Designing Our Next Home in the Cayman Islands: The Vela Renovation Project
I’ve been a little quiet on here recently — partly unintentional, partly because we’ve been deep in planning something new.
Stefan and I have taken the plunge and put a deposit down on a townhouse in the new South Sound development, Vela by Davenport. Having just about “finished” renovating our apartment in Southern Skies (if you can ever really say that), we were ready for the next design project.
And this one feels very different.
Planning a Home Around Lifestyle
The first step wasn’t finishes or furniture — it was understanding how we actually live.
We both love to cook and entertain, but equally value slower moments — reading, yoga, and time at home without plans. So the goal with Vela is to create a space that feels open, calm, and easy to live in.
Light, greenery, and flow are all priorities. We want the space to feel considered but never overly designed — somewhere that can comfortably hold people without ever feeling crowded.
That “Sunday at home” feeling, but all week.
Rethinking the Floor Plan
We’ve chosen a two-bedroom townhouse, which feels like the right size for us, but the layout is where things get interesting.
With three potential bedroom spaces and only the two of us (and a cat), we’ve decided to rework the upper level entirely — enclosing the roof terrace to create a third bedroom, bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, and outdoor space overlooking the pool. It’s quickly becoming what we’re calling the “Prior penthouse suite.”
This also frees up the second bedroom to become a dedicated office and yoga space, allowing the entire second floor to function as a more private living area.
Small shifts, but ones that make the home feel much more aligned with how we live.
Designing for Longevity
One of the biggest lessons from our Southern Skies renovation is how quickly tastes can change.
In just over a year, there were elements we’d already outgrown — bold colours, heavier finishes, and (if I’m honest) a few too many trinkets.
This time, we’re focusing on a more timeless base:
Woods
Whites
Soft metallics
The idea is to keep the foundation simple and introduce personality through smaller, more flexible pieces. That way, the space can evolve without needing a full redesign every few years.
Small Design Decisions That Make a Difference
Not every decision is dramatic, but some have a surprisingly big impact.
We’ve chosen to skip a traditional walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom in favour of a custom built-in design. In doing so, we’ve been able to prioritise something far more practical — a laundry room on the bedroom level.
It sounds simple, but it’s one of those everyday details that makes a home function better. And yet, it’s still so often overlooked.
Finding (and Refining) Your Style
Style isn’t fixed — and ours certainly isn’t.
When we renovated Southern Skies, we leaned into Scandinavian simplicity with industrial accents. It worked at the time, and we still love parts of it, but our tastes have naturally shifted.
Travel has played a big role in that. Places like the American Trade Hotel in Panama and The Surf Lodge in Montauk have influenced how we think about space, materials, and atmosphere. Even closer to home, the redesign of the Marriott has been a constant source of inspiration — proof that Cayman is embracing more considered, design-led spaces.
(You can see more from those trips here:
Where to Start If You’re Planning Your Own Space
If you’re at the beginning of your own renovation or design project, it’s worth taking time to gather inspiration before making decisions.
A few places we always come back to:
Pinterest
Houzz
Apartment Therapy
Over time, patterns start to emerge — and your own style becomes clearer without forcing it.
Final Thoughts
This project feels less about creating something new, and more about refining what we’ve already learned.
Designing a home that works for your lifestyle, rather than just following trends, is what ultimately makes it feel right. And while we’re still at the planning stage, it already feels like we’re moving in that direction.
More to come as it takes shape.
#design #interiors #interiordesign #classicdesign #property #caymanislands #vela #lusticlife