wallpaper in the living room, bedroom and bathroom was sourced from HÜIS Cayman.
PATIO PERFECTION
The apartment has extra living space with the beautifully styled patio, which doubles as a place to spend time alone or entertaining guests.
“So far, I’ve had dinner with friends and family, but also, I like to enjoy my coffee out there early morning, listening to the roosters, birds and just the whispers of the trees,” she says.
“It’s quite relaxing before rushing off to start my day. I have my morning meditations there too – after my coffee of course.”
Overall, Karen could not be happier with her new-look compact living arrangements.
“I like to entertain, and the apartment is appointed for that, whether indoor or outdoor,” she says.
So, what does she love the most about it?
“Other than how cozy, yet luxurious and classy it is, it’s the lasting impression on anyone who enters the space,” she says. “It’s re-defining what it means to live in a small but incredibly appointed space.”
INTERIOR DESIGN: Niche Design
CONTRACTOR: Investpro Properties
KITCHEN CABINETRY: Investpro Properties/ Cayman Joinery
APPLIANCES: BrandSource
TILES/COUNTERTOPS: ITC FURNITURE: HÜIS Cayman
ELECTRICAL: Investpro Properties
PLUMBING: Investpro Properties
This article originally appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of InsideOut magazine.
