When decorating the blank canvas of their one-bed apartment at The Meadows, the owners’ main aim was for the décor to be anything but boring.
Jamie and Ross Fortune wanted a statement look that maximised every inch of the property, plumping for ‘bold and brave’ design choices.
“It’s different than how people normally choose to design a small space, let alone a bigger one,” says Jamie.
“It’s fun to choose patterns and colour; it reflects how we are in real life.”
At just 660 square feet, the ground-floor residence is packed with fun and striking design features.
“In our primary residence, we are surrounded with plants, green tones and wood, and took inspiration from that,” says Jamie.
“We thought it would be exciting to take the blank canvas at The Meadows and add what we love, then add further colour, patterns and textures.”
INSPIRATION
They also took inspiration from The Ivy restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland, which is a favourite dining spot for the couple.
“We love the atmosphere they (The Ivy) have created with the velvet seats, lush pillows and textiles, the welcoming leather bar stools and the expansive eclectic art collection,” Jamie explains.
“They have a wallpaper in the upstairs lounge that is reminiscent of our choices, along with these crushed velvet orange-toned chairs.
From there, we wanted to lean more towards a British colonial tropical aesthetic for the flat, versus taking on a ‘beachy’ vibe.”
On a friend’s recommendation, the couple engaged Laurie Ebanks from Staged interior design company to bring their vision to life.
She was also the project manager, with a roster of skilled tradesmen at her fingertips, managing everything from initial discussion of ideas to fluffing the final pillow.
“We gave her our inspirations and she provided us with three options for each room,” says Jamie.
Laurie took up the challenge of their request for an aesthetic that embraced the essence of island living, while maintaining functionality for a compact space, with The Ivy look in mind.
BOLD PATTERNS
“I translated this into a design that incorporates rich textures, bold yet sophisticated patterns, and timeless elegance, while adapting it to reflect the light, airy feel suited to the Cayman Islands,” she says.
And she describes the theme as a refined Caribbean retreat, blending tropical influences with sleek, modern elements to create a harmonious and relaxing environment perfect for Cayman’s lifestyle.
As it’s a small unit, the owners picked two central elements and built the rest of the design around it: colourful wallpapers and an orange/ rust-coloured velvet Chesterfield sofa in the living room.
The wallpaper in the living area showcases a bold banana-leaf motif with a matte finish, sourced from a boutique specialising in tropical designs.
“This dynamic wall mural, suggested by the homeowner, adds depth and a unique sense of style,” says Laurie.
The Chesterfield doubles as a pull-out bed for guests, serving as a statement piece with a functional addition.
The look is offset by a Turkish rug sourced on-island from Ledger & Looms in Galleria Plaza, along with accent cushions featuring shades of green and coral, crafted from Turkish wool rugs and cotton-linen blends.
Floor-to-ceiling drapery on brass tracks includes natural linen sheers paired with bold coral-coloured woven fabric, offering both privacy and vibrancy, as well as giving the impression of added height to the room.
ARRESTING WALLPAPER
The arresting wallpaper effect is continued in the bedroom with the mural ‘Paradise Jungle’ featuring lush palm leaves in sage and pastel greens, creating a serene, detailed backdrop.
It sets the scene for the queen bed, which has a woven thatch headboard, complemented by crisp white linens and a chunky knit moss-green throw. Brass wall sconces provide perfect, space-saving illumination.
Tying the look together is the rug, which is 100% organic wool, incorporating sage, mossy green, and tobacco hues.
In the bathroom, the wallpaper is a rich, jungle-inspired mural with deep blues, emerald greens, and blacks, elevating the standard white bathroom to a dramatic retreat.
“(It) transports the occupant to an exotic, lush space,” says Laurie.
KITCHEN COOL
The bijou kitchen has had the space elevated with a backsplash featuring mossy green tiles, and hardware with patina brass for warmth and sophistication.
Light shades are fashioned from woven rattan, and the floor mat is made from natural braided wool. These elements add warmth and texture, evoking an old-island charm.
Upholstered in adobe tan top-grain leather, the stools are framed with a hammered iron. Luxurious yet organic, they complement the kitchen’s aesthetic beautifully.
TROPICAL CHARM
“I love how the design balances modern simplicity with tropical charm,” says Laurie.
“Each space feels cohesive yet distinct, celebrating the Cayman Islands’ natural beauty, while offering a sophisticated living experience.
“This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate small spaces. By blending practicality with style, we’ve created a home that feels spacious, inviting, and reflective of the best of island living.”
CONTRACTOR: Johnson Construction
INTERIOR DESIGN: Staged
KITCHEN CABINETRY: Edgewater Development
APPLIANCES: Edgewater Development
TILES/COUNTERTOPS: Staged/Johnson Construction
FURNITURE: Staged
ELECTRICAL: Edgewater Development
PLUMBING: Edgewater Development
